Nursing Home Costs: A Complete Guide for 2024

Senior living communities are designed to provide a safe, comfortable and supportive environment for older adults. While some communities may offer medical attention when needed, nursing homes are better suited for seniors with complex medical needs, such as recovery after surgery or wound care. Residents in nursing homes often require round-the-clock medical care and monitoring, along with assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). This level of care can make nursing homes more expensive compared to other senior living options.

Sometimes, finding a vibrant and supportive community for a loved one can be a deeply emotional and stressful process. You don’t have to do it all on your own. We’re here to walk with you every step of the way. In this blog, we break down nursing home costs and compare them to senior living options, to help you plan more effectively for your loved one’s care.

Differences Between Nursing Homes And Senior Living

While all senior living options are designed with seniors in mind, they each offer different services and levels of care, depending on your loved one’s needs. There are some key differences between nursing homes and other senior living options.

Nursing homes are designed for individuals with complex medical needs that can’t always be handled in senior living communities. If a person has serious health issues or chronic conditions, like an injury or a severe mobility problem, a nursing home might be the best option for them. Nursing homes typically have licensed medical professionals and caregivers who can provide round-the-clock care and manage complex medical needs. On the other hand, most senior living communities offer a wide range of care levels with options to personalize support services to each resident.
While both options provide a variety of tasty meals tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs of older adults, the environment and lifestyle they offer can differ significantly. Nursing homes typically prioritize health and medical care, resulting in a more structured daily schedule to help ensure proper treatment and support. Most senior living communities, however, have amenities and services, like recreational activities, fitness programs and social events.
When it comes to independence and autonomy, residents in nursing homes often have limited freedom because the environment is designed to be more focused on care. In contrast, people in senior living communities enjoy more freedom and autonomy. They can come and go as they please, choose the activities they want to participate in, and maintain a greater sense of independence.
While both nursing homes and senior living communities aim to provide comfortable accommodations, there are some key differences. In most cases, senior living communities offer cozy, condo-style apartments or standalone homes to help promote a sense of independence for residents. In contrast, nursing homes typically feature a more clinical setting. This arrangement is designed to allow for closer monitoring to help ensure that residents receive the necessary support at all times.
Social interaction is another key difference. While some nursing homes may offer social activities for residents, they’re usually designed for individuals who need specialized medical care, which can limit these opportunities. Senior living communities, however, typically provide numerous enjoyable, accessible activities and events to help make residents’ lives exciting.
Due to the high level of medical care provided, nursing homes tend to be more expensive compared to senior living options. Senior living communities, on the other hand, vary in cost based on the level of care and amenities offered. For instance, independent living is typically less expensive than assisted living.

Overview Of Nursing Home Costs

Understanding the costs associated with nursing home care can be essential for planning your loved one’s care. According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly cost of nursing home care in the United States is around $7,900 for a shared room and $9,000 for a private room.

Here’s a brief overview of what to expect:

Accommodation Type

Median Daily Cost

Median Monthly Cost

Median Annual Cost

Semi Private Room

$264

$7,900

$94,800

Private Room

$300

$9,000

$108,000

Average Nursing Home Cost Per Month Across The United States

When thinking about possible care options for their family members, most families often find themselves asking the question, “How much does a nursing home cost?” Here’s a detailed breakdown of how much you can expect to pay for your loved one’s nursing home costs in the United States, according to SeniorLiving.org:

State

Average Monthly Cost of
Semi-Private Room

Average Monthly Cost of
Private Room

Alabama

$7,832

$8,302

Alaska

$19,267

$35,622

Arizona

$7,832

$9,712

Arkansas

$7,206

$8,145

California

$11,748

$13,628

Colorado

$9,759

$10,746

Connecticut

$15,508

$17,074

Delaware

$11,467

$12,250

District of Columbia

$13,002

$14,009

Florida

$10,182

$11,748

Georgia

$8,177

$8,616

Hawaii

$12,532

$12,563

Idaho

$10,809

$11,404

Illinois

$7.676

$8,929

Indiana

$8,114

$9,994

Iowa

$8,616

$9,242

Kansas

$7,707

$8,240

Kentucky

$8,004

$9,179

Louisiana

$7,112

$7,707

Maine

$12,563

$13,550

Maryland

$11,858

$13,221

Massachusetts

$14,009

$15,038

Michigan

$10,887

$11,811

Minnesota

$10,589

$13,189

Mississippi

$8,773

$9,023

Missouri

$6,109

$6,736

Montana

$8,427

$8,710

Nebraska

$7,832

$8,334

Nevada

$10,511

$12,767

New Hampshire

$11,965

$13,129

New Jersey

$11,968

$13,080

New Mexico

$9,023

$10,307

New York

$14,395

$15,257

North Carolina

$8,616

$9,399

North Dakota

$8,145

$8,851

Ohio

$8,616

$9,806

Oklahoma

$6,109

$7,049

Oregon

$15,023

$15,664

Pennsylvania

$11,091

$11,905

Rhode Island

$12,532

$13,941

South Carolina

$8,929

$9,649

South Dakota

$8,835

$9,179

Tennessee

$8,914

$9,555

Texas

$5,483

$6,893

Utah

$7,832

$10,417

Vermont

$13,628

$14,568

Virginia

$9,524

$10,496

Washington

$12,532

$14,099

West Virginia

$11,968

$12,313

Wisconsin

$10,558

$10,496

Wyoming

$7,832

$9,712

Factors Influencing Nursing Home Costs

Understanding what influences nursing home costs can help you make informed decisions about your loved one’s care. Here are some key factors that may influence cost of nursing homes:

Location: The geographical area where the nursing home is located can play a significant role in determining the cost of care. Typically, nursing homes in areas with high living costs tend to be more expensive compared to those in less expensive areas.
Level of care: Your loved one’s care needs can also affect the cost of nursing home care. Basic care, which includes assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), is typically less expensive compared to specialized medical care for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or wound rehabilitation.
Community’s amenities and services: Some nursing homes offer additional amenities, such as private rooms, recreational activities and gourmet dining options for their residents. While these extras can enhance comfort and quality of life for your loved one, they often come at an added cost.

Private Vs. Semi-Private Rooms

When considering senior care options, the choice between private and semi-private rooms can have a significant impact on the cost of nursing home care. While private rooms may provide enhanced privacy and personalization, this option typically comes at a higher cost due to the dedicated space and amenities.

On the other hand, semi-private rooms can provide opportunities for social interaction, which can be vital for mental and emotional well-being as we age. When choosing housing and floor plans for a loved one, it’s essential to carefully consider their unique needs, as well as available resources.

How To Pay For Nursing Home Care

Paying for nursing home care can be a significant financial undertaking for families. Fortunately, there are several practical options you can explore to help manage nursing home costs, including:

Long-term care insurance: A long-term care insurance policy can help cover a significant portion of your loved one’s nursing home expenses. However, coverage may vary widely between policies, so it’s important to review the specific policy to understand exactly what it covers.
Personal savings and investments: Personal savings, retirement funds or investments can be viable options when it comes to covering nursing home costs.
Medicare and Medicaid: Medicare may cover short-term stays for skilled nursing care following a hospitalization, but it typically doesn’t cover long-term nursing home care. Medicaid, however, can provide financial assistance for individuals who meet specific eligibility requirements.
Veterans benefits: Eligible veterans and their spouses may get financial assistance through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Family contribution and support: Some families may rely on contributions from family members to help pay for costs.
Payment plans and financing options: Many nursing homes offer payment plans or financing options to spread out the cost of care over time. Consider exploring these arrangements to find a payment schedule that best fits your financial situation.

Alternatives To Nursing Homes

If a nursing home doesn’t seem like the right fit, there are several other options that can provide the necessary care and support for your loved one, such as:

Assisted living communities: Assisted living can be an excellent option if your family member needs some help with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing and managing medications.
In-home care: In-home care provides a fantastic option for seniors who prefer to receive assistance in the comfort of their own homes. While in-home care can be tailored to your loved one’s specific needs, costs can quickly add up, especially if round-the-clock assistance is required.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs): As our loved ones age, it’s normal for their needs to change with time. CCRCs offer a wide range of care levels, from independent living to skilled nursing care, allowing residents to receive assistance in the same community, even if their care needs change.
Hospice care: Caring for a loved one with terminal conditions can be a deeply emotional and stressful journey. Hospice communities provide support and comfort for people with terminal conditions and their families. Most hospice care communities offer pain management and symptom relief to help improve comfort and quality of life.
Family caregiving: Family caregiving can be a great option for families that have the ability and resources to care for their loved one at home.

How To Choose The Right Option For Your Loved One

With a number of available options to consider, choosing the right care for a loved one can be overwhelming. Here are some practical tips to help you choose the right care option:

Understand your loved one’s needs: Typically, your loved one’s needs dictate the type of senior care they require. Does your family member need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), like bathing and dressing, or do they require more specialized medical care? Make a list of their needs, including medical, emotional and social aspects.
Consider their preferences: Does your family member prefer to stay at home, or are they open to moving to a community setting? It’s important to discuss their wishes with them and involve them in the decision-making process as much as possible.
Tour a few communities: Touring a few communities can help you make a more informed judgment. If possible, read reviews or speak with other residents and their families to hear what they think.
Plan for the future: When caring for a family member, it’s vital to consider their long-term needs. Some options, like CCRCs and senior living communities, can offer a wide range of care levels, which can be beneficial if your loved one’s needs change over time.
Seek professional advice: While caregiving can feel incredibly rewarding, it can become stressful, especially for untrained family caregivers who have to juggle multiple roles. If that’s the case for you, consider consulting with a geriatric care manager or a social worker. They can provide valuable insights and help you find the community that best suits your loved one’s unique needs.

Learn How Much Senior Living Costs Near You

Senior living communities provide a comfortable and supportive environment for older adults. While it’s hard to put a price tag on your loved one’s care, it can be useful to understand how much senior living costs. Our cost calculator helps you get a clearer picture of what to expect financially and find the option that best fits your specific situation and budget.

See The Costs Of

Senior Living Compared To Staying In Place

We created this senior living calculator to help you determine the costs of senior living compared to remaining in place.

Get Started

Compare The Costs Of Senior Living
?

To accurately estimate the cost of senior living, simply enter your monthly expenses in the field below.

To see an estimate of the cost of senior living, simply select the state and level of care you think is right for you or your loved one.

Select the state you're interested in and level of care that’s right for you.

Question 1/8

Independent Living: For independent seniors who want to maintain an active lifestyle while downsizing their daily living responsibilities.

Assisted Living: Provides daily support for seniors who need help with tasks such as medication management, bathing and dressing.

Memory Care: Specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer's disease, dementia or other memory impairments.

Get Started

Mortgage or rent*

Question 2/8

Previous Next