The 5 Best Memory Care Facilities in Howell, MI for 2024

 

The city of Howell is a small community about one hour west of Detroit, with a senior population comprising 16.6% of its 10,081 residents. Research conducted by the Alzheimer's Association shows nearly 11% of Americans aged 65 and older live with some form of dementia, putting seniors at high risk for Alzheimer's and other forms of cognitive decline. Furthermore, CDC data shows a significant increase of 55.84% in the number of Alzheimer's-related deaths in Howell from 2016 to 2020.

Having access to quality dementia care is critical for this age group. Memory care facilities improve the well-being of individuals with dementia by providing a secure, nurturing and stimulating environment. Compassionate and skilled staff members effectively communicate with residents to alleviate stress or anxiety, while therapies and physical exercises contribute to cognitive stimulation.

This guide outlines the benefits and drawbacks of residing in Howell and provides valuable insights into managing memory care expenses by exploring alternative care choices. Seniors and their families can also discover supportive resources that can help them access financial aid and essential care services in Howell.

Memory care facilities in Howell are regulated by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The Bureau of Community and Health Systems (BCHS) within LARA is responsible for licensing and monitoring these facilities. The BCHS ensures memory care facilities comply with state regulations to ensure the health and safety of their residents, including those with memory-related conditions.

 

• The overall cost of living in Howell is a little more expensive than Michigan's average but fairly on par with the U.S. average. On a 100-point index, Howell ranks at 107.5, making it only 7.5% more expensive than the national median. Groceries, health care and utilities are lower than both state and national averages, which puts more money back into the wallets of budget-friendly seniors.
• The city of Howell has only 94 physicians per 100,000 population, which is less than half of the U.S. average of 210. But Howell has an abundance of medical facilities offering specialized services and treatments to ensure access to quality care. Based on a 100-point index, health care costs in Howell are ranked at 93.2, making access to quality care more affordable for seniors than elsewhere in the U.S.
• Howell is well served by several local medical care centers and hospitals. Howell Medical Center is a University of Michigan teaching hospital offering the latest innovative research and state-of-the-art treatment for the management of chronic conditions, including specialized services for Alzheimer's and dementia and a specific geriatric unit.
• Howell has lower crime rates than national averages. On a 100-point index, Howell only scores a 19.6 for violent crimes and 24.2 for property crimes against the U.S. averages of 22.7 and 35.4, respectively, which makes Howell a relatively safe place to live. Seniors in memory care communities have the added reassurance of monitored and secure facilities to keep them safe.
• From June to October, Howell is quite comfortable, with temperatures only reaching a high of 82 degrees Fahrenheit. In fact, the city ranks at 9.2/10 on the comfort index. Winters are much colder, frequently seeing temperatures below freezing, but snowfall is only slightly above average, and there are 172 sunny days every year to enjoy the outdoors.
• Michigan is an appealing choice for retirees due to its tax-friendly policies. It exempts Social Security from taxation and offers significant deductions for seniors on various retirement income sources. While sales taxes are slightly below average, property taxes tend to be higher. Additionally, Michigan does not impose estate or inheritance taxes.

 

Note: Residential memory care is usually offered in assisted living facilities, and in general, memory care rates tend to be 20-30% higher than assisted living rates. No national database currently tracks memory care costs in the United States, so we've estimated the monthly memory care costs listed below by adding 25% to the rates listed in Genworth's 2021 Cost of Care Survey.

Seniors in Howell pay an average of $7,616 per month for memory care services, but available amenities and the location of the community can have an impact on costs.

Memory care in Howell costs $2,303 more than Michigan's statewide average and $1,991 more than the national median. When looking at neighboring cities, costs are lower across the board. Monroe is the closest to Howell and costs about $1,300 less per month. Jackson is the lowest at $5,000, with Detroit coming in at $5,269 and Lansing, a little to the north, only costing $5,391.

Several more affordable care options are available in Howell, along with memory care. Non Medical in-home care offers companionship and assistance with meal prep, light housekeeping and personal grooming and only costs $6,101 per month. Home health care provides light medical services, such as catheter and IV monitoring, by certified professionals for the same cost. Assisted living is similar, but it includes room and board along with 24/7 access to caring staff. Seniors requiring ongoing skilled nursing can get a semi private room in a nursing home for $9,733.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for memory care, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance memory care costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in Michigan page.