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Memory Care in Wyoming

As the U.S. population continues to age, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are increasingly becoming a public health concern. In Wyoming, the Alzheimer’s Association estimates that about 10,000 of the state’s older adults aged 65 and over are living with Alzheimer’s in 2020. That number is expected to increase by 30% to 13,000 by 2025. This disease is the fifth leading cause of death statewide, and the number of deaths has increased by nearly 172% since 2000. In 2018, the state ranked ninth in the nation for the number of Alzheimer's-related deaths.

For many seniors and families affected by Alzheimer's disease, memory care provides a safe, comforting environment where residents are monitored and cared for around the clock. These communities provide specialized programming that focuses on the individual’s strengths, abilities and interests. On average, memory care services cost $4,725 per month in Wyoming, which is low compared to the national average of $5,064.

This guide provides an overview of the cost of memory care services in and around Wyoming. It also outlines the regulations governing memory care facilities and summarizes financial assistance programs and local resources that can help residents connect with supports and services.


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Memory Care in Wyoming



The SeniorScore is a livability index that is calculated based on the needs and interests of older adults, including the number of Medicare-registered health care providers, the cost of living and recreational amenities. Wyoming’s SeniorScore is 66, which is several points lower than the national score of 72. Across the four categories incorporated in the score, including Health & Safety, Recreation & Leisure, Finances and General Quality of Life, scores in the state range from 48 to 80.

Wyoming rates highest in the Finances category with a score of 80. Compared to that of other states, Wyoming’s cost of living is average, but household income tends to be high. Property and sales tax rates are low, and there’s no state income tax. Senior care, including memory care, is relatively affordable. These factors may make Wyoming a financially viable option for those seeking memory support services.

In the General Quality of Life category, Wyoming is rated 61. The state has a relatively cool climate with average lows nearly 30 degrees and average highs in the upper-50s, and it receives about 13 inches of annual rainfall. It has a population density of just 212 people per square mile, which may affect the availability of community support.

Wyoming rates lowest in Health & Safety and Recreation & Leisure, scoring 48 in both categories. The state has an average number of Medicare-registered health care providers and a low number of hospitals, and senior care options are relatively limited. Wyoming is home to 46 golf courses and an average number of municipal parks, and there are 529 churches.



Top Memory Care Communities in Wyoming



Beehive Home of Gillette - Gillette, WY

Beehive Home of Gillette

2300 Harder Dr

Gillette, WY 82718

1-855-233-7205

Located at 2300 Harder Dr, Beehive Home of Gillette is a senior housing community in Gillette, Wyoming. The facility is in a predominantly wealthier area, with an average per-household income of $84,197. It is heavily populated, with roughly ...

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The Cost of Memory Care in Wyoming



In Wyoming, memory support is provided in assisted living facilities and shares many of the same services, such as daily snacks and meals, personal care services and housekeeping and maintenance. In addition to these services, memory care units also have research-based programming for those living with memory-related diseases, and staff members completed dementia-specific training. Facilities may also be required to meet additional security standards to prevent wandering. As a result, memory support services cost 20-30% more than standard assisted living services. Because no authoritative data source is available for nationwide memory care costs, the following monthly fees are based on assisted living fees in Genworth’s 2019 Cost of Care Survey plus 25% to account for the increased cost.

On average, Wyoming seniors pay $4,725 per month for memory support services. This is several hundred dollars lower than the national monthly average of $5,064 but typical of care costs in that region of the country. In Montana, which borders Wyoming from the north, seniors pay slightly more at $4,775 monthly, and in Colorado, which lies to the south, seniors pay $5,119 on average. South Dakota and Idaho are cheaper, with respective monthly costs coming in at $4,375 and $4,660.

  • Wyoming: $4,725
  • United States: $5,064 
  • Montana: $4,775 
  • South Dakota: $4,375 
  • Colorado: $5,119 
  • Idaho: $4,660 

The Cost of Memory Care in Wyoming’s Top Cities 

Due to its low population density, limited cost data is available for average memory care costs throughout Wyoming. In the central city of Casper, seniors pay $5,531 per month for care, and in the capital city of Cheyenne, care costs $5,675. Memory care in these cities is higher than the statewide average, indicating that care may be considerably cheaper in smaller cities throughout the state. Nearby cities across state lines may also feature more affordable options. In Idaho Falls, Idaho, seniors pay $4,660 monthly for memory care. In Billings, Montana, care costs average $5,438, and in Rapid City, South Dakota, memory services cost $4,935 monthly.

  • Casper: $5,531 
  • Cheyenne: $5,675 
  • Idaho Falls, IA: $4,660 
  • Billings, MT: $5,438 
  • Rapid City, SD: $4,935 

Senior Care Cost Comparison in Wyoming 

Wyoming seniors have several care options to choose from, depending on their level of need, living preferences and budget. Assisted living, which is similar to memory care but doesn’t feature dementia-specific programming, is about $1,000 less per month than memory care at $3,780. Seniors who choose to live in their own home may choose non-medical in-home care or home health care, which are more costly than memory care at $5,339 and $5,348 per month, respectively. Adult day care is the most affordable option at $1,560 per month, and nursing home care is the costliest, with semiprivate accommodations averaging $7,346 monthly.

  • Memory Care: $4,725 
  • Assisted Living: $3,780 
  • In-Home Care: $5,339 
  • Home Health Care: $5,384 
  • Adult Day Care: $1,560 
  • Nursing Home Care: $7,346

Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Wyoming



Community Choices Home and Community Based Services Medicaid Waiver

Address: 401 Hathaway Building, Cheyenne, WY 82002 
Phone Number: (307) 777-7656 
Website: https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demo/demonstration-and-waiver-list/Waiver-Descript-Factsheet/WY

The state’s Community Choices Home and Community Based Services Medicaid Waiver is a demonstration waiver that encompasses several separate programs, including the Long Term Care Waiver, Comprehensive Waiver, Supports Waiver and Assisted Living Facility HCBS. These waiver programs are for seniors and can be used to pay for memory care services. While covered services vary depending on the exact waiver, waivers generally cover personal care services, case management, room and board, skilled nursing, specialized equipment and transportation.

To be eligible for these waivers, applicants must meet age, residency and income requirements. Applicants must be legal U.S. citizens and permanent residents of Wyoming. Some of these waivers are for adults aged 18 and over, while others are exclusively for older adults at least 65 years of age. As of 2020, the income limit for Community Choices waivers is $2,349 per month 


Program of All-Inclusive Care for Elderly 

Address: 214 East 23rd Street, Cheyenne, WY 82001 
Phone Number: (307) 634-2273 
Website: https://www.cheyenneregional.org/service/aging-services/wyomingpace/

Seniors in Laramie County may qualify to receive some services through PACE. While this program doesn’t cover room and board in a memory care facility, it does cover necessary health care services for managing memory-related disorders. Some services that PACE covers include nursing and social work, hospital and emergency care, primary and specialty medical care, personal care services, transportation services and meal and nutritional counseling.

To be eligible for PACE, applicants must be 55 years of age or older and meet the criteria for admission to a nursing home but able to avoid placement with PACE support. There are no income guidelines, but priority is given to those with limited means. Currently, PACE is only available to seniors who reside in Laramie County. 


Wyoming Memory Care Rules and Regulations



In Wyoming, memory care services are provided in Level 2 assisted living facilities, which have secured units and must meet special staffing and staff training requirements. These facilities are governed by the Department of Health, which enforces regulations pertaining to the scope of care, staffing, Medicaid coverage and reporting abuse to ensure a consistently high standard of living for those in memory care. 

Scope of Care 

 Assisted living facilities are required to provide key basic services, including meals, housekeeping, laundry services for clothing and linens, a safe and clean environment, assistance with obtaining transportation and assistance with obtaining needed medical care. Those that provide memory care services must provide increased assistance with daily living activities and maintaining continence, nutrition, hydration and skin health. These facilities must also have activity programs developed by a professional who is trained in dementia-specific activities.

Care Plan Requirements 

Before admitting a new resident into a memory care facility, a registered nurse must complete a preadmission assessment and a Mini-Mental State Exam to evaluate the individual’s physical and cognitive abilities and ensure that the facility can meet their needs. These assessments are used to develop comprehensive individualized care plans that outline the care that is provided and by whom and what the expected. Residents and their family members should have input in the details of the care plan. 

Medication Management Requirements 

All medication supervision and management must be carried out by a registered nurse. The RN must document whether the resident is capable of self-administering their medication. Non-licensed staff members are permitted to assist with self-administration of oral medicine. This includes medication reminders, helping to remove the medication cap or dispensing medication from its container and observing the resident while they take the medication. Only RNs or licensed practical nurses can administer medications to residents.

Staff Screening Requirements 

Before being hired, all memory care employees must successfully undergo a State of Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation fingerprint background check and a Department of Family Services Central Registry Screening. They must also undergo tuberculin testing.

Staff Training Requirements 

All new employees must complete training that covers resident rights, evacuation and emergency procedures and on-the-job guidance on improving resident care. 

Medicaid Coverage 

Memory care services may be covered for eligible seniors under the Community Choices Waiver program. This waiver comprises several programs that may cover services received while in memory care, including personal care services and case management. 

Reporting Abuse 

In Wyoming, everyone is a mandatory reporter, meaning that anyone who sees or suspects abuse is required to report it to authorities. The Wyoming Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program investigates reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation and can be reached at (307) 777-2885. Complaints may also be made to Adult Protective Services at (800) 457-3659. 


Free Memory Care Resources in Wyoming



Wyoming Dementia Care

Wyoming Dementia Care provides a variety of free direct services to seniors with dementia and their caregivers, including immediate care planning, disease education and assistance with end-of-life decisions. This nonprofit organization also offers one-on-one counseling services, monthly support groups and community outreach programs. It also operates dementia-focused art classes in partnership with the Nicolaysen Art Museum. Classes meet monthly, and reservations are needed to participate.

To learn about eligibility requirements, individuals can call the organization at (307) 232-3385 or fill out and submit a contact form through the website.

Alzheimer’s Association Wyoming Chapter

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Wyoming Chapter is staffed by professionals and numerous volunteers who serve the 10,000 seniors in the state living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. It facilitates community education programs, oversees support groups, provides individual care consultation and advocates on behalf of those with dementia. It also provides referrals and helps seniors and families connect with other local programs and services.

Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the program. For information on qualifying for services, individuals can call the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 helpline at (800) 272-3900. 

Wyoming Center on Aging

The Wyoming Center on Aging is operated by the University of Wyoming and is a collaboration that focuses on meeting the needs of older adults, including those living with memory-related conditions. Its Dementia Support Center serves the community through home and community-based services through a grant given to the University of Wyoming Psychology Department and Wyoming Center on Aging. Services that it provides include TCARE, which provides support for caregivers, a care-planning program, support services for those living alone, dementia screening and dementia-capable care for adults with dementia or other intellectual disabilities.

To learn about how to qualify for programs and services, individuals should call the center at (307) 460-8458.



Wyoming Agencies


Area Agencies on Aging in Wyoming


The Wyoming Department of Health, Aging Division, is the state’s Area Agency on Aging. It serves older adults in the state through direct care services, senior centers and programs that promote seniors' safety and independence. Through the division, seniors can access Older Americans Act programs including supportive services and disease prevention and health promotion programs. It also has a long-term care ombudsman program for those living in residential care facilities, including those that provide memory care services.

To participate in these programs and receive services through the Aging Division, individuals must be 60 years or older. 



Veteran Affairs Offices in Wyoming 


Wyoming veterans have access to a broad array of services through the Wyoming Military Department, Veterans Services Division. The division’s Veterans Service Officers, who are located throughout the state, help eligible veterans identify and apply for federal, state and local benefits, including those that may help cover memory care expenses such as the VA pension and the Aid and Attendance benefit. Veterans may also visit the Cheyenne Regional Office for information about VA health care and counseling about eligibility for benefits.



Social Security Offices in Wyoming 


Wyoming has four Social Security offices. Seniors can visit these offices in Casper, Cheyenne, Rock Springs and Sheridan to receive assistance with applying for disability, retirement or Medicare benefits. These offices can also help visitors check the status of their Social Security or SSI application or get a proof of income letter instantly. To find their nearest Social Security office, individuals can search by ZIP code on this page.

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