Memory Care Facilities in Meridian, MS

The Alzheimer's Association estimates that 6.7 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer's disease, a number projected to increase rapidly with the aging population. 17.5% of the nearly 34,000 people living in Meridian are 65 years or older and at an increased risk of developing this condition. Using CDC data, Meridian has seen an 85.37% increase in deaths attributed to Alzheimer's disease from 2016 to 2020. In comparison, deaths from all causes increased by 48.16% during the same period. These numbers highlight the need for dementia care.

People with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia may benefit from memory care facilities, which offer increased levels of support compared to traditional assisted living. Specially trained caregivers provide compassionate assistance with daily tasks to minimize frustration and promote independence and dignity. Typically, they include therapeutic activities and treatment plans to slow cognitive decline.

This guide discusses memory care in Meridian, including its benefits and drawbacks and cost comparisons with surrounding areas. It also touches upon the financial aspects, including how to pay for memory care and useful resources in the area.

The Mississippi State Department of Health's Health Facilities Licensure Division oversees health facilities and licensure, including for senior living communities and memory care. It details requirements for operations and minimum standards of care in memory care while also ensuring compliance with regulations through routine surveys and on-site visits. 

• Meridian offers its residents an affordable place to call home. Costs are, on average, 26.9% lower in this city compared to the national average. While health care costs here slightly exceed national norms, seniors can expect significant savings in their housing, transportation and overall expenses.
   
• In Meridian, property and violent crime statistics exceed national averages. However, residents of memory care communities have the added security offered by the facility. Typically, senior living communities have dedicated security to ensure residents' safety, which mitigates the risk.
• Anderson Regional Health System serves residents of Meridian. This health system includes two hospitals, a cancer center and several clinics that attend to the needs of medically fragile seniors, something that may be of interest to those in memory care. Anderson Regional Medical Center, located in Meridian, has a dedicated cardiac, ICU, orthopedics, diagnostic imaging and emergency department to ensure the wellness of residents.
• Meridian has a higher-than-average number of physicians per capita, ensuring seniors have access to numerous doctors. For every 100,000 people, there are 308 physicians. In comparison, the national average number is just 210 per 100,000 people. 
• Seniors sensitive to the cold find Meridian a suitable place of residence. It rarely falls below freezing in the winter and summer temperatures typically linger in the high 80s and low 90s. Typically, senior living communities include climate control to keep inside temperatures comfortable regardless of the weather outdoors.

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.

In Meridian, memory care communities charge an average of $3,938 per month.

It's more affordable to receive memory care in Meridian than in most surrounding areas. The Mississippi state average is $4,375 monthly, $437 more than in Meridian, whereas national price norms cost about 30% more. Surrounding cities follow these trends. Memory care in Jackson costs nearly the same as the national average at $5,438. It's slightly more affordable in Hattiesburg, though costs still exceed Meridian's by $1,217 at $5,155. In Gulfport, memory care communities charge an average of $4,750, 20.6% more than in Meridian. 

Several other types of senior care exist at varying price points, both higher and lower than memory care. In-home care offers assistance that allows seniors to age in place, averaging $100 less than memory care. Home health care adds some medical assistance to home care, averaging $175 more at $4,113 monthly. Assisted living averages 25% less than memory care, providing a supportive environment for seniors requiring more help with daily living tasks for $3,150. Semi-private rooms in nursing homes tend to be the most expensive option, averaging $6,312, or 60.3% more than memory care. Adult day health care is the most affordable option, averaging $867, 78% less than memory care.

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 Mississippi page.