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Memory Care in Alabama
The Alzheimer’s Association reports that 96,000 Alabama seniors, who make up nearly 18% of the state’s 5 million residents, are living with Alzheimer’s. This degenerative disease is a leading cause of death in the state. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in 2020, 3,541 people in Alabama died from Alzheimer’s. This is up 28% over the number reported in 2016.
While dementia can be debilitating, dementia care facilities provide compassionate, specialized assistance to improve residents’ quality of life. Residents have personalized care plans and get one-on-one help with mobility and eating. These facilities have highly trained caregivers who understand the needs of people with Alzheimer’s, and they provide evidence-based programming to help residents preserve their cognitive and physical abilities for as long as possible.
Through this guide, readers can learn more about memory care in Alabama, including common ways seniors and families pay for care and resources that help them understand their options.
The Cost of Memory Care in Alabama
When trying to decide how to pay for memory care, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of over 75,000 senior living providers to offer insight into the average cost of memory care in Alabama and its 13 cities.
The cost of memory care in Alabama cities varies by location. Montgomery has the closest cost to the state average at $4,375. Decatur’s estimated monthly memory care cost is similar at $4,299, and Tuscaloosa’s is lower at $3,938. Birmingham has a higher average monthly cost for memory care at $5,035, as does Auburn at $5,373.
Decatur
$4299
Birmingham
$5035
Montgomery
$4375
Tuscaloosa
$3938
Auburn
$5373
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Memory Care in Alabama
Memory care communities in Alabama are feeling the effects of inflation and raising their prices accordingly. The average price for memory care has risen from $4,428 in 2022 to a projected $4,972 in 2024, a jump of about 12.2%. Alabama’s rates are still lower than the national average, which has also experienced a rise of 19.1%.Alabama is not the only state with increased memory care costs. Tennessee’s current rates have risen by 21.4%, while Florida’s prices are higher by 6%. Mississippi, too, is seeing higher costs in 2023 by about 7%, while Georgia’s rates also rose by 4.5%
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $4,428 | $4,769 | $4,972 |
| U.S. Average | $4,863 | $5,369 | $5,792 |
| Georgia | $4,016 | $4,196 | $4,157 |
| Mississippi | $4,376 | $4,679 | $4,931 |
| Florida | $4,380 | $4,642 | $4,817 |
| Tennessee | $4,214 | $5,115 | $5,539 |
In addition to memory care, there are other long-term care types in Alabama. For adult day health care, seniors can expect to pay an average cost of $758 per month. This type of care is provided during daytime hours and gives seniors the opportunity for healthy socialization and enriching activities outside of their homes. Assisted living costs in a residential facility are $3,503 per month on average, while home care is $3,813. For seniors who need medical care and want to remain at home, there’s home health care at an average cost of $3,851. There are also nursing homes for higher levels of care — semiprivate rooms are $6,676 and private rooms are $7,026 on average.
Adult Day Health Care
$758
Assisted Living
$3503
Home Care
$3813
Home Health Care
$3851
Memory Care
$4379
Nursing Home (semiprivate)
$6676
Nursing Home (semiprivate)
$7026
Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care in Alabama?
Note: For the purposes of this guide, when we say “Memory Care” we are referring to memory care provided in a “social setting,” such as an Assisted Living Facility. This is the most common way to receive Memory Care and is the best fit for all but the frailest seniors. Sometimes the actual service of memory care can be provided in a Nursing Home (“medical setting”), so the financial assistance options will be very different. To learn more about the financial assistance options available for memory care provided in a nursing home, read our guide to Nursing Home Care in Alabama.
Medicaid does not directly cover memory care costs in Alabama. However, the state does provide assistance to eligible seniors through the Medicaid Elderly and Disabled Waiver. There’s also the Personal Choices Program and the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Seniors eligible for Social Security Income (SSI) may be eligible for the Optional State Supplement (OSS) to help cover the costs of memory care.
The Medicaid Elderly and Disabled Waiver provides eligible Alabama seniors with services customized to their needs. The Personal Choices Program is similar — one difference between this program and the E&D Waiver is that there’s more flexibility. Seniors can use their benefits as they or their designated caregivers see fit, including to pay for memory care costs. Then there’s the PACE program, which provides community-based care to seniors in need of nursing services. The Optional State Supplement (OSS) is a benefit paid to eligible seniors that can also be used to cover memory care expenses.
What Memory Care Services are Covered by Medicaid in Alabama?
There are no memory care services covered by Medicaid in Alabama, but there are waiver programs and other benefit programs that can help offset the financial impact. For seniors in memory care, the Medicaid Elderly and Disabled Waiver can help minimize economic burdens, as can the self-directed Personal Choices Program. Although it’s not a waiver, this program can help eligible seniors cover the costs of memory care in a residential facility. There’s also the PACE program as described above, which provides medical care services to seniors with comprehensive care needs.
Seniors who receive Social Security Income (SSI) can use their benefit to pay for memory care costs, and they may also qualify for the Optional State Supplement (OSS). Like the SSI benefit, the OSS benefit can be applied to memory care costs and other related expenses.
Memory Care Waiver Programs in Alabama
Alabama Medicaid Elderly and Disabled Waiver
To qualify for the Alabama Medicaid Elderly and Disabled Waiver, seniors must receive full Medicaid benefits and/or be disabled. Income must not be more than 300% of the Social Security Income (SSI) limit, which is $753 for individuals and $1,120 for couples. In addition, seniors must be qualified by a physician as in need of nursing facility level care.
This waiver provides personalized senior care services based on what is deemed necessary by a caseworker. Some of the services may include but aren’t limited to case management, companion services and nutritional programs.
To find out more or apply for the Elderly and Disabled Waiver, contact the Alabama Department of Senior Services by phone at 334-242-5743 or 1-877-425-2243, or by email at ageline@adss.alabama.gov.
Personal Choices Program
Seniors who participate in an Alabama Medicaid waiver program may also be eligible for the Personal Choices Program. Income must not exceed 300% of SSI limits ($753 for individuals and $1,120 for couples) and seniors must receive full Medicaid or be disabled.
Through this program, seniors in memory care can receive a monthly allowance that can be applied towards a variety of care expenses, including memory care facility costs. There are financial counselors to assist seniors and/or their caregivers with the management of funds.
The Personal Choices Program is administered by the Alabama Department of Senior Services. Contact 1-877-425-2243 for more information about this program or to apply. Inquiries can also be made via email at ageline@adss.alabama.gov
How to Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Alabama
Alabama Medicaid eligibility is based on factors including age, disability status and income. Seniors must meet the following criteria to qualify for Medicaid:
- Age 65 or older, disabled and/or legally blind
- Household income must not exceed monthly limits of $814 for an individual or $1,211 for a couple
- Resources must not exceed $2,000 per month for an individual or $3,000 for a couple
- Applicants must be verified as U.S. citizens in order to qualify — through automatic verification by the Social Security Administration or by providing approved documentation.
2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Alabama
| Household Size | Number of Applicants | Income Limits Per Year* | Asset Limits: Applicant(s) | Asset Limits: Non-Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Person | 1 | $32,904 | $2,000 | |
| Two People | 1 | $32,904** | $2,000 | 148,620 |
| Two People | 2 | $65,808*** | $4,000**** |
*Depending on the facility setting, a recipient may not be able to keep income up to this level.
**Income limit is for applicant only.
***Income is limited to $2,742 per month per spouse.
****Assets are limited to $2,000 per spouse
Alabama seniors in memory care who receive Medicaid may also qualify for one of the state’s income-based Medicare savings programs. The financial relief provided by these savings programs may help seniors and/or their caregivers manage the costs of residential memory care.
How to Apply for Medicaid in Alabama
Seniors can apply for Alabama Medicaid online or by calling 1-800-362-1504. Alternatively, a printed paper application can be submitted to a caseworker or Medicaid office.
Information You Will Need
In order to apply for Medicaid in Alabama, seniors must provide certain documentation. identification, Medicare and Social Security cards are required. Verification of gross income and resources must also be provided, along with deeds to any owned property. Seniors applying for Medicaid must also provide:
- Copies of mortgages, notes and trusts
- Copies of all insurance policies
- Copies of burial arrangements
- Power of attorney documentation
How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid
Alabama seniors who require assistance applying for Medicaid can call the Alabama Medicaid office at (800) 362-1504. The Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS) can also help seniors apply for Medicaid.
| Program | Contact | Services provided |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Medicaid | (800) 362-1504 | Agents provide assistance with Medicaid applications over the phone weekdays during regular business hours |
| Alabama Department of Senior Services | (800) 243-5463 | Operators can help callers determine if they are eligible for Medicare benefits |
| Medicaid for Elderly and Disabled | (800) 362-1504 | At the Medicaid for Elderly and Disabled website, seniors can access helpful information about applying for Medicaid and necessary forms. |
Does Medicare Cover Memory Care in Alabama?
The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of memory care in Alabama. As was mentioned above, this doesn’t apply to Memory Care received in a Nursing Home. Since it is the most common to receive memory care in a “social setting” (such as an assisted living facility), Medicare won’t be a viable financial assistance option for most seniors who need Memory Care. However, Medicare will still cover things like approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc., just like it would if you lived at home.
For more information about when Medicare can be used to pay for Memory Care in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in Alabama.
Other Financial Assistance Options for Memory Care in Alabama
Seniors who are not eligible (due to location, financial situation, or other factors) for other types of financial assistance, do still have some options. See the table below for an overview of some of the most common ways to make Memory Care affordable.
| Name | How To Apply | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Aid and Attendance | Learn more and apply online at va.gov. | Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for Memory Care. |
| Reverse Mortgages | Learn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.gov | If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for Memory Care. Reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan. |
| Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance | Learn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov. | Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be able to use it to pay for Memory Care. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but it depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of Memory Care will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy. |
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Alabama
There are many resources in Alabama that assist seniors in their retirement. caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Area Agency on Aging | Alabama's Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) serve as critical access points to numerous resources designed to meet the needs of older adults. Seniors contacting the AAA may receive access to benefits such as senior nutrition programs, transportation assistance and referrals to local assistance programs. It can also connect seniors to services for home-delivered meals, discounted prescriptions and assistance with household chores. Seniors can also be empowered through legal and insurance counseling services or be provided advocates through long-term care ombudsmen. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Alabama provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Alabama seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Elderly and Disabled Waiver | 877-425-2243 | The Elderly and Disabled Waiver helps seniors pay for services at home and in alternative residential care instead of nursing home admission. The waiver provides home- and community-based services, including housekeeping, dressing, grooming, meal prep and transportation. It doesn't cover the cost of room and board. This program isn't an entitlement program, which means only a limited number of individuals receive the waiver each year. |
| Alabama Senior Discounts | 205-333-2990 | Many retailers, restaurants and other companies give elderly Alabama residents discounts on their products and services. Older adults can find information on Alabama senior discounts via the Area Agency on Aging of West Alabama. The agency lists each organization together with the discount or special offer provided and the age requirements that seniors have to meet to qualify for individual discounts and deals. |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Alabama seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Elderly Nutrition Program | 877-425-2243 | The Alabama Elderly Nutrition Program offers nutritious meals to seniors aged 60 and above across the state. With over 335 senior centers providing congregate meals and home-delivered options for those who qualify, ENP aims to fulfill at least a third of seniors' dietary needs. The facility, managed by registered dietitians, also offers nutrition education and wellness programs, promoting overall health and well-being among Alabama's elderly population. |
| Alabama Food Assistance | 866-465-2285 | The Alabama Food Assistance program strives to combat food insecurity by providing essential benefits to eligible low-income seniors and others who may be struggling to get proper nutrition. Through this initiative, Alabama takes a significant step toward addressing food insecurity, underscoring its commitment to the well-being of its residents. |
| Alabama Meals on Wheels | Meals on Wheels operates in multiple communities throughout Alabama to address isolation and hunger in older adults. The program delivers meals five days a week to individuals incapable of preparing their own food, accessing food sites that offer food or those unable to afford meals. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Alabama collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama CARE Project | 334-387-3261 | The CARE Project helps connect seniors with no-cost medical equipment that it has cleaned, disinfected and refurbished. Equipment types include wheelchairs, wheelchair ramps, seat lift chairs, breathing equipment, canes, crutches and walkers. The organization also distributes communication devices such as computers and computer equipment. |
| Alabama Statewide Technology Access and Response (STAR) | STAR is a program administered by the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services. It connects disabled adults with assistive technologies, including specialized computer software, communication devices, adaptive switches, auditory trainers, Braille readers, scooters, wheelchairs, adaptive vehicles and lifts and ramps. | |
| Alabama Waste-Not Program | 256-837-2373 | The Waste-Not Program provides free assistive technologies and free medical equipment, including wheelchairs, scooters, hospital beds, bath and shower aids, canes and walkers to needy individuals. The program serves individuals in Huntsville and Madison Counties and works to improve the overall quality of life of seniors and families throughout the community. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Alabama have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants | This program provides loans to households with very low incomes for repairs and improvements and to help modernize their dwellings. Recipients may use loan and grant proceeds to remove health and safety hazards. | |
| Alabama Weatherization Assistance Program | 334-242-4909 | This program provides weatherization assistance to help households reduce their energy costs. Assistance typically includes installing attic, wall and floor insulation, sealing ductwork, HVAC repairs and replacements, repairing leaky faucets, upgrading windows and doors and replacing incandescent lighting with energy efficient bulbs. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Alabama help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Alabama retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | 800-392-8098 | LIHEAP helps families on limited budgets pay their heating and cooling bills, especially those who are under threat of disconnection. The program makes a one-time payment directly to the utility company for one season based on past energy usage. |
Veteran's Services
Alabama retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama VA Benefits and Health Care | Alabama VA Benefits and Health Care, a comprehensive resource for senior veterans, provides various medical and financial resources, from primary care to general benefits information. In addition to physical therapy, mental health support, caregiver assistance and prescription drugs, Alabama veterans can access help with disability compensation, pensions and VA home loans. The program also assists with burials and memorials, ensuring respect and support for survivors during difficult times. |
Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Alabama
In Alabama, memory support is provided in specialty care assisted living facilities, which are assisted living facilities that are specially licensed and staffed to care for residents with cognitive impairment. These facilities are governed by the Alabama Department of Public Health. This department has a variety of regulations in place to ensure a consistent level of care. These regulations pertain to staffing requirements, day-to-day operations, public funding and how to report abuse.
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Scope of Care | Memory care facilities provide assistance with the activities of daily living, health monitoring and medication services. They must also have a daily activity program |
| Care Plans | Within 30 days prior to admission, the facility RN or care coordinator must screen a prospective resident to assess physical functioning and behaviors. Based on this assessment, the RN or care coordinator must build a care plan with the resident and their physician that includes the resident’s needs or problems that require facility intervention. After admission, assessments should be conducted on a monthly basis or whenever the resident experiences significant weight loss, falls, signs of adverse drug reactions, harmful or combative behaviors or any other significant change in behavior or care needs. Facilities must also have a written plan that outlines the resident’s transfer plan if their needs become more extensive than the facility can accommodate. |
| Medication Management | Residents are permitted to manage and store their own medications with a physician’s order. Medications may only be administered by a physician or by an RN or LPN in accordance with physician orders and the Nurse Practice Act. Medications administered to residents must be recorded on a daily basis, with the record including information such as the resident’s name, the name and dosage of their medication, the time of day it was administered and the method of administration. |
| Staffing | While there are no minimum staffing ratios, memory care facilities must have enough caregivers on-site to ensure the safe evacuation of all residents in the event of an emergency. There must be at least one caregiver who is CPR-certified on-site at all times. Prior to hire, all caregivers must be evaluated for tuberculosis and be vaccinated in accordance with CDC guidelines. Individuals listed on the Alabama Department of Public Health Nurse Aide Abuse Registry aren’t eligible for hire. All direct care staff must undergo extensive training that covers topics such as resident rights, basic first aid and environmental safety, and they must complete The Dementia Education and Training Act Care Series Training. |
| Medicaid Coverage | Alabama Medicaid covers memory care services via the Elderly and Disabled waiver program. |
| Reporting Abuse | Suspected abuse should be reported to the Alabama Department of Senior Services’ Elder Abuse Prevention program at 334-242-5743. Complaints can also be filed with the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which can be reached at 334-242-5753. |
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