Memory Care Communities in Salem, OR

The cost of memory care in Salem is higher than both the state and national averages, which are $6,306 and $5,625, respectively. The most expensive city for memory care in Oregon is Eugene, which has an average that is $153 higher than Salem. The most affordable is Corvallis which averages $5,606 a month. Portland’s average of $6,219 is a bit closer, while seniors who need affordability may also want to look at Medford, which is $1,075 more affordable than Salem.

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.

The average cost for memory care in Salem is $6,875 a month, though this cost can vary depending on the services and location of a particular community.

To manage memory care expenses in Salem, seniors and families use a combination of state and federal health insurance programs, veterans’ benefits and personal financial resources. The VA and the state’s Medicaid program promote access to affordable services for qualified seniors, while Medicare helps control residents’ medical expenses. Seniors also use their retirement income and savings to pay for residential care expenses.

• Medicaid: Oregon Medicaid has two programs that pay for memory care services, including the K Plan and the Aging and Physically Disabled Waiver. Although these programs don’t cover housing costs, they help qualified residents pay for personal care, meals and case management.
• Medicare: Medicare’s coverage doesn’t extend to the nonmedical services memory care facilities provide. However, seniors can use their coverage to pay for specialized services they receive through third-party home health care providers.
• VA Benefits: Qualified veterans reduce their out-of-pocket memory care costs through three VA options: Aid and Attendance, Housebound benefits and the Geriatrics and Extended Care program. These programs help with housing, meals and personal care.
• Private payments: Retirement savings, Social Security benefits, pension income, long-term care insurance and certain types of life insurance bridge funding gaps and help seniors pay for all types of memory care services.

Older adults in Salem have several care options, and they can expect to pay $6,875 a month for memory care. The most affordable senior care option is an assisted living facility, which averages $1,375 a month less than memory care. Seniors who need care at home can choose home care or add some basic nursing care with home health care, both of which average $6,101 a month. The most costly option is skilled nursing in a nursing home, which costs $3,740 a month more than memory care.

The Oregon Department of Human Services provides oversight and licensing to memory care facilities through the Office of Safety, Oversight and Quality. Seniors and their families can learn the rules and regulations from this office, report abuse or find a list of licensed providers.

Benefits

• Salem joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network in 2017 and has a high livability score of 59 versus the U.S. norm of 48. The city supports a favorable environment for seniors and families affected by memory loss through public transportation amenities, affordable housing initiatives and information services.
• Oregon’s tax laws enable many seniors to afford memory care costs in Salem. The state has a full exemption for Social Security, promoting financial stability for those who rely on these benefits. While it taxes other forms of retirement income, seniors who meet financial requirements can claim a 9% credit on their pension income.
• While the cost of living in Salem tracks about 4% above the national benchmark, it falls roughly 9% below Oregon’s norm. This puts the city among the more economical places in the state for memory care services.

Drawbacks

• Salem ranks in the bottom 6% of U.S. cities for safety, reporting around 37 crimes per 1,000 people every year. However, the city has several safe areas for those seeking residential memory care services, including the North Howell region, the Roberts neighborhood and Eola.
• The Salem region earns a C from the American Lung Association for ozone pollution, which may negatively impact seniors sensitive to environmental irritants, such as smog. To prevent discomfort on high-ozone days, many local memory care communities offer indoor activities and air purification systems.