Long-term care cost growth slowed in 2025 following multiple years of elevated increases, according to the latest CareScout Cost of Care Survey.
While most care settings saw year-over-year growth between 1% and 5%, adult day health care services proved an outlier with a 5% decline. Despite ongoing inflation, workforce pressures, and rising demand, this year's findings suggest a period of relative stabilization across many care types.
"The CareScout Cost of Care Survey brings clarity to a moment that can otherwise feel overwhelming for families," said Samir Shah, CEO of CareScout, which helps older adults and their families navigate the long-term care landscape. "While costs remain high, they are only one part of the equation. Families are also weighing quality, access, timing, and how to pay for care over time."
Here are highlights of the survey, which captures the median cost of long-term care services across the United States based on data collected from providers between July and November 2025:
Non-Medical Caregiver Rates (In-Home Care)
The national median hourly rate for non-medical caregiver services increased 3% year-over-year to $35 per hour. At that rate, the annual cost totals $80,080, assuming 44 hours of care per week. The increase aligns closely with broader economic trends, according to CareScout, with inflation averaging 2.7% and wage growth at approximately 2.5% in 2025.
Skilled Nursing in the Home Rates (Private Duty Nurse)
In this new survey category, researchers found that the hourly rate for private duty nursing is $90 per hour, with a median per-visit rate of $160. Utilization patterns vary based on medical need. Per-visit pricing generally reflects brief, task-based clinical services, while hourly rates are more common for extended or ongoing skilled care needs and reflect the advanced training required in this setting.
Adult Day Health Care Services Rates
The national median daily rate in this category declined 5% to $95 per day, equating to $24,700 annually based on five days of usage per week. Private pay rates in this setting are heavily influenced by Medicaid reimbursement rates, according to CareScout, and serve as a benchmark in many markets. Adult day health care services remain one of the more affordable care options while providing supervision, engagement, and structured daytime support.
Assisted Living Communities Rates
The national median monthly cost increased 5% to $6,200, or $74,400 annually. Growth slowed compared to the double-digit increase reported in 2024 and continues to track closely with broader rental housing trends, researchers say, given the "room and board" component embedded in monthly pricing.
Nursing Home Rates
The national median daily rate for a semi-private room in a nursing home increased 2% to $315 per day, or $114,975 annually. The median daily rate for a private room rose 1% to $355 per day, totaling $129,575 annually. The modest increases reflect ongoing inflationary and workforce pressures in higher-acuity care settings, according to CareScout.
"While we have seen some flattening in cost increases this year, the reality is that long-term care remains one of the most significant financial challenges individuals and their families face as they age," Shah said. "That's why planning ahead matters. Understanding care costs — and how they may evolve over time — enables individuals to explore funding options earlier and to make more confident, informed decisions about the future that reflect their care preferences."
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