The cost of long-term care in North Carolina continues to climb, tracking closely with national trends. According to the 2024 Cost of Care Survey by Genworth and CareScout, families across the state are seeing significant year-over-year increases across all care settings. Understanding these costs is the crucial first step in securing a person-centered plan for aging.
The Key Takeaway: NC is Keeping Pace with National Increases While North Carolina’s median annual costs for certain care types remain slightly below the national average, the rate of increase is concerning. The survey indicates that cost increases for most care types are outpacing general inflation rates.
Here’s a comparison of the 2024 annual median costs:
| Care Category | North Carolina (2024 Annual Median Cost) | National (2024 Annual Median Cost) | NC Change Since 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living Community | $76,245 | $70,800 | 10% |
| Homemaker Services | $68,640 | $75,504 | 7% |
| Home Health Aide | $68,640 | $77,792 | 7% |
| Nursing Home (Semi-Private) | $105,850 | $111,325 | 5% |
Assisted Living Sees the Sharpest Jump: Notably, the cost for an Assisted Living Community in North Carolina saw a 10% increase from the previous year, reaching a median of $76,245 annually. This jump places NC’s assisted living costs above the national median for this category, highlighting the growing expense of residential care in the state.
The Importance of Early PlanningThe consistent upward trajectory of these costs underscores the need for proactive planning. Whether you’re considering home care, assisted living, or nursing home services, having a financial strategy in place is essential to protect your assets and ensure you or your loved one receives the highest quality of person-centered care.
Reference/Source:This data is based on the 2024 Cost of Care Survey by Genworth and CareScout.