Home care vs. nursing home vs. assisted living: what costs less in New York?

In New York, home care usually costs less than a nursing home or assisted living when someone needs help for part of the day, but around-the-clock home care can cost as much as or more than a facility, so the number of hours is what decides it.

How the math usually works:

• A few hours a day of home care is often the lowest-cost option, because you pay only for the hours used.
• Full-time daytime help can approach the monthly cost of assisted living.
• 24-hour care at home with aides on shifts is often in the range of, or above, nursing home costs.

Cost is not the only factor. Assisted living generally suits people who are fairly independent but need some supervision. A nursing home provides 24-hour skilled nursing care. Home care lets him stay in familiar surroundings with one-to-one attention.

Coverage also differs. New York Medicaid can pay for home care and nursing home care for those who qualify, while assisted living is usually private pay unless a specific Medicaid program applies. An elder law attorney or NY Medicaid can confirm his options.

Start by listing the hours of help he truly needs each day and night, then ask each option for a written estimate.

For reference, ProLife private-pay rates are listed at https://prolifehc.com/private-home-care/ (from $32/hour; about $5,500/month for 40 hours a week).