Home Care vs Assisted Living: Full Cost Comparison
Home care averages $5,148/month for a full-time aide; assisted living averages $4,500/month. The right choice depends on care needs, not just cost.
Average Costs in 2024
According to Genworth's Cost of Care Survey, the national median costs are:
- Home health aide (full-time, 44 hrs/week): $5,148/month
- Homemaker services: $4,957/month
- Assisted living facility: $4,500/month
- Adult day care: $1,690/month
- Nursing home (semi-private): $7,908/month
What's Included in Each Option
Home care typically includes personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming), medication reminders, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and companionship. Medical home health care adds skilled nursing, physical therapy, and wound care.
Assisted living typically includes a private or semi-private apartment, three meals per day, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, social activities, and personal care assistance. Memory care units for dementia patients cost 20–30% more.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Home care costs can escalate quickly if care needs increase. A part-time aide (20 hrs/week) costs about $2,574/month, but 24/7 care can exceed $15,000/month. Assisted living often charges extra for medication management ($300–$500/month), incontinence care, and specialized memory care.