Some memory care expenses and out-of-pocket medical expenses — like prescriptions and on-site nursing services — for a loved one with dementia are tax deductible. Meals and lodging at a memory care facility may also be tax deductible if an individual with dementia meets the IRS’ eligibility requirements. To reduce your family’s taxable income, you can itemize your return and deduct qualifying health care expenses.
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Yes, certain memory care expenses may qualify for the IRS’s medical deduction if your loved one with dementia is chronically ill, as defined by the IRS. A licensed health care professional must certify your loved one as chronically ill on an annual basis based on these requirements:[01]
To deduct any medical expenses, taxpayers must itemize their deductions. Itemizing your medical deductions can lower the amount of taxes you owe and give you a larger return than a standard deduction, if those out-of-pocket costs exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).[02]
Keep in mind, however, that itemizing medical deductions not always be more beneficial than a standard deduction, depending on your circumstances.
If your loved one meets the IRS’s chronically ill requirements and is living in a memory care facility due to medical necessity, the deduction can cover meals and lodging.
However, many dementia patients may not qualify in the early stages. In that case, you can still deduct medical expenses provided in their memory care facility, some of which may include:[03]
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If a senior residing in a memory care facility is paying for their own care, then the qualifying expenses can be deducted from their taxes. In this case, the filing process will likely be overseen by their financial power of attorney (POA) or tax professional if they have cognitive decline.
If a family member is financially supporting a parent’s care in a memory care facility, then the parent may be considered a “qualifying relative” and they may deduct these unreimbursed medical expenses on their return.
For a family member to claim a parent as a dependent or qualifying relative, families must meet these standards:[04]
Only qualified, unreimbursed medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of a taxpayer’s adjusted gross income (AGI) are deductible. This can include out-of-pocket health care costs they paid for themselves, their spouse, and any dependents and qualifying relatives.
You should keep careful records and request itemized receipts throughout the year so you can easily tally up qualifying expenses and demonstrate that you meet the IRS’s requirements.
To calculate your total medical expense tax deduction, follow these steps:
If your loved one moved into memory care in the middle of the year, there may also be other tax credits or deductions available to families depending on their situation.
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To prepare for tax season, Denise Lettau, an attorney with over 15 years of experience in the wealth management industry, recommends asking your loved one’s memory care community for the following:
“Sometimes facilities cannot provide an itemized explanation of benefits (EOB),” Lettau says. “Instead, they may state how much of the monthly rate covers room and board, and how much covers care services. Also, look at the signed resident agreement, because some provide a breakdown of services.”
• Save all receipts and invoices to track expenses. Whether you scan them with a smartphone or use a binder with tabs, stay consistent.
• Designate a credit card for your loved one’s medical expenses. Keeping those transactions separate simplifies the tracking process.
• Review and file expenses on a monthly basis. Staying up to date helps avoid a backlog during tax season.
• Work with a tax preparer to see if you’ve missed anything. Make sure they have experience with senior care and medical deductions.
The IRS has resources available online, including free tax forms and publications detailing a variety of credits and deductions. If you think you may qualify for any of these credits and deductions, consult a senior living tax professional to ensure compliance with IRS rules.
It’s also important to remember that a memory care community is only one long-term care option available for loved ones with dementia. Families can also choose other dementia care options that work for their situation, including in-home dementia care or memory care in a nursing home.
A Place for Mom’s trained Senior Living Advisors are available to provide guidance on financing memory care and exploring long-term care options for a loved one with dementia, all at no cost to your family.
Yes, memory care rent can be deducted from taxes if your loved one’s stay in a memory care facility is a medical necessity.
Yes, dementia can be considered a disability for tax purposes if a dementia patient qualifies for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration. To qualify for disability benefits, a dementia patient must have “significant cognitive decline.”
To certify dementia care as a medical expense for tax purposes, a licensed health care professional must certify your loved one with dementia as chronically ill on an annual basis. A licensed medical professional must also provide the dementia care under a specified care plan.
Internal Revenue Service. (2019, October). Instructions for Form 1099-LTC (10/2019).
Internal Revenue Service. (2024, March 13). Topic no. 502, medical and dental expenses.
Internal Revenue Service. (2024, February 1). About Publication 502, medical and dental expenses.
Internal Revenue Service. (2023, June 15). For caregivers.
The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
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