Dementia may require a lot of caregiving and financial support. In this article, Ability Central will address frequent support-related questions, including:

• What is the average cost of dementia care?
• Does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) cover dementia?
• What financial assistance does the US government offer people with dementia?
• What mental health concerns should be considered for the person with dementia and their caregiver?
• Where can I find a support group?
• Where can I get more information about dementia?

What is the average cost of dementia care?

US spending on dementia care for people over 65 years of age is estimated to top $345 billion in 2023. Of that, $87 billion is estimated for out-of-pocket costs. 

Dementia care is more than just doctor visits and medication. Consider the following:

• The average in-home dementia care cost for safety modifications is around $9,500.
• The median monthly price of dementia care in a memory care facility was $5,250 in 2019.
• The average price of a home healthcare aide is $27 per hour.
• Assisted or senior living costs approximately $4,000 per month. 
• Dementia care in assisted living communities is roughly $1,000 more each month.
• Adult day-only care at a facility averages $72 per day. 

Does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) cover dementia?

According to the Dementia Action Alliance (DAA), most people with dementia meet the criteria for coverage under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  This means that if the person with dementia chooses to continue to work, they can receive accommodations to make their job manageable.

While maintaining a job can assist with overall dementia costs, there are pros and cons to consider. See the DAA website for more information.

What financial assistance does the US government offer people with dementia?

The US government has multiple insurance and financial assistance options for qualified people. They include:

• Medicaid pays for medical care for people with very low incomes. 
• Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 or older who receive Social Security retirement benefits or are younger than 65 and have received Social Security disability benefits for at least 24 months. 
• Medigap insurance supplements the person's Medicare coverage.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides people younger than 65 with Social Security disability payments if they cannot work.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) guarantees a minimum monthly income for people aged 65 or older who are disabled and have minimal financial means.
• Veteran’s Affairs (VA) provides health care benefits for veterans who have actively served in the military.

What mental health concerns should be considered for the person with dementia and their caregiver?

Our article Dementia: What to Do After Receiving a Diagnosis discusses the overall mental health issues associated with people with dementia. But the caregiver often has similar concerns.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, caregivers frequently report experiencing high stress levels. They have a list of burnout warning signs, including anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, and medical issues. They also offer ways to deal with the stress of caring for a loved one. See the full article on their website. In many cases, dementia can have a profound impact on a person’s ability to communicate effectively. This can increase isolation and magnify mental health issues. 

Where can I find a support group?

Support groups can help caregivers and those recently diagnosed with dementia because group members have similar feelings, worries, everyday problems, and treatment decisions. Ability Central offers the following list to start you on your journey to connecting with others:

• Alz.org provides message boards and virtual support groups.
• The Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) offers support groups for this specific diagnosis.
• The Family Caregiver Alliance offers an email-based support group.
• Dementia Mentors is an online support resource offering private, one-on-one mentorship and video chats.
• Memory People is a Facebook group for people living with dementia, their caregivers, family members, and other loved ones.
• The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) offers free support groups that are facilitated by licensed social workers.
• Hope Health specializes in support groups specifically for caregivers.
• Caregiver Nation is a Facebook group where caregivers share information, understanding, empathy, and resources.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

Dementia is a general term used to describe a loss of memory and other cognitive abilities that interfere with daily life and a person’s ability to communicate. Alzheimer's disease is a specific type of dementia that gradually worsens over time. It is a physical illness that damages the brain, leading to symptoms of dementia. While Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, there are many other types as well. However, it is important to note that not all dementia is caused by Alzheimer's disease.

Learn more about Alzheimer’s disease. 

Where can I get more information about dementia?

Ability Central has multiple resources to learn more about dementia, including:

• Dementia: 5 Quick Facts You Should Know
• Dementia: Warning Signs and Symptoms
• Dementia: What to Do After Receiving a Diagnosis