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Memory Care in Wyoming
Wyoming is known as a great place to retire and spend life’s golden years. Just over 578,000 residents call Wyoming home, and more than 17% of those living here are seniors aged 65 and older. Furthermore, more than 10,000 seniors in Wyoming were living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia as of 2020, and by 2025, that number is expected to increase to 13,000, an increase of 30%. Sadly, an estimated 238 Wyoming seniors die from Alzheimer’s disease each year, making it the fifth-leading cause of death in the state.
Wyoming has a seasonal climate, making it a great location for seniors who appreciate mild summers and snowy winters. The state is tax-friendly for seniors, as it doesn’t tax any form of retirement income, including Social Security benefits. The cost of living in Wyoming is lower overall than the U.S. average; however, healthcare costs are more than 30% higher. Those who need residential memory care services in Wyoming typically pay about $5,211 per month.
Memory care can be offered on its own in a community designed especially for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s, but it’s more often 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 the cost of residential memory care in Wyoming, including comparisons to costs of other types of long-term care throughout the state. Additionally, details regarding how to pay for memory care and regulations these programs must adhere to are outlined below.
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The Cost of Memory Care in Wyoming
When trying to decide how to pay for memory care, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living.
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Memory Care in Wyoming
Inflation has increased the cost of memory care in Wyoming. From 2022 to 2023, the average price rose from $4,712 to $6,020. This is an increase of 28%, substantially more than the US average which increased 10% to $5,369 in the same time.
Wyoming’s neighbors demonstrate how inflation impacts locations differently. Montana and South Dakota saw a decrease in costs by 3% and 1% respectively. Colorado’s increase was closer to the national average at 12%. Price rises in Idaho were closer to those in Wyoming. The cost there rose 22% to $5,170 per month.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | $4,712 | $6,020 | $6,341 |
| U.S. Average | $4,863 | $5,369 | $5,792 |
| Montana | $6,033 | $5,822 | $6,200 |
| Colorado | $5,326 | $5,958 | $6,382 |
| South Dakota | $5,394 | $5,350 | $5,635 |
| Idaho | $4,255 | $5,170 | $5,151 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
Wyoming has a number of different senior living options for older adults, depending on their needs and preferences. Memory care is the least affordable choice at $6,020 per month, reflecting the higher level of specialized services offered. Seniors pay an average of $5,000 for assisted living, which includes personal care, meals and activities. Independent living is aimed at seniors who don’t need extensive support and costs $2,065 per month.
Assisted Living
$5,000
Memory Care
$6,020
Independent Living
$2,065
Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care in Wyoming?
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 Wyoming.
What Memory Care Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Wyoming?
Wyoming’s Medicaid program doesn’t directly cover memory care or assisted living for seniors. However, seniors living with cognitive decline may be able to access some assistance under the state’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers.
The Community Choices Waiver can pay care costs for seniors with memory loss residing in assisted living facilities, but it doesn’t cover their room and board fees. The Assisted Living Facility Waiver is for adults in need of nursing home levels of care who can get what they need in an assisted living facility. To qualify, the applicant must first be assessed by a public health official to determine if an assisted living facility is appropriate. The Comprehensive Waiver covers community and facility care and is most useful for seniors transitioning from one to the other as they won’t then need to apply for a different waiver when they move.
Memory Care Waiver Programs in Wyoming
Wyoming’s three waiver programs to support seniors with memory loss conditions all deliver relatively similar services, but under different conditions. The Comprehensive and Assisted Living Facility waivers, for example, can be used towards care costs in a facility or the community, while the Community Choices Waiver is primarily for those receiving support at home.
| How To Apply | How It Works | |
|---|---|---|
| Community Choices Waiver | Call (855) 294-2127 or use the state’s online portal. | The Community Choices Waiver helps eligible seniors pay for supportive services, including nonmedical transportation, meal assistance and personal care. While this waiver is intended to help those living in their own homes, some services may be accessible to those who reside in community homes and facilities. This waiver is available exclusively to seniors aged 65 and older and those with disabilities who qualify for Social Security Income (SSI). |
| Assisted Living Facility Waiver | online online or call (855) 203-2936. | he Assisted Living Facility Waiver covers care costs for adults who need nursing home levels of care but have chosen to receive care in a facility. The facility’s costs must be lower than the nursing home. |
| Comprehensive Waiver | Call (855) 294-2127 or use the state's online portal. | This waiver is available to Medicaid beneficiaries aged 64 and younger with developmental disabilities, but adults aged 65+ requiring nursing home levels of care can also qualify. This doesn’t mean the person must reside in a nursing home, but can receive similar levels of care in a residential facility or at home. |
How to Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Wyoming
Wyoming Medicaid covers medical care costs for seniors whose incomes and assets are on or below the thresholds that apply in their individual cases. For example, a single applicant can have an annual income of up to $32,904 and countable assets not exceeding $2,000. Countable assets typically include cash savings and checking accounts, and may include the senior’s home if they’re the sole applicant. If one or both householders in a two-person home apply, the income limits are $65,808, and the asset limits are $3,000.
| Household Size | Number of Applicants | Income Limits Per Year* | Asset Limits: Applicant(s) | Asset Limits: Non-Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Person | 1 | $32,904 | $2,000 | |
| Two People | 1 | $32,904** | $2,000 | $148,620 |
| Two People | 2 | $65,808*** | $3,000 |
* Depending on the facility setting, a recipient may not be able to keep income up to this level.
** Income limit is for applicant only.
*** Income is limited to $2,742 per month per spouse.
In addition to satisfying the income and asset restrictions, the senior must also satisfy certain other criteria. These include being:
- A U.S. citizen or legal resident
- A Wyoming resident
- Age 65 or older
- In need of nursing home levels of care
How to Apply for Medicaid in Wyoming
Medicaid applicants in Wyoming have five ways to apply, each designed to suit their preferred methods of communication. They are:
- Phone: Call (855) 294-2127 or (855) 329-5204 (TTY/TDD)
- Fax: Download a paper application and fax a completed copy to (855) 329-5205
- Email: Email a scanned copy of a downloaded application to wesapplications@wyo.gov
- Online: Visit the WY Medicaid/CHIP Web Portal
- Mail: Download a paper application and mail it to Wyoming Department of Health, Customer Service Center, 3001 East Pershing Boulevard, Suite 125, Cheyenne, WY 82001
Information You Will Need
In addition to providing evidence of their income and assets, seniors must also show proof of:
- U.S. citizenship or legal residency
- Wyoming residency
- Date of birth
- A medical need for skilled nursing services
How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid
Applying for Medicaid can be a time-consuming and sometimes stressful experience for applicants. Fortunately, there are several organizations that provide information and/or assistance free of charge.
| Program | Contact | Services provided |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits.gov | (855) 294-2127 | Benefits.gov is a federal website with plenty of information about Medicaid and other government benefits. Visitors will find an overview of Medicaid, requirements for qualification and information about the application process. There’s also a phone number applicants can use to speak to trained advisors directly. |
| Wyoming Department of Health | (307) 777-7531 | The Wyoming Department of Health Medicaid portal contains a “Questions & Concerns” link where seniors can submit queries directly and receive personal responses from trained advisors. |
| American Council on Aging | Online Only | The American Council on Aging is a free resource managed by Medicaid experts across the country. It’s a rich source of information for seniors who prefer to do their own research. It also contains useful tools, such as a “Spend Down Calculator” for applicants concerned their assets may be above the threshold. |
Does Medicare Cover Memory Care in Wyoming?
The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of memory care in Wyoming. 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 Wyoming.
Other Financial Assistance Options for Memory Care in Wyoming
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.
| Name | How To Apply | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Aid and Attendance | Learn 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 toward paying for Memory Care. |
| Reverse Mortgages | Learn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.gov | If 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) Insurance | Learn 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 Wyoming
There are many resources in Wyoming that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Aging Advisory Council | 800-442-2766 | Wyoming's Area Agencies in Aging provide essential care for older adults, including assistance for caregivers, nonemergency medical and nonmedical services, such as home-delivered meals, disease prevention and home care help. Home services include coordination of services, personal grooming assistance and vital homemaker assistance for daily living activities. These services help seniors maintain a good quality of life in Wyoming and age in place. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Wyoming provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
| Wyoming TANF/POWER | 307-856-6522 | Wyoming TANF/POWER assists low-income seniors who are primary caregivers of minors. The program's benefits include free child support assistance, monthly cash payments and help finding employment and other forms of financial stability. To apply, seniors must be responsible for children under 18, and households must meet specific income requirements. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens, legal aliens or qualified aliens. Wyoming TANF/POWER also supports those who need interim help while recovering from illness. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Wyoming seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Community Choices Waiver | 800-510-0280 | The Community Choices Waiver is a Home and Community-Based Services Waiver that covers the cost of personal care assistance, skilled nursing and other support for seniors. |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Wyoming seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Food Bank | 877-265-2172 | Wyoming Food Bank works with partner agencies and programs in every Wyoming county to distribute food parcels to eligible seniors. As part of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program that aims to improve seniors' health by supplementing their nutrition, the food bank provides low-income adults over age 60 with monthly home deliveries containing nonperishable protein, fruits, vegetables, milk and other shelf-stable foods. Seniors may also be eligible to receive fresh produce, dairy and bread. |
| Wyoming Meals on Wheels | Meals on Wheels is a food assistance organization that helps homebound older adults meet their nutritional needs with regular meal delivery. Planned by registered dietitians, provided entrees may improve seniors' health and sense of independence. This organization operates throughout Wyoming via individual programs designed to assist those aged 60 and over in their local communities. Interested seniors must apply and undergo an assessment of need. Some programs may require referrals from doctors or social workers. | |
| Wyoming Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | 307-777-5846 | The Wyoming Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a monthly benefits program designed to help low-income adults aged 60 and older buy food. Eligible seniors receive electronic cards that they can use to purchase food at stores across Wyoming, including Walmart. To be considered, applicants must have less than $3,750 worth of resources unless they receive Supplemental Security Income or POWER/Tribal TANF. Seniors can apply by completing and submitting an application at their local DFS office. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Wyoming collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Life Resource Center | 800-294-1888 | The Center maintains a library of durable medical equipment and therapeutic devices. All Wyoming residents are welcome to make use of the library. Financial donations are welcomed but not demanded |
| Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources | 888-989-9463 | The University of Wyoming maintains a durable medical equipment closet that is open to all residents. Seniors can request loans of wheelchairs, walkers and other assistive devices. |
Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors
Wyoming seniors who meet certain income criteria can apply to local resources to help them pay for prescription drugs. Eligible residents can also receive assistance through health insurance and other programs to access free or discounted medical services.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Medication Donation Program | 855-257-5041 | The Wyoming Medication Donation Program serves low-income individuals in the state. It works like a mail-order pharmacy, filling prescriptions for eligible individuals using donated medications. Pharmacists process donations to ensure they're safe and suitable to be passed on to those in need. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Wyoming have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Section 504 Home Repair Program | 307-233-6799 | Low-income homeowners in Casper, WY, can benefit from the Section 504 Home Repair Program run by the USDA Rural Development Department. The program provides loans and grants to help seniors remain in their own homes. These loans can be used to repair houses, address health hazards or improve curb appeal. To qualify, individuals must be 62 or older, reside in their own homes, be unable to obtain credit and have an income that falls below the county's limit. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Wyoming help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Wyoming resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Veteran's Property Tax Exemption Program | 307-777-5200 | This program is run by the local county assessor and is funded by the state of Wyoming. This property tax assistance is the state of Wyoming's way of recognizing and helping those who fought for the United States. Honorably discharged military veterans who served during the Korea, Vietnam, WWI and WWII wars may qualify for property tax exemption. Disabled veterans, surviving spouses and those who received campaign medals during armed conflict in countries other than the United States also qualify. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Wyoming retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) | 800-246-4221 | The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides support for families who are struggling to cover their utility bills during the coldest months of the year. The program also offers emergency financial assistance for families that are at risk of having their utility supply cut off or have already been disconnected. |
Veteran's Services
Wyoming retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming VA Benefits and Health Care | Wyoming VA Benefits and Health Care ensures senior veterans in Wyoming get access to the specialized veterans' support they need. Cheyenne and Sheridan have VA Medical Centers providing specialist health care, alongside outpatient clinics located throughout the state. The Cheyenne Vet Center offers confidential help to senior vets, including counseling for mental health issues such as depression and PTSD. Eligible veterans can also contact the VA benefits administration for access to adaptive equipment and housing. |
Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Wyoming
Memory care facilities in Wyoming are licensed and regulated by the Wyoming Department of Health, Office of Healthcare Licensing and Surveys. Memory care services are available in Level 1 and Level 2 facilities throughout the state, although most memory care programs hold a Level 2 license.
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Scope of Care | Memory care programs may admit and retain residents who require 24/7 supervision and support due to Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Individuals who need around-the-clock skilled nursing care, continuous assistance with activities of daily living, or who present a danger to themselves or others due to aggressive behavior may not be admitted to a Level 1 or Level 2 facility. |
| Care Plan Requirements | A registered nurse must complete a pre-admission assessment on potential residents, while Level 2 facilities must complete a Mini-Mental State Exam on residents who are being considered for placement on a secure memory care unit. These assessments are used to create customized care plans which are reviewed at least once per year, or more frequently if the resident experiences significant health or behavioral changes. |
| Medication Management Requirements | Unlicensed staff may assist with the self-administration of oral medications by providing reminders, opening medication containers and reading prescription labels under the supervision of a registered nurse. Only a registered or licensed practical nurse may administer medications to residents who are unable to self-administer, and all medications must be reviewed by a registered nurse every 60 days or less. |
| Staff Screening Requirements | Staff who have direct contact with residents are required to pass a Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation background check with fingerprinting, as well as a Department of Family Services central registry check. |
| Staff Training Requirements | Level 2 facilities must have a licensed practical nurse on site at all times, and a registered nurse must be available either on-site or by phone. Staff must complete a minimum of 12 hours of memory care training annually. |
| Medicaid Coverage | Wyoming’s Community Choices waiver program covers care costs for eligible assisted living facility residents, although residents are responsible for their own room and board costs. |
| Reporting Abuse | Concerns regarding the quality of care in a memory care facility can be reported to the Wyoming Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at (307) 777-2885. Anyone who witnesses the abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable person should contact local law enforcement authorities. |
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