Medicare does not cover memory care room and board. However, if a person with dementia has a qualifying hospital stay and needs post-acute skilled nursing and therapy, they can receive Medicare-covered care in a skilled nursing facility — even if they also have dementia. After the Medicare benefit is exhausted, the family faces a private-pay or Medicaid decision for long-term care.

For acute illness or injury requiring skilled nursing care beyond the community’s capacity, the resident is typically transferred to a hospital and then to a skilled nursing facility for post-acute recovery. Many memory care residents then face the question of whether to return to their memory care community (if the community will accept them back) or remain in skilled nursing.

Yes. Some Texas continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) and some larger skilled nursing facilities have dedicated memory care units, offering dementia-specific environment and programming within a setting that also provides 24-hour licensed nursing. These combined settings are the best option for dementia patients with significant medical complexity — if a high-quality one is available in the area.

Texas Medicaid STAR+PLUS can fund personal care services within a memory care setting for eligible residents, but does not pay the full room-and-board cost. Medicaid nursing home coverage in a skilled nursing facility is more widely available and more fully covered. Families considering Medicaid for a parent with dementia should consult an elder law attorney to understand their specific options.