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 Vermont.
Although Medicaid doesn’t directly pay for memory care services in Vermont’s assisted living facilities, there are three waiver programs that can pay care costs. They don’t pay for room and board costs, however, which means seniors and their families will need to find alternative sources of funding for this aspect of memory care in a facility.
Choices for Care is for Vermont residents who require nursing home levels of care, but are able to choose where they receive it. This can be in a licensed nursing facility or memory care unit as well as the senior’s home. Enhanced Residential Care covers most care costs in a licensed residential facility, including memory care units. Covered services can include personal care, one hour of nursing services per week, case management and household/laundry services — but not meals or room and utility costs. Assistive Community Care Services covers a wider spectrum of care that includes services offered by the previous two waivers in addition to various therapies and restorative nursing services delivered in either a level 3 residential care home or assisted living.