Most families want Mom to stay home. The math has a breaking point. Below 4 hours of help a day, home wins on cost and quality of life. Above 8 hours, assisted living usually wins on both.
| In-Home Care | Assisted Living | |
|---|---|---|
| Where she lives | Her own home | A facility apartment |
| Average hourly cost | $30-$35/hour | Bundled into monthly fee |
| Average monthly cost (8hr/day care) | ~$7,200 | ~$5,500 |
| 24-hour coverage | $25,000+/month | Included |
| Social engagement | Caregiver companionship + family | Built-in community |
| Familiarity | Her stuff, her dog, her routine | New everything |
| Risk between caregiver shifts | She's alone | Staff in the building 24/7 |
| Falls handled by | You — when caregiver is off | Building protocols |
| Best for | Light-to-moderate care needs, strong family backup | Heavier needs, less family backup |
Tell us what's going on. We'll help you sort the right next move — without the sales pitch.
Get a real opinionYes. Live-in care averages $250-$400/day. Cheaper than 24-hour shift coverage but governed by labor laws (8-hour sleep break required, etc.).
Some states (WA, NY, CA, others) pay family caregivers through Medicaid waivers. Your state's Area Agency on Aging knows the rules.
After a fall, after a hospitalization, or after the primary caregiver burns out. Plan for the switch before the crisis forces it.