Ever wonder exactly how much elder care costs in Massachusetts? Well, you may not like the answer. Recently, the MetLife 2011 Market Survey of Long-Term Care Costs was released, detailing nation-wide data on the cost of long-term care services, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult day programs, and home care. According to the report, average national long-term care costs continue to rise, and this year’s increases were even greater than in previous years.
National Public Radio has provided an interactive spreadsheet summarizing the report’s results, which can be found here. In Massachusetts, statewide averages for nursing home costs totaled $327/day for a semi-private room and $350/day for a private (that’s over $127,000 per year). Assisted living, which provides fewer services and is appropriate for seniors who can handle most of their day to day activities, averaged $4,645 per month. The average cost of home care provided by a home health aide was $24 per hour, while adult day care averaged $58 per day.
However, the report doesn’t take into account fluctuation in costs, such as assisted living costs, which can increase dramatically if residents need additional care. While the costs of care continue to rise, many families remain unable to figure out how to pay for these services. Often this leaves seniors in the position of having to rely on their adult children to cover their care expenses.
By planning ahead and smartly protecting assets, middle class Massachusetts families may be able to prevent a financial disaster from affecting their loved ones. An elder law attorney can advise you of your rights and how to protect yourself and your family. However, planning ahead is crucial to implementing an effective strategy. Call the Heritage Law Center today to discuss your options.
