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Memory Care in Nevada

Nevada is home to over 3.1 million residents, and seniors aged 65 and older make up 16.1% of the state’s population. Unfortunately, an estimated 49,000 Nevada seniors live with Alzheimer’s disease, and close to 15% of state residents over the age of 45 are dealing with cognitive decline. By 2025, the number of seniors in Nevada diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease is projected to grow to 64,000, which is an estimated 30.6% increase.

Thanks to the lack of state income tax and an abundance of senior-friendly recreational amenities, Nevada is a popular retirement destination for many older adults. In terms of health care services, there are a number of top-ranked regional hospitals, including the 159-bed Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center, and the Northern Nevada Medical Center, a certified Advanced Primary Stroke Center. Statewide, the average monthly cost of residential memory care services is $4,688, although actual rates vary depending on the location and facility.

Memory care can either be offered on its own in a community designed especially for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s, or, more often, it’s provided as a service in a separate wing of an assisted living facility. Memory care programs are designed specifically for those with memory impairment, and the facilities often coordinate social activities and schedules specifically for the needs of those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

This guide provides an overview of residential memory care services in Nevada, including the average monthly rates within Nevada and neighboring states. There is also in-depth information on financing long-term care services, a summary of Nevada’s state regulations related to residential memory care, and links to free and low-cost resources for those living with memory loss.

The Cost of Memory Care in Nevada

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

The average monthly cost of memory care in Nevada is $4,688, which is well below the rate in neighboring California, where the average is $6,563. To the east of Nevada, monthly memory care rates are lower in Utah ($4,375), while to the north in Oregon ($6,306), average costs are much higher. Just to the south of Nevada in Arizona, residential memory care services cost about $5,000 per month.

Within Nevada, local residential memory care rates range from an average of $4,563 per month in Las Vegas to $5,313 in Reno. In Carson City, the same type of care costs around $4,775 per month.

Reno

$5313

Carson City

$4775

Las Vegas

$4563

There are a number of long-term care services available across Nevada. The least-costly option is adult day health care, which runs about $1,788 per month. In-home care from either a homemaker or home health care aide costs around $5,148 per month based on 44 hours of care per week, while the statewide average assisted living rate is $3,750. Nursing home care is by far the most expensive service. The average rate for a semiprivate nursing home room is $9,216, and a private room costs about $10,007 per month.

Adult Day Health Care

$1788

Assisted Living

$3750

Home Care

$5148

Home Health Care

$5148

Memory Care

$4688

Nursing Home (semiprivate)

$9216

Nursing Home (private)

$10007

Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care in Nevada?

Note: For the purposes of this guide, when we say “Memory Care” we are referring to memory care provided in a “social setting,” such as an Assisted Living Facility. This is the most common way to receive Memory Care and is the best fit for all but the frailest seniors. Sometimes the actual service of memory care can be provided in a Nursing Home (“medical setting”), so the financial assistance options will be very different. To learn more about the financial assistance options available for memory care provided in a nursing home, read our guide to Nursing Home Care in Nevada.

Although Nevada’s Medicaid program doesn’t cover residential memory care room and board costs, eligible Medicaid beneficiaries may qualify for a number of medical and nonmedical services that can be delivered to eligible participants.

In Nevada, residential memory care services are partially covered for seniors who meet the functional and financial eligibility criteria for one of two publicly funded programs, the Home and Community Based Services Waiver for the Frail Elderly (HCBS-FE) and the Community Options Program for the Elderly (COPE)

What Memory Care Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Nevada?

In addition to standard Medicaid benefits, Nevada’s Medicaid program covers a number of enhanced services and supports for individuals who need memory care services through the Home and Community Based Services Waiver and the COPE program. These services include nonmedical assistance with activities of daily living, case management, adult day care and respite care. 

Memory Care Waiver Programs in Nevada

Home and Community Based Services Waiver for the Frail Elderly

The HCBS-FE Waiver is a nursing home diversion program designed to delay or prevent the institutionalization of frail and elderly Nevada residents who meet the criteria for nursing home placement. 

Formerly known as CHIP, this Waiver is administered by Nevada’s Department of Health and Human Services, Aging and Disability Services Division. The Waiver funds nonmedical support services to help enrollees remain in either their own home, or a noninstitutional setting such as an assisted living facility with a dedicated memory care program. 

HCBS-FE services are assigned on an individual, as-needed basis and may include:

 

  • Ongoing case management from a licensed social worker
  • Assistance with personal care, such as bathing, toileting, dressing, eating and grooming
  • Homemaker services, including personal laundry and light housekeeping
  • Half- or full-day adult day care on an ongoing basis
  • Adult companionship and supervision
  • Access to a personal emergency response system

 

In addition to the services listed above, Nevada’s HCBS-FE Waiver also covers augmented personal care services delivered in a licensed residential care facility such as an assisted living community that provides memory care. Covered personal care services go beyond the mandatory minimum required for all licensed assisted living facilities in Nevada. 

To qualify for the HCBS-FE Waiver, seniors must be eligible for Medicaid and be deemed at risk of institutionalization in a nursing home if they don’t receive enhanced supports. 

Community Services Options Program for the Elderly

Like the HCBS-FE Waiver, the Community Services Options Program for the Elderly, or COPE, covers a range of nonmedical services for seniors who are at risk of nursing home placement. 

COPE services are determined based on the needs of each participant, as well as available funding. All COPE participants are assigned a licensed social worker who provides ongoing case management services. 

COPE-funded supports include: 

 

  • Assistance with activities of daily living, such as transferring, toileting, bathing, dressing and eating
  • Help with light housekeeping, laundry and shopping
  • Placement in an adult day care program for at least 4 hours per day on one or more days each week
  • Non Medical supervision, including socialization and assistance with recreational activities
  • Wearable medical alert devices
  • Respite care

 

To qualify for COPE benefits, seniors must be aged 65 or older, meet the criteria for nursing home placement and have an annual income and assets that fall within the current limits. 

How to Apply for the HCBS-FE Waiver or COPE Program

completed application the HCBS-FE Waiver or COPE program can be submitted to one of the four Aging and Disability Services Division regional offices. Alternatively, applicants can call their area’s ADSD office to complete a telephone application with the assistance of an ADSD intake worker.  

How to Know If You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Nevada

In Nevada, seniors must meet the following criteria to qualify for Medicaid

 

  • Be either aged 65 and older, legally blind or have a qualifying disability
  • Have an annual pretax income of $18,075 or less when applying as an individual
  • Own no more than $2,000 in countable assets such as cash, stocks and real estate (excluding an owner-occupied home worth no more than $636,000)
  • Live in Nevada on a full-time basis
  • Be a U.S. citizen or hold legal immigration status

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Nevada

NameIncome limits*Asset limits
Single Applicant$18,075$2,000
Two-Person Household
(Only One Person Applying)
$24,353$2,000 for applicant $137,400 for non-applicant
Two-Person Household
(Both People Applying)
$24,353$4,000

*Per year

Nevada seniors aged 65 and older who don’t qualify for Medicaid due to excess income or assets may be able to achieve eligibility by putting over-limit funds in a qualified income trust or spending down assets on durable medical devices and other non-countable assets. 

How to Apply for Medicaid in Nevada

To apply for Medicaid coverage, seniors can call the Division of Aging’s Elder Care Help Line at (800) 307-4444 or Nevada 211.

Information You Will Need

To apply for Medicaid in Nevada, applicants must provide proof of income from all sources, including wages, investments and pensions.  Applicants must also submit:

 

  • Government-issued documentation verifying citizenship and residency in Nevada
  • Copies of the title to any real estate and vehicles held by the applicant
  • Copies of all prepaid burial contracts and insurance policies
  • Two professional appraisals confirming the current market value of the applicant’s principal residence (if owned by the applicant)
  • Copies of income tax returns from the five years preceding the date of application
  • Copies of the applicants’ will, powers of attorney and advanced medical directives 

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

Nevada seniors who need help applying for Medicaid can call Access Nevada, a state-operated toll-free number staffed by bilingual resource specialists. Assistance is also available via Nevada 211, a 24/7 information and referral service, and at one of the four Nevada Care Connection Resource Centers.

ProgramContactServices provided
Access Nevada(800) 992-0900Access Nevada is a bilingual (English/Spanish) government call center staffed by operators who can help seniors apply for Medicaid.
Nevada 2112-1-1 or (866) 535-5654Nevada 211 is a free, 24/7 information and referral service that seniors can use to locate agencies that offer free Medicaid counseling and other aging-related services.
Nevada Care Connection - Resource CentersLocate the nearest NVCC Resource CenterThe four regional Nevada Care Connection Resource Centers provide one-on-one assistance to seniors, people with disabilities and caregivers who need help applying for Medicaid and other government benefits.

Does Medicare Cover Memory Care in Nevada?

The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of memory care in Nevada. As was mentioned above, this doesn’t apply to Memory Care received in a Nursing Home. Since it is the most common to receive memory care in a “social setting” (such as an assisted living facility), Medicare won’t be a viable financial assistance option for most seniors who need Memory Care. However, Medicare will still cover things like approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc., just like it would if you lived at home.

For more information about when Medicare can be used to pay for Memory Care in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in Nevada.

Other Financial Assistance Options for Memory Care in Nevada

Seniors who are not eligible (due to location, financial situation, or other factors) for other types of financial assistance, do still have some options. See the table below for an overview of some of the most common ways to make Memory Care affordable.

NameHow To ApplyHow It Works
Aid and AttendanceLearn more and apply online at va.gov.Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for Memory Care.
Reverse MortgagesLearn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.govIf you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for Memory Care. 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. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
Long-Term Care (LTC) InsuranceLearn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov.Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be able to use it to pay for Memory Care. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but it depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of Memory Care will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Nevada

Nevada seniors and their caregivers can take advantage of the many free and low-cost programs and services in the state that are geared toward those who require memory care. These services include legal resources, case management and assistance with securing government benefits. 

ResourceContactService
Dementia Friendly Nevada(702) 685-7072Dementia Friendly Nevada is a statewide network of community-based groups dedicated to developing sustainable resources and services for those living with memory loss. This volunteer-driven organization receives federal grants to deliver free resources and programs, including peer and caregiver support groups.
Nevada Care ConnectionRequest assistance via the websiteHeadquartered in Carson City, the Nevada Care Connection serves as the state's Aging and Disability Resource Center for those who need help accessing long-term care services and community-based support programs. Seniors, caregivers and concerned family members can request free help through the Nevada Care Connection website.
Long Term Care Ombudsman Program(888) 282-1155Operated in accordance with the federal Older Americans Act, Nevada's Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is designed to protect the rights of long-term care residents. A statewide network of LTC ombudsmen work to resolve complaints submitted by residents, family members and caregivers. Ombudsmen also conduct regular spot checks on facilities to monitor living conditions and help ensure that residents and staff are aware of the free services offered by the LTCOP.
Nevada Legal Services(702) 386-0404 (Las Vegas) (775) 284-3491 (Reno)  (775) 883-0404 (Carson City)  (775) 463-1222 (Yerington) (775) 753-5880 (Elko)Nevada Legal Services is a statewide not-for-profit legal services organization. Low- and moderate-income seniors can contact their nearest NLS office for free information on estate planning, consumer and housing rights, immigration, public benefits such as Medicaid and other civil law issues. Case management services may also be available through NLS's volunteer social workers and social work student program.
Aging and Disability Services Division - Adult Protective Services(702) 486-6930 (Las Vegas/Clark County) (888) 729-0571 (All other areas of Nevada)Nevada's Aging and Disability Services Division, Adult Protective Services branch investigates non-emergency complaints related to the abuse, neglect, exploitation and self-harm of adults aged 60 and older.

Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Nevada

Residential facilities providing care to persons with Alzheimer’s and dementia must obtain endorsements on their licenses, authorizing them to operate as memory care communities or as senior care facilities with memory care units. These facilities are regulated by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services through the Division of Public and Behavioral Health, Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance.

TopicRule
Scope of CareA memory care facility must have a written statement that describes the following:Basic services provided for residents with dementiaActivities developed for the residentsFacility's manner of managing behaviorsManner of medication managementActivities that encourage the involvement of family members in the residents' livesPreventive steps and actions to take on wandering
Care PlansA memory care resident's evaluation must describe the forms of assistance a client needs to perform certain activities of daily living. This evaluation is prepared upon the resident's admission and reviewed at least once a year, or as the resident's condition and needs change.
Medication ManagementUnder adequate supervision, a caregiver assists in the administration of medications if needed by the resident. Assistance in the administration of controlled substances and dangerous drugs must be based on the written plan of care from a physician or registered nurse. Caregivers administering medications must attend a training program, and this should include initial orientation and an annual training update.
StaffingA memory care facility must have at least one awake employee on duty at all times. There should be interaction groups of not more than six memory care residents for each caregiver during the residents' awake hours. Employees who have direct contact with residents should complete at least two hours of dementia care training within the first 40 hours of initial employment and an additional eight hours of training within the first three months. Board-licensed and certified employees must receive at least three hours of continuing education on dementia care within the first year of employment.
Medicaid CoverageSubject to available funding, Nevada Medicaid pays for community-based services provided in assisted living and memory care facilities. Recipients must be financially eligible and at risk of nursing home placement if they don't receive these services.
Reporting AbuseAn employee must report suspected resident abuse, neglect, isolation or exploitation to a local ADSD office or a police department or sheriff's office within 24 hours after the incident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Directory of Memory Care Facilities in Nevada

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Memory Care in Nevada

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Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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