5.8 million Americans currently suffer from dementia, such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of memory loss. Dementia has been linked with an increased risk of depression; those affected can benefit from screenings, medication, care coordination services and support services in order to manage symptoms effectively and safely. Medicare can be an invaluable source for some of these needs; however it should not be seen as the sole solution available.
Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care for Dementia? – the Answer depends on where the disease stands in its progression. For early stages, Medicare offers cognitive assessments, care planning services and various therapies like occupational or physical therapy; while in later stages hospice care may be required. However, you can still find resources which supplement Medicare coverage such as Medicaid or Medigap plans.
Medicare covers many medical aspects of dementia; however, long-term care in nursing homes or assisted living facilities is not covered. You must rely on other resources, such as long-term care insurance policies, Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), state programs or federal funds in order to cover these expenses.
Medicare Part A covers inpatient stays at skilled nursing facilities for up to 100 days after hospitalization for an illness or injury, providing semi-private rooms, meals, medical equipment or supplies used while staying there and more than 20 day copayment of $176 daily copay payments.
Home health care for dementia patients at any stage can be beneficial; however, to qualify, certain criteria must be fulfilled. These include being unable to leave your home alone without assistance and/or needing a wheelchair/walker; receiving medically necessary treatments and having your physician confirm that home health care is safe for you.
Your doctor will develop a care plan tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of you and your loved ones. This may involve reviewing daily activities such as bathing and dressing as well as assistive devices like wheelchairs or walkers. Furthermore, medications like cholinesterase inhibitors or N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists will likely be prescribed in order to manage symptoms effectively.
If you have Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plans, chronic care management services (CCMR) could be available to you. These specialized services for people living with dementia and at least one other condition are designed to address their unique care needs; services may include creating a care plan, coordinating treatments and services, monitoring medication dosage and providing 24/7 access to a healthcare professional for any healthcare issues that arise. CCMR services are often included within Medicare Advantage plans targeted specifically towards dementia; it may also be available via all standard formulary plans as well as special need plans available through Part D prescription drug plans – just check – for availability in this service area!