Understanding your senior care
options — without the overwhelm
Clear, researched guides to help you choose the right care for your loved one.
What type of care do you need?
Explore care options by category
Six key areas to help you make informed decisions about senior care
Assisted Living
Housing + support services for daily activities. No constant medical care needed.
Memory Care
Specialized care for Alzheimer's and dementia in secure environments.
Nursing Homes
24/7 skilled nursing and medical care for complex health conditions.
In-Home Care
Care services at home so seniors can age in place comfortably.
Costs & Finance
State-by-state costs, payment options, Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits.
Caregiver Help
Burnout prevention, daily checklists, respite care, legal & financial guides.
Most read guides
See all →- Caregiver Help
Resources for Family Caregivers: A Practical Guide Complete guide
- In-Home Care
- Nursing Homes
Nursing Homes Explained: Costs, Care and How to Choose Complete guide
- Costs & Finance
How to Pay for Senior Care: Every Option Explained Complete guide
- Assisted Living
- Memory Care
Memory Care: A Complete Family Guide Complete guide
Quick answers
How much does assisted living cost per month?
The national median is $6,200/month ($74,400/year) as of 2025, according to the CareScout/Genworth Cost of Care Survey. Costs vary significantly by state — from around $4,400/month in lower-cost states like Mississippi to about $9,600/month in Massachusetts or $12,000/month in Hawaii.
Read more →
Does Medicare cover assisted living or nursing home care?
Medicare does not cover assisted living at all. For nursing homes, Medicare only covers short-term skilled nursing care — up to 100 days per benefit period after a qualifying hospital stay of at least 3 days. After day 100, Medicare pays nothing. Long-term custodial care is not covered.
Read more →
What's the difference between memory care and assisted living?
Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living for people with Alzheimer's or other dementias. Memory care facilities have secured environments to prevent wandering, staff with dementia-specific training, and adapted programming. Memory care typically costs 15–25% more than standard assisted living — national estimates for 2025–2026 range from $6,690 to $8,019/month.
Read more →
Will Medicaid pay for a nursing home or assisted living?
Medicaid covers nursing home care in every state for eligible individuals. For assisted living, 46 states and D.C. offer some coverage through HCBS waiver programs — but this typically covers care services only, not room and board. Eligibility generally requires countable assets below $2,000 and income under ~$2,982/month. Waitlists are common.
Read more →
Can VA benefits help pay for senior care?
Yes. The VA Aid & Attendance benefit provides monthly cash payments to eligible wartime veterans and surviving spouses. In 2026, the maximum is $2,424/month for a single veteran, $2,874/month for a veteran with one dependent, and $1,558/month for a surviving spouse. The benefit can be applied to assisted living, in-home care, or nursing home costs.
Read more →
Not sure where to start?
- 1Evaluate the level of care needed
- 2Understand your budget and payment options
- 3Research facilities in your area
- 4Visit and ask the right questions