The phrase “long-term care” is general, but typically includes a range of health and support services that people that older and disabled individuals need. The services are typically for personal care, or help with activities of daily living. Family members typically begin providing this care, but as support needs increase, paid care are often needed to help caregivers, provide respite to family members, or to pay for more extensive, long-term services in a nursing home or assisted living facility, when the person can no longer be cared for in their homes.
According to LongTermCare.gov, the average 2008 costs in the United States were:
- $187/day for a semi-private room in a nursing home
- $209/day for a private room in a nursing home
- $3,008/month for care in an Assisted Living Facility (a one-bedroom unit)
- $29/hour for a Home Health Aide
- $18/hour for a Homemaker services
- $59/day for care in an Adult Day Health Care Center
Costs vary based on the type and amount of care needed, the provider used, and where the individual lives. Home health and home care services, provided in blocks of time referred to as “visits,†are typically more expensive in the evening, or on weekends or holidays (if available at all). The costs of services in community programs, like adult day services, are often provided at a per-day or hourly rate, but vary based on service and program costs. Facilities may charge extra for services beyond basic room-and-board charges, or they may have “all inclusive†fees.
These costs are not inexpensive by any means, but the services are expensive to provide. Medical staff are typically on hand, there is overhead, and regulatory costs. For more information, visit the Resources by State page and navigate to service agencies near you.
