How the Cost of Dementia Care Compares in Athens, TN

The average cost of dementia care in the US is $53,502 per year, or $4,458.50 per month, and that number is $54,975 per year ($4,581.25 per month) in Tennessee. Factors impacting cost include level of care needed, type of community and amenities, geographic location, staff-to-resident ratio and training, and room type and accommodation options.

The Alzheimer's Association states that around 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older have Alzheimer's, and 74% of them are 75 or older. By 2050, this number may grow to 12.7 million, which means that the chances of you or a loved one developing this disease are likely.

Before you start experiencing symptoms though, it's important to explore your senior care options. It's never too early to do financial planning for dementia, especially if you already know you want to settle in Athens, TN.

Here's what you should know about the cost of dementia care and how you can prepare for it.

What Is the Average Cost of Dementia Care?

A study by Lastuka et al., published in the National Library of Medicine, found that the per-case cost of dementia care in the US is $53,502, or $4,458.50 per month. This doesn't include unpaid caregiving, which is almost equal to that amount ($43,719 per year, or $3,643.25 per month).

How Much Does Memory Care Cost in Tennessee?

In the same study cited above by Lastuka et al., it lists that the per-case cost of dementia care in Tennessee is $54,975, or $4,581.25 per month. For unpaid caregiving, this averages out to $45,228 per year, or $3,769 per month.

As you can see, the cost of memory care in Tennessee is slightly higher than the national average.

Does Medicare Pay for Memory Care in Tennessee?

No, Medicare doesn't pay for the full cost of memory care in Tennessee. It may pay for medical services related to dementia (e.g., doctor visits, cognitive assessments, prescription medications, etc.), but it doesn't cover custodial care or room and board costs.

What Affects Memory Care Costs?

To better plan for the future, you should understand what affects pricing for dementia care. Here are the main factors.

Level of Care Needed

The level of care needed is one of the biggest factors influencing costs. In the earlier stages of dementia, seniors may only need light help with daily tasks, which results in lower monthly expenses. However, as the disease progresses, they'll need more assistance and monitoring, so this will drive up costs.

Type of Community and Amenities

Dedicated memory care communities will often cost much more than assisted living communities that have memory care programs.

In addition, the more amenities there are, the higher the prices. This is especially true if the community offers holistic care that encompasses programs that address all aspects of health.

Geographic Location

Obviously, where you go in the nation for memory care will have a huge effect on the price you pay.

As you already know, Tennessee has slightly higher rates than the national average. And if you opt for major metropolitan areas (like Nashville or Knoxville), housing and staffing costs will be higher.

Staff-to-Resident Ratio and Training

The quality and quantity of staff directly impact dementia care costs, too. Lower staff-to-resident ratios ensure that you get better quality of care and personalized attention, but this raises operational expenses.

But don't let this sway you. You get what you pay for, after all, and it's worth every penny to know that you're in good hands.

Room Type and Accommodation Options

Some communities offer shared rooms while others have private accommodations. The latter can be much more comfortable for residents, but it'll cost significantly more.

You also have to look at what's included with the base price. Sometimes, it may seem like you're paying a lot, but the included dementia care services (such as housekeeping and meals) make the price cost-effective.

Why Choose TerraBella Athens?

For Tennessee memory support, choose TerraBella Athens. We offer both assisted living and memory care, so residents can easily transition from the former to the latter when their care needs change.

Also, we have personalized care plans that keep our residents mentally and physically engaged. Our expertly trained team can care for those with Alzheimer's and various forms of dementia in kind, compassionate, and effective ways.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does It Cost to Take Care of Someone With Dementia?

The cost of caring for someone with dementia will vary widely, as every person's level of care needed will be different, which will affect the type of support services used. Plus, the memory care pricing between locations can differ drastically as well.

On average, families should expect to spend between $60,000 and $100,000 per year for full-time care. This includes medications, home modifications, adult day care, medical equipment, etc.

These costs will increase as the condition progresses. 

Who Is Financially Responsible for a Person With Dementia?

Financial responsibility for a person with dementia typically falls to the individual, but only if they have the assets or income available to cover the costs. Once the disease progresses and they can no longer manage finances on their own, then a power of attorney or legal guardian assumes financial responsibility.

Family members aren't legally obligated to pay for dementia care unless they've co-signed agreements or are living in states with filial responsibility laws.

At What Point Do Dementia Patients Need 24-Hour Care?

Usually, dementia patients will need 24-hour care when they're in the later stages of the disease, when symptoms significantly impact:

• Safety
• Memory
• Daily functioning

Often, the biggest warning sign is severe confusion, as well as wandering, incontinence, behavioral changes, and difficulty communicating. They may also be unable to perform basic tasks.

Know the Cost of Dementia Care

The cost of dementia care can be quite high, so it's essential that you plan for the costs ahead of time. When you know what to expect, this can make the eventual life transition much easier and less stressful, as you'll have been planning for it in advance.

TerraBella Athens is a pet-friendly community that offers memory care friendship suites to ensure that our residents aren't lonely or isolated. If you'd like to schedule a tour of our senior living community in Athens, TN, get in touch with us today.