Memory Care in Nevada
On par with its overall ranking in the United States, Alzheimer's disease is identified as the sixth leading cause of death in Nevada. With over 700 deaths related to this disease in 2018, the Silver State has seen a 261% increase in deaths since 2000. More than 25% of hospital readmissions and 17% of hospice cases in the state are currently associated with dementia. In addition, the number of older Nevadans diagnosed with Alzheimer's is expected to rise by 30.6% in five years or to approximately 64,000 by 2025. This may also mean that the number of geriatricians in the state needs a 295% increase by 2050.
To meet the holistic needs of older Nevadans with dementia, memory care facilities are purposely designed with safe homelike environments. These facilities are staffed by specially trained caregivers that provide 24-hour supervision and personalized care. Therapeutic amenities may include secured outdoor spaces, life skill stations, memory boxes and Snoezelen rooms. Memory care residents also benefit from structured routines, stimulating activities and brain-healthy meals. The average cost for memory care in Nevada is $4,250 per month, lower than the U.S. average of $5,064.
This guide helps seniors and their families know more about memory care in Nevada, as well as the state’s SeniorScore, average senior care costs and available financial assistance programs. Other helpful information include regulations and free resources related to memory care.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Memory Care in Nevada
Nevada’s final SeniorScore of 72 is on par with the U.S. average of 72, indicating the state as a generally favorable place for older adults. A SeniorScore is a data-driven rating that uses over 100 parameters from reputable government and private sources. This senior livability index is further broken down into four general categories that explain how memory care may be suitable in a given location.
The General Quality of Life in Nevada gains the highest SeniorScore at 71 for the comfortable semi-arid climate that welcomes outdoor-loving seniors. Recreation & Leisure scores a 62 due to a variety of recreational offerings such as casinos, live entertainment, state parks and the arts. Memory care residents may be offered scheduled scenic rides, outings to museums and day excursions on the Las Vegas Strip.
Health & Safety is also rated 62 for Nevada’s high number of senior care facilities and Medicare-enrolled health care providers. Lastly, the Silver State’s Finances gets a satisfactory SeniorScore of 61. Despite an above-average cost of living mainly due to expensive housing and transportation, Nevadan retirees enjoy huge tax savings on all forms of retirement income, including Social Security benefits, pensions and retirement account withdrawals.
Top Memory Care Communities in Nevada
The Heights of Summerlin is a 190 unit senior housing community. It is situated near by the Summerlin North neighborhood of Las Vegas, Nevada. The community is in a largely upscale area, with an average per-family income of ...
TLC Care Center is a 255 bed senior care community located within the Whitney Ranch neighborhood of Henderson, Nevada. The encompassing area has a dense population, with about 38,000 individuals living in the zip code of 89014. It ...
Located in the Desert Shores neighborhood of Las Vegas, Nevada, Silver Hills Health Care Center is a 155 unit nursing care facility. The neighboring area is heavily populated, with about 52,000 individuals living in the zip code of 89129. ...
Life Care Center of Reno is a 198 bed senior care community located near the South Reno neighborhood of Reno, Nevada. The encompassing area is densely populated, with around 26,000 individuals living in the 89511 zip code. It ...
Harmon Hospital - SNF is a 2 room nursing care facility located near the Winchester area of Las Vegas, Nevada. With an average per-family income of $39,337, the community is in a generally middle income area. It has ...
Silver Ridge Healthcare Center is a 148 room skilled nursing facility. It is located within the Buffalo area of Las Vegas, Nevada. The neighboring area has an average population density, with around 20,000 residents in the 89146 zip ...
Marquis Care Plaza Regency is situated in the Michael Way area of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is a 188 bed senior care community. With an average family income of $47,423, the facility is in a mostly middle class ...
Lake Mead Health and Rehabilitation Center is situated in the Calico Ridge area of Henderson, Nevada. It is a 266 room nursing home facility. With about 40,000 individuals residing in the 89015 zip code, the encompassing area has ...
North Las Vegas Care Center is situated near by the East Las Vegas neighborhood of North Las Vegas, Nevada. It is a 182 unit senior housing community. The community is in a mostly middle income area, with an ...
Marquis Care at Centennial Hills is located within the Centennial Hills neighborhood of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is a 120 unit senior care facility. The facility is in a primarily upper class area, with a median per-household income ...
Ormsby Post Acute Rehab is located at 3050 N Ormsby in Carson City, Nevada. It is a 120 room nursing home facility. The facility is in a primarily middle income area, with an average household income of $73,335. ...
Rosewood Rehabilitation Center is situated within the Northeast area of Reno, Nevada. It is a 99 bed nursing facility. The surrounding area is densely populated, with roughly 27,000 people residing in the zip code of 89512. With ...
College Park Rehabilitation Center is a 98 room skilled nursing facility situated in North Las Vegas, Nevada. The community is in a predominantly middle income area, with an average family income of $35,239. With about 55,000 individuals residing ...
Life Care Center of Las Vegas is a 239 unit senior community situated within the Michael Way area of Las Vegas, Nevada. With roughly 71,000 individuals living in the 89108 zip code, the surrounding area has a dense population. ...
Located at 1950 Baring Blvd in Sparks, Nevada, Hearthstone of Northern Nevada is a 125 unit senior care facility. The community is in a mostly middle class area, with a median family income of $59,611. It is heavily ...
Situated nearby the Spanish Springs area of Sparks, Nevada, Manor Care Health Services Wingfield Hills is a 120 room skilled nursing facility. With an average household income of $85,605, the community is in a mostly well-to-do area. It ...
Located at 2898 Highway 50 East in Carson City, Nevada, Carson Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a 73 bed nursing facility. The facility is in a predominantly middle class area, with an average per-household income of $53,103. It ...
Located around the Gardnerville Ranchos area of Gardnerville, Nevada, Gardnerville Health and Rehab Center is a 60 room nursing facility. The community is in a largely middle class area, with an average family income of $57,552. ...
Located at 535 S Humbolt St in Battle Mountain, Nevada, Battle Mountain General Hospital is a 18 room nursing care facility. The community is in a generally middle class area, with a median household income of $66,525. With ...
Situated within the Old Northwest - West University area of the city, Five Star Premier Residences of Reno is a senior care community in Reno, Nevada. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with approximately 34,000 individuals living in the ...
The Cost of Memory Care in Nevada
Memory care in Nevada may be provided in standalone Alzheimer's care facilities and other senior care communities with dementia care units. Since there’s currently no authoritative data on memory care costs for any given state, the estimated pricing is 20% to 30% higher than standard assisted living. The higher costs are due to the greater level of care provided to individuals with dementia, and this comes with higher staff ratios, specialized programs and advanced security features. Memory care cost comparisons are based on an added 25% over average assisted living costs.
The Genworth Cost of Care Survey for 2019 shows that Nevada’s average memory care cost is $4,250 per month. It’s around $800 lower than the U.S. average of $5,064. Similar to neighboring Utah, the Silver State is among the most affordable states for memory care in the western half of the country. Idaho in the north and Arizona in the south have comparable costs at over $4,600, about $400 more costly than Nevada. The most expensive bordering state is California at $5,625, costing older Nevadans nearly $1,400 more per month.
- Nevada: $4,250
- National: $5,064
- Utah: $4,250
- Idaho: $4,660
- Arizona: $4,688
- California: $5,625
The Cost of Memory Care in Nevada’s Top Cities
Seniors should expect to pay over $4,000 per month for memory care almost anywhere in Nevada. Carson City, the state capital, is the most expensive area with an average cost of $4,556. Nearby Reno, on the other hand, is the most affordable option at $4,063. Southward to Las Vegas, memory care costs an average of $4,125 per month.
- Reno: $4,063
- Las Vegas: $4,125
- Carson City: $4,556
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Nevada
Compared to most senior care options in Nevada, memory care is relatively affordable at $4,250 per month. In-home care and home health care similarly cost only $40 higher at $4,290, and this price difference may already cover accommodations, meals and 24-hour care in memory care facilities. The most expensive care option is nursing home care which costs $7,604 for monthly semi-private accommodations, costing seniors about $3,400 more than memory care. This price difference is almost similar to the Silver State’s standard assisted living cost. Adult day care is the cheapest care option at $1,733 per month and may be ideal for some seniors with mild cognitive impairment.
- Memory Care: $4,250
- Assisted Living: $3,400
- In-Home Care: $4,290
- Home Health Care: $4,290
- Adult Day Care: $1,733
- Nursing Home Care: $7,604
Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Nevada
Home and Community Based Services Waiver for the Frail Elderly
Address: 3416 Goni Road, Suite D-132, Carson City, NV 89706
Phone Number: (775) 687-4210
Website: http://adsd.nv.gov/Programs/Seniors/HCBS_(FE)/HCBS_(FE)/
The HCBS FE waiver program pays for the cost of augmented personal care for eligible assisted living and memory care residents. Augmented personal care services are 24-hour services that are over and beyond what residential care facilities are required by state regulations to provide. Other services covered by the program include case management, adult day care, homemaker services, personal emergency response systems and respite care.
Subject to available funding and the applicants’ needs, HCBS FE qualifies seniors 65 and older who are functionally impaired, at risk of institutionalization and earn below 300% of the SSI Federal benefit amount. A case manager from the Aging and Disability Services Division performs assessments on which services would be provided to meet an applicant’s needs.
Community Options Program for the Elderly
Address: 3416 Goni Road, Suite D-132, Carson City, NV 89706
Phone Number: (775) 687-4210
Website: http://adsd.nv.gov/Programs/Seniors/COPE/COPE_Prog/
Similar to the HCBS-FE program, COPE provides nonmedical services to low-income seniors who do not qualify for Medicaid. Qualified recipients may benefit from case management, personal care, adult day care, personal emergency response systems and up to 24 hours of respite care.
Eligible COPE recipients must be 65 and older, at risk of nursing home placement and financially qualified based on current income guidelines by ADSD. A social worker determines which services an applicant may need under the program.
Nevada Memory Care Rules and Regulations
In Nevada, assisted living and other residential facilities offering memory care must obtain endorsements on their licenses. Such endorsements authorize these licensed facilities to provide care for residents with Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Functioning under the Division of Public and Behavioral Health of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance regulates these facilities in compliance with state’s general provisions.
Scope of Care | In addition to providing shelter, food and assistance as stated in the general definition for residential facilities, memory care facilities shall provide protective supervision activities that promote the physical and mental wellness of the residents. |
Care Plan Requirements | Upon admission, a memory care resident shall have a written evaluation that briefly describes the forms of assistance needed to perform certain activities of daily living. Such evaluation shall be reviewed at least annually or as the client’s mental or physical condition changes. |
Medication Management Requirements | A trained caregiver shall assist in the administration of medications only when needed by the resident. Only employees who have successfully completed DPBH-approved training and examinations on the authorized manner of medication assistance may perform such tasks. Assistance in taking controlled substances and dangerous drugs must be based on the resident’s written plan of care that has been issued by a physician or registered nurse. |
Staff Screening Requirements | Residential facilities shall conduct reference checks on all prospective employees and comply with the initial and periodic investigation of employees, temporary staff and independent contractors. The Central Repository for Nevada Records of Criminal History is used for background checks. |
Staff Training Requirements | All employees who have direct contact and provide care to memory care residents shall obtain initial specialized training on dementia care. In addition, all unlicensed direct care personnel and board-licensed/certified staff shall receive continuing education every year. |
Medicaid Coverage | Through the HCBS Waiver for the Frail Elderly, Nevada Medicaid covers the costs of personal care services for eligible memory care residents. This program is subject to available funding and is aimed at helping low-income seniors who are at risk of institutionalization. |
Reporting Abuse | As mandated reporters, residential care employees shall report suspected cases of abuse, neglect, isolation, exploitation and abandonment of vulnerable adults to a local ADSD office or a police department or sheriff’s office. Reports must be made no later than 24 hours upon the knowledge of such incidents. Adult Protective Services may be contacted at (702) 486-6930 for Clark County and at (888) 729-0571 for all other areas statewide. |
Free Memory Care Resources in Nevada
Alzheimer’s Association Northern California and Northern Nevada Chapter
The Alzheimer’s Association office in Reno serves Northern Nevadans through one-on-one care consultations, local resources and training and education for caregivers and families to support loved ones in their dementia journey.
Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter
Serving seniors and families in Southern Nevada, the Las Vegas office of Alzheimer’s Association regularly holds support groups, as well as in-person and online educational programs that benefit their communities.
Nevada Agencies
DHHS Aging and Disability Services Division
Address: 3416 Goni Road, Suite D-132, Carson City, NV 89706
Phone Number: (775) 687-4210
Website: http://adsd.nv.gov/
ADSD functions under the Department of Health and Human Services, providing a comprehensive range of senior programs that support the independence and dignity of older Nevadans. It administers the state’s waiver programs for home and community-based services, as well as the Senior Rx pharmaceutical assistance program, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and Adult Protective Services. The Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease is staffed by ADSD and is responsible for carrying out the Nevada State Plan for addressing dementia.
Nevada Care Connection
Address: 3416 Goni Road, Suite D-132, Carson City, NV 89706
Phone Number: (775) 687-4210
Website: https://nevadaadrc.com/
Operating in collaboration with multiple state agencies, Nevada Care Connection serves as the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Center. It's No Wrong Door approach to providing information and service navigation assistance helps Nevadans make informed choices and access appropriate long-term services and supports. Seniors, caregivers and disabled residents may contact their local resource centers for assistance in exploring available local services and programs for their long-term care needs.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Address: 3416 Goni Road, Suite D-132, Carson City, NV 89706
Phone Number: 1 (800) 307-4444
Website: http://adsd.nv.gov/Programs/Seniors/SHIP/SHIP_Prog/
Nevada’s SHIP provides free information and one-on-one counseling on Medicare and supplemental insurance benefits to help beneficiaries make informed decisions regarding health care long-term care. SHIP volunteers may also provide assistance with claims and appeals, as well as referrals to other services and agencies. Seniors may review their current insurance coverage during the state’s Medicare annual open enrollment period and reach local SHIP counselors through counseling sites and senior centers.
Area Agencies on Aging in Nevada
The administrative office and three regional offices of ADSD serve as Nevada’s Area Agencies on Aging. These AAAs administer a range of social supportive services mandated by the Older Americans Act such as nutrition programs, legal assistance, transportation services, respite care and senior center activities. Older Nevadans and their families may approach their local ADSD offices located in Carson City, Reno, Elko and Las Vegas for more information on AAA services.
Veteran Affairs Offices in Nevada
The Nevada Department of Veterans Services offers free benefits counseling and assistance in filing VA claims through accredited Veterans Service Officers. These VSOs are specially trained in connecting eligible veterans to their earned benefits including military compensation, pensions, life insurance and health care, as well as state financial assistance to help recipients pay for memory care. NDVS also runs two State Veterans Homes with Alzheimer’s and dementia care programs. Veterans and their dependents may send online inquiries to the department’s VSOs or contact the state’s Veterans Advocacy and Support Teams offices for claims assistance. Veterans Community Councils may also be approached for more information about available local services and programs for veterans.
Social Security Offices in Nevada
The State of Nevada provides optional state supplementation to the aged and blind who are SSI beneficiaries. OSS payments for domiciliary care recipients help eligible seniors living in licensed nonmedical facilities that provide personal care services. The SSA San Francisco Region office serves Nevadans through local SSA Offices, which are located in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Reno and Henderson.