Comparing Senior Care Costs: What’s the Difference?
Don't worry about older adult care costs. CarePatrol senior care advisory services are available at no cost to you and come with our promise to help you find the best home for your budget.
Did you know that 7 out of 10 people will require long-term care during their lifetime? When a loved one is in need of senior care services, or if this becomes a decision you need to consider for yourself, it’s a major choice to make. It can feel overwhelming to plan for this change—and of course, there’s the question of cost to consider.
Senior care costs have risen considerably in recent years and continue to climb. Many people don't consider the different ways to pay for care. Fortunately, CarePatrol makes the adjustment easier by helping you explore solutions that fit your needs and price range.
Below we’ve covered some of the basics of the cost of senior care. For more guidance tailored specifically to you, please reach out to your local senior care advisor.
Listen To Our Podcast About Comparing Senior Costs
Looking for Senior Care Options?
We'll find your perfect solution.
At no cost to you.
Average Cost of Senior Care by State
A 2021 Cost of Care Survey conducted by Genworth determined that a private room in a nursing home costs $297 per day or just over $9,000 per month. Semi-private rooms are slightly cheaper, with a median cost of $260 per day or $7,908 per month. The median national cost for a home health aide is $169 per day or approximately $5,148 per month. Here is a closer look at the median monthly costs of senior care around the country in 2021. Costs change from year to year. If these numbers are shocking, don’t worry. We’ll cover the differences between a variety of common senior care options and how to pay for them.
| State | Private Room in Nursing Home | Assisted Living Facility | Home Health Aide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $7,026 | $3,503 | $3,851 |
| Alaska | $31,512 | $6,830 | $5,720 |
| Arizona | $8,030 | $4,000 | $5,434 |
| Arkansas | $6,692 | $3,760 | $4,195 |
| California | $12,167 | $5,250 | $6,101 |
| Colorado | $9,726 | $4,750 | $6,387 |
| Connecticut | $15,170 | $5,129 | $5,339 |
| Delaware | $12,577 | $5,995 | $5,339 |
| District of Columbia | $10,494 | $6,978 | $5,577 |
| Florida | $9,627 | $4,000 | $4,767 |
| Georgia | $7,604 | $3,535 | $4,385 |
| Hawaii | $14,113 | $5,375 | $5,720 |
| Idaho | $9,125 | $3,838 | $5,434 |
| Illinois | $7,156 | $4,488 | $5,339 |
| Indiana | $8,700 | $4,283 | $4,767 |
| Iowa | $7,452 | $4,367 | $5,577 |
| Kansas | $6,813 | $4,580 | $4,671 |
| Kentucky | $7,969 | $3,448 | $4,767 |
| Louisiana | $6,060 | $3,748 | $3,718 |
| Maine | $11,254 | $5,865 | $5,720 |
| Maryland | $12,167 | $4,900 | $5,148 |
| Massachusetts | $13,535 | $6,500 | $5,911 |
| Michigan | $9,855 | $4,250 | $5,529 |
| Minnesota | $13,072 | $4,508 | $6,912 |
| Mississippi | $7,314 | $3,500 | $3,813 |
| Missouri | $5,931 | $3,000 | $4,767 |
| Montana | $8,060 | $4,450 | $5,339 |
| Nebraska | $8,289 | $4,076 | $5,339 |
| Nevada | $10,007 | $3,750 | $5,148 |
| New Hampshire | $12,015 | $6,053 | $6,197 |
| New Jersey | $12,151 | $6,495 | $5,710 |
| New Mexico | $8,365 | $4,498 | $4,652 |
| New York | $13,233 | $4,580 | $5,529 |
| North Carolina | $8,213 | $4,010 | $4,385 |
| North Dakota | $12,587 | $3,391 | $5,689 |
| Ohio | $8,213 | $4,635 | $5,053 |
| Oklahoma | $6,083 | $3,855 | $4,862 |
| Oregon | $11,113 | $5,045 | $6,101 |
| Pennsylvania | $11,157 | $4,100 | $4,957 |
| Rhode Island | $10,038 | $6,826 | $5,958 |
| South Carolina | $7,984 | $3,612 | $4,481 |
| South Dakota | $7,604 | $3,350 | $5,911 |
| Tennessee | $7,665 | $4,105 | $4,576 |
| Texas | $7,092 | $3,998 | $4,576 |
| Utah | $9,125 | $3,500 | $5,720 |
| Vermont | $11,102 | $5,250 | $5,720 |
| Virginia | $9,155 | $5,250 | $4,954 |
| Washington | $10,466 | $6,000 | $6,578 |
| West Virginia | $12,212 | $4,160 | $3,575 |
| Wisconsin | $9,733 | $4,600 | $5,720 |
| Wyoming | $7,635 | $4,169 | $5,529 |
Comparing Senior Care Options
Depending on your needs, there are different kinds of senior care options available. These needs may change over time, and your care plan can be changed to better accommodate them. Below are quick summaries of the different senior care solutions available to you.
Since the majority of people want to stay in their homes for as long as possible, in-home care is a popular option. If a senior only needs help for a few hours a week—with, say, strenuous housework or running errands—they can age in place in the comfort of their own home with scheduled visits from home health aides. Seniors can be matched with a home caregiver who fits their personality, interests, and life values.
Home health aide services employ individuals who are trained to provide specialized care. In-home care services can assist with daily activities such as:
- Light housekeeping/household tasks
- Medication reminders
- Grocery shopping trips and meal preparation
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Companion care services
In most states, home care tends to be the least expensive senior care option. Obviously, living at home means normal expenses will still exist (e.g. taxes, electricity bills, water and sewage, home maintenance, food, etc.)
Pricing for in-home care companies is usually hourly (with a national average of $26 an hour), so the cost will depend on the level of support you require. The median national cost for a home health aide is $169 per day, or approximately $5,148 per month.
If you or your loved one needs extra support to prevent injury or manage an illness or chronic condition, it may be time to discuss assisted living communities near you. Assisted living is a great choice for seniors who can no longer safely live alone but who still want to maintain an active social life. When compared to a nursing home, an assisted living facility is a more social and communal environment.
Most assisted living communities have apartment-style living spaces with mini-kitchens and private bathrooms. Skilled nursing staff is always on hand, and assistance is available for bathing, dressing, laundry, managing medications, transportation to appointments, and more. With a focus on balancing privacy and community, assisted living facilities usually have residents eat together in a dining room at certain times. Each month there will be activities, entertainment, and social outings scheduled.
According to a recent survey, the median national cost for an assisted living facility is $4,500 a month. Assisted living cost has continued to rise, though it remains much more affordable than nursing homes. In some cases, rates are all-inclusive, while others may charge more for certain services like physical therapy, speech therapy, and memory care.
Nursing homes are a good fit for residents who are bedridden or who require close monitoring and medical assistance. Nursing homes provide the highest level of skilled nursing care for seniors around the clock, with 24-hour emergency medical care available. They may offer services such as:
- Ongoing palliative and preventative long-term care
- Prescription medication administration
- Specialized rehabilitative services
- Emergency and routine dental services
- Inclusive meal options
- Increased security and safety features
According to a recent survey, the median national cost for a private room in a nursing home facility is $9,034 a month.
Specialized memory care environments are designed for older adults living with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. The supportive care services found here will include personal hygiene, medication assistance, and other ways to keep seniors content and engaged in a secure environment. There is a strong focus placed on routines featuring familiar social outings and structured activities, which have been proven to help with dementia and Alzheimer's. The safety features in these communities aim to reduce confusion and agitation in dementia patients and Alzheimer's patients, ensuring every individual maintains the ability to participate in the familiar activities that bring them joy and improve mental health.
Entire memory care neighborhoods exist, but Alzheimer's and dementia care may also be an option available in other nursing homes and assisted living facilities for additional fees.
Are Senior Care Costs Tax Deductible?
Yes, in most cases, out-of-pocket senior care costs are tax deductible under itemized medical expenses. If you, a parent, a spouse, or another dependent is in a nursing home primarily for medical care, then all the related expenses (medical care, lodging, meals, etc.) are deductible.
However, seniors who live in nursing homes or independent living communities for personal reasons rather than medical reasons will only be allowed to deduct costs associated with the actual medical care they receive. This will not include lodging and meals.
Next up, let’s take a closer look at how to cover assisted living costs and other senior care expenses.
How to Cover Senior Care Costs
Precise senior care costs will vary based on factors like location and level of care needed, but for many families, senior care costs can be a significant blow to their current budget. Fortunately, when it comes to help paying for senior care solutions, there are multiple options. At CarePatrol, we can connect you with resources and programs that ease this financial burden.
Here are twelve ways you may be able to cover long-term care costs:
Many older adults who need to move into assisted living will pay on their own. This is known as private pay. Family funds can be set up among siblings and other family members to cover the cost of home care for an aging parent or relative. Be sure to clearly spell out the terms of the agreement and consult an elder law attorney for guidance.
Family caregivers often face financial and emotional sacrifices to care for older, sick, or disabled relatives. State-based programs, Medicaid, and veterans' assistance can provide compensation for these caregivers, acknowledging their vital role.
Get Help with Assisted Living Costs Now
When it's time to make the transition from independent living to assisted living services, CarePatrol is here to help you find the right senior care location for your budget. Our compassionate and solution-focused team members partner with you throughout the long-term care process to best support the overall health and well-being of aging adults across the country.
Based on our thorough site evaluations and personal care discovery sessions, we present you with communities that match your specific needs. Next, we take you on a personal tour of each one so you can see the accommodations and speak directly with the care team. Plus, when we evaluate senior living options with you, we don't just think of medical care needs. We also consider a resident's activity level, social life, and other personal preferences to find an assisted living community that's the perfect fit for the next chapter of life.
To explore senior housing solutions for your loved one, reach out to a local senior advisor today and get a free consultation.
Have more questions?
CarePatrol has answers and is here to be your trusted guide as you navigate safe and appropriate senior care solutions. Our senior care advisors can determine if you or your loved ones qualify for these programs and can help you access your benefits as quickly as possible in order to make senior care more affordable. Contact us now to speak with your local senior care advisor at no cost to you.