At Kingsley Senior Living, we view memory care Canton, MI communities as comprehensive care options for those with memory impairments. While families may know the benefits of this care option, they lack information about the associated costs. Families exploring a senior living option for the first time often get overwhelmed when evaluating the differences among the care options they encounter while searching for a viable choice for a loved one.

Memory care communities cost around a national median of $6,450 to $8,019 per month. These costs typically include housing, on-site meals, 24/7 care and supervision, housekeeping and landscaping services, daily living assistance, transportation, specialized therapies and social activities, and more.

We’ll cover details on memory care costs, identify which factors actually affect them, and determine which amenities and services are included in this cost. Then we’ll see the available options families can use to pay for memory care costs. Understanding these details will help families and seniors make informed decisions about their memory care choices.

What Is The Average Memory Care Cost

Memory care costs 20-30% more than standard assisted living due to the higher level of safety, security, and specialized care available. The national averages range from $6,450 to $8,019, with a monthly median of $7,285. The annual cost is around $95,000+. Prices fluctuate nationwide depending on the local cost of living and state regulations. State regulations may impose minimum staff-to-resident ratios, specialized staff requirements, and stricter building codes.

What Factors Affect Memory Care Costs?

As a long-term care setting, memory care offers specialized, person-centered care to residents. The higher costs are associated with staff available around the clock, personalized care plans, and specialized care settings. Here’s a brief look at some of the most significant factors that affect memory care costs.

Geographic Location

Communities in urban and affluent suburbs cost more than those in rural areas.

Level Of Care

Seniors who need extensive care typically pay more than those who need only basic daily living assistance.

Staffing

Communities with higher employee-to-resident ratios typically charge more than those with lower ratios.

Security Features

The presence of advanced security features, such as alarm systems, smart cameras, and personalized trackers, can increase total memory care costs.

Type of Accommodation

The size and layout of the accommodation can also affect the total cost.

Specialized Programming & Therapies

Memory care communities that offer additional therapies may charge more than those that offer standard therapies.

What Does The Monthly Memory Care Cost Cover?

While every community has distinctive features and amenities, certain services remain constant across communities. They remain an integral part of the base fees. Here are some of the amenities and services covered by the memory care fees.

Secured Living Units

Besides the community being designed to prevent wandering, residents’ living units are also designed to promote a safe, secure living experience. They help minimize sensory overload and foster a thriving lifestyle.

Specialized Staff

Specially trained staff are available to offer 24-hour supervision and assistance with daily living essentials.

Meals And Nutritional Support

On-site dining tailored to residents’ evolving lifestyles and eating habits. Meals are customized to accommodate swallowing or chewing difficulties.

Memory-Specific Programming

In addition to medication management, memory care offers memory-stimulating programming. This includes cognitive therapies, sensory rooms, and supervised social activities.

How Can Families Cover The Memory Care Costs?

Planning for a memory care move means planning for the cost, too. While not all families do, many families might find it difficult to pay the full cost of memory care out of pocket. But they can’t afford substandard care for their loved one either. For families like these, there are options available that may help them navigate these expenses. Some options come from private institutions, while others are government-funded.

Private Funds

Many families rely primarily on this option, using their retirement income or pensions, or the proceeds from selling a home. Some of them even invest for this purpose, given the urgency of their loved one’s memory care move at the moment. Their goal here is to cover the difference that public programs and insurance can’t cover, so their loved one can access the needed care.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Many families purchase long-term care insurance to ensure it covers the costs that regular health insurance doesn’t. Based on the policy’s specific coverage and terms, the insurance may cover all or part of community care. However, this requires the policy to be purchased before the onset of cognitive symptoms.

Veterans Aid And Attendance

The Veterans Affairs (VA) Aid & Attendance (A&A) pension can help veterans and surviving spouses pay for memory care. The pension benefits can help offset care costs for qualifying wartime veterans and their surviving spouses.

Medicaid

Families should also check whether Medicaid covers memory care costs for their loved one. They need to check with their state authority, as states have strict income and asset limits. Also, the community where their loved one is living must be a Medicaid-certified provider.

Access Specialized Memory Care Support At Kingsley Senior Living

At Kingsley Senior Living, we understand how memory care costs vary across regions and which factors contribute to those differences. The above information clarifies the average memory costs, factors that make up this cost, and ways families can cover these costs.

For families seeking a worthwhile memory care option for their loved one, contact us at Kingsley Senior Living. We know how daunting it may feel for an individual to leave their forever home; that is why we promote a homelike community setting where residents feel comfortable and supported. With us, your loved one will embrace a lively, engaging, and thriving living experience, no matter what stage of dementia they are at.