Autumnwood of Livonia is a 142 room senior housing community situated in Livonia, Michigan. With a median household income of $74,073, the community is in a generally middle class area. It is heavily populated, with approximately 40,000 poeple ...
Nursing Homes in Michigan
- SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Homes in Michigan
- Nursing Care Directory for Michigan
- Nursing Care Costs in Michigan
- Financial Assistance for Nursing Homes in Michigan
- Michigan Nursing Care Rules and Regulations
- Free Nursing Care Resources in Michigan
The age-friendly state of Michigan is located in the Upper Midwest and has nearly 10 million residents, about 18% of whom are seniors. While factors, such as its affordable cost of living and beautiful parks, make it a good option for retirement living, many seniors move to Michigan for its world-class hospitals. University of Michigan Hospitals in Ann Arbor is nationally ranked in 13 adult specialties, and Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak is nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties.
Nursing home care is the most extensive care option that seniors can get outside of a hospital setting. In these facilities, seniors get help with activities, such as getting dressed, eating and bathing. Nursing homes have registered nurses and nurse aides who provide medical monitoring and skilled services. Facilities may also provide physical and occupational therapy. For those who only need help with personal care, other senior care options, such as assisted living or home care, may be more appropriate. This guide highlights the cost of nursing home services in Michigan and how they compare to other types of senior care in the state. It also outlines the benefits of living in Michigan, the regulations that govern local nursing homes and the agencies and programs available to seniors.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Home Care in Michigan
The SeniorScore is a livability index that seniors and families can use to assess how comfortable a region is for older adults. It’s based on over 100 factors from public and private sources that affect seniors’ quality of life, including the crime rate, cost of living, recreational amenities and access to health care. Michigan has a SeniorScore of 72, which is equal to the national score. Across the index’s four categories, the state scores 66 in Health & Safety and Recreation & Leisure, 64 in Finances and 60 in General Quality of Life.
Michigan is home to numerous hospitals and a large network of doctors and specialists who accept payment from Medicare. Seniors have access to a high number of senior living facilities and home health care providers that provide post-hospital care. The average life expectancy is consistent with the national median, and while the violent crime rate is relatively high, the property crime rate is average. The percentage of seniors in Michigan is two points higher than the national average, and over 3,600 churches in the state promote social connections. There are over 800 golf courses and numerous municipal parks throughout the region.
Compared to the nation as a whole, Michigan’s overall cost of living is average, and household incomes are consistent with the national average. Senior care costs, including nursing home care, tend to be expensive. The state receives about 33 inches of annual rainfall and has chilly winters and comfortable summers. There are about 700 people per square mile and an average graduation rate of a little over 88%, which impacts crime, civic involvement and economic stability.
Top Nursing Care in Michigan
Heartland Health Care Center-Oakland is a 160 room skilled nursing facility. It is located at 925 W South Blvd in Troy, Michigan. The community is in a largely wealthier area, with a median per-household income of $97,908. ...
Heartland Health Care Center - Sterling Heights is located at 38200 Schoenherr Rd in Sterling Heights, Michigan. It is a 120 room nursing care facility. With around 34,000 individuals living in the zip code of 48312, the neighboring ...
Marycrest Manor is a 55 bed senior community located near by the The Eye neighborhood of Livonia, Michigan. The facility is in a generally middle class area, with an average household income of $74,073. With around 40,000 individuals ...
Heartland Health Care Center-Ann Arbor is located at 4701 E Huron River Dr in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It is a 180 room skilled nursing facility. The facility is in a primarily middle income area, with an average family ...
Wellbridge of Brighton is an 88 room senior care facility located in Howell, Michigan. With around 44,000 poeple living in the 48843 zip code, the encompassing area has a dense population. It is a mostly middle income area, ...
Imperial Healthcare Centre is a 265 unit skilled nursing facility situated in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. With around 22,000 people residing in the 48125 zip code, the encompassing area is densely populated. It is a generally middle income area, ...
Regency at Bluffs Park is situated nearby the Barton Hills area of Ann Arbor, Michigan. It is a 71 unit senior care facility. The surrounding area is densely populated, with around 54,000 poeple living in the 48103 zip ...
Medilodge of Taylor is a 142 unit senior housing community. It is located at 23600 Northline Rd in Taylor, Michigan. The encompassing area has a dense population, with around 64,000 residents in the 48180 zip code. It ...
Notting Hill of West Bloomfield is located at 6535 Drake Rd in West Bloomfield, Michigan. It is a 120 room senior housing facility. The community is in a primarily wealthier area, with a median per-family income of $95,349. ...
Located at 2372 Fifteen Mile Rd in Sterling Heights, Michigan, Cherrywood Nursing and Living Center is a 180 room nursing home facility. With about 44,000 residents in the 48310 zip code, the surrounding area has a dense population. ...
Heartland Health Care Center-Canton is a 150 bed nursing home facility. It is located at 7025 Lilley Rd in Canton, Michigan. The facility is in a largely upscale area, with an average household income of $80,909. It ...
Heartland-West Bloomfield is located at 6950 Farmington Rd in West Bloomfield, Michigan. It is a 140 unit senior care community. The surrounding area has a dense population, with about 32,000 poeple living in the zip code of 48322. ...
Four Chaplains Nursing Care Center is a 103 room nursing home facility situated in Westland, Michigan. With roughly 49,000 residents in the zip code of 48185, the encompassing area is densely populated. It is a generally middle class ...
Located at 46100 Schoenherr Rd in Shelby Township, Michigan, Shelby Nursing Center is a 180 unit nursing facility. With an average household income of $79,231, the facility is in a primarily well-to-do area. It has a dense population, ...
Heartland Health Care Center - Grosse Pointe Woods is an 80 bed skilled nursing facility. It is situated nearby the Regent Park area of Grosse Pointe, Michigan. With about 32,000 individuals living in the zip code of 48236, ...
Evergreen Health and Living Center is located at 19933 West Thirteen Mile Rd in Southfield, Michigan. It is a 151 unit nursing facility. The neighboring area has a dense population, with around 26,000 people residing in the zip ...
Situated near the Greensbriar area of Center Line, Michigan, Father Murray Nursing and Rehabilitation Centre is a 231 bed nursing home facility. The neighboring area has an average population density, with roughly 9,000 people residing in the zip code ...
The Lakeland Center is a 91 room senior housing community situated in Southfield, Michigan. With about 14,000 poeple living in the 48034 zip code, the neighboring area has an average population density. It is a primarily middle class ...
Heartland Health Care Center-Bloomfield Hills is located at 2975 N Adams Rd in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. It is a 159 unit nursing care facility. With roughly 17,000 people residing in the zip code of 48304, the encompassing area ...
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Michigan
The Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey reports that seniors in the United States pay approximately $7,756 per month for semiprivate nursing home accommodations. In the Upper Midwest, monthly fees range considerably, ranging from $6,235 in Illinois to $8,684 in Wisconsin. With nursing home rates of $8,973 per month, Michigan is among the more expensive states in the region for this level of care. More affordable options may be found in Indiana or Ohio, where respectively monthly fees come in at $7,133 and $7,148.
- Michigan: $8,973
- United States: $7,756
- Wisconsin: $8,684
- Illinois: $6,235
- Indiana: $7,133
- Ohio: $7,148
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Michigan’s Top Cities
Nursing home costs vary considerably throughout Michigan. In Jackson, nursing home fees are the lowest in the state at $8,365, which is roughly $600 less than the state median. Seniors in Saginaw pay approximately $8,441 per month for care, and in Detroit, facilities charge $8,821 on average. In Lansing, fees are consistent with the state median at $8,973. Muskegon seniors pay $9,057 per month, and in Niles, fees are a little higher at $9,125. Kalamazoo is the most expensive city in the state at $10,159.
- Jackson: $8,365
- Saginaw: $8,441
- Detroit: $8,821
- Lansing: $8,973
- Muskegon: $9,057
- Niles: $9,125
- Kalamazoo: $10,159
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Michigan
Nursing home care is the most expensive senior care option in Michigan at $8,973 per month. Seniors who need short-term or occasional skilled nursing services may be able to receive them in an assisted living facility, where monthly fees average $4,200. Memory care services cost $5,250 per month. In-home care, which includes personal care services and basic housekeeping, and home health care, which also includes some skilled nursing services, cost $4,576 and $4,767, respectively. The cheapest senior care option is adult day care at $2,080 per month.
- Memory Care: $5,250
- Assisted Living: $4,200
- In-Home Care: $4,576
- Home Health Care: $4,767
- Adult Day Care: $2,080
- Nursing Home Care: $8,973
Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in Michigan
As you can see above, Nursing Home Care is often the most expensive senior care option – sometimes even 2-3 times the cost of other types of senior living. The primary reason for this is the 24/7 skilled nursing and other medical services that are provided. Thankfully, most people aren't forced to pay for skilled nursing care entirely out-of-pocket. Rather, many qualify for financial assistance programs to help cover the cost of nursing care.
Medicaid is the most comprehensive financial assistance program – but, not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid. And because each state operates its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines, eligibility and benefits vary from state to state. Below, we provide more information on Medicaid in Michigan.
Medicaid in Michigan
In Michigan, nursing home care is an entitlement covered under Michigan Medicaid, the statewide health insurance program available to income-qualifying residents. It covers medical and health-related services, including primary and preventative care, medications, hospitalization and emergency care. Statewide, nearly 2.6 million people, or 22% of the population, are enrolled in this program, an increase of over 35% since the state implemented Medicaid program changes in 2013. Most of the state’s 435 licensed nursing homes accept this coverage, which pays for services for about 60% of nursing home residents.
Medicaid Eligibility in Michigan
Michigan Medicaid provides free healthcare coverage for qualifying seniors in the state. Nursing home services are covered under this program as an entitlement, meaning that everyone with Medicaid has guaranteed coverage for this level of care. While this program can help seniors pay for nursing home care, it’s not available to everyone. To receive services, applicants must meet income and asset guidelines and the requirements outlined below.
- Applicants must be citizens or legal residents of the United States and permanent Michigan residents.
- Applicants who meet nursing home level of care requirements can have a monthly income of up to $2,382.
- Seniors must pay all of their income toward personal care, except for a $60 allowance to cover personal needs. A non-applicant spouse is entitled to a monthly maintenance needs allowance of up to $3,259.50, depending on their expenses.
- Seniors can have up to $2,000 in countable assets. For married couples who are both applying for Medicaid, their joint asset limit is $3,000. If only one spouse is applying for Medicaid, the asset limit is $2,000 for the applicant and $130,380 for the spouse.
- Those whose income exceeds Medicaid’s limits may still be eligible through the Medically Needy Pathway.
Medicaid also offers several waivers to cover alternatives to nursing home care, including the MI Choice Waiver Program, MI Health Link and Home Help Program, which help pay for assisted living and home-based care. To apply for Medicaid and its waiver programs, seniors can contact their county’s Health & Human Services office, which they can locate here. Seniors can apply for Medicaid online through the MIBridges platform. For over-the-phone assistance, seniors can call the statewide Medicaid hotline at (800) 642-3195.
Additional Financial Assistance Options
- Medicare: For the first 20 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will cover the entire cost of care, and a portion of the costs up until day 100. After 100 days, Medicare won't cover any of the costs. Importantly, seniors must also have a "qualifying hospital stay" that lasts 3 days prior to their admission to a nursing home in order to qualify for Medicare coverage.
- Aid and Attendance: Aid and Attendance may be available to veterans who receive a VA pension. This benefit is a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. It is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used to pay for skilled nursing care.
- Reverse Mortgages: For those who own a home, reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. It's often a good fit for married couples when only one partner needs nursing care, as the other residents of the home may continue living there. Keep in mind that reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid (with interest), typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: For seniors who already have long-term care insurance, the cost of skilled nursing care may be covered. Most policies cover at least a portion of the costs, but it depends on the specific policy terms. It's important to note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not be eligible to sign up for a long-term care insurance policy.
Michigan Nursing Home Care Rules and Regulations
In Michigan, nursing homes are licensed through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. This department has a range of regulations in place to ensure a consistently high standard of safety and care for residents. The following table outlines some regulations nursing homes in the state must abide by.
Scope of Care | Nursing homes in Michigan provide organized nursing care and medical treatment to residents recovering from illnesses or injuries. They provide around-the-clock care and monitoring and employ licensed administrators, pharmacists, rehabilitative therapists, registered nurses and nurse aides. If residents are unable to complete daily living activities, the nursing home must provide necessary services to maintain personal oral hygiene, nutrition and grooming. |
Care Planning | Within 48 hours of the resident’s admission, the nursing home must create a baseline care plan that includes information, such as initial goals based on admission orders, dietary orders, therapy services, physician orders and social services. Within seven days, the facility must create a comprehensive care plan that includes the services the resident requires, services they’re refusing, specialized rehabilitative services and the resident’s desired outcomes. To the extent that it’s practical, the care plan should include input from the resident or their representative. |
Pharmacy Services | Nursing homes must provide routine and emergency medications for residents. Unlicensed staff members are permitted to administer medication under the supervision of a registered nurse. Nursing homes are also required to either employ or contract with a licensed pharmacist who provides consultation on all pharmacy-related services, monitors controlled substances and determines that residents’ drug records are in order. |
Staff Screening | The Department performs criminal background checks on all nursing home employees through a comprehensive, secure online system. Nursing homes are also authorized to conduct background checks on temporary staff or contracted providers. Volunteers are not required to undergo background checks. |
Staff Training | Nursing homes must develop and administer comprehensive training for staff, including employees and volunteers. Training topics include residents’ rights, communication strategies, what constitutes abuse and neglect, infection control and ethics. Staff members, such as feeding assistants and nurse aides, must also complete training that’s relevant to their specific duties. |
Medicaid Coverage | All licensed nursing homes in Michigan can be federally certified to accept payment from Michigan Medicaid. This program covers services for state residents who meet income and asset guidelines. Residents must also be screened to ensure that a nursing home level of care is appropriate for their needs. |
Reporting Abuse | Residents, staff members, families and visitors who witness or suspect elder abuse, neglect or exploitation should file a report with the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services’ Adult Protective Services. The state operates a 24/7 helpline for reporting abuse, which is reached at (855) 444-3911. Complaints can also be filed with the Bureau of Health Services Abuse Hotline at (800) 882-6006. |
Free Nursing Home Resources in Michigan
Michigan Community Action is a network of nonprofit local organizations that serve seniors and low-income individuals. Programs and services vary by region, but local agencies may provide health insurance options counseling, case management and information and referrals for local services. Local agencies may also provide supportive services, such as personal care, home-delivered meals and home modifications, which may enable nursing home residents to transition back to their home environment more quickly.
Michigan Legal Help is a statewide organization that provides free civil legal aid for seniors. Through the local offices, seniors can obtain assistance with applying for public benefits, such as Medicare, Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income, which can help them cover nursing home expenses. Legal professionals can also help with assigning guardianship and powers of attorney and resolving issues related to discharge procedures or billing errors in nursing homes.
Health Care Association of Michigan
The Health Care Association of Michigan represents licensed and unlicensed assisted living facilities and nursing homes in the state. It hosts virtual educational seminars that cover subjects related to senior care. It also has a comprehensive database of long-term care facilities in the state.
Michigan Agencies
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Address: 333 S. Grand Avenue, Lansing, MI 48909
Phone Number: (517) 241-3740
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services oversees a wide range of services and programs that support seniors’ dignity and independence. It manages the Aging & Adult Services Agency, which licenses nursing homes and provides information on programs for older adults through 16 local agencies throughout the state.
Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program
Address: 6105 W. St. Joseph Highway, Suite 204, Lansing, MI 48917
Phone Number: (800) 803-7174
Website: https://mmapinc.org
The Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program provides free, unbiased options counseling for seniors, which can help them identify ways to cover nursing home costs. It's staffed primarily by trained volunteers who help seniors compare long-term care insurance options, determine how much Medicare pays towards nursing home care and assess Medicaid eligibility. Volunteers can also help seniors identify and resolve Medicare fraud.
Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
Address: 15851 S. U.S. 27, Suite 73, Lansing, MI 48906
Phone Number: (517) 827-8040
Website: https://mltcop.org
The Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates on behalf of nursing home residents in Michigan. The local ombudsman can help seniors and families compare nursing homes in their area and identify ways to cover expenses. They can also help resolve interpersonal issues and problems related to quality of care.
Area Agencies on Aging in Michigan
Michigan has a network of 16 Area Agencies on Aging. Each agency serves a designated region through advocacy, information and direct services. Services vary by agency, but all agencies provide free and low-cost personal care services, home-delivered and congregate meals, transportation and case management, which can help seniors avoid, delay or shorten the duration of nursing home care. Local agencies can also help seniors connect with local services and programs, compare nursing home options and identify ways to cover care costs.
Veteran Affairs Office in Michigan
The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency provides advocacy and informational services and helps veterans in Michigan connect with local, state and federal benefits. Through its community offices, qualifying veterans can apply for the Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefit, veterans’ and survivors’ pension programs and service-related disability compensation, which can be used toward nursing home costs. The agency also connects seniors with supportive services, such as transportation and personal care, which can reduce the amount of time they spend in a nursing home, or screen them for veterans’ home placement. To find their local service office, veterans can refer to this page.
Social Security Offices in Michigan
The Social Security Administration promotes seniors’ well-being and financial security through a variety of programs. At the local offices, seniors can get one-on-one help with obtaining benefits that may help them cover nursing home expenses, including Social Security disability and retirement benefits, survivor’s benefits and Medicare. Qualifying seniors can also apply for Supplemental Security Income and the optional state supplement. There are 48 Social Security offices in Michigan. To find their nearest office, seniors can follow this link and search by zip code.
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