Start with CareScout's Cost of Care survey — national and state-level tables
The CareScout Cost of Care Survey is a vital resource for families seeking to understand the costs associated with senior care. This survey provides comprehensive national and state-level data on various care settings, including non-medical caregiver services, skilled nursing in the home, adult day health care services, assisted living communities, and nursing homes. By examining the Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey, families can gain insights into the median costs of these services, which are crucial for informed decision-making. For instance, the national median hourly rate for non-medical caregiver services in 2025 was $35 per hour, reflecting a 3% increase from the previous year. Similarly, the national median monthly cost for assisted living communities increased by 5% to $6,200 in 2025. These figures, grounded in the survey's extensive data collection, offer a foundational understanding of care costs across different states and care types.
How to read medians versus the quote you'll actually get from a provider
Understanding the difference between median costs and actual provider quotes is crucial when researching care costs. Median costs, such as those reported in the Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey, represent the middle value in a set of data, meaning half of the providers charge more and half charge less. However, the quote you receive from a specific provider may differ due to factors like location, level of care required, and provider-specific pricing strategies. It's important to recognize that median costs provide a general benchmark, but they do not account for individual circumstances that can affect the final price you pay. Therefore, when evaluating care options, it's essential to request direct quotes from providers to get a more accurate picture of what you might expect to pay.
Cross-check with 2-3 local provider rate sheets before trusting a single number
While the CareScout Cost of Care Survey provides valuable national and state-level median cost data, it's crucial to verify these numbers with local provider rate sheets before making any decisions. Costs can vary significantly based on location, provider, and specific care needs. To ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information, cross-check the CareScout data with rate sheets from at least two to three local providers. This practice helps you understand the real-world pricing landscape in your area and avoid relying on a single source that may not reflect your specific situation.
Visit the Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey to get an initial understanding of national and state-level median costs.
Contact local senior care providers directly to request their current rate sheets.
Compare the local provider rates with the CareScout data to identify any significant discrepancies or additional costs not captured in the survey.
Use Medicare Care Compare for certified nursing homes and home health quality context
Medicare Care Compare is a valuable tool for gaining insights into the quality and costs of certified nursing homes and home health services. By visiting Medicare.gov, you can compare the performance of different providers based on various quality measures and patient satisfaction ratings. This resource allows you to make informed decisions by evaluating the quality of care offered by different facilities. Additionally, it provides information on the costs associated with these services, helping you understand the financial aspects of senior care. When using Medicare Care Compare, consider factors such as the provider's star rating, health inspection results, and staffing levels to assess the overall quality of care.
Call your Area Agency on Aging via the Eldercare Locator for local pricing reality
For a realistic view of local senior care costs, contact your Area Agency on Aging (AAA) through the Eldercare Locator. AAAs provide up-to-date information on local pricing and care options, helping you understand the true cost landscape in your area. This step ensures you have accurate, localized data to inform your decisions. Visit the ACL Eldercare Locator to find your local AAA.
Build a simple comparison notebook: price, services, vibe, waitlist
Create a comparison notebook to organize and evaluate senior care options based on price, services offered, facility vibe, and waitlists. This will help you make informed decisions by providing a clear, side-by-side view of different care providers. Start by listing the facilities you are considering and then gather information on each one. For pricing, use the Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey to get a baseline understanding of costs in your area. Note the median prices for different types of care, such as assisted living or nursing homes. Then, visit each facility's website or contact them directly to get detailed pricing information and a list of services offered. Pay attention to the 'vibe' of each facility by reading reviews and, if possible, visiting in person. Lastly, inquire about waitlists, as this can impact your timeline for securing care. By compiling this information in a notebook, you'll have a comprehensive resource to guide your decision-making process.
Ready to explore your options? Explore care options near you on Ubora Health — Ubora Health helps families find care at their own pace.
