For individuals facing dementia who can no longer reside at home and require state funding like Medicaid to cover long-term care within a facility, the Specialized Dementia Care Program offers a vital solution. It’s important to explore alternatives if Medicaid eligibility isn’t met.
Administered by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), this program ensures that people with dementia receive a comprehensive package of specialized care services while living in an Assisted Living Facility. Understanding what an Assisted Living Facility entails is beneficial in this context.
The core objective of this program is to enhance the quality of life and maintain the physical well-being of individuals with dementia, acknowledging and addressing the challenges associated with dementia-related losses.
What Specialized Services Are Provided?
The specialized dementia care services encompass a range of crucial provisions, including:
- Personalized care, supervision, and activities meticulously designed to match the unique needs, interests, abilities, and personal preferences of each individual.
- Close collaboration with family members to ensure that the person’s established routines and cherished preferences are respected and integrated into their care plan.
- Specialized, in-depth dementia-specific training for all staff members involved in care provision.
- Around-the-clock availability of awake staff to ensure continuous monitoring and immediate assistance whenever needed.
- A secure and thoughtfully designed outdoor environment featuring safe walking paths and accessible, protected outdoor areas.
- Regular intermittent nursing services, medication management support, assistance with personal care tasks, and a variety of other essential support services.
For a detailed understanding of the mandated services, refer to the state rules outlining the specific service requirements.
Who is Eligible for the Program?
To qualify for the Specialized Dementia Care Program, an individual with dementia must fulfill all three of the following eligibility criteria:
- A confirmed diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another irreversible form of dementia, such as vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, Pick’s disease, or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
- Current receipt of or eligibility for state assistance through Medicaid.
- A professional assessment by a DSHS assigned case manager determining a demonstrated need for specialized dementia care services.
Furthermore, program availability is contingent upon available space within an Assisted Living Facility that has contracted with DSHS to deliver this specific package of specialized dementia services. It’s important to note that due to funding limitations, DSHS contracts with a select number of Assisted Living Facilities across the state for this program.
Taking the Next Steps to Access Specialized Dementia Care
If you believe that the Specialized Dementia Care Program could be beneficial for yourself or a loved one, the next step is to contact DSHS or a local Aging and Disability Services Administration (ADSA) office. They can provide detailed information about the program, assess eligibility, and guide you through the application process to access this specialized support.
