Nursing Home vs Home Care Cost Calculator
Compare the cost of nursing home care versus home health aides. Plan long-term care expenses for yourself or a family member.
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Long-Term Care Costs: The Numbers You Need to Know
Long-term care is one of the largest financial risks in retirement. The national median costs in 2026: assisted living: $4,500/month ($54,000/year), nursing home (semi-private): $8,000/month ($96,000/year), nursing home (private): $9,500/month ($114,000/year), home health aide: $30/hour ($4,800-$14,400/month depending on hours). The average nursing home stay is 2.5 years, making the typical total cost $200,000-$285,000. For memory care (Alzheimer/dementia), stays average 4-8 years at $6,000-$8,000/month.
Medicare does NOT cover long-term custodial care. It covers only skilled nursing (rehabilitation) for up to 100 days after a hospital stay. Medicaid covers nursing home care but requires spending down assets below $2,000 (individual). Long-term care insurance is the main private funding option but must be purchased before you need it (ideally in your 50s-60s). Premiums average $2,000-$4,000/year. Alternatives include hybrid life insurance/LTC policies and self-insuring by saving $200,000-$300,000 specifically for potential care needs.
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