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Memory Care in Vermont
Vermont has a relatively large senior population, as they comprise 20.8% of the state’s 646,972 residents. Compared to younger individuals, seniors are more likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, leading to a need for dementia care. Fortunately, in Vermont, the number of Alzheimer’s-related deaths is trending downward. The CDC reports that those deaths fell from 411 in 2016 to 391 in 2020, which represents a decrease of 4.87%.
Memory care communities provide supportive environments for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions. They provide residents with 24/7 access to staff who are trained in supporting and communicating with individuals with memory loss. This guide supplies readers with data on the cost of memory care in Vermont, the state’s senior-friendly offerings and resources to help older Vermont residents and their families.
The Cost of Memory Care in Vermont
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 Vermont and its 4 cities.
The Cost of Memory Care in Vermont's Top Cities
Vermont cities show a wide variation in prices, often departing significantly from the state average of $9,639 a month. Essex, for example, averages $8,600 a month for memory care, while costs in Shellburne are $2,631 a month higher than the state average, at $12,000. White River Junction in in-between, at $10,933, while memory care costs in Killington are close to the state average, at $9,100 a month.
Vermont
$9,639
Essex
$8,600
Shelburne
$12,000
Killington
$9,100
White River Junction
$10,933
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Memory Care in Vermont
Inflation has driven up the cost of memory care in Vermont, as in many places across America. Memory care costs in Vermont have risen by 19% from 2022-2024, from $8,800 a month to a projected $9,882. This is below the 19% increase in costs nationwide, from $4,863 to $5,792. Prices in other states vary, such as New Hampshire and Massachusetts, which have both risen by 19%, and in North Dakota, which has seen a staggering 78% hike in memory care costs. New Jersey has actually reversed the trend and seen a welcome 5% drop in costs.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont | $8,800 | $9,639 | $9,882 |
| U.S. Average | $4,863 | $5,369 | $5,792 |
| New Hampshire | $6,364 | $7,169 | $7,635 |
| Massachusetts | $7,570 | $7,706 | $7,782 |
| New Jersey | $7,091 | $6,289 | $6,787 |
| North Dakota | $3,641 | $5,899 | $6,510 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
Depending on a senior's needs and budget, memory care may not be the best option. At $9,639 a month, this is one of the more costly care choices for Vermont seniors. Assisted living in Vermont averages $6,710, while independent living runs to $4,950.
Assisted Living
$6,710
Memory Care
$9,639
Independent Living
$4,950
Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care in Vermont?
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 Vermont.
Although Medicaid doesn’t directly pay for memory care services in Vermont’s assisted living facilities, there are three waiver programs that can pay care costs. They don’t pay for room and board costs, however, which means seniors and their families will need to find alternative sources of funding for this aspect of memory care in a facility.
Choices for Care is for Vermont residents who require nursing home levels of care, but are able to choose where they receive it. This can be in a licensed nursing facility or memory care unit as well as the senior’s home. Enhanced Residential Care covers most care costs in a licensed residential facility, including memory care units. Covered services can include personal care, one hour of nursing services per week, case management and household/laundry services — but not meals or room and utility costs. Assistive Community Care Services covers a wider spectrum of care that includes services offered by the previous two waivers in addition to various therapies and restorative nursing services delivered in either a level 3 residential care home or assisted living.
What Memory Care Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Vermont
Vermont’s Medicaid is consistent in what it will pay for and not. The rule of thumb is it will pay for nursing and personal care services in a licensed facility, but not the senior’s room and board costs. In some cases, it can pay housekeeping and laundry costs, but this is dependent on the waiver the senior qualifies for.
Memory Care Waiver Programs in Vermont
There are three waiver programs families may apply for to help with memory care costs. Although each ultimately provides the same services, the location where these services are delivered and the eligibility criteria are different. Waivers can’t be combined, so the senior will only be eligible for one if they meet the qualifying criteria.
| Program | How to apply | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Choices for Care | Applications for this program are processed online. Alternatively, seniors can apply via mail or by faxing their application to (802) 241-0514. | Choices for Care is a Medicaid program for seniors who require long-term care. Those in assisted living and memory care facilities, as well as those who reside at home or in nursing care facilities have access to it. To qualify, seniors must be 65 or older, Vermont residents and require a nursing level of care. Additionally, applicants must be financially eligible for Medicaid. |
| Enhanced Residential Care (ERC) | Seniors' long-term care facilities process ERC applications on their behalf. | ERC is a bundled package of services that Medicaid covers for those who live in residential care homes or assisted living residences. Services covered depend on the beneficiary's needs, but can include:
|
| Assistive Community Care Services (ACCS) | Applications are processed through Vermont's Area Agencies on Aging. | ACCS helps those living in residential care homes or assisted living residences access on-site therapies, personal care and case management services. This program is only available to those living in Vermont who are age 65 or older. Beneficiaries must qualify for both Medicaid and Social Security Income first. |
How to Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Vermont
To be eligible for Medicaid in Vermont, the applicant must satisfy strict criteria relating to their income and assets. In 2023, each applicant can have up to $2,742 per month in income or $32,904 each.
Assets are also counted, such as cash savings and checking accounts. These cannot exceed $2,000 for a single applicant, but can be up to $3,000 if one or both people in a two-person household apply. The Agency of Human Services will scrutinize the applicant’s previous 60 months’ financial history to ensure assets weren’t gifted or undersold in anticipation of a Medicaid application.
| 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 |
*A recipient may not be able to keep income up to the listed level and may need to contribute to care costs instead.
**Income limit is for applicant only.
***The asset limit is $5,000 for single applicants who own and live in their own home.
As well as meeting the income and asset guidelines, applicants will also need to provide evidence of certain other criteria. They include being:
- A U.S. citizen or legal resident
- A Vermont resident
- Age 65 or older
- Blind or permanently disabled (if under 65)
- In need of skilled nursing care
How to Apply for Medicaid in Vermont
Seniors have four options when applying for Medicaid. Although all are equally valid, online and phone options are typically processed more quickly due to fewer delays in receiving the necessary information.
- Phone: Call the Customer Support Center at (855) 899-9600
- In-Person: Contact the Assister for your county
- Online: Visit Vermont Health Connect
- Mail: Download a paper application and mail a completed copy to Vermont Health Connect, 280 State Drive, Waterbury, VT, 05671-8100
Information You Will Need
In addition to passing the income and asset guidelines, you will need to satisfy other criteria that will be reviewed annually. You’ll need documents as evidence you meet the additional eligibility criteria. For example:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (a passport or permanent resident card)
- Proof of Vermont residency (a utility bill)
- Proof of age (a birth certificate)
- Proof you meet the clinical criteria, which will be determined by the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living
How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid
Applying for Medicaid can be confusing for some applicants, while others may want more information before submitting their applications. The following organizations provide assistance free of charge.
| Program | Contact | Services provided |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits.gov | (800) 250-8427 | This federal website holds a wealth of information about Medicaid in Vermont, as well as other government benefits. It provides an overview of Medicaid and the requirements for eligibility. There’s also information on how to apply, with associated links. Additionally, applicants can call directly to speak to an advisor. |
| Green Mountain Care | (800) 250-8427 | Green Mountain Care is Vermont’s Medicaid program. It’s staffed by trained advisors who can answer queries directly by phone during normal working hours on weekdays. This includes guiding seniors through their applications. |
| American Council on Aging | Online Only | Medicaid experts across the country contribute free content to the American Council on Aging’s website. It’s a potentially useful resource for people who like to self-research. It also includes some useful tools, such as the “Spend Down Calculator,” which can help applicants whose assets exceed the threshold learn how to safely reduce them. |
Does Medicare Cover Memory Care in Vermont?
The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of memory care in Vermont. 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 Vermont.
Other Financial Assistance Options for Memory Care in Vermont
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 Vermont
There are many resources in Vermont 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Area Agencies on Aging | Vermont's Area Agencies on Aging are a vital resource for older adults to remain independent. Services available include pickup and home delivery of hot and healthy meals, access to free online classes to socialize and learn new skills, caregiver support and home medication help. Older adults in Vermont can also get help through various AAA programs, such as tai chi for fall prevention classes and phone services for keeping housebound seniors connected. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Vermont 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont 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, Vermont 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Choices for Care (CFC) Waiver | 802-241-0294 | Vermont seniors who need nursing home level care may be eligible for the Choices for Care waiver. This waiver provides long-term services to avoid nursing home placement, allowing seniors to live more independently in their own homes or a lower-level facility. With a set number of slots available, some applicants may find themselves on a waiting list before approval. |
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 Vermont seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Meals on Wheels | Vermont Meals on Wheels is part of a nationwide network of food assistance programs. Seniors must be 60 years of age or older to start the application process. Nutritious meals, a watchful eye and companionship are important components of the program. Well-balanced meals are served in congregate settings such as senior centers for those mobile enough to attend, and they're delivered daily to the homes of immobile seniors. Additional services may include pet meal delivery, emergency meals and transportation to doctor appointments. | |
| Vermont Foodbank | 800-585-2265 | The Vermont Foodbank works with partner agencies throughout the state to connect seniors and low-income residents with emergency food providers in their local areas. Its late-summer Apple Days program provides 2,000 free pecks of apples to Vermont residents every year. The organization also plans fundraisers, such as the annual Point to Point bicycle ride, that support local food bank operations. |
| Vermont 3SquaresVT | 800-479-6151 | Vermont's 3SquaresVT program helps seniors and low-income state residents purchase healthy, nutritious food at grocery stores, convenience stores and farmers' markets. Single adults of 65 years of age or older receive their monthly benefits as direct deposits to bank accounts, while individuals under 65 receive electronic benefit transfer cards. To qualify, seniors should have a gross household income that's under 185% of the federal poverty level, though in some cases seniors with limited resources may still qualify. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Vermont 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Assistive Technology Program | 800-750-6355 | The Vermont Assistive Technology Program offers seniors the opportunity to borrow assistive technology to try it out. If the device is acceptable, the program provides vendor information or seniors can search for the product on the exchange site. |
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 Vermont have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Home Access Program | 802-224-1827 | Low-income Vermont seniors who need home modifications to improve accessibility in their homes may be eligible for assistance from the Home Access Program. The Vermont Center for Independent Living offers this program which provides modifications to bathrooms and home entrances. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Vermont 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Legal Aid Senior Law Project | The Vermont Legal Aid Senior Law Program provides legal advice on civil matters to low-income seniors aged 60 and older in the state. The program provides advice on subjects including consumer issues and housing. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Vermont 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont 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 Vermont 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Property Tax Credit for Disabled Veterans | 802-828-3379 | Seniors who classify as disabled veterans may be eligible for a property tax exemption. If they meet qualifying criteria, the program grants an assessment reduction of $10,000 to $40,000. Surviving spouses of previously qualified veterans may also be eligible if they have not remarried. |
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. Vermont 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Fuel Assistance | 800-479-6151 | Seniors who meet income guidelines may qualify for assistance with their home heating bills, whether they are homeowners or renters. Application approval also automatically qualifies the participant for free weatherization services |
| Vermont Green Mountain Power Energy Assistance Program (EAP) | 800-775-0516 | Seniors who qualify for the Green Mountain Power Energy Assistance Program will receive a 25% discount off the cost of their first 600 used kilowatt hours each month. If the account is already in arrears, the program also offers a one-time forgiveness of the outstanding charges. |
Veteran's Services
Vermont 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont VA Benefits and Health Care | One of the benefits of serving in the military is access to health care and financial benefits from Veterans Affairs, which Vermont residents can access through the Vermont VA Benefits and Health Care offices spread throughout the state. To be eligible for these programs, seniors need to be qualified veterans. The primary benefits center and VA medical center are located in White River Junction, and satellite locations are spread throughout Vermont. |
Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Vermont
Through the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living, the State of Vermont has specific licensing regulations for assisted living residences (ALRs) and residential care homes (RCHs). These facilities include those with designated memory care units, as well as those that are exclusively for memory care. For assisted living facilities, Vermont’s ALR regulations must be used in conjunction with the RCH regulations.
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Scope of Care | ALR’s uniform consumer disclosure shall describe all its service packages, tiers and rates. It must also include a statement that rates are subject to change due to changing care needs and other situations that should be described. This disclosure shall be available to the public upon request and noted of its availability in the facility’s marketing and other written materials. |
| Care Plans | An ALR or RCF must coordinate with the resident and/or the client’s legal representative in developing a care plan based on the resident’s assessment. Using an assessment instrument provided by the licensing agency, assessments must be done within 14 days after a resident’s admission and submitted to the agency annually or as requested. Care plan reviews must be done at least annually and whenever necessary due to a resident’s changes in condition or circumstances. |
| Medication Management | The administration of specific medications must be delegated by a registered nurse to designated staff for designated residents. The registered nurse is responsible for teaching unlicensed staff with proper medication administration techniques and the medication’s potential side effects with respect to the resident’s condition. Non-RN staff members can only perform insulin injections if they have received additional training and upon delegation by a registered nurse. |
| Staffing | For RCH or ALR with more than 15 residents, there must be at least one awake staff member on duty at all times. The licensing agency may require a specific staffing level to meet the residents’ needs. Facilities with special care units such as those for memory care shall provide specialized training to staff members who have direct care responsibilities for residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia. |
| Medicaid Coverage | While Vermont’s Medicaid programs do not cover room and board costs, residents who are ERC and/or ACCS recipients benefit from subsidized supportive services provided by participating ALRs and RCHs. These participating facilities include those with memory care units that have either or both ERC and ACCS certifications. |
| Reporting Abuse | Any ALR or RCH staff member can report any case of suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation to the Adult Protective Services (APS) unit of DAIL. APS reports should be made within 48 hours of learning the alleged incident. This may be done online or by calling 1-800-564-1612 toll-free. |
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