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Memory Care in Mississippi
Mississippi is home to more than 485,000 seniors aged 65 and older, which is over 16% of the state’s population. Like other states across the nation, Alzheimer’s is a growing concern among this age group. As of 2020, approximately 57,000, or one in 10, of these seniors are living with Alzheimer’s in Mississippi. Sadly, in 2019 there were 1,662 deaths due to the disease. By 2025, the number of Alzheimer’s cases in Mississippi is expected to rise by 8,000.
Located in the south and bordering the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi has a low cost of living, and Social Security Income and retirement income aren’t taxed. The overall rate of crime is low, and with 216 sunny days per year, Mississippi offers excellent weather for seniors who enjoy the outdoors. Individuals who require memory care can expect to pay around $4,375 per month.
Memory care can either be offered on its own in a community designed especially for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s or, more often, it’s provided as a service in a separate wing of an assisted living facility. Memory care programs are designed specifically for those with memory impairment, and the facilities often coordinate social activities and schedules specifically for the needs of those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
This guide covers the cost of memory care in Mississippi and provides a general overview of the cost of other types of long-term care. It also includes information on Medicaid and Medicare and a list of resources to help improve the quality of life of seniors within the state.
The Cost of Memory Care in Mississippi
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 Mississippi and its 7 cities.
The Cost of Memory Care in Mississippi's Top Cities
The cost of memory care in Mississippi’s top cities varies considerably. Meridian is the most expensive option at an average cost of $5,600 per month. At $4,600, costs in Biloxi are $1,000 lower than in Meridian and come closest to the Mississippi average. Memory care in Hattiesburg costs around $5,390, while the average cost in Gulfport is $4,850.
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Memory Care in Mississippi
The cost of memory care in Mississippi continues to rise due to inflation. From 2022 to 2023, costs rose from $4,376 to $4,679, an increase of 6.9%. This compares favorably to the U.S. average increase of 10.4% for the same period. In neighboring states, results are varied. Arkansas saw a slight increase of 2.7% in 2023, while costs in Alabama increased by 7.7%. Two extremes are Tennessee, where costs escalated by 21.4%, and Louisiana, which experienced a decrease of 5.7% in memory care costs.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $4,376 | $4,679 | $4,931 |
| U.S. Average | $4,863 | $5,369 | $5,792 |
| Louisiana | $4,884 | $4,607 | $5,349 |
| Arkansas | $4,922 | $5,056 | $5,385 |
| Tennessee | $4,214 | $5,115 | $5,539 |
| Alabama | $4,428 | $4,769 | $4,972 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
The cost of senior living in Mississippi is determined by the type of care involved. Independent living is aimed at seniors who are self-sufficient and need very little assistance, making it the most affordable option at an average cost of $3,096. Assisted living provides assistance as needed and is priced accordingly at $3,996. Memory care is much more hands-on with a higher staff-patient ratio and costs around $4,679 per month.
Assisted Living
$3,996
Memory Care
$4,679
Independent Living
$3,096
Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care in Mississippi?
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 Mississippi.
Mississippi Medicaid doesn’t cover the cost of memory care directly, but there are waivers that can help pay for home and community-based services within residential care facilities.
What Memory Care Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Mississippi?
Mississippi’s Medicaid can pay for some services for seniors with memory loss conditions residing at home or in an assisted living facility through two waiver programs. The Elderly and Disabled Waiver can pay for some home care services, such as Meals on Wheels and personal care. The Assisted Living Waiver can pay for 24-hour care in a residential community, including skilled nursing, but doesn’t cover room and board costs.
Memory Care Waiver Programs in Mississippi
Assisted Living Waiver (ALW)
The ALW was designed for seniors who’d otherwise require nursing home care to receive services in a licensed assisted living home. The waiver covers services like case management, personal care, housekeeping, medication management, recreational programs, transportation and skilled nursing. To be eligible for the waiver, seniors must meet the Medicaid income requirements and be at least 65 or older or 21 and older with a qualifying disability.
To apply, seniors should contact their local Office of Eligibility at (800) 421-2408 or apply online at the Division of Medicaid website.
Elderly and Disabled Waiver
The Elderly and Disabled waiver is provided by the Office of Long-Term Care to help pay for services like adult day health care, home-delivered meals, personal care, respite services, community transition and physical and speech therapy.
Eligible individuals must meet the Medicaid income requirements and be at least 21 years of age or older. To apply, contact the Division of Medicaid Office of Long-Term Care.
How to Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Mississippi
Medicaid applicants in Mississippi must meet the income requirements as defined by the state. All income is counted with the exception of a monthly personal needs allowance, Medicare premiums and, if applicable, a Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA) as defined by the spousal impoverishment rule. For a single applicant, the income limit is $32,904 per year or $2,742 per month. In a two-person household with only one person applying, the income limit is the same. For a two-person household with both individuals applying, the amount is $65,808 per year or $32,904 per person. Assets must not total more than $4,000 for a single applicant and $6,000 for a married couple where both spouses are applying.
| Household Size | Number of Applicants | Income Limits Per Year* | Asset Limits: Applicant(s) | Asset Limits: Non-Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Person | 1 | $32,904 | $4,000 | |
| Two People | 1 | $32,904** | $4,000 | $148,620 |
| Two People | 2 | $65,808*** | $6,000 |
* 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.
Other eligibility requirements include that applicants must:
- Be 65 years of age or older
- Be a U.S. citizen or qualifying alien
- Be a resident of Mississippi
How To Apply for Medicaid in Mississippi
Apply for Mississippi Medicaid online through Access.ms or by submitting an application through Healthcare.gov. To apply by mail, applicants may download an application and mail it to the Office of Eligibility at the Division of Medicaid, 550 High Street, Suite 1000, Jackson, MS 39201. The application may also be submitted in person at any Division of Medicaid regional office or faxed to (610) 576-4164. Applications may be taken over the phone by contacting (800) 421-2408.
Information You Will Need
- Government-issued ID
- Copy of birth certificate
- Proof of citizenship
- Copies of home deeds and property titles
- Copies of tax returns for the past five years
- Copies of life insurance policies
- Copies of bank statements and income for the past 60 days
- Copies of powers of attorney and other documents related to your estate
How To Get Help Applying for Medicaid
Navigating Medicaid and other government insurance programs can be tricky, especially for seniors who require help paying for residential care. There are several programs that provide information and support to those who need Medicaid and additional forms of funding.
| Program | Contact | Services provided |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits.gov | (800) 421-2408 | Benefits.gov is a federal website that provides detailed information on the available government programs and benefits. The site provides an overview of each program, eligibility requirements and information on how to apply. Seniors may also contact the program directly by phone to get answers to questions concerning the status of an application or to make changes. |
| MS Legal Services | (800) 498-1804 | MS Legal Services is a free service that offers civil legal help for low-income seniors and individuals in the state. Medicaid help is also provided, with information online concerning details on recent changes in the Medicaid program, eligibility requirements and how to apply. |
| Mississippi Department of Human Services | (844) 437-6282 | The Department of Human Services provides counselors who are trained to provide assistance with Medicaid applications and can provide answers to questions regarding claims, denials, benefits and applications. |
Does Medicare Cover Memory Care in Mississippi?
The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of memory care in Mississippi. 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 Mississippi.
Other Financial Assistance Options for Memory Care in Mississippi
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 Mississippi
There are many resources in Mississippi 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Area Agencies on Aging | Mississippi's Area Agencies on Aging provide seniors aged 60 and older with access to critical services, helping them maintain a high quality of life. They organize services such as congregate and home-delivered meals, legal assistance and advocacy. Specialists can refer seniors to other assistance programs they may qualify for and discuss long-term care options. AAAs also provide access to home and community-based programs, including case management, home care and respite care, and they coordinate transportation services and caregiver support programs. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Mississippi 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi 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 Living
Low-income elderly individuals in senior living communities can access financial assistance through local-run programs. These Mississippi resources offer advice, guidance and support to help older adults pay for the services offered by long-term care providers.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Assisted Living Waiver | 800-421-2408 | The Assisted Living Waiver could help you avoid a nursing home and move into an assisted living facility instead. Depending on your needs, the waiver could provide you with homemaker services, daily living assistance, medication management, transportation and a range of other services. |
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 Mississippi seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Food Network | 601-353-7286 | The Mississippi Food Network, headquartered in Jackson, hosts an Emergency Food Assistance Program that helps local seniors access free food that meets the nutritional requirements associated with aging. Donated food items are distributed via the food pantries, community kitchens and shelters of its many community-based partner organizations. At-risk seniors are eligible for a monthly shelf-stable package delivered through the network's Senior Grocery Program. Inquire online or by calling 601-353-7286. |
| Mississippi Meals on Wheels | Mississippi Meals on Wheels operates congregate meal sites and home-delivered meals throughout the state, ensuring that seniors ages 60 and over receive suitable nutrition. To be eligible, older adults must meet age requirements; the program is focused on those whose limited mobility makes shopping for groceries and preparing meals difficult. Meals are provided based on a sliding-fee scale that takes individual financial circumstances into account. Some community programs offer meals for those with special dietary needs and cultural or ethnic preferences. | |
| Mississippi Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | 800-948-3050 | The Mississippi Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps low-income seniors ages 60 and over obtain healthy food for balanced nutrition. Applicants must meet income guidelines before they're administered an electronic benefits transfer card. This card functions like a debit card and can be used at grocery stores, convenience stores and farmers' markets throughout the state as well as on websites that accept EBT. The card can only be used toward food, including bread, meat, fish and poultry, dairy products and produce. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Mississippi 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi START'S Device Reutilization Program | 800-852-8328 | Mississippi's Project S.T.A.R.T. refurbishes donated medical equipment and loans it to the state's disabled and chronically ill residents for free. Wheelchairs, folding ramps and bedside toilets are just a few examples of the types of equipment seniors can borrow for up to 90 days. |
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 Mississippi have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Section 504 Home Repair Program | 601-965-4316 | The U.S.D.A. Home Repair Grant provides the state's seniors with financial assistance for making health and safety repairs to their homes. The maximum grant amount is $10,000. If the home is sold within 3 years, the loan has to be repaid. |
| Mississippi Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) | 800-421-0762 | The W.A.P. enables low-income residents to receive free energy efficiency upgrades, lowering their overall energy costs. Placing insulation in walls and floors, replacing ductwork and repairing furnaces are some of the program's typical services. |
Senior Centers
Senior centers in Mississippi bring together residents through recreational activities and events. Many also offer advice and support on senior issues, run wellness and nutrition programs, and connect older adults with other resources in the local area.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Division of Aging and Adult Services for Seniors | 800-948-3090 | As part of the Mississippi Department of Human Services, the Division of Aging and Adult Services helps seniors throughout the state in numerous ways, including offering financial assistance programs that can cover some or all of the cost of care. Seniors aged 60+ and their caregivers can seek answers and assistance by contacting one of the ten Area Agencies on Aging located in Mississippi and managed by DAAS. |
Medicaid Resources
Navigating the Medicaid system is often difficult and confusing. Several Mississippi 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Elderly and Disabled Waiver | 800-421-2408 | The Elderly and Disabled Waiver provides in-home services according to care plans developed by the registered nurse and social worker assigned to each program participant. If you're approved for this waiver, you could receive: • Home delivered meals • In-home respite care • Assistance with personal hygiene • Home health visits • Physical or speech therapies |
| Mississippi Independent Living Waiver | 800-421-2408 | Medicaid's Independent Living Waiver is a Home and Community Based Services waiver. Its main services are case management and personal care assistance, but some seniors can also receive home accessibility modifications and medical equipment. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Mississippi 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Homestead Exemption | 601-923-7618 | The Homestead Exemption saves seniors money on their property taxes. Those who qualify can exempt $7,500 of value from what it's been assessed. |
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. Mississippi 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | 800-421-0762 | L.I.H.E.A.P. can pay the balance of past due home energy bills, including those with disconnect notices. This program can help you if you're at risk of losing your heating or cooling during the year's hottest days. |
Veteran's Services
Mississippi 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi VA Benefits and Health Care | Mississippi VA Benefits and Health Care services include specialized assistance for senior veterans. For medical, seniors have a wide range of options at the Biloxi and Jackson medical centers, as well as several outpatient locations. Seniors over 65 and those with disabilities may qualify for additional pension funds to pay for in-home care services, such as home health aid costs and skilled nursing. |
Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Mississippi
Care facilities that provide memory care are issued with the Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia Care Unit Designation in their licensure. These licensed facilities include standalone memory care residences, nursing homes and personal care homes or assisted living facilities. Licensed and regulated by the Division of Health Facilities Licensure and Certification of the Mississippi State Department of Health, personal care homes and A/D units must meet the state’s minimum standards as highlighted below.
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Scope of Care | A personal care home shall disclose the following:basic charges on room and board and other standard servicesperiod covered for the chargesspecial charges for additional servicesrefund terms for advance paymentsThe above information must be indicated in the resident’s written admission agreement. This must also include a statement that the facility shall promptly notify the client’s representative of any changes in the resident’s status, including those that require transfer or discharge. Families of residents with dementia should be provided with information regarding social services such as support groups. |
| Care Plans | With reference to medical examinations and functional assessments by a licensed physician and/or nurse practitioner/physician assistant, the staff shall develop individual care plans for each Alzheimer’s disease/dementia care unit resident upon admission. Families shall be involved in the development of care plans whenever possible and appropriate. Care plans shall be reviewed at least quarterly or more frequently as a resident’s needs change. |
| Medication Management | For instances where a resident is unable to self-administer prescription medication, medication administration must be done by a licensed nurse or an unlicensed staff under direct supervision by a licensed nurse or physician. |
| Staffing | A minimum of two staff members shall be present in an A/D unit at all times, in addition to a registered or licensed nursing practitioner. For non-freestanding A/D units, licensed nursing staff may be shared with the rest of the facility to meet the minimum staffing requirement. A/D staff shall undergo an orientation program on dementia care upon employment and receive ongoing in-service training at least quarterly. |
| Medicaid Coverage | Mississippi Medicaid covers the costs of community-based services provided in personal came homes through waiver programs. Recipients must meet the financial criteria and require nursing facility level of care if services are not provided. |
| Reporting Abuse | Resident abuse and neglect within personal care homes shall be reported to the Mississippi State Department of Health at 800-227-7308 or the Office of the Attorney General, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit at 800-852-8341. A complaint form may also be completed and submitted online. |
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