Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Costs: Facts & Figures

Upon admission a licensed nurse conducts an assessment which forms the basis of a care plan outlining the level and frequency of supportive services that will be provided. Seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia often require assistance with all activities of daily living and may even require one-on-one assistance for tasks.

In most cases a point system or levels of care are used to breakdown the costs for these assisted living services. When a point system is used, each type of care and the frequency in which it’s provided determines the monthly cost. For example, medication management/administration once a day may cost an additional $150 per month while the same service provided three times a day may cost an additional $300 per month.

Levels of care may be based upon a point system as well, with this type of cost determination often providing less flexibility in monthly costs. For example, a resident may fall between a Level One and a Level Two but they must pay for Level Two care as their needs exceed Level One.

Memory care communities charge a refundable deposit fee, which secures a particular apartment within the community for a specific period of time (usually two weeks). Once a resident moves in, this deposit usually applies toward the one-time community fee (the name of this fee may vary). Ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, this non-refundable fee covers administrative expenses and the cost of apartment renovations between residents.

Other costs may include charges for private transportation, off-site activities, guest meals and use of a guest apartment within the community. There may also be a monthly pet fee or second person fee if a couple shares an apartment.

For more information on how to pay for memory care costs, check out the following articles:

• Paying for Assisted Living
• Veterans Benefits: A Brief Overview
• Long-Term Insurance: Planning For Your Future