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Dear Helpline, My mother has Alzheimer’s disease and is no longer safe at home
alone while I am at work. I would like her to attend a day program and she has agreed. The
program costs $85 per day plus transportation. My mother has some savings, but my brother and
I are concerned that her money will quickly run out and there will be nothing left to pay for her
ongoing care, especially as her needs continue to increase. We are really at a loss. Please help.—
Anxious in Brooklyn
Dear Anxious,
At the end of 2008, many social adult day programs lost their funding and have since
become private pay programs. As a result, many families are in situations similar to what you
have described: there is some money available but the fear of running out quickly or not
having enough to cover the cost of care down the road can sometimes prevent families from
spending that money.
One option might be to see if the program you are interested in having your mother attend
offers a sliding scale option. Some programs are able to provide reduced rates based on the
person with dementia’s financial situation. To find out if the program offers a sliding scale, call
the program directly and speak with an administrator.
Another possible option worth considering is Community Medicaid. Community
Medicaid guidelines are strict in terms of income and resources, but there are things that
can be done in order to become eligible. Remember, however, that Medicaid only covers
medical model adult day, and not social model programs. That said, some managed Medicaid
programs do provide coverage for social programs as well. Speak to the staff at the program
you are interested in bringing your mother to and see if they have contracts with
any managed Medicaid providers.
A third option is for you to contact the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24-hour
Helpline at 800-272-3900. The New York City Chapter has financial assistance
grants available to those who qualify. The application process is just that—a
process—and will involve an assessment of your current situation as well as the
financial status of the person with dementia. Also included in the assessment is the
development of a long-term plan to ensure that the person with dementia’s needs
are still able to be met even after the grant has been completed. Calling in advance
is always a better option than waiting until you are in a more desperate situation.
Remember, too, that grants are limited and awarded only once annually. If a grant
is awarded, because it is only a short-term solution, you may want to consider sharing the cost of
the program between your mother’s personal finances and the Association grant. This way, half
of the bill can be paid by your family (using your mother’s savings) and the other half can be paid
with the Association grant. This way, Mom can attend the program twice as long and you can,
hopefully, take some of the pressure and concern off of you and your brother.
If you would like more information about any of these options, please call our 24-hour
Helpline.
The 24-hour Helpline is
always available to answer
your questions and help you
through difficult times.
We can be reached 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week, 365
days a year at 800-272-3900
or helpline@alznyc.org.
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