At first, a dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnosis might not seem that daunting because you or your spouse don’t feel all that altered by the condition – yet. Over time, however, small memory glitches become bigger ones and snowball at a rate that requires additional care and support.

Accessing memory care options early, rather than waiting until you’ve met your limit, makes all the difference when it comes to reducing stress levels and preserving the quality of your relationships with loved ones. It can also slow the progression of the disease because memory care-specific assistance means access to the latest information about preventing, slowing down and treating these cumulative conditions.

Richmond, VA Has Many Dementia & Alzheimer’s Resources

The Greater Richmond Metro area is loaded with high-quality memory care options, ranging from financial assistance to adult day care, respite care and full-time memory care resources.

Financial Assistance For Memory Care

Spouses and family members are the most affected when it comes to caring for a  loved one with dementia. What starts out as “hardly ever” or “part-time” help quickly takes over your life. 

Fortunately, depending on the official medical diagnosis and doctors recommendations, there are ways to secure financial help to offset the costs of any in-home or facility-based care.

First, secure a physician-provided diagnosis

Regardless of which avenue(s) you pursue, you’ll need a bonafide, written diagnosis to secure reimbursements or supplementation from outside entities. Once you’re sure random forgetfulness is more serious than you thought, schedule an appointment with a physician. 

In addition to providing diagnosis and treatment recommendations, the diagnosis solidifies your eligibility for financial support.

Get in touch with your insurance provider

Your insurance provider has a list of memory care providers within their Richmond-area network. Depending on the plan’s specifics, this can notably reduce financial responsibility and may include full-coverage for certain aspects of care.

Contact Medicare/Medicaid

Patients 65-years and older, and/or those already diagnosed with a disability, are eligible for Medicare or Medicaid coverage. Medicare is available to all, Medicaid coverage requires more stringent financial need. 

In some cases, Medicare/Medicaid covers medical and care costs associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s, including:

• A percentage of the costs associated with diagnosing dementia-related conditions, as well as any doctor-prescribed treatments, such as counseling and medications.
• Some level of home care services or hospital equipment that may be needed along the way, typically as the condition progresses into the later stages.
• A portion of facility-based care on a temporary basis.
• Significant portions of a patient’s caregiving expenses if the individual qualifies via low-income maximums.

You may also want to consider paying for Medicare’s Supplemental Insurance Coverage. While this additional coverage does cost a bit extra, the potential savings associated with increased memory care coverage is usually worth it.

Review,  Medicare for Alzheimer’s and Dementia, to learn more about the different types of financial support offered by Medicare.

Are you and/or your spouse a veteran?

The Veteran’s Administration provides amazing support – via financial assistance as well as memory care services – to veterans and their families. This includes a range of helpful care options, including:

• Home care
• Medical care
• Respite care for spouses and family caregivers
• Adult day care services
• Palliative care
• And more

Learn more about the specifics by visiting the VA’s Dementia Care page online. You can also contact any Richmond-area Veteran’s Administration office for personal assistance.

Adult Day Care 

If you still work, or you would like to maintain weekly or monthly appointments and/or social engagements, adult day care is a lifesaver. Visit the Central Adult Services webpage to explore adult day care options in the Richmond area.

Centers vary in what they offer – ranging from part- to full-time care. However, all should provide compassionate care and stimulating activities, so your loved one is well-taken care of and occupied while you tend to your own affairs.

Receive Memory Care at Home

In the beginning stages of dementia, most patients find it most comfortable to be at home, in a familiar environment, surrounded by the people, pets, and furnishings they know and love best. However, this can be incredibly taxing for spouses and/or immediate family members as they quickly become full-time caregivers.

There are plenty of high-quality, home care agencies in the Richmond area. We recommend scheduling consultations with at least two or three so you find the agency that is the best fit for your situation, personality, and needs. You can Click Here for a list of home care agencies in the Richmond area. Always verify that caregivers are licensed and have current, complete background checks on file.

Once dementia or Alzheimer’s progresses to a more severe state, it may be best to transfer the individual to a memory care community, where their needs can be more acutely addressed in a warm, caring and stimulating environment – wholly dedicated to those with dementia-related conditions.