RICHMOND, Virginia—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%, survey results found 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 CareScout said.
“The CareScout Cost of Care Survey brings clarity to a moment that can otherwise feel overwhelming for families,” said Samir Shah, CEO of CareScout. “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. We’re proud to share this information as a trusted resource that helps people see the full landscape before decisions are made under pressure.”
The results also showed 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 a week. CareScout said this increase aligns closely with broader economic trends, with inflation averaging 2.7% and wage growth at approximately 2.5% in 2025.
New to the survey in 2025, CareScout now reports for skilled nursing services delivered in the home, also known as private duty nurse rates. According to the survey, the national median 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.
The national median daily rate for adult day health care services 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, which serve as a benchmark in many markets.
Together, the 2025 findings suggest the baseline cost of long-term care remains historically high, which reinforces the importance of early planning and informed decision-making.
“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.”