For families arranging long-term care, at any age

Figure out what care your loved one needs next, without a sales call.

An aging parent, a spouse after a stroke, a young adult with a brain injury, a child with complex medical needs. Answer a few questions to see which kind of care fits, compare costs, and reach free, neutral help.

No sign-up or phone number No referral fees from facilities Nothing leaves your browser

In an emergency, call 911. If you suspect abuse, neglect or exploitation, contact Adult Protective Services or a Protection & Advocacy agency in their state (see Resources). For a mental health crisis, call or text 988.

Step 1 · Care check

What level of care fits right now?

This is a starting point for a conversation with your loved one and their care team, not a medical assessment.

Step 2 · Care options

Seven common kinds of care

Costs are approximate U.S. national monthly medians and vary widely by state and city.

An older woman stacks wooden blocks at a table during a day program.

Step 3 · Costs

Compare monthly costs

Adjust hours and local price level to compare options side by side.

In-home aide hours per week 20 Aide hourly rate $34 Day program days per week 3 Local price level Monthly budget (optional)

Who pays? Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care (help with bathing, dressing, supervision). It covers short skilled-nursing or rehab stays after a qualifying hospital stay. Medicaid pays for most long-term care in the U.S., including nursing homes and, through state waivers, in-home care, day programs and supported living. Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for VA benefits. Check long-term care insurance policies for elimination periods.

Under 65? People on SSDI get Medicare after 24 months (right away with ALS or kidney failure). Many children qualify for Medicaid waivers that ignore parents' income. A special needs trust or an ABLE account lets someone save money without losing SSI or Medicaid.

Estimates based on CareScout (formerly Genworth) 2024 national medians: assisted living ~$5,900/mo, semi-private nursing home ~$9,280/mo, private ~$10,650/mo, adult day ~$100/day, home health aide ~$34/hr. Memory care is estimated at assisted living plus ~25%.

Step 4 · Resources

Free, neutral help

Public programs and nonprofits. None of them pay us, and none will sell your information. Filter by who you're caring for. For adults of any age, a good first call is the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116), which also connects you to Aging and Disability Resource Centers.

A smiling mother hugs her son, who sits in a wheelchair outdoors.

Step 5 · Checklists

Get ahead of the hard parts

Your check marks are saved in this browser only.

A doctor and nurse talk with an older man in a hospital bed while his family listens.

Home safety products

Tools that prevent the next fall

Low-cost products from the home safety checklist. Links go to a search so you can compare brands and reviews yourself.

Affiliate links. NestWell360 earns a small commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, NestWell360 earns from qualifying purchases. Commissions never affect the care check or the free resources.

Featured services

Professionals who help families through a move or a crisis

Elder law and special needs attorneys, move managers, home modification pros and care managers.

Sponsored listings. These businesses pay NestWell360 a flat monthly listing fee. They never pay per referral or per move-in, and senior living facilities can't buy listings. Check licenses and reviews before you hire anyone.