4 Most Expensive States for Long Term-Care going into 2020

Long-term care, at home, is skyrocketing as the population continues to age. Healthcare costs are rising, and a recent study found that homemaker services, which will perform key tasks including cooking and running errands, had its cost increased 7.1% last year.

Home health aide costs rose 4.6% to $52,642 in 2019.

With 70% of adults over 65 requiring some form of long-term care before their demise, it’s more important than ever to know which states have the most expensive long-term care.

Moving to another state may be an option, albeit one that a lot of seniors try to avoid.

The most expensive states in the country for long-term care going into 2020 are:

1. Alaska, With Over $162,000 in Annual Costs

Alaska’s annual cost for long-term healthcare averages $162,000+. A private nursing home can cost over $360,000 if you choose not to stay at home. If you can and want to stay at home rather than at a facility, you will pay nearly $69,000 a year for a home health aide.

Homemakers also demand high salaries, with most long-term providers charging over $67,000 per year for their services.

2. Massachusetts at $86,000 in Annual Costs

Massachusetts is a beautiful location in the warmer months, but traversing the snow can be difficult for older residents. Long-term care can be over $86,000 per year on average. When compared to Alaska, costs are lower. A home health aide’s cost averages $62,900 a year.

Homemaker services cost $62,200 annually.

Private nursing home costs are $158,000 per year and are around $9,000 more than what you would pay at a semi-private care facility.

3. District of Columbia at $86,000 in Annual Costs

The District of Columbia’s annual costs are close to Massachusetts, at just over $86,000 per year. Costs for nursing homes are what separate these two states the most. The District of Columbia’s nursing home costs are $127,800 per year on average.

Home health aides and homemakers earn around the same as they do in Massachusetts, at just under $63,000 per year.

4. Connecticut at $84,000 in Annual Costs

Connecticut is one of the more expensive states to live in, but it’s not the most expensive when it comes to long-term care. Annual costs are just under $84,000 per year for care, but nursing home care is more expensive.

You’ll pay $167,000 per year for private nursing care and $152,400 for semi-private care.

Home health aides will cost just under $55,000 per year and just over $50,000 for homemaker services.

Costs have risen for a few reasons in recent years. Care professionals state that it’s the “perfect storm,” with a tight labor market, rising costs for complying with federal, local and state mandates, and a rise in the number of patients being discharged from hospitals.

Families that can care for their elderly on the weekends can enroll their parents or aging family members in adult day health care, which costs less than $20,000 a year on average. The cost reflects daycare five days per week.