Long-Term Care Costs Continue to Rise

The recently released Genworth 2016 Cost of Care Study indicates that the costs of long-term care for elderly Americans continues to skyrocket each year, especially with respect to home-based services, which is where most individuals receive long-term care, typically for a longer period of time. The Cost of Care Study is an annual report that measures care costs on a national and state basis in all types of long-term care settings.

According to this study, the median monthly costs for home health care on a full-time basis is just over $3,800, an increase of 2.56% over 2015. This figure includes both homemaker services and in-home health care aides for approximately 44 hours per week. Overall, these costs have increased a significant amount over the last five years, which is cause for concern, given the prevalence of this type of care for elderly Americans.

However, the increase in home health care costs each year is consistent across all levels of care, with the exception of adult day care. A private nursing home room now costs approximately $7,700 per month, a semi-private room costs about $6,800 per month, and an assisted living community residence costs about $3,600 per month. Needless to say, it is not surprising that the average American underestimates the costs of home healthcare by nearly 50%. In fact, it is those Americans who probably will experience the direct effects of long term care costs that underestimate their necessary costs the most, i.e., women who are more likely to become caregivers, single adults who may not have a partner to provide care for them, and younger adults who are more likely to have to find care for their parents.

The Wisconsin nursing home lawyers of Boller & Vaughan know how difficult it can be to entrust your loved one to the care of others, particularly at such high financial costs. When abuse and neglect incidents occur in these facilities or long-term care situations, your trust is violated. Our attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and those of your loved ones in all types of circumstances. We handle nursing home abuse and neglect cases on a daily basis, and we know how to get the relief to which you may be entitled. Don’t hesitate to fight back against a neglectful or abusive nursing home or home health care agency that has caused harm to your loved one. Call us today and see how we can help.