According to longtermcare.gov: Some average costs for long-term care in the United States (in 2010) were:

  • $205 per day or $6,235 per month for a semi-private room in a nursing home
  • $229 per day or $6,965 per month for a private room in a nursing home
  • $3,293 per month for care in an assisted living facility (for a one-bedroom unit)
  • $21 per hour for a home health aide
  • $19 per hour for homemaker services
  • $67 per day for services in an adult day health care center

 

“Long term care” is a term used to cover a broad spectrum of services a person may need. More than “nursing home” care, it is based on a person’s ability to perform the six activities of daily living or ADLs: eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring (walking) and continence. Depending on which ADLs a person needs assistance with, the cost could range.

Creating predictability in a potential future expense generally makes sense. If health is good, adding long-term care insurance to your financial plan is a worthy consideration.