Are you considering an adult care home for a loved one but unsure of the cost? The cost of senior care can vary widely depending on a provider’s expertise, years of experience, and the type of care required.
Adult care homes are a level of senior care that offers care and support to older adults who are unable to live independently. They can be found in both rural and urban settings throughout the US. Adult care homes (also known as adult family homes or adult foster care) typically cost less than other levels of senior care like assisted living and nursing homes, and they offer more personalized intimate care.
How Much Do Adult Care Homes Cost?
The cost of an adult care home depends on several things. The size and configuration of the home, the type of services offered beyond the room and board, and the proximity to populated areas.
On average, adult care homes cost anywhere from $3,000-$7,000 per month. While this seems high, consider that the monthly cost of a nursing home is anywhere from $7,000-$10,000 per month.
Cost of Adult Care Homes vs Other Senior Care Options
Adult care homes may be more expensive than other types of senior care facilities, like retirement and some assisted living communities, but they offer more personalized services. For example, adult care homes offer additional services such as personal care, transportation, and meals.
Also consider that because of their smaller size, adult care homes have a more personal touch than other types of senior housing. However, when compared to nursing homes, and memory care, adult care homes tend to be the less expensive option.
| Level of Care | Monthly National Median Cost* |
|---|---|
| Retirement Housing | $2552 |
| Assisted Living | $4,774 |
| Adult Care Homes | $5,000 |
| Nursing Homes | $8,390 (semi-private room) |
| Memory Care | $5430 |
Calculating the Cost of an Adult Care Home
The cost of an adult care home is determined by combining the cost of care plus room and board. The cost will range from home to home depending on the size and configuration of the facility, the type of personal services offered, and the location. More experienced providers who offer a higher level of care tend to charge a higher monthly rate.
Most adult care homes start with their “base” rate which includes room and board, meals, and in-house activities. The base rate should be the same for each resident, regardless of care needs, but may fluctuate based on the room itself. For example, a private room with a private bathroom will have a higher base rate than a private room with a shared bathroom.
In addition to the base rate, the care needs of the recipient will be added. The care needs (activities of daily living) are determined by a thorough assessment by the provider, ideally in-person. Examples of care needs are bathing/grooming, eating, toileting, transfers, and nighttime needs.
The more hands-on care a person requires, the higher the care cost will be. The cost can fluctuate over time as care needs increase or decrease.
See the examples of two residents with different care needs below:
- Resident A is looking at a private room with a private bath. She needs assistance with bathing and grooming but is otherwise independent with her ADL’s.
- Resident B is looking at a shared room with a shared bath. He needs assistance with bathing, grooming, eating, toileting, and transfers.
| Base Cost | Cost of Care | Monthly Cost* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident A | $2500 | $500 | $3000 |
| Resident B | $1800 | $2500 | $4300 |
It is important to compare the cost of several options before choosing an adult care home for a loved one, but remember, the price will fluctuate over time as needs change.
Finding the Right Adult Care Home
Adult care homes are located throughout the US in a variety of markets. The regulations, licensing requirements, and capacity limits vary from state to state. There are many resources available to find an adult care home. A quick search online will list adult care homes close to your location.
But how do you know if it’s right for your loved one? What level of care do they provide? How did they score on recent surveys? What types of residents do they have in their home? A simple google search won’t reveal any of these answers.
There are a plethora of online directories specific to senior care facilities. While you may be able to see photos and a description of the home that has been provided by the owner, it can still be difficult to answer most of the questions posed above. Keep in mind, many online directories are charging providers some type of fee to be listed on their site. If a home decides not to participate, you won’t see them.
We recommend working with a boots-on-the-ground senior referral advisor for the most accurate recommendations tailored to your loved ones’ needs. Local referral and placement specialists, or care advisors, know what’s available at any given time. A referral specialist will identify your loved one’s care needs, preferences, and budget to find the best adult family home for them.
They can also help you calculate the cost of the home and provide other resources, such as referrals to home care, home health, and downsizing/moving services to name a few.
The Search for an Adult Care Home: Considerations
During the search for an adult care home, there are a few things to look for. Try to imagine your loved one in the home, interacting with the provider and other residents. Does it feel comfortable? Would they fit in? It can be overwhelming to decide for your loved one, but most importantly, trust your intuition.
Other considerations when looking for adult care homes:
- Room availability: Some adult family homes will have a mix of private and semi-private rooms (same-sex), as well as private and shared baths. Shared rooms will be less expensive than their private room counterparts. Consider your loved one’s personality and tolerance for sharing a room and/or bathroom with another person.
- Services and amenities: Care homes may offer a variety of additional services, including activities, transportation, and awake night-time care. Outside services like hair and nail care, podiatry, and pet therapy may be included and built into the cost of the home. It is important to find a care home that offers the amenities your loved one wants and needs. If your loved one doesn’t like dogs, then it’s probably not necessary to search for homes that include a weekly visit from a therapy dog.
*Side note- Ok, if they don’t like dogs, how about llamas? Miniature horses? Rabbits? Therapy animals come in all shapes and sizes.
- Location, location, location: Adult care homes can be found in a variety of residential settings. If possible, search for homes close to your loved one’s family and friends. Consider the primary support people for your loved one- is the location convenient for them to stop by for a visit? If your loved one frequently sees their physicians, are they nearby? Consider the time and cost of transporting someone to and from appointments.
Finding the right adult care home for your loved one can be a difficult and overwhelming process. Plan to take the time to visit each home to get a sense of the atmosphere and meet with the caregivers to learn more about their approach to caring for older adults.
You should ask questions about fees, policies, and other important details before making a decision. Make sure to ask about the following:
- Contracts
- Visitation hours and limits
- Access to food and snacks- especially during non-mealtime hours
- Rate increases- what is the process and when will you be notified?
- Falls and emergencies- what is the policy for calling 911? When will you be notified?
- Cost of supplies- do you provide or do they have a wholesaler they order from?
- Medications- do you order and provide or do they contract with a pharmacy to manage medications?
Who Are the People Operating Adult Care Homes?
Adult care homes are typically operated by a small team. In larger homes, this includes administrators, nurses, and caregivers. In the case of smaller homes, a team may consist of the owner of the adult family home and a caregiver or two. This team works together to provide highly personalized care for the residents.
Many adult care homes are operated as family businesses with a number of relatives providing services. In a licensed home, each caregiver and provider will have to pass a background check. In some areas of the US, the adult care home market is largely operated by certain ethnic groups.
Bottom Line
Adult care homes are a great option for many people who need long-term care. They offer more personalized care than other types of senior care options since they are smaller in size and number of residents. It is important to research the cost, amenities, and services of an adult care home before choosing one for your loved one.
The cost of an adult care home can vary depending on the type of care needed and the services provided. Generally speaking, adult care homes are more affordable than other senior care options, such as memory care facilities or nursing homes. However, the exact cost of an adult care home will depend on the individual’s needs and the services offered.
Frequently Asked Questions
On average, adult care homes cost anywhere from $3,000-$7,000 per month. While this seems high, consider that the monthly cost of a nursing home is anywhere from $7,000-$10,000 per month.
The cost of live-in care, or home care, depends on the rate and number of hours required for live-in. If 24-hour care is needed, live-in care would not be cheaper than an adult care home.
For people who spend down their resources or who have limited resources to begin with, Medicaid is most likely the source of payment. As it is a state-run program, some states do not have Medicaid waivers for adult care homes. If that is the case, you would need to explore other senior care options that are covered by Medicaid.
Yes, in most situations, an adult care home will be less expensive than a nursing home. The monthly median cost for a shared room in a nursing home is $8,390 while the monthly median cost for an adult care home is $5000.
Leave a Reply