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Memory Care in Michigan
Michigan has a large senior community of about 1.8 million people, which makes up 18% of the 10 million residents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate of Alzheimer’s-related deaths in the state has remained steady in recent years. Between 2016 and 2020, the number of deaths linked to Alzheimer’s went up by 24%. During this reporting period, the number of deaths from all causes went up by 25%. In both 2016 and 2020, Alzheimer’s was the main cause of 7% of deaths in the state.
There are numerous dementia care facilities throughout the state that offer specialized solutions for seniors and families impacted by Alzheimer’s. At these facilities, residents have around-the-clock monitoring, individualized care plans and daily meals. Facilities help residents remain engaged through dementia-informed recreational programs, which may include brain games, life skills stations and therapeutic activities such as gardening and picnics.
This guide helps families determine whether memory care is right for their loved ones by highlighting the cost of care, ways to pay for services and resources that provide information and support.
The Cost of Memory Care in Michigan
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 Michigan and its 56 cities.
The Cost of Memory Care in Michigan's Top Cities
It's vital to weigh care costs between cities, as they vary widely across Michigan. Memory care rates in Lansing are on par with the state average at $5,450, while Detroit weighs in with an average of $5,565 monthly. Costs in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo are similar, averaging $6,633 and $6,590 per month, respectively. Since location affects costs so drastically, seniors should carefully consider the setting desired for long-term care.
Michigan
$5,452
Lansing
$5,450
Grand Rapids
$6,633
Detroit
$5,565
Kalamazoo
$6,590
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Memory Care in Michigan
It's no surprise that inflation affected the cost of memory care in Michigan, as the average U.S. cost rose 10.4% from 2022 to 2023. Michigan's rates have risen drastically, with costs increasing a whopping 20.9%. While 2024's rate is projected, it's expected to skyrocket to $6,084 — a massive 11.6% increase.
Across the Midwest, the effects of inflation vary. Wisconsin and Illinois saw similar increases in memory care rates, with costs rising 8.2% and 8.7%, respectively. In Ohio, rates rose 10.9%, and they're projected to rise 8.9% in 2024. Indiana is the most affordable option with a 5.8% increase.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | $4,510 | $5,452 | $6,084 |
| U.S. Average | $4,863 | $5,369 | $5,792 |
| Indiana | $5,573 | $5,894 | $5,779 |
| Ohio | $4,827 | $5,352 | $5,826 |
| Wisconsin | $5,620 | $6,083 | $6,768 |
| Illinois | $5,328 | $5,790 | $6,382 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
When considering their care options in Michigan, seniors must consider both their budgetary needs and factors such as amenities, staff training, programming and accommodations. All of these factors vary between communities and may affect senior living costs. Since independent living requires less daily assistance, it's the most affordable option with a median monthly rate of $2,515. Assisted living averages $4,111 monthly, while memory care costs an estimated $5,452.
Assisted Living
$4,111
Memory Care
$5,452
Independent Living
$2,515
Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care in Michigan?
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 Michigan.
Although Medicaid doesn’t cover memory care directly, there is a waiver program available to help Medicaid-eligible seniors access financial help to cover the cost of memory care.
What Memory Care Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Michigan?
Memory care services provided in a licensed facility are generally covered under Medicaid’s MI Choice Waiver Program. While the cost of room and board is excluded from coverage, seniors can get help paying for their care and therapies received, whether living at home or within a community setting.
Memory Care Waiver Programs in Michigan
MI Choice Waiver Program
Michigan seniors who require memory care and who are Medicaid beneficiaries can obtain help with the cost of their care under the MI Choice Waiver Program. This waiver exists to help seniors with dementia and other conditions access services that help them avoid nursing home placement. It can cover the cost of care in memory care or assisted living facilities, as well as the cost of home care or adult day care services.
Covered services include personal care, including help with mobility and daily tasks, as well as medication management. On top of that, cognitive and behavioral therapies provided to seniors in memory care facilities are generally covered under this waiver.
Seniors can apply for the MI Choice Waiver by contacting their local HHS office online, in person or over the phone.
How to Know If You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Michigan
Eligibility requirements for Michigan’s Medicaid program include age and financial restrictions. When applying on the basis of age, only those aged 65 and older who are full-time residents of Michigan and who have permanent or legal citizenship qualify for general Medicaid.
While regular Medicaid for aged, blind or disabled applicants requires a maximum income of $1,133 per month or $13,596 per year, the MI waiver income limit is slightly higher at $2,742 per month or $32,904 per year. Seniors may not own more than $2,000 in assets, with the exception of their home and any other exempt assets.
2022 Basic Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Michigan
| 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 Person | 1 | $32,904* | $2,000 | $148,620 |
| Two Person | 2 | $65,808*** | $3,000 |
*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.
How to Apply for Medicaid in Michigan
There are three ways to apply for Medicaid in Michigan, each providing different communication options to suit seniors’ preferences. They are:
- Online: Visit MI Bridges and follow the onscreen instructions
- Phone: Call (855) 789-5610 to be connected with the Michigan Health Care Helpline
- In-Person: Visit your local Department of Human Services office
Information You Will Need
When you apply for Medicaid in Michigan, you’ll be required to provide information about your income, spending and assets. Be prepared to provide the following:
- Government-issued photo ID verifying your citizenship and residency status
- Proof of ownership for any assets, including your home and vehicle as well as burial plots if applicable
- Your income tax returns for the past 5 years
How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid in Michigan
Applying for Medicaid in Michigan can be confusing and possibly stressful for some seniors. Fortunately, there are organizations that provide information and direct support for free.
| Program | Contact | Services provided |
|---|---|---|
| American Council on Aging | Online Only | The ACOA provides free information and online support for seniors who want to know more about Medicaid in North Dakota. The website includes some useful tools, such as an eligibility checker and a spend-down calculator, to help visitors determine whether they can apply for Medicaid or if they need to spend down their assets to meet the program's limits. |
| Michigan Health and Human Services | Visit MI Bridges website | Michigan’s Health and Human Services department manages the state’s medicaid program. It provides help for potential applicants through the state-owned MI Bridges website. There, seniors will find step-by-step guidance and helpful YouTube videos. Those not confident using the site can download paper-based help documents here. |
| Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program | Submit an online application to be directed to a local counselor | The program provides free and unbiased information, advice and direct assistance to Michigan seniors who want to know more about Medicaid. Counselors can help them determine if they might qualify prior to their application and discuss what Medicaid will and won’t pay for in their unique cases. |
Does Medicare Cover Memory Care in Michigan?
The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of memory care in Michigan. 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 Michigan.
Other Financial Assistance Options for Memory Care in Michigan
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 toward 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 Michigan
There are many resources in Michigan 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Area Agencies on Aging | In Michigan, Area Agencies on Aging offers services to seniors that help them maintain a high quality of life. Seniors can get connected to local services, including nutritional programs, transportation services, support groups and health and wellness activities. The Agency advocates for older adults through committees and councils that fight for legislation protecting seniors from elder abuse and fraud. Seniors and caregivers can also learn more about health and wellness through classes and events run by AAAs. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Michigan 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan 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. |
| Michigan State Emergency Relief Program | 517-241-3740 | The State Emergency Relief Program may provide emergency assistance for low-income households who experience sudden and unexpected temporary hardship. Help may be through direct service provision or financial aid to assist with a variety of emergency needs, such as heating or utility bills and vital home maintenance. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Michigan 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Health Link Program | 517-241-3740 | The Michigan Health Link Program is a managed care program for qualifying seniors who are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. Services may be provided at home or in an assisted living facility and may include medical care, help with daily activities, accessibility adaptations, medical equipment and supplies, meal delivery, adult day care and transportation. |
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 Michigan seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Meals on Wheels | Michigan Meals on Wheels is a food assistance program that's part of a 5,000+ member nationwide network. Eligibility is open to seniors ages 60 and over, with meals served locally in a congregate setting or delivered daily to the resident's home if they're immobile. Those who get their meals delivered also receive friendly visits with safety checks to monitor their risk for falls, emergencies or other accidents. Meals are served on a sliding-fee scale based on income. | |
| Michigan Senior Project FRESH | Michigan's Senior Project FRESH is a food-assistance program that strives to help eligible Michigan residents age 60 and older eat healthier. This income-based program offers free nutrition education for recipients, along with coupons that seniors can exchange for program-specific fresh, healthy foods at local roadside stands and farmers' markets. Senior Project FRESH runs from May 1 through October 31 each year, with coupon-distribution sites located in each of the state's counties. |
Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors
Michigan seniors who meet certain income criteria can apply to local resources to help them pay for prescription drugs. Eligible residents can also receive assistance through health insurance and other programs to access free or discounted medical services.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan RX Card | The Michigan RX Card is the state's prescription assistance program. Available to all residents and free to obtain, the card entitles holders to significant discounts on prescription medications at participating pharmacies. |
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 Michigan have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Section 504 Home Repair Program | The Section 504 Home Repair Program may provide grants to low-income seniors to remove health and safety risks from the home. The maximum grant is $10,000, and seniors must live in an area covered by the program. | |
| Michigan Weatherization Assistance Program | The Weatherization Assistance Program helps low income homeowners and renters save money on utility bills by making their homes more energy-efficient. Free services are provided by Community Action Agencies and nonprofit organizations and may include home insulation and ventilation. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Michigan seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Elder Law of Michigan | 866-400-9164 | Elder Law of Michigan is a nonprofit organization that provides seniors with legal help. Its services include pension counseling, benefits counseling, financial legal advice and help in elder abuse cases. |
| Michigan Elder Abuse Hotline | 800-996-6228 | Available through the Department of the Attorney General, the Elder Abuse Hotline offers an easy and convenient way to report signs of elder abuse, whether it occurred in a private residence or a residential care facility. An enforcement officer or other employee of the office works to resolve the complaint and provides safe housing for the senior while the complaint is being investigated. |
| Michigan Lakeshore Legal Aid | Michigan Lakeshore Legal Aid supports senior state residents with free law advice. Areas covered include probate law, guardianships, public benefits — such as Medicaid and Social Security, consumer scams and financial elder abuse. The organization has 12 locations in the Southeast Michigan area, all of which are open for walk-in service Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Seniors can also call MLLA's legal helpline between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on most weekdays. | |
| Michigan Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | 866-485-9393 | The Michigan Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for the rights and welfare of seniors living in licensed nursing homes and other senior living communities. Funded by the federal and state governments, the program provides ombudsman services to seniors, including concerns with care, residents' rights and quality of life. Services are free, and ombudsmen act on cases with confidentiality. The program also supports the passage of laws beneficial to the state's long-term care residents. |
Senior Engagement
Senior engagement resources and programs in Michigan help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's Association — Greater Michigan Chapter | 800-272-3900 | In addition to the 24-hour helpline, the Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association has a wide range of services and programs for seniors and their caregivers, including social engagement programs and professional training curriculums. Care counselors can create a person-centered long-term care plan for individuals with memory loss and other cognitive issues. Support groups are available via Zoom for seniors with early-stage or young-onset symptoms along with support groups for Spanish speakers. |
| Alzheimer's Association Michigan Chapter | 800-272-3900 | The Alzheimer's Association works with seniors who are living with dementia, helping them access local resources and services that can provide them with memory support and cognitive therapy. Additionally, this organization offers caregiver training and support groups for both seniors and caregivers. |
| Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center | 734-936-8803 | Part of a University of Michigan initiative, the Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center conducts memory research and education, as well as wellness and clinical care. Support groups for those experiencing mild cognitive impairment are provided, as are ongoing research studies that include memory training studies, medication trials, lifestyle intervention studies and more. |
Medicaid Resources
Navigating the Medicaid system is often difficult and confusing. Several Michigan resources help older adults by providing advice on Medicaid options, waiver programs and eligibility criteria to help seniors receive the right health care benefits.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Medicaid MI Choice Waiver Program | Michigan's MI Choice Waiver Program allows qualifying seniors to receive care at home or in an assisted living community rather than a nursing home. The program aims to delay or prevent admission into an institutional care setting. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Michigan 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan 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. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Michigan resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Summer Tax Deferment | 248-524-3333 | Michigan's Summer Tax Deferment allows seniors to push back the due date of summer taxes to February 14, providing additional time to streamline their budgets. Seniors are eligible for the deferment if they're aged 62 or older and their household income doesn't exceed $40,000 a year. To qualify, seniors must complete an application and submit their previous year's Homestead Property Tax Credit Form to the City Treasurer's Office by September 15. |
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. Michigan 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Energy Assistance Program and Home Heating Credit | The program's purpose is to provide assistance to low-income households in Michigan who may be struggling to cover the costs of their energy supply, such as electricity, gas and other fuels. In addition to developing an affordable payment plan to prevent energy suppliers from cutting off access to their services, the program also educates applicants about managing their energy sources more efficiently and cost-effectively. Home Heating Credit is a program aimed at helping low-income families pay some of their winter heating bills. Those who want to apply must do so before September 30. |
Veteran's Services
Michigan 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan VA Benefits and Health Care | Michigan VA Benefits and Health Care services are specially designed to help senior veterans in the state access the services for which they are eligible. The department has offices throughout the state, including VA Medical Centers in Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Detroit, Iron Mountain, and Saginaw, as well as a regional benefits office in Detroit. The office offers regular events to inform and celebrate veterans. Additional benefits include life insurance, home loans, and compensation for in-home health and wellness services. |
Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Michigan
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Scope of Care | In a home for the aged with a memory care wing, the facility must provide a detailed description of how the facility is designed to accommodate dementia patients. It must also list services provided and any fees specific to the memory care wing, along with a calendar that shows the frequency of events and activities offered to residents. |
| Care Plans | Before admission, homes for the aged must provide a document that describes their care planning process and its admission and discharge criteria for all incoming residents in the memory care wing. It must also work with incoming residents to design a care plan that identifies care needs for the individual. Care plans must be updated annually or after a significant change in health. |
| Medication Management | Homes for the aged are required to provide medication management services, including reminders and administering medications. Staff must be trained to administer medications. |
| Staffing | There are no minimum staff ratios required, but all homes for the aged must have an administrator and resident care supervisor listed in addition to direct care staff. The care supervisor must be awake and aware during shifts, and there should be one assigned to all shifts. |
| Medicaid Coverage | Michigan has two Medicaid waiver programs that may pay some of the costs of assisted living, though room and board is typically not included. Financial eligibility limitations apply and there may be extended wait times before enrollment. |
| Reporting Abuse | Anyone can report abuse by contacting Adult Protective Services at 855-444-3911. For residents in a home for the aged, the long term care ombudsman can be reached by phone at 866-485-9393 |
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