Can a spouse that has guardianship decide when it is time for spouse to enter a memory care facility, and will Medicaid cover the costs?

Cherylkos, welcome to the forum. So sorry you are going through this.

Please note that Memory Care is usually self-paid, thus from your pocket. For Medicaid, one has to apply, and if approved, Medicaid will pay for Nursing Home care. If you mean Medicare, Medicare does not pay for facility care unless it is Rehab, and there is a time limit for staying.

Your best bet to is tour the different facilities and see which one you feel the most comfortable with. Ask the Admin the question you asked here. There may be a Memory Care facility that will take Medicaid but only after self-pay for a certain number of month.

In. Our experience from touring AL with mc... The facility determines if mc appropriate not the family.

See an eldercare attorney.

Yes, to a guardian being able to place their Ward when they feel its the right time. And as said Memory care is private pay. Medicaid there is certain criteria. Your monthly income has to be under a certain cap and your assets there is a limit.

I suggest, you see an Elder Lawyer and have assets split. The S
Spouse in care will spend down their split than Medicaid can be applied for.

Cherylkos: Perhaps you should retain an elder law attorney.

Medicaid pays for long term care (LTC) if an individual is qualitied and approved for Medicaid assistance.

Medicaid rules can differ state to state however I know of no situation where Medicaid would pay for long term care in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) or Assisted Living (AL), but not long term care in a Memory Care (MC).

There is no differentiation. Medicaid pays for LTC in a MC unit if it's been determined memory care is the level of care needed.

I beleive most MCs require a doctors statement. But sadly, Medicaid kicks in with nursing homes. Some states have lower Medicaid qqualifications but good luck finding a MC facility. Expect a wait list