What is the Alabama license for memory care?
Memory care in Alabama assisted living requires a specialty care assisted living facility (SCALF) license under chapter 420-5-20, the only assisted living license that allows a secured unit for residents with dementia.
Check the license on ADPH's directory under “Assisted Living Facilities (Specialty Care).”
How many staff must an Alabama memory care unit have?
At least two staff for up to 16 residents on every shift and three for up to 24 residents on days, 36 on evenings and 48 overnight, rising by one for each additional 8, 12 or 16 residents on those shifts, under Table A of rule 420-5-20-.04.
That is a floor. Residents' needs can require more, and the rule says so.
Do Alabama memory care staff have dementia training?
Yes. Every SCALF employee must complete the DETA Care Series developed by the Alabama Department of Mental Health, or an approved equivalent, before resident contact, and licensed staff complete additional DETA courses.
Ask to see the training log.
When must someone leave Alabama memory care?
When their Physical Self-Maintenance Scale score passes 23, when they need total help with feeding, dressing, grooming or bathing, cannot walk safely, need skilled nursing beyond 90 days, or show behaviors dangerous to others.
Hospice is allowed for current residents in limited cases; see admission and discharge rules.
How much does memory care cost around Birmingham?
There is no published memory care median for Alabama because CareScout does not survey memory care separately; expect quotes above the $4,200-a-month assisted living median and compare written, all-inclusive figures.
Alabama Medicaid does not pay SCALF fees.
Can a regular assisted living facility offer memory care in Alabama?
Not with secured exits: a regular ALF must allow free and unhindered egress and may not keep residents who can live there safely only behind restricted exits, so a secured memory care unit needs a SCALF license.
A regular ALF may still serve residents with mild cognitive impairment who can direct their own care.
Who oversees health care in an Alabama SCALF?
A registered nurse assesses every resident monthly and writes care plans, and a physician medical director, who must be an Alabama-licensed physician rather than an NP or PA, oversees care policies and quality assurance.
Ask to meet the RN on your tour.
Is memory care covered by Medicare or Alabama Medicaid?
No. Neither Medicare nor Alabama Medicaid pays SCALF room, board or care fees; Medicare still covers medical services such as doctor visits, prescriptions under Part D, home health and hospice for a resident who qualifies.
Families typically pay privately, with long-term care insurance or with VA pension where eligible, and plan for a Medicaid nursing home if needs progress.
