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Memory Care in Nevada
Nevada is home to over 3.1 million residents, and seniors aged 65 and older make up 16.1% of the state’s population. Unfortunately, an estimated 49,000 Nevada seniors live with Alzheimer’s disease, and close to 15% of state residents over the age of 45 are dealing with cognitive decline. By 2025, the number of seniors in Nevada diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease is projected to grow to 64,000, which is an estimated 30.6% increase.
Thanks to the lack of state income tax and an abundance of senior-friendly recreational amenities, Nevada is a popular retirement destination for many older adults. In terms of health care services, there are a number of top-ranked regional hospitals, including the 159-bed Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center, and the Northern Nevada Medical Center, a certified Advanced Primary Stroke Center. Statewide, the average monthly cost of residential memory care services is $4,688, although actual rates vary depending on the location and facility.
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 provides an overview of residential memory care services in Nevada, including the average monthly rates within Nevada and neighboring states. There is also in-depth information on financing long-term care services, a summary of Nevada’s state regulations related to residential memory care, and links to free and low-cost resources for those living with memory loss.
The Cost of Memory Care in Nevada
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.
Note: Residential memory care is usually offered in assisted living facilities, and in general, memory care costs tend to be 20-30% higher than assisted living rates. No national database currently tracks memory care rates in the United States, so we’ve estimated the monthly costs listed below by adding 25% to the assisted living rates in Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey.
The average monthly cost of memory care in Nevada is $4,688, which is well below the rate in neighboring California, where the average is $6,563. To the east of Nevada, monthly memory care rates are lower in Utah ($4,375), while to the north in Oregon ($6,306), average costs are much higher. Just to the south of Nevada in Arizona, residential memory care services cost about $5,000 per month.
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Memory Care in Nevada
Compared to the national average, inflation had only a modest impact on Nevada's memory care costs. From 2022 to 2023, they rose just 4.4% compared to the U.S. average of 10.4%.
In neighboring states, inflation had an eye-catching impact on the cost of memory care. While costs dropped by -3.7% in Utah and rose just 3.5% in California, the average monthly rate rose by 15% in Arizona. Oregon saw the most substantial rise in the region, with care rising 30% from $5,734 to $7,944 every month.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | $4,284 | $4,474 | $4,712 |
| U.S. Average | $4,863 | $5,369 | $5,792 |
| California | $5,668 | $5,866 | $6,453 |
| Utah | $4,595 | $4,425 | $4,997 |
| Arizona | $4,698 | $5,401 | $6,209 |
| Oregon | $5,734 | $7,501 | $7,944 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
While the cost of senior living varies by care type, in Nevada, memory care is the most expensive option, with an average monthly rate of $4,474. Seniors have more affordable options to choose from. Assisted living averages $3,716, and independent living costs an estimated $2,463 monthly. When considering which care type to choose, seniors should factor in the level of assistance they need, on-site amenities, daily activities and personal preferences.
Assisted Living
$3,716
Memory Care
$4,474
Independent Living
$2,463
Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care in Nevada?
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 Nevada.
Although Nevada’s Medicaid program doesn’t cover residential memory care room and board costs, eligible Medicaid beneficiaries may qualify for a number of medical and nonmedical services that can be delivered to eligible participants.
In Nevada, residential memory care services are partially covered for seniors who meet the functional and financial eligibility criteria for one of two publicly funded programs, the Home and Community Based Services Waiver for the Frail Elderly (HCBS-FE) and the Community Options Program for the Elderly (COPE).
What Memory Care Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Nevada?
In addition to standard Medicaid benefits, Nevada’s Medicaid program covers a number of enhanced services and supports for individuals who need memory care services through the Home and Community Based Services Waiver and the COPE program. These services include nonmedical assistance with activities of daily living, case management, adult day care and respite care.
Memory Care Waiver Programs in Nevada
Home and Community Based Services Waiver for the Frail Elderly
The HCBS-FE Waiver is a nursing home diversion program designed to delay or prevent the institutionalization of frail and elderly Nevada residents who meet the criteria for nursing home placement.
Formerly known as CHIP, this Waiver is administered by Nevada’s Department of Health and Human Services, Aging and Disability Services Division. The Waiver funds nonmedical support services to help enrollees remain in either their own home, or a noninstitutional setting such as an assisted living facility with a dedicated memory care program.
HCBS-FE services are assigned on an individual, as-needed basis and may include:
- Ongoing case management from a licensed social worker
- Assistance with personal care, such as bathing, toileting, dressing, eating and grooming
- Homemaker services, including personal laundry and light housekeeping
- Half- or full-day adult day care on an ongoing basis
- Adult companionship and supervision
- Access to a personal emergency response system
In addition to the services listed above, Nevada’s HCBS-FE Waiver also covers augmented personal care services delivered in a licensed residential care facility such as an assisted living community that provides memory care. Covered personal care services go beyond the mandatory minimum required for all licensed assisted living facilities in Nevada.
To qualify for the HCBS-FE Waiver, seniors must be eligible for Medicaid and be deemed at risk of institutionalization in a nursing home if they don’t receive enhanced supports.
Community Services Options Program for the Elderly
Like the HCBS-FE Waiver, the Community Services Options Program for the Elderly, or COPE, covers a range of nonmedical services for seniors who are at risk of nursing home placement.
COPE services are determined based on the needs of each participant, as well as available funding. All COPE participants are assigned a licensed social worker who provides ongoing case management services.
COPE-funded supports include:
- Assistance with activities of daily living, such as transferring, toileting, bathing, dressing and eating
- Help with light housekeeping, laundry and shopping
- Placement in an adult day care program for at least 4 hours per day on one or more days each week
- Non Medical supervision, including socialization and assistance with recreational activities
- Wearable medical alert devices
- Respite care
To qualify for COPE benefits, seniors must be aged 65 or older, meet the criteria for nursing home placement and have an annual income and assets that fall within the current limits.
How to Apply for the HCBS-FE Waiver or COPE Program
A completed application the HCBS-FE Waiver or COPE program can be submitted to one of the four Aging and Disability Services Division regional offices. Alternatively, applicants can call their area’s ADSD office to complete a telephone application with the assistance of an ADSD intake worker.
How to Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Nevada
In Nevada, seniors must meet the following criteria to qualify for Medicaid:
- Be either aged 65 and older, legally blind or have a qualifying disability
- Have an annual pretax income of $32,904 or less when applying as an individual
- Own no more than $2,000 in countable assets such as cash, stocks and real estate (excluding an owner-occupied home worth no more than $636,000)
- Live in Nevada on a full-time basis
- Be a U.S. citizen or hold legal immigration status
| 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*** | $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.
Nevada seniors aged 65 and older who don’t qualify for Medicaid due to excess income or assets may be able to achieve eligibility by putting over-limit funds in a qualified income trust or spending down assets on durable medical devices and other non-countable assets.
How to Apply for Medicaid in Nevada
To apply for Medicaid coverage, seniors can call the Division of Aging’s Elder Care Help Line at (800) 307-4444 or Nevada 211.
Information You Will Need
To apply for Medicaid in Nevada, applicants must provide proof of income from all sources, including wages, investments and pensions. Applicants must also submit:
- Government-issued documentation verifying citizenship and residency in Nevada
- Copies of the title to any real estate and vehicles held by the applicant
- Copies of all prepaid burial contracts and insurance policies
- Two professional appraisals confirming the current market value of the applicant’s principal residence (if owned by the applicant)
- Copies of income tax returns from the five years preceding the date of application
- Copies of the applicants’ will, powers of attorney and advanced medical directives
How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid
Nevada seniors who need help applying for Medicaid can call Access Nevada, a state-operated toll-free number staffed by bilingual resource specialists. Assistance is also available via Nevada 211, a 24/7 information and referral service, and at one of the four Nevada Care Connection Resource Centers.
| Program | Contact | Services provided |
|---|---|---|
| Access Nevada | (800) 992-0900 | Access Nevada is a bilingual (English/Spanish) government call center staffed by operators who can help seniors apply for Medicaid. |
| Nevada 211 | 2-1-1 or (866) 535-5654 | Nevada 211 is a free, 24/7 information and referral service that seniors can use to locate agencies that offer free Medicaid counseling and other aging-related services. |
| Nevada Care Connection - Resource Centers | Locate the nearest NVCC Resource Center | The four regional Nevada Care Connection Resource Centers provide one-on-one assistance to seniors, people with disabilities and caregivers who need help applying for Medicaid and other government benefits. |
Does Medicare Cover Memory Care in Nevada?
The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of memory care in Nevada. 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 Nevada.
Other Financial Assistance Options for Memory Care in Nevada
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 Nevada
There are many resources in Nevada 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada Area Agencies on Aging | The Department of Health and Human Services Aging and Disability Services Division is based in Carson City and assists seniors throughout Nevada. Adult Protective Services falls under this division, as does the Nevada State Long Term Care Ombudsman program. The Office of Community Living offers waivers to seniors for in-home services, such as personal care assistance, a homemaker, an adult companion, transportation and personal emergency response systems. Caregivers can also find relief with respite care and adult day care centers. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Nevada 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada 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. |
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 Nevada seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada Meals on Wheels | Nevada Meals on Wheels is an umbrella organization that partners with food pantries to deliver hot, healthy meals to homebound seniors throughout the state. While Nevada MOW is not a direct provider of food, it maintains a national database that helps seniors find the program closest to them. Many MOW partners also provide congregate meal sites where seniors can enjoy a meal while socializing with their peers. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Nevada 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada Assistive Technology Resource Center (NATRC) | 800-216-7988 | The NATRC offers low and high-tech assistive technology to Nevada seniors in need. It loans the devices at no cost for two weeks, although participants can use multiple loans to extend this time if the device is not needed elsewhere. |
| Nevada CARE Chest | Care Chest provides medical equipment and supplies to northern Nevada residents who demonstrate financial need. It loans devices for as long as participants need them and can sometimes deliver them to the participant's home. The program also has a walk-in facility that can provide equipment on the spot with proof of identity, residence and income. |
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 Nevada have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada Home Modifications – RAMP | 702-648-3425 | Nevada Senior Services runs the RAMP program, which provides subsidized home modifications necessary for seniors to maintain the accessibility needed for independent living. The program seeks funding to help cover the costs for selected modifications. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Nevada 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada 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 Nevada 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada Blind Exemption | Seniors who are legally blind can apply for the Blind Exemption. The assessed value for this exemption starts at $4,380 but goes as high as $7,300 if combined with the Veteran's Exemption or the Surviving Spouse Exemption. This exemption requires a new application every year. | |
| Nevada Surviving Spouse Exemption | Widowed seniors may qualify for the Surviving Spouse Exemption, which offers an assessed value of $1,460. They must file an exemption each year to apply. | |
| Nevada Veteran's Exemption | Seniors who have served in the military could qualify for the Veteran's Exemption and receive a property tax reduction based on their home's assessed value. The assessed value reduction starts at $2,920 but can increase to $29,200 if there are additional factors such as disability and blindness. They must submit a new application each year. |
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. Nevada 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada Energy Assistance Program | The Nevada Energy Assistance Program assists eligible state seniors with financial help for energy costs. Its calendar year runs from July 1 to June 30, but interested individuals can apply anytime. Only one payment is permitted for each qualifying household during a calendar year, and seniors must fall within a specific income range to be eligible. Applicants are required to submit requested details and supporting documentation, including proof of residency and the amount of cash assistance needed. |
Veteran's Services
Nevada 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada VA Benefits and Health Care | Seniors who are qualified veterans can receive services from the Nevada VA Benefits and Health Care office. This state-wide program provides a wide range of benefits to veterans, including medical care services, supplemental income and the potential for long-term care services. Nevada's VA Medical Centers are in Reno and Las Vegas. |
Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Nevada
Residential facilities providing care to persons with Alzheimer’s and dementia must obtain endorsements on their licenses, authorizing them to operate as memory care communities or as senior care facilities with memory care units. These facilities are regulated by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services through the Division of Public and Behavioral Health, Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance.
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Scope of Care | A memory care facility must have a written statement that describes the following:Basic services provided for residents with dementiaActivities developed for the residentsFacility's manner of managing behaviorsManner of medication managementActivities that encourage the involvement of family members in the residents' livesPreventive steps and actions to take on wandering |
| Care Plans | A memory care resident's evaluation must describe the forms of assistance a client needs to perform certain activities of daily living. This evaluation is prepared upon the resident's admission and reviewed at least once a year, or as the resident's condition and needs change. |
| Medication Management | Under adequate supervision, a caregiver assists in the administration of medications if needed by the resident. Assistance in the administration of controlled substances and dangerous drugs must be based on the written plan of care from a physician or registered nurse. Caregivers administering medications must attend a training program, and this should include initial orientation and an annual training update. |
| Staffing | A memory care facility must have at least one awake employee on duty at all times. There should be interaction groups of not more than six memory care residents for each caregiver during the residents' awake hours. Employees who have direct contact with residents should complete at least two hours of dementia care training within the first 40 hours of initial employment and an additional eight hours of training within the first three months. Board-licensed and certified employees must receive at least three hours of continuing education on dementia care within the first year of employment. |
| Medicaid Coverage | Subject to available funding, Nevada Medicaid pays for community-based services provided in assisted living and memory care facilities. Recipients must be financially eligible and at risk of nursing home placement if they don't receive these services. |
| Reporting Abuse | An employee must report suspected resident abuse, neglect, isolation or exploitation to a local ADSD office or a police department or sheriff's office within 24 hours after the incident. |
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