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Memory Care in Alabama

As Alabama’s population ages, Alzheimer’s disease is increasingly becoming a public health concern. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the state has the highest Alzheimer's death rate in the nation, with 2,616 people dying from this disease in 2018. In 2017, there were 1,427 emergency room visits per 1,000 people with dementia. This condition is linked to higher hospital readmission rates and increased emergency room visits. In 2020, it’s estimated that 96,000 Alabamians aged 65 and over are living with Alzheimer’s. By 2025, the Alzheimer’s Association projects a 14.6% increase for a total of 110,000 people with this diagnosis. 

While many seniors in the early stages of Alzheimer’s can continue to live at home safely under the supervision of a family member, as the condition progresses, it often becomes impractical to continue this arrangement. Care needs change and around-the-clock supervision is often needed to prevent household accidents and wandering. Memory care facilities, also called specialty care assisted living facilities in Alabama, are designed to meet the needs of those living with dementia, providing a safe, secure environment with specially trained caregivers and tailored programming for residents. In Alabama, memory support services are affordable at $4,063 per month, which is considerably lower than the national average of $5,064. 

This guide provides an in-depth look at the cost of memory care services in and around Alabama, as well as the regulations that govern facilities that provide this type of care. It also sums up the financial assistance programs available for covering care costs, and local resources that can connect seniors and families with services and supports.


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Memory Care in Alabama



The SeniorScore is a livability index that assesses how comfortable a region is for older adults. Its objective, data-based algorithm weighs 100 data points taken from nonprofit and government agencies and divides them into four categories: Finance, General Quality of Life, Health & Safety and Recreation & Leisure. Alabama’s SeniorScore is 72, which is equivalent to the national average.

Alabama scores highest in the Finances category with a rating of 73, indicating that it has high overall economic and financial favorability. This rating is based on the state’s low property tax rates, household incomes levels and high sales and income tax rates. The state’s overall cost of living is low compared to the national average, and senior care, including residential care, is affordable, which may appeal to seniors with restrictive retirement budgets. 

The state scores several points lower in General Quality of Life, which has a rating of 65. Factors that positively contribute to this score include the state’s comfortable climate, with annual highs averaging 74 degrees and lows averaging 50 degrees. Factors such as the state’s low graduation rate and low public school quality rankings have a negative impact on the state's overall score in this category. 

The categories in which Alabama scores the lowest are Recreation & Leisure at 61 and Health & Safety at 57. Compared to the national average, the state has a slightly smaller senior population, which may impact the availability of services and supports for older adults. Even so, Alabama residents have access to 259 golf courses, numerous municipal parks and approximately 2,607 churches. The state offers high access to Medicare-registered healthcare providers, and its number of hospitals and senior living facilities are on par with the national averages.



Top Memory Care Communities in Alabama



Windsor House - Huntsville, AL

Windsor House

4411 Mcallister Dr

Huntsville, AL 35805

1-855-241-4685

8 Reviews  

Windsor House is a 117 unit senior community located in Huntsville, Alabama. The encompassing area has a dense population, with roughly 23,000 individuals living in the zip code of 35805. With a median household income of $24,913, it ...

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Hillview Terrace - Montgomery, AL

Hillview Terrace

100 Perry Hill Rd

Montgomery, AL 36109

1-855-233-7205

7 Reviews  

Located at 100 Perry Hill Rd in Montgomery, Alabama, Hillview Terrace is a 143 room senior community. The facility is in a generally middle class area, with an average per-household income of $51,093. With around 26,000 individuals residing ...

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The Cost of Memory Care in Alabama



The cost of memory care in specialty care assisted living facilities is typically 20-30% higher than standard assisted living services due to additional staffing and training requirements, safety and security features and special programming. Because no authoritative data exists for the exact cost of memory care, the following figures are based on Genworth Financial’s 2019 Cost of Care Survey with a 25% increase to account for higher costs. Exact pricing depends on where a facility is located, its pricing structure and the amenities it provides.

Compared to the nation as a whole, as well as its surrounding states, Alabama is a very affordable state for memory care services. On average, seniors pay $4,063 per month, which is considerably cheaper than the national mean of $5,064. In Georgia, care costs are comparable at $4,169 per month, and in Florida, they’re about 8% higher at $4,375. Mississippi, which borders Alabama on the west, is more expensive but still lower than the national average at $4,405 per month. Tennessee, which lies to the north of Alabama, is the most expensive nearby state for memory care at $4,875.

  • Alabama: $4,063 
  • National: $5,064 
  • Mississippi: $4,405 
  • Tennessee: $4,875 
  • Georgia: $4,169 
  • Florida: $4,375 

The Cost of Memory Care in Alabama’s Top Cities 

While memory care costs vary across Alabama, most cities are affordable in comparison to the national average. In the most affordable city, Gadsden, memory care costs are 30% lower than the statewide average and 62% lower than the national average at $3,125. In the capital city of Montgomery, seniors pay $3,918 per month on average, and in Daphne, costs are slightly higher at $4,250. In the northern city of Huntsville, care costs are about 20% higher than the state average at $4,875. The costliest city in Alabama for memory care is Auburn, where monthly costs exceed state and national averages at $5,181. 

  • Montgomery: $3,918 
  • Daphne Area: $4,250 
  • Auburn Area: $5,181 
  • Gadsden: $3,125 
  • Huntsville: $4,875 

Senior Care Cost Comparison in Alabama 

Alabama seniors have several care options available to them in addition to memory care. Assisted living, which is suited for those who need help with some daily living activities, is more affordable than memory care at $3,250 per month. For seniors in the early stages of Alzheimer’s who wish to remain in their own homes, in-home care costs $3,394 per month, while home health care averages $3,432. Adult day care is the most affordable option at $758 per month. Nursing home care is the most expensive option, with semiprivate accommodations costing about 57% more than memory care at $6,388.

  • Memory Care: $4,063 
  • Assisted Living: $3,250
  • In-Home Care: $3,394 
  • Home Health Care: $3,432 
  • Adult Day Care: $758 
  • Nursing Home Care: $6,388 

Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Alabama



Elderly and Disabled Waiver 

Address: 501 Dexter Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone Number: (800) 243-5463 
Website: https://alabamaageline.gov/medicaid-waiver-programs/

Alabama Medicaid’s Elderly and Disabled Waiver covers assisted living and memory care services for those who would otherwise need to live in a nursing home. Program participants work with case managers to determine the services that would be most beneficial. Some services covered under the waiver program include companion services, personal care, homemaker services and case management.

To be eligible for this waiver, applicants must qualify for Alabama Medicaid and meet income, asset and residency guidelines. They must also require nursing home level care but wish to remain at home or in a community setting.


Alabama State Supplementation 

Address: Not Listed 
Phone Number: (334) 242-1310 
Website: https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/progdesc/ssi_st_asst/2011/al.html

Supplemental Security Income recipients may be eligible to receive additional money through the optional state supplement. This benefit is paid out in addition to the federal benefit and can be used for living expenses, including memory care fees, at the recipient’s discretion. As of 2020, those living in personal care homes, including those that provide memory services, receive between $56 and $110 per month, depending on the type of care home an individual resides in.

To be eligible for Alabama state supplementation, seniors must qualify for SSI and receive personal care services in their own home or a personal care home.


Alabama Memory Care Rules and Regulations



Memory care services in Alabama are provided in specialty care assisted living facilities and are governed by the Alabama Department of Public Health. These facilities, which are specially licensed and staffed to care for those with cognitive impairments, must abide by rules and regulations pertaining to the scope of care, staffing, Medicaid coverage and protocol for reporting abuse.

Scope of Care 

Specialty care assisted living facilities must provide health monitoring services, medication management and assistance with daily living activities. They must also have a daily activity program to meet residents’ emotional, mental and physical needs and provide general observation to track changes in cognitive ability and overall health.

Care Plans 

Within 30 days before admitting a new resident, a memory care facility’s RN or care coordinator must screen the prospective resident to assess their physical functioning. Based on this assessment along with a medical examination by a physician, the facility must develop a care plan that outlines the resident’s care needs and issues that require interventions.

After admission, assessments must be conducted monthly to track changes in weight, behavior, health and cognitive function. The facility must also develop a transfer plan in the event that a resident’s condition and care needs exceed what the facility can accommodate.

Medication Management 

With a physician's approval, memory care residents can manage and store their own medications. If the resident is unable to manage their own medications, only a physician, RN or LPN may administer medications according to physician orders and the Nurse Practice Act.

Medications administered by the facility must be recorded on a daily basis. Records must include the resident’s name, the name and dosage of their medication, how it was administered and what time it was given.

Staffing 

Memory care facilities aren’t legally required to maintain certain staffing ratios, but they must have enough caregivers on-site at all times to attend to residents’ needs and ensure safe evacuation in the event of an emergency. At least one caregiver certified in CPR must be on-site at all times. 

Prior to employment, all individuals must undergo a criminal background check. Those who are listed on the Alabama Department of Public Health Nurse Aide Abuse Registry are ineligible for employment at a facility. All caregivers also must be tested for tuberculosis and be vaccinated according to the CDC’s guidelines before beginning their duties. 

All staff members who provide direct care to memory care residents must complete training that covers topics such as basic first aid, environmental safety and residents' rights. They must also complete the Dementia Education and Training Act Care Series training. 

Medicaid Coverage 

Alabama Medicaid covers memory care services through its Elderly and Disabled Waiver program. This program covers room and board, personal care, housekeeping, companion care and case management.

Reporting Abuse 

Elder abuse, neglect and exploitation should be reported to the Alabama Department of Senior Services’ Elder Abuse Prevention program at (334) 242-5743 or with the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at (334) 242-5753.


Free Memory Care Resources in Alabama



Alzheimer’s Association Alabama Chapter 

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Alabama Chapter serves as the premier source of support and information for Alabama residents who have been affected by Alzheimer’s. It has offices in Birmingham and Huntsville that facilitate a broad range of programs for families, including a free 24-hour helpline and advocacy on related legislative issues and with healthcare and long-term care providers.

To find out about eligibility for specific programs and services, individuals should call their local field office.


Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama

Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama serves seniors and families in 21 counties in the central region of the state through research grants, caregiver services and education. The organization provides Project Lifesaver bracelets to address the risk of wandering and operates support groups and community education programs. Through this organization, seniors may also obtain scholarships to help cover the cost of adult day care. Services are available to those with loved ones who have been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, caregivers, those concerned about the cognitive decline in a friend or family member and those seeking support groups to attend.


Alzheimer’s Resource Center

The Alzheimer’s Resource Center is a local, independent nonprofit organization that acts as a single point of contact for seniors, families and caregivers seeking educational materials and emotional support. It serves those in the southeast region of Alabama by hosting annual fundraisers, advocating on behalf of those with dementia and organizing support groups.



Alabama Agencies 


Alabama Department of Senior Services 

Address: 201 Monroe St., Ste. #350, Montgomery, AL 36104 
Phone Number: (877) 425-2243
Website: https://alabamaageline.gov/

The Alabama Department of Senior Services administers an array of programs for older residents and those with disabilities in the state to promote independence and dignity. It carries out the provisions of the Older Americans Act in the state’s 67 counties. Its programs include the Aging and Disability Resource Center, ombudsman services, nutrition counseling and meal programs, legal assistance, insurance counseling and prescription drug assistance.

Each of the department’s programs have their own eligibility requirements. To find out about the qualifying criteria for specific programs, individuals should call the department’s helpline.



Area Agencies on Aging in Alabama 


Alabama is divided into 14 service areas, each of which is served by an Area Agency on Aging. These local, nonprofit agencies provide case management, information and referrals to various services for those who are aging or have chronic conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. While services vary by region, most AAAs provide transportation assistance, Medicare options counseling, nutrition programs and personal care, and some operate senior centers where members can participate in recreational and social activities.



Veterans Affairs Office in Alabama 


The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs serves eligible veterans, their spouses and their survivors through a range of supportive services and referrals. Alabama residents have access to 50 veterans service offices throughout the state, as well as numerous veterans homes for those who are aging or chronically disabled. Through the state’s veterans service offices, individuals can receive assistance with identifying and applying for federal and state benefits, including those that may help cover memory care.



Social Security Offices in Alabama 


Alabama is home to 22 Social Security offices, which are located throughout the state. At these offices, seniors can access valuable services that may help them pay for memory care and apply for Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income, extra help with Medicare prescription drug costs and medical insurance. To find their nearest location, individuals can search for an office on the Social Security website using their zip code or call (800) 772-1213 for assistance.

 

Other Cities in Alabama

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