The costs related to senior care continue to climb, but with more options available, the process is becoming more manageable. The trend toward a more customized senior assisted experience is shifting from the nursing home or assisted living facility, toward stay at home care. Nationwide the costs for a nursing home is the most expensive options for seniors, followed by full-time home health care, and then an assisted living facility. The least expensive is day care, which usually is provided at a center.

Most Expensive States in an Adult Day Health Care

• Alaska - $3,049
• Vermont - $2,669
• New Mexico - $2,340
• Maine - $2,340
• Idaho - $2,123

Least Expensive States in an Adult Day Health Care

• Alabama - $596
• Texas - $715
• North Carolina - $1,078
• South Carolina - $1,192
• Ohio - $1,192

Adult Day Health Care is the least expensive senior care option. It gives the caregiver a break and is like day care for a child. You get all the benefits of living at home, with someone to help you during the day at a living center. The average cost in the United States is $1,473 per month.

Most Expensive States with a Home Health Aide

• North Dakota - $5,331
• Alaska - $5,148
• Minnesota - $4,957
• Hawaii - $4,814
• Rhode Island - $4,767

Least Expensive States with a Home Health Aide

• Louisiana - $3,051
• Alabama - $3,146
• West Virginia - $3,146
• Mississippi - $3,421
• Arkansas - $3,241

Another trend is home care, with an aid. This experience can acclimate a senior into the assisted living environment, prior to a move to an assisted living facility. Generally, seniors are reluctant to move out of their own home. Sales lead times show that it can take as long as 2-years before someone is willing to move out of their own home. By setting up home care programs, and assisted living facilities can become the obvious choice if/when a senior decides to move to an assisted living facility.

Most Expensive States in an Assisted Living Facility

• Washington DC - $6,700
• Alaska - $5,750
• Massachusetts - $5,463
• Delaware - $5,368
• Maine - $4,991

Least Expensive States in an Assisted Living Facility

• Missouri - $2,537
• Oklahoma - $2,803
• Georgia - $2,850
• Alabama - $2,900
• Utah - $2,950

Alaska, on average, is the most expensive city to grow old, but Washington D.C. is the most expensive city for assisted living. The average cost in the United States for assisted living is $3,628.

Most Expensive States in a Nursing Home

• Alaska - $24,820
• Connecticut - $13,383
• Massachusetts - $12,015
• Hawaii - $11,776
• Washington DC - $11,431

The Least Expensive States in a Nursing Home

• Oklahoma - $5,011
• Louisiana - $5,139
• Missouri - $5,264
• Kansas - $5,627
• Arkansas - $5,862

Nursing homes can be very costly and are the most expensive form of senior care. The average cost for Alaska, the most expensive state, is whopping $24,000 per month.

While senior care is expensive, there are several choices that provide flexibility. The trend is toward customizing each experience, which makes the process less arduous for those who need additional care.