Alzheimer’s Assisted Living Waiver
What makes someone eligible for the Alzheimer’s Assisted Living Waiver?
The Alzheimer’s Assisted Living Waiver is available to individuals who are 55 years of age or older and who have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or a related dementia but no diagnosis of a serious mental illness or mental retardation/ intellectual disability. In addition, the individual must be living in (or willing to move to) an assisted living facility instead of a nursing home, and also be receiving (or be eligible to receive) an Auxiliary Grant.
As with all Medicaid-funded services, there are also financial eligibility criteria.
Services offered through the Alzheimer’s Assisted Living Waiver
- Help with activities of daily living (ADL’s) bathing, dressing, eating, getting out of bed, walking or using the bathroom
- Medication administration
- Meals
- Help with laundry
- Transportation
- Coordination of medical services
- Special therapeutic, recreational and social programs
If you answer yes to any/all of the following questions, you may be eligible for the Alzheimer’s Assisted Living Waiver
- Are you 55 years of age or older and do you have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or related dementia, such as small stroke, or Lewey body?
- Do you need help with bathing, dressing, eating, getting out of bed, walking or using the bathroom?
- Do you need help remembering to take your medications or in taking your medications?
- Are you currently living in, or are seeking admission to, an assisted living facility?
- Are you currently receiving, or have you applied for, an auxiliary grant?
Next Steps
If you think that you might qualify for the Alzheimer’s Assisted Living Waiver, contact your local department of social services or local health department. To find information on-line, visit the VirginiaNavigator website, select “Departments of Social Services” or “Health Department,” and put in your zip code. After you contact your local department, a nurse and social worker will schedule a time to meet with you, assess your needs and determine your financial eligibility. If you are in the hospital, a discharge planner may also do this. To view the assessment instrument that will be used, (the Uniform Assessment Instrument or “UAI”), look on-line at the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS).
For more information about this and other Medicaid programs, look on-line at the Department of Medical Assistance Services or contact the Medicaid Mentor Program (toll free) at 1-866-323-1088 or 757-461-8007.
