Asha Report Challenges Assumptions About The Cost of senior Living Versus Home Care 

For older adults still on the fence about whether to move into a senior living community or age in place, a new report by the American Seniors Housing Association sheds light on the costs associated with both options.

The rising cost of senior living and home care makes decisions for older adults critical as they decide how and where to age in retirement. The report notes that home operating costs, home health care and the economic value of housing make remaining at home “comparable to or more expensive” than senior living.

Senior living can be more transparent and comprehensive in showing total living costs compared to home care. Remaining at home can lead to “unpredictable financial risks,” such as major repairs, insurance premiums, homeowners’ association fees, special assessments and the cost of home modifications to support aging in place.

Many older adults today don’t take the time to calculate the actual total costs associated with their homes, and sticker shock can stunt their senior living journey before it starts. But in some markets, staying at home has become the riskier financial bet for older adults, according to ASHA President David Schless.

“Industry sales professionals need to understand and articulate the true economics of the decision, which frequently are inaccurate and result in a delayed decision (‘not ready yet’) or end the process of considering the move altogether,” Schless told Senior Housing News.

When considering housing and care choices, older adults and their families should weigh total cost, cost predictability, care scalability and quality of life and health outcomes, the report notes.

NIC MAP data from the fourth quarter of 2025 shows the monthly cost of senior living across the continuum as $4,335 for independent living, $6,787 for assisted living, and $8,612 for memory care.

At the report’s assumed rate of $35 per hour – the figures based on the 2025 Genworth CareScout Cost of Care survey – four hours of care per day five days a week adds $2,800 per month. The report cites 44 hours per week as a more standard care level, which would equal $6,160 monthly or $73,800 annually, before household costs.

“Showcasing the totality of the value proposition is extremely important and should include the total economic value, cost predictability and long-term care needs,” Schless said.

Aging in place with “modest” home health support costs 30% more than independent living while equaling 90% of the cost of assisted living and 72% of the cost of memory care. Once home care exceeds 20 hours weekly, it can become more costly than assisted living and memory care, the report notes.

The report cites an example from a condominium development in Florida that shows monthly HOA fees tripled since purchase, while insurance and taxes more than doubled, and special assessments totaled over $12,000 in June of this year.

Positioning value with affordability must continue to be part of senior living providers’ approach to reaching older adults who are considering senior living or remaining at home. Schless said he believes the industry will see more companies providing “moderately priced housing and programming” options to meet middle market demand.

“The innovation will leverage the strengths of our communities and will likely include meals, transportation, adult day care, respite care and the like,” Schless said.

The post ASHA Report Challenges Assumptions About the Cost of Senior Living Versus Home Care  appeared first on Senior Housing News.