Is Home Health Care Cheaper Than Assisted Living?

Home health care is not cheaper than assisted living. According to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, the average cost for assisted living facilities across the United States is $4,500 per month, while home health care services cost an average of $5,148 per month.

The key difference between assisted living and home health care is the environment. Assisted living is provided in a residential community setting, while home health care is an in-home option for seniors who have chosen to age in place.

Assisted living facilities offer a bundled approach to senior care, with accommodations, meals, utilities and wellness services included in residents’ monthly rates. On the other hand, home health care involves hiring professional caregivers to assist with daily activities and light medical support in the comfort of one’s own home.

The complexity of care requirements can significantly impact costs. While assisted living typically offers a flat monthly fee, home health care is charged at an hourly rate. The average hourly cost of a home health care aid is roughly $32.17 per hour, which equates to roughly $2,573 per month for individuals who require 20 hours of support per week and $5,148 for seniors who need full-time assistance (40 hours). In this sense, assisted living is often a more cost-effective solution for individuals with higher care needs.

Adapting a home for safety and accessibility can be expensive. While assisted living facilities are designed with such considerations, seniors who opt for home health care may have to pay extra to install items such as grab bars, ramps and safety features, as well as any specialized medical equipment required for care.

With either option, families may still need support navigating the financial aspects of long-term care. This article offers helpful tips for seniors and loved ones seeking financial support to cover these costs.

There are several distinct types of in-home care to support the needs of seniors who have opted to age in place. The most basic is companion care, sometimes referred to as elder companions. This service involves the support of aides who can provide companionship and reduce feelings of isolation while helping with light household tasks and errands such as driving seniors to appointments or preparing meals.

In-home care encompasses a broader range of non-medical support services. In addition to the services provided by companion care, in-home care also includes assistance with personal tasks such as bathing, grooming, dressing and grocery shopping

Home health care is a more specialized service delivered by licensed professionals, including nurses and therapists. It addresses specific health and medical needs, such as medication management, wound care and rehabilitation therapies. This higher level of medical support typically comes at a higher cost.