Cost of Long-Term Care
The cost of care will depend upon the type of care you are receiving. It also depends upon where you live geographically and whether you live in a metro or rural area. Typically costs will be higher in metro areas versus rural areas. Costs are much higher in the northeast versus the Midwest.
- In 2012, total spending (public, out-of-pocket and other private spending) for long-term care was $219.9 billion, or 9.3% of all U.S. personal health care spending. This is projected to increase to $346 billion in 2040.1
In the early progression of care, typically the family is providing the bulk of the caregiving. The visual cost of care during this time involves additional expenses incurred by family members including additional gas expense, miscellaneous items purchased for caregiving, possible loss of income, etc.
- 65.7 million informal and family caregivers provide care to someone who is ill, disabled or aged in the U.S.2
- Lost income and benefits over a caregiver’s lifetime is estimated to range from a total of $283,716 for men to $324,044 for women, or an average of $303,880.3
