Top Cost-Saving Tips for In-Home Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care

While caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, you are likely to face many emotional, logistical, and financial challenges. You may wonder how you will be able to afford everything they need, including medication, equipment, supplies, home modifications, and Alzheimer’s and dementia care services. This article covers some cost-cutting tips that can ease the financial burden of providing quality in-home dementia care to your loved one. 

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How to Save Money on In-Home Dementia Care

When you are responsible for the care of someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, there are some practical steps that you can take to save money on in-home dementia care, without sacrificing quality, necessary services, or peace of mind.

1. Opt for Dementia Care at Home

This is by far the biggest step you can take to cut costs. Instead of opting for a nursing home or assisted living facility, choose a personalized in-home dementia care plan. This is especially true during the early stages of the disease, when a lower level of care and assistance is needed. Besides being more affordable compared to nursing homes and assisted living facilities, 24-hour dementia care at home allows your loved one to age in place with dignity and a measure of independence. 

2. Choose the Right In-Home Alzheimer’s Care Plan

Once you have decided to opt for in-home dementia care, the next money-saving strategy is to choose the right care plan. If cost is a concern – and it usually is – then choose the lowest level of care that still meets the needs of your loved one and your family. For example, if your loved one has early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and at this time only requires basic assistance, then you probably do not need specialized services, which tend to be more expensive. 

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3. Consider Part-Time/Flexible Dementia Care Services

You can also save a lot of money by only paying for support when you actually need it. For instance, if you are the primary family caregiver and you only need someone to relieve you for a few hours every week so you can rest and run errands, then you do not need to pay for 24-hour dementia care. A part–time care plan may suit your needs. Consider choosing a flexible in-home Alzheimer’s care plan that is aligned with your schedule and lets you meet your other professional, personal, and social obligations.

4. DIY Home Modifications

Keeping your loved one safe from falls, accidents, and wandering off also involves making modifications to the home. During the initial consultation and needs assessment, your in-home Alzheimer’s care team will advise you about all the changes you should make to the home environment. You can save a lot of money on caregiving and medical bills by minimizing these risks.

Falls: 

• Declutter
• Clear pathways
• Install handrails
• Install motion-sensing night lights
• Eliminate rugs
• Rearrange furniture
• Non-slip mats in the bathroom
• Utilize contrasting wall and floor colors
  

Wandering:

• Install deadbolts on exterior doors
• Place pressure-sensitive alert mats at entryways
• Put warning bells on doors
• Use safety gates
• Fences and locked gates outside

Accidents:

• Put smoke alarms and fire extinguishers in every room
• Change to safety knobs on the stove
• Reduce the temperature of hot water
• Install childproof latches on cabinets and drawers
• Use a medication lockbox
• Remove all firearms from the home 
  

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5. Government Assistance Programs: Medicare, Medicaid, and PACE

Medicare can cover some in-home dementia care services. For example, Medicare Part A provides post-hospitalization skilled nursing care for as many as 100 days to eligible patients. If your loved one is facing advanced stages of dementia and is expected to live less than six months, they can receive unlimited hospice care under this program. Medicare Part B covers some dementia-related home healthcare services, including:

• Cognitive Assessments
• Outpatient Doctor Visits
• Outpatient Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy
• Evaluations of Home Safety 

Since Medicare usually covers short-term care, those with long-term needs can consider other government initiatives like Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and Medicaid, which is for individuals with low incomes. Some of the costs associated with memory care can be covered by Medicaid if the person qualifies for it. PACE is a Medicare/Medicaid program that helps eligible people cover their healthcare needs at home, and stay within their community, rather than going to a facility such as a nursing home. 

6. Medication Discount Plans

Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, there are FDA-approved drugs that slow the progression of the disease and lessen the symptoms. Unfortunately, some of these are extremely expensive. Without assistance, they are unaffordable to many families. Prescription medication discount plans offered by some pharmacies may help you save a significant amount of money on such medications.

Consider employing all of these strategies to maximize your savings. It all adds up. If you are ready to opt for an affordable way to help your loved one live with dignity, safety, and independence at home, book a Caring Consult today. Nurse Next Door is available 24/7 to help you make informed decisions and ensure your loved one’s well-being at every stage of Alzheimer’s disease.