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How Much Does Senior Day Care Cost? Know Ins and Outs

By Sona ElizabethLast Updated: Sep 10, 2024
senior day care cost

In-home care comes in various forms, but adult daycare is one that’s frequently disregarded. 

Families are seeking ways to care for their elderly relatives at home while insurance coverage and services continue to change. For your elderly loved ones, home care offers a safe, secure rehabilitation and care environment far more preferable than facility care. 

Why? Because it strikes a balance between providing your relatives full-time home care and leaving them unsupervised, adult daycare is frequently the ideal option for families.

How Much Does Senior Day Care Cost?: An Overview

In urban areas across the US, the cost of senior day care is typically higher due to the increased cost of living. For instance, in cities like New York, San Francisco, or Boston, prices can range from $120 to $200 per day, depending on the services and level of care provided. These centers often offer enhanced amenities, such as specialized activities for seniors, dementia care like games or therapy, which can further increase the cost.

In contrast, senior day care in smaller cities or suburban areas might cost between $80 to $150 per day. Rural areas usually have the most affordable options, with costs ranging from $70 to $100 per day.

The wide range in pricing reflects the diversity of services offered, which can include meals, social activities, physical therapy, and personal care. Families should explore local options and consider any financial assistance programs available, such as Medicaid, veterans’ benefits, or state-specific subsidies, to help manage these costs.

Adult-Day-Care-Cost

An adult day care center’s normal workday lasts between eight and twelve hours, accommodating the schedules of most working families. Adult day care centers vary in what they offer and how much they charge.

Certain institutions may also provide support equipment like bed rails or recliners for better mobility. These programs enable family members to support and care for their elderly relatives while they are still employed. 

Average Costs of Adult Day Care Nationwide

The majority of adults who attend adult day care centers spend four to twelve hours a day, five days a week. 

As a respite care alternative, adult day care centers are frequently used by families to offer caregivers time to work, relax, or concentrate on their families. Caregivers can prevent burnout by taking this break from providing care.

Senior-Day-Care-Cost

Adult day care is the most economical option for many families. The cost is approximately $98 per day on average, which is significantly less than the comparable adult day care prices for homemaker services ($195), in-home health assistant care ($213), assisted living ($181), or residential nursing facilities ($294 for a semi-private room and $330 for a private room). 

Seniors and their families should still do their research and find out which local facilities are the best value. Additionally, be especially mindful of the pricing schedules. Certain facilities charge on an hourly basis, while others have set fees.

Adult Day Care Cost and Future Expectations

It’s anticipated that annual increases in adult day health care costs would occur. You can better budget for your care expenses by taking a look at anticipated increases. Genworth’s projected expenses for adult day health care from 2022 to 2032 is mentioned below: 

  • 2023, the estimated monthly median elderly day care cost is $2,058.
  • 2024, the cost is projected to rise to $2,120.
  • 2025, the estimated cost will be $2,183.
  • 2026, the cost is expected to increase to $2,249.
  • 2027, the estimated cost is $2,316.
  • 2028, the projected cost will be $2,386.
  • 2029, the cost is anticipated to rise to $2,457.
  • 2030, the estimated cost is $2,531.
  • 2031, the cost is expected to be $2,607.
  • 2032, the projected cost will be $2,685.
  • Finally, in 2033, the estimated monthly median cost will reach $2,766.

Are Expenses for Adult Day Care Tax Deductible?

Almost always, adult day care expenses are tax-deductible. 

If your loved one receives adult day care services, you have two choices. Either claim the dependent care credit or add the expenditure as a medical expense and get a medical expense deduction. 

You can deduct up to $3,000 in adult day care expenses for one dependent, or up to $6,000 for two, under the dependent care credit.

Remember that you are only able to subtract one or the other. Seek advice from a tax expert or financial counselor to help you make the best claim possible. 

Selecting the Best Program for Adult Daycare

Adult-Day-Care-Costs

Adult daycare is intended to promote assisted independence. Adult daycare centers are especially beneficial to persons who:

  • Require company and oversight.
  • Don’t need extensive medical care.
  • Require more stimulating activities throughout the day or a shift in environment.
  • Require interaction with others.
  • Need food to be served all day.

How to Pay for Elderly Day Care?

It can be challenging to figure out how to pay for senior care. You can be required to pay for care yourself or receive assistance in paying for adult day care services, depending on your insurance plan.

Let’s examine a few often-asked questions about payments. 

1. Does Medicare pay for the price of adult day care?

Regretfully, adult day care expenses are not covered by Original Medicare. On the other hand, let’s say you have a Medicare Advantage plan (commonly known as Part C). 

If so, your insurer’s comprehensive home care services may include limited coverage for adult day care services. To find out if you are covered, you will need to speak with your provider. 

2. Do veteran’s programs pay for the expense of adult day care?

For seniors who qualify, VA benefits will pay for adult day health care costs. You must meet the clinical requirements for the service and be eligible for community care in order to be eligible. Stated differently, a VA doctor must certify that you require adult day health care. 

If they are eligible, older persons may have to pay a copay for adult day health care services. The amount is determined by your VA service-connected disability status and income level. 

3. Which adult day care providers accept private payments?

For adult day care expenses, a lot of elderly people rely on savings accounts, retirement plans, family contributions, and other private financing sources. Adult care services may or may not be covered by long-term care insurance, depending on the details of each policy. 

Certain insurance exclusively pay for costs associated with health care in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Community-based care choices are covered by other policies that are more generous. 

Note

If you believe your loved one only needs a way to receive help, a medical alert system may be a more cost-effective option for you than adult day care. Prices as low as $20 a month are possible! For additional information, see our ranking of the top medical alert systems.

In addition, seniors who are unable to pay adult day care through savings or regular income might take out a reverse mortgage, borrow money against their property, or cash out on the value of a life insurance policy. How to effectively pay for the treatment you require will depend on your family and/or a reliable financial counselor. 

Takeaway

The cost of adult day care is expected to rise steadily over the years, making it important for families to plan ahead. In 2023, the average monthly cost is around $2,058, and by 2033, it’s projected to increase to $2,766. These rising costs highlight the importance of budgeting and exploring financial options early on.

Understanding these projections can help families better prepare for the future, ensuring that they can provide the necessary care for their loved ones without facing unexpected financial strain. Planning ahead is key to managing these increasing expenses effectively.

Sona Elizabeth
Sona Elizabeth

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Psychotherapist, Elder Care Specialist and Writer

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