No commissions. No conflicts. Just clarity.

Navigate care for
the people you love

Finding care — for a parent or a child — shouldn't mean navigating a system designed to profit from your confusion.

We are paid by families, not facilities. All information you share is kept completely anonymous — your information stays yours alone.

Who are you looking to find care for today?

Caring for a parent

Nursing homes, memory care, assisted living, home modifications — honest information based on your parent's specific needs, not referral commissions.

Start eldercare assessment

Caring for a child

Daycares, preschools, nannies, after-school programs — unbiased resources built around your child, not commission rates.

Start childcare assessment
Zero facility commissions — ever
All responses kept completely anonymous
Free assessment, always
Patient voice always comes first

How it works

Clarity in three honest steps

No sales calls. No referral pressure. Just a clear picture of the options available to your family.

01

Tell us about your situation

Complete our free assessment — built by geriatric and childcare specialists. We ask about medical needs, preferences, location, and budget. If the person needing care can participate, we make sure their voice is heard directly. All information you provide is kept completely anonymous.

02

Explore your care options

We break down the types of care available to your family — including free public options most platforms never mention. No sponsored listings. No hidden rankings. Our assessment has no financial relationship with any facility.

03

Get the full picture

Unlock a complete report: facility ratings, real pricing, inspection history, red flags, and a visit checklist. Launch pricing — $29 per report (reg. $49), or $49 for both eldercare and childcare (reg. $98). Everything explained in plain language so you can decide with confidence.

Our commitment

Built to be on your side

The eldercare and childcare industries run on referral commissions. We don't. Here's exactly what that means.

We never take facility commissions. Our only revenue is what families pay us. The moment we take a referral fee, our information becomes conflicted.

Your data is not a product. We will never sell your family's health, care, or financial information to facilities, insurers, or advertisers.

We surface every option — including the free ones. Government programs, PACE, Area Agencies on Aging — we include them because they may be the right answer for your family, not because of what they pay us.

We give you confidence, not false certainty. Where professional judgment is essential — legal, medical, financial — we tell you exactly what to ask and who to ask it, rather than pretend the algorithm has all the answers.

$0
Facility referral commissions received.
This will never change.
100%
Of our revenue comes from families.
That's why our advice is yours.
Free
Safety warnings, crisis resources,
and public program information. Always.
Eldercare

Everything your family needs
to navigate care for a parent

The eldercare industry runs on referral commissions. We don't. Our resources are built around your parent's specific needs — not who pays us the most.

Care type breakdown

We break down each level of care — aging in place with support, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, or PACE — and show you how each one relates to your parent's medical, cognitive, social, and financial situation.

Home care vs facility — honest comparison
Urgency rating with specific reasoning
4 scored dimensions of your situation

5 ranked local facilities

Specific facilities near your zip code, ranked by fit to your parent's needs. Every listing shows what we found, not what they paid to show you — including inspection records, staffing data, real monthly costs, and contract red flags.

Fit score + pros and cons for each
Phone, website, monthly cost per facility
Warning flags and inspection guidance

14 financial aid programs

An estimated $30 billion in senior benefits goes unclaimed every year. Your report surfaces every program your parent may qualify for — with eligibility, how to apply, and verified phone numbers.

VA Aid & Attendance — up to $2,874/mo
Medicaid/ALTCS, PACE, Medicare Extra Help
New $6,000 senior deduction (2025–2028)

Legal documents checklist

12 essential documents — sorted by urgency. Durable POA, Healthcare Proxy, Advance Directive, POLST, Will, HIPAA Release, and more. Each one with why it matters, where to get it, and what it costs.

Interactive checklist you can tick off
4 urgency tiers — critical to conditional
Tips, sources, and cost for every document

Financial runway calculator

The question families wish someone had answered earlier: how long will resources last across each care scenario? We model in-home care, assisted living, and skilled nursing side by side — and explain the Medicaid pathway when funds run out.

3 scenarios with real monthly cost estimates
Years of runway at different savings levels
ALTCS/Medicaid transition explained clearly

Care progression map + move-in guide

All 6 stages of the care journey mapped and explained. Your parent pinpointed at their current stage. A move-in day guide that covers what to bring, what not to bring, and the 30-day rule most families are never told about.

6-stage visual from independent to hospice
Contract red flags decoder (5 clauses)
Caregiver support resources for the family
Care type breakdown

We break down each level of care — aging in place with support, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, or PACE — and show you how each one relates to your parent's situation.

5 ranked local facilities

Specific facilities near your zip code, ranked by fit. Inspection records, staffing data, real monthly costs, and contract red flags — not paid listings.

14 financial aid programs

Every program your parent may qualify for — VA Aid & Attendance, Medicaid, PACE, Medicare Extra Help, and the new $6,000 senior deduction — with eligibility and how to apply.

Legal documents checklist

12 essential documents sorted by urgency — Durable POA, Healthcare Proxy, Advance Directive, POLST, Will, HIPAA Release, and more. Each with why it matters, where to get it, and cost.

Financial runway calculator

How long will resources last across each care scenario? In-home care, assisted living, and skilled nursing modeled side by side — plus the Medicaid pathway when funds run out.

Care progression map + move-in guide

All 6 stages of the care journey mapped. Move-in day guide covering what to bring, what not to bring, and the 30-day rule most families are never told about.

Why this matters

The largest eldercare referral service charges facilities $3,000–$6,000 per placement. We charge that to no one.

When a service earns money from the facility they refer you to, the facility is the customer — not your family. A Senate committee has formally investigated the largest of these services for this conflict. Honesttly earns nothing from facilities. Your report belongs to you.

$0
facility commissions received — ever

Free assessment · No account required · No facilities paid to appear in your report

Childcare

Most parents choose childcare on a tour and a gut feeling.
We show you what the tour never will.

Quality childcare has 3–9 month waitlists. The market is opaque. And the thing that actually predicts whether your child thrives — staff turnover — is the thing most tours never show you.

Care type breakdown

We break down each type of care — daycare center, home daycare, nanny, Montessori, preschool, or after-school — and show you how each one relates to your child's age, developmental stage, schedule needs, and your budget.

Urgency rating — most centers have waitlists
4 scored dimensions of your situation
Honest explanation of the care type fit

5 ranked local providers

Specific licensed providers near your zip code, ranked by fit to your child's needs. Real staff ratios, hours, monthly costs, pros and cons — not paid listings or sponsored results.

Fit score + pros and cons for each
Staff ratio, hours, phone, website
Licensing and inspection guidance

12 financial aid programs

Most families overpay for childcare because they don't know what's available. Your report surfaces every credit, subsidy, and program you may qualify for — with deadlines, how to apply, and exactly how much you can save.

DCFSA raised to $7,500/yr — enrollnow
EITC up to $8,046 · Child Tax Credit $2,200
CCDF subsidies · Head Start (free) · WIC

Legal enrollment checklist

12 documents sorted by urgency. Birth certificate, immunization records, health statement, emergency contact authorization, DCFSA confirmation, provider's EIN for the tax credit, and more — with where to get each and what it costs.

Interactive checklist you tick off as you go
Critical vs high vs moderate urgency tiers
Tips and sources for every document

Developmental milestone tracker

What your child should be doing right now — language, social, and physical milestones for their exact age. What a quality provider should be supporting. The specific questions to ask providers about your child's development.

Language, social, and physical benchmarks
Green / amber / red flags for each area
Signs the placement is working — post-enrollment

Settling-in guide + red flags

Nobody tells you what the first two weeks actually look like. We do. Week-by-week guide, what actually helps, what makes it harder. Red flags to watch for after enrollment — and a 4-step escalation plan if something concerns you.

Week-by-week first month breakdown
Contract hidden fees decoder (7 charges)
What to do if something concerns you
Care type breakdown

We break down each type of care — daycare center, home daycare, nanny, Montessori, preschool, or after-school — and show you how each relates to your child's age, stage, schedule, and budget.

5 ranked local providers

Specific licensed providers near your zip code, ranked by fit. Real staff ratios, hours, monthly costs, pros and cons — not paid listings or sponsored results.

12 financial aid programs

Every credit, subsidy, and program you may qualify for — DCFSA, EITC, Child Tax Credit, CCDF subsidies, Head Start, and WIC — with deadlines and how to apply.

Legal enrollment checklist

12 documents sorted by urgency — birth certificate, immunization records, health statement, emergency contacts, DCFSA confirmation, and more. Where to get each and what it costs.

Developmental milestone tracker

Language, social, and physical milestones for your child's exact age. What a quality provider should support. Questions to ask about your child's development.

Settling-in guide + red flags

Week-by-week first month breakdown. What actually helps, what makes it harder. Red flags to watch for after enrollment and a 4-step escalation plan.

The thing most tours won't show you

Staff turnover is the single most predictive measure of childcare quality. Ask for the room-specific rate — not the company average.

Children form emotional bonds with 2–3 caregivers in their first year. When those people leave repeatedly, it disrupts confidence, language development, and the ability to trust. Our report makes sure you know what question to ask — and how to read the answer honestly.

$0
provider commissions received — ever

Free assessment · No account required · No providers paid to appear in your report

Pricing

Simple, honest pricing

One flat fee per report. No subscriptions. No upsells. The free tier is genuinely useful — not a teaser.

For Families
Free
$0
Always free, no account required
  • Full care type assessment
  • Care type breakdown
  • Red flag & safety warnings
  • Free public resource list
  • Crisis support resources
Launch pricing · Save $20
Single report
$49$29
One eldercare or childcare report
  • Everything in free
  • 5 local providers compared
  • Real cost comparison engine
  • Financial aid calculator
  • Legal documents checklist
  • Questions to ask providers
Bundle
$98$49
Both eldercare and childcare reports
  • Everything in single report × 2
  • Full eldercare report
  • Full childcare report
  • Financial aid for both verticals
  • Launch pricing — save $49
For Employers

A benefit your employees actually need

1 in 5 of your employees is managing a care crisis right now — on your time

Caregiving employees lose 6–8 hours of productivity every week navigating eldercare and childcare decisions. Most never ask HR for help. They just burn out quietly, then leave. Honesttly gives them a clear, unbiased path forward in under 20 minutes.

$36B
Lost annually
to caregiver presenteeism
73%
Of caregiver employees
say it affects performance
1 in 5
Of your workforce
managing a crisis today
Employer pricing
$2.50 /employee/mo
About the cost of a cup of coffee — per employee, per month
  • ✓Full reports for every employee
  • ✓HR analytics dashboard
  • ✓Productivity & ROI reporting
  • ✓Zero facility commissions, ever

Eldercare Assessment

Let's explore care options for your parent

This free assessment takes about 4 minutes. Your answers are completely anonymous.

Free · Anonymous · No account needed
Step 1 of 5

Childcare Assessment

Let's explore care options for your child

This free assessment takes about 4 minutes. Your answers are completely anonymous.

Free · Anonymous · No account needed
Step 1 of 5
For Employers

Turn care stress into
retained talent

Honesttly for Business gives every employee honest, unbiased care resources for eldercare and childcare — the two biggest sources of productivity loss in your workforce.

61%
of your workforce affected by eldercare or childcare stress
$33B
lost annually to care-related productivity loss
6hrs
average weekly productivity loss per affected employee
$2.50
per employee, per month — about the cost of a cup of coffee

What you get

Everything your HR team needs

One platform, two verticals, zero conflicts of interest. Your employees get honest care resources. You get measurable ROI.

HR dashboard

Real-time utilization data, employee care type breakdowns, and benefit ROI metrics. See who's using the benefit and how it's impacting your team.

Employee portal

A branded portal your employees access via company code. Full eldercare and childcare assessments with AI-generated reports — included in their benefit.

Complete privacy

Individual employee responses are never visible to HR. You see aggregate utilization only. We are legally prohibited from sharing individual care data with employers.

Utilization analytics

Monthly reports showing benefit usage rates, care categories employees are navigating, and productivity impact estimates for your CFO.

Instant onboarding

Live in 48 hours. We generate a unique company access code, a branded portal URL, and an email template you can send to all employees immediately.

Simple flat pricing

Monthly flat fee by company size. No per-report charges, no usage limits, no surprises. Every employee gets full access to both verticals.

Employer pricing

$2.50 per employee, per month

About the cost of a cup of coffee. Covers every employee. Both eldercare and childcare. Unlimited reports. No hidden costs.

$2.50/employee/mo
About the cost of a cup of coffee
  • ✓Full eldercare and childcare reports for every employee
  • ✓HR dashboard with utilization and ROI analytics
  • ✓Unlimited reports — no caps, no overage fees
  • ✓Zero facility commissions, ever

Estimated monthly cost by company size

100 employees
$250/mo
500 employees
$1,250/mo
1,000 employees
$2,500/mo
2,500 employees
$6,250/mo

Enterprise (1,500+ employees) includes SSO, HRIS sync, and a dedicated account manager. Talk to us.

Benefits overview
Last updated March 26, 2026 · Q1 2026
Monthly assessments
12-month trend · Apr 2025 – Mar 2026
Eldercare Childcare
554025100
Adoption funnel
Employee journey through the benefit
Usage by department
Assessments completed per team
Elder Child
Absenteeism impact
Unplanned absences per quarter, per caregiving employee
Before Honesttly
4.2
absences/quarter
−24%
After Honesttly
3.2
absences/quarter
Based on 847 active caregiving employees Saves ~$182,000/year in absence costs
Hours reclaimed by care stage
Average time employees spend per stage — before vs. after Honesttly
46h
avg. saved per employee
38,962 hrs across 847 employees
Research & discovery
Finding providers, understanding care options
12h → 2h −10h saved
2h with Honesttly 12h without
Vetting & comparing providers
Calling, interviewing, checking references
22h → 4h −18h saved
4h with Honesttly 22h without
Setup & coordination
Scheduling, paperwork, logistics & handoffs
9h → 2h −7h saved
2h with Honesttly 9h without
Active care management
Ongoing adjustments, check-ins & communication
5h/mo → 1.5h/mo −3.5h/mo saved
1.5h/mo with Honesttly 5h/mo without
Crisis & transition response
Sudden changes, emergency placement, care transitions
14h → 3h −11h saved
3h with Honesttly 14h without
Estimates based on employee self-reported time + care coordination research benchmarks 70–83% time reduction per stage
Annual impact report · 2025–2026
What Honesttly delivered
for your people this year
Acme Corporation
847 employees · Q1 2026
38,962
hours reclaimed from care coordination
≡ 19.5 FTE-years of productivity
$2.1M
in financial aid surfaced for employees
VA Aid & Attendance, Medicaid waivers & more
$182K
saved in unplanned absence costs
24% reduction in caregiver absences
312
employees who found and enrolled a provider
37% conversion rate from assessment
4.8/5
average employee satisfaction score
Based on 289 post-placement surveys
$0
facility commissions ever accepted
Every report is 100% unbiased
Data reflects active enrollees Jan 2025 – Mar 2026. Financial aid figures are projected annual value based on qualifying employee assessments.
Employee success stories
The people behind the numbers
MR
Maria R.
Engineering · Eldercare
Enrolled

“I was spending every lunch break making calls about my mom’s memory care. Honesttly gave me a ranked list and a checklist in 20 minutes. I cried. It felt like someone finally understood.”

Hours saved 38h reclaimed
Aid identified $25,200/yr VA benefit
DK
David K.
Sales · Childcare
Enrolled

“We were on three daycare waitlists and my wife was about to leave her job. Honesttly found us a licensed in-home provider two miles away. We didn’t even know that option existed.”

Hours saved 52h reclaimed
Retention impact Avoided turnover
TL
Theresa L.
Operations · Eldercare
Enrolled

“My dad had a stroke in October. I had no idea where to start. The crisis checklist Honesttly generated was the first thing that made me feel like I wasn’t drowning. I stayed in my role because of this.”

Hours saved 61h reclaimed
Aid identified $18,400/yr Medicaid waiver
Recent activity
Employees
Invite Employees
Share your access code or send direct invitations
Access code: ACME2025
Employee Department Status Assessments Last Activity
Analytics
Utilization trend
Activation rate and completion — last 12 months
Care needs by department
Eldercare vs childcare burden per team
Engagement funnel
Employee journey from eligibility to care arranged
Absenteeism impact
Unplanned absences per quarter per caregiving employee
Downloadable reports
Board-ready exports and utilization summaries
Settings
Company profile
Basic information about your organisation
Plan & billing
Your current subscription details
CURRENT PLAN
$2.50/employee/mo
$3,000/month · 1,200 employees
NEXT BILLING DATE
Apr 15, 2026
Monthly · Auto-renews
EMPLOYEES COVERED
1,200
847 activated · 71% rate
Access management
Control how employees access their benefit
Allow employee self-registration with company code
Employees can access using ACME2025 without an invitation
Company access code
Share with your team: ACME2025
Require manager approval for assessment access
Managers must approve before employees can start
Allow employees to share reports with family members
Employees can export and share their personal report
Notification preferences
Choose what updates you receive by email
Data & privacy
How your data is stored and used
Data retention period
24 months
Anonymized analytics only — no PII stored
Executive summary
Board-ready view · Acme Corporation · Q1 2026
The ROI equation — FY 2025–2026
Program cost
$36,000
$2.50/employee/mo
→
Productivity
$508K
38,962 hrs × $13/hr
+
Turnover avoided
$672K
4 employees × $168K ea.
+
Aid claimed
$700K
VA + Medicaid waivers
=
Return on investment
52:1
$1.88M value · $36,000 cost
Productivity value based on BLS avg. $26.30/hr fully-loaded wage at 50% recovery rate. Turnover replacement cost at 150% of salary per SHRM methodology. Aid figures are employee-reported enrolled benefits.
Where every dollar comes from
Value buckets a CFO can independently verify
Productivity reclaimed $507,840
BLS wage data
Turnover avoided $672,000
SHRM replacement methodology
Financial aid claimed $700,000
Employee-reported, verifiable
Honesttly cost $36,000
1.9% of total value
Quarterly ROI trajectory
Compounding return as adoption grows
52:1
9:1
Q1 12% adopted
21:1
Q2 28% adopted
40:1
Q3 54% adopted
52:1
Q4 71% adopted
Employee adoption climbed from 12% to 71%, driving ROI from 9:1 to 52:1 — nearly a 6× expansion in four quarters at a flat $2.50/employee/mo.
Employees retained
Replacement cost at 150% of salary — SHRM methodology
$957,500
total avoided turnover cost
MH
Maria H.
Operations Manager
Tenure8 years
Care typeDual caregiver
Salary$112K
Replacement cost$168K
✓ Retained — enrolled Q2
JT
James T.
Senior Engineer
Tenure11 years
Care typeEldercare
Salary$145K
Replacement cost$217K
✓ Retained — enrolled Q1
PS
Priya S.
Product Manager
Tenure5 years
Care typeChildcare
Salary$98K
Replacement cost$147K
✓ Retained — enrolled Q3
KM
Kevin M.
Finance Director
Tenure6 years
Care typeEldercare
Salary$138K
Replacement cost$207K
⚠ At risk — not yet enrolled
Before Honesttly, Acme averaged 4 caregiver-related resignations per year. This year: 0 confirmed, 1 at risk.
Benefit comparison — ROI stack rank
All active benefits ranked by return on investment
Benefit
Annual cost
Cost/employee
ROI
Honesttly
Care navigation benefit
$36,000
$30.00
52:1
EAP (Employee Assistance)
Mental health + crisis support
$42,350
$50.00
3:1
Telemedicine
Virtual health visits
$38,115
$45.00
2.8:1
Gym / wellness stipend
Fitness reimbursement
$72,000
$85.00
1.2:1
Honesttly delivers 19× the ROI of the next-best benefit at 12.5% of the cost. If budget cuts come, this is the last benefit to cut.
The invisible workforce tax
Caregiving was costing Acme $2.4M/year before Honesttly — and nobody knew it
Before Honesttly — $2.4M/year
Unplanned absences $840K
Lost at-desk productivity $1.1M
Caregiver turnover $460K
−78%
After Honesttly — $518K/year
Unplanned absences $152K
Lost at-desk productivity $268K
Caregiver turnover $98K
The remaining $518K cannot reach $0. Caregiving is hard, and some disruption is unavoidable. Honesttly’s job is to make it manageable, not invisible — and the data shows it is working.
If Honesttly is cancelled — what happens next
Four quantified consequences of removing this benefit
1
Productivity loss returns
+$507,840 annual cost
38,962 hours of care coordination return to disrupting workdays
2
Turnover risk restarts
+$672,000 at-risk replacement costs
4 high-tenure employees estimated to resign within 12 months
3
Aid access ends immediately
+$700,000 in unclaimed employee benefits
VA Aid & Attendance, Medicaid waivers, and subsidy guidance gone
4
Absenteeism rebounds
+$364,000 in absence-related costs
24% reduction in absences reverses — 847 caregiving employees, 4.2 absences/quarter
Cancellation triggers $2,243,840 in annual exposure
Against a $36,000 annual cost, cancellation is a 62:1 losing trade.
Cost to cancel
$2.24M
Take-away · FY 2025–2026
Four numbers that tell the whole story
57:1
Return on investment
Highest in your benefits stack
$922K
Financial aid claimed
VA, Medicaid & subsidy programs
0
Caregiving resignations
Was 4/year before Honesttly
$2.50
Per employee per month
About the cost of a cup of coffee
Data reflects Jan 2025 – Mar 2026. Prepared for board presentation. All figures auditable on request.
Honesttly
Employee Benefit Portal
Enter your company code
Your employer has given you access to Honesttly as part of your benefits. Enter the code from your HR team to get started.
Try ACME2025 or MERIDIAN to see demo portals.
Don't have a code? Ask your HR team.

Your employer can only see aggregate usage — never your individual responses. Learn more

Eldercare Resource Guide

Navigate care for your parent
with clarity

Whether your parent needs to stay home safely, move to assisted living, or access specialized memory care — the path forward is complicated, emotional, and full of people with financial interests that conflict with yours.

Honesttly takes no commissions from any facility. Our reports are built around your parent's specific needs — not who pays us the highest referral fee.

What our assessment covers
✓Medical needs, mobility and cognitive status
✓Care type matched to your parent's specific situation
✓5 ranked local facilities with pros, cons and fit scores
✓14 financial aid programs — VA, Medicaid, PACE and more
✓Legal documents checklist and care progression map
✓Financial runway calculator across 3 care scenarios
Our commitment

We receive $0 in facility commissions. Ever. The moment we accept a referral fee, our advice becomes conflicted — and you deserve advice that belongs to you alone.

What we help with

Every stage of the eldercare journey

Most families face this without a roadmap. We give you one — from the first conversation about care needs through to facility selection, legal preparation, and transition support.

Aging in place

Home modifications, in-home care options, medical alert systems, and funding programs that let your parent stay home longer and more safely than you might think possible.

Home modification guide →

Assisted living

The most commonly chosen long-term care option — and the most commonly mis-priced. What it actually covers, why Medicare doesn't pay, and how to avoid the à la carte pricing trap.

Assisted living guide →

In-home care

Professional caregivers at home. The four types families confuse, what Medicare actually covers (and doesn't), real hourly costs, and when in-home care becomes more expensive than a facility.

In-home care guide →

Memory care

What memory care is, who it's for, what it costs, and the specific questions to ask on every tour. Honest information on when it may be the right decision — and when it may not be yet.

Memory care guide →

Nursing homes

What to check before you visit, what to observe during an unannounced tour, and what contract clauses can seriously harm your family if left unread before signing.

Nursing home checklist →

PACE — free comprehensive care

The program that covers medical, social, and long-term care at no cost for qualifying Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries — and one most families never hear about. Check if your parent qualifies.

PACE guide →

Free personalized assessment

Answer 11 questions. Get a personalized report with ranked local facilities, every financial aid program you qualify for, a legal documents checklist, and an honest recommendation.

Start now — free →

Financial aid & tax relief

VA Aid & Attendance pays up to $2,874/mo. PACE covers comprehensive care free. A new $6,000 senior tax deduction is available 2025–2028. Most families claiming none of this.

Medicaid / ALTCS long-term care coverage
VA Aid & Attendance — $1,000–$2,874/mo
New senior deduction $6,000/person (2025–2028)
SNAP, LIHEAP, SSI, Medicare Extra Help

What most families don't know

The eldercare industry is built on commissions. Ours isn't.

The largest eldercare placement service in the US generates revenue by charging facilities $3,000–$6,000 each time they refer a family. The US Senate has formally investigated whether this creates a conflict of interest. It does.

When a service is paid by the facility, the facility is the customer — not your family. Honesttly is paid only by families. That is the only model where the advice belongs to you.

$0
Facility referral commissions received — ever. This will never change regardless of how we grow.
14
Financial aid programs surfaced in every eldercare report — including ones most placement services never mention because they generate zero referral revenue.
Free
Complete assessment with care recommendation, legal checklist, financial aid, provider shortlist, and an honest word. No credit card required.

The care journey

We help at every stage

Most families plan reactively — after a fall, a hospitalization, or a crisis. Planning one stage ahead consistently produces better placements, lower costs, and less family trauma.

Stage 1
Independent living
Fully self-sufficient. Best time to prepare legal documents and research options.
Stage 2
In-home support
Aides, meal delivery, medication reminders. Honesttly identifies free local services.
Stage 3 ← Most families
Assisted living
24hr oversight, meals, medication management. Honesttly ranks and compares local options.
Stage 4
Memory care
Secured unit, specialist dementia programming. Honesttly flags which facilities have this.
Stage 5
Skilled nursing
Complex medical needs. Honesttly checks staffing ratios and inspection records.
Stage 6
Hospice
Comfort-focused care. Honesttly identifies local hospice resources and family support.

Eldercare by State

State guides for the largest US markets

Every state runs its own Medicaid HCBS program, its own property-tax relief, its own licensing portal, and its own LTC ombudsman. These guides pull the real numbers and the real links for the 10 largest US states.

Eldercare in California
Assisted living from $7,350/mo • state Medicaid, ombudsman, and licensing
View state guide →
Eldercare in Texas
Assisted living from $5,250/mo • state Medicaid, ombudsman, and licensing
View state guide →
Eldercare in Florida
Assisted living from $5,324/mo • state Medicaid, ombudsman, and licensing
View state guide →
Eldercare in New York
Assisted living from $6,300/mo • state Medicaid, ombudsman, and licensing
View state guide →
Eldercare in Pennsylvania
Assisted living from $6,100/mo • state Medicaid, ombudsman, and licensing
View state guide →
Eldercare in Illinois
Assisted living from $5,836/mo • state Medicaid, ombudsman, and licensing
View state guide →
Eldercare in Ohio
Assisted living from $5,500/mo • state Medicaid, ombudsman, and licensing
View state guide →
Eldercare in Georgia
Assisted living from $4,940/mo • state Medicaid, ombudsman, and licensing
View state guide →
Eldercare in North Carolina
Assisted living from $6,354/mo • state Medicaid, ombudsman, and licensing
View state guide →
Eldercare in Michigan
Assisted living from $6,040/mo • state Medicaid, ombudsman, and licensing
View state guide →

Start with a free assessment

11 questions. A personalized report with provider rankings, financial aid, legal checklist, and an honest recommendation. No account needed.

Eldercare by State

Eldercare in California — costs, Medicaid, and finding care

Planning eldercare in California means navigating costs well above the national median, a state-specific Medicaid program (In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)), and an inspection and licensing system that doesn’t look like any other state’s. This guide pulls the real numbers and the programs your family can actually use — not the marketing pitch from a referral service.

California has the largest 65+ population in the country (over 6.2 million) and runs the nation’s biggest publicly funded home-care program. Assisted living pricing in California is well above the national median, but the state’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program — which pays family members to provide personal care — has no equivalent in most other states. Property tax relief is unusually robust thanks to Prop 19 base-year-value transfers for residents 55+.

Key Takeaways
1.California assisted-living median: $7,350/mo — well above the $5,350 US median (CareScout 2024)
2.Medicaid HCBS: In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) — the primary route to publicly funded long-term care
3.Property-tax relief for seniors: California Property Tax Postponement & Homeowners Exemption
4.Free state advocate: California Long-Term Care Ombudsman — 1-800-231-4024 for complaints about any licensed facility

What eldercare costs in California

Statewide monthly medians from the CareScout 2024 Cost of Care Survey — the most-cited authoritative source. Actual quotes vary significantly by metro and amenities; use these as the floor, not the ceiling.

Assisted living
$7,350/mo
US median: $5,350/mo
Memory care
$9,335/mo
US median: $6,160/mo (1.27× assisted living industry standard)
Nursing home (semi-private)
$11,695/mo
US median: $8,929/mo • Private: $15,178/mo
In-home care (HHA)
$7,436/mo
US median: $6,292/mo • 44 hrs/wk at the typical Home Health Aide rate
A reminder about Medicare: Medicare does not cover assisted living, memory care, or long-term nursing-home stays — in California or anywhere else. It covers up to 100 days of skilled rehabilitation after a qualifying hospital stay. Long-term care in California is paid by private funds, long-term-care insurance, VA Aid & Attendance (eligible veterans, up to $2,874/mo in 2025), or Medicaid HCBS through In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS).

Financial aid programs available to California families

Programs specific to California — separate from federal benefits like Medicare, Social Security, SNAP, LIHEAP, and VA Aid & Attendance, which apply nationwide. Every Honesttly assessment surfaces the full federal stack alongside these state programs.

Medicaid HCBS
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
Largest publicly funded HCBS program in U.S.; pays caregivers (including family) for personal care for Medi-Cal-eligible seniors and disabled.
Open program → 1-916-651-5350
Property tax relief
California Property Tax Postponement & Homeowners Exemption
Seniors/disabled may postpone property taxes; standard $7,000 Homeowners Exemption; Prop 19 base-year-value transfer for 55+.
Family caregiver support
California Caregiver Resource Centers
11 regional CRCs offer counseling, education, and respite for family caregivers.
State pharmacy assistance
Federal programs only
California does not currently run a state pharmacy assistance program. Eligible seniors should apply for Medicare Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy) directly via Social Security.
Open program → 1-800-772-1213
Area Agency on Aging
California AAA finder
Your local AAA is the single best entry point for California-specific eldercare resources — they coordinate Medicaid waiver applications, family caregiver support, congregate meals, in-home services, and ombudsman referrals.
Open program → 1-800-510-2020

How to verify a California facility before you sign

Three official sources to consult before signing any assisted-living, memory-care, or nursing-home contract in California. Honesttly’s free assessment pulls inspection results, CMS quality ratings, and ownership records automatically — but you should know these direct links exist.

State licensing & inspection records
California DSS — Community Care Licensing Facility Search
Search every licensed assisted-living, adult-care, and nursing facility in California for current license status, recent inspection dates, and substantiated complaints. Pull at least the last two inspection reports before any tour.
Open portal →
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
CA Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Free, confidential advocate for residents and families. Investigates complaints about quality of care, billing, eviction, and resident rights. Calling them costs nothing and never appears on the facility’s file unless you ask it to.
Open ombudsman site → 1-800-231-4024
Home modification contractors
California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Always verify a California contractor’s license, insurance, and complaint history before signing a remodel contract — especially for accessibility work like ramps, stairlifts, and bathroom retrofits. Search by name, license number, or city. Verify license status, bond, and workers’ comp coverage.
Verify a license →

Care types covered in this California guide

Each guide below applies nationally but is also the foundation of every California Honesttly assessment. Click through for full cost detail, what Medicare covers, and the questions to ask on every tour.

Assisted living guide Memory care guide Nursing home checklist In-home care guide Aging in place PACE programs

Common questions about eldercare in California

How much does assisted living cost in California?

The CareScout 2024 Cost of Care Survey reports a statewide median of $7,350/mo for assisted living in California, well above the $5,350 US median. Memory-care pricing typically runs ~27% above assisted living ($9,335/mo statewide), and semi-private nursing home is $11,695/mo. Metro markets in California run well above the state median; rural California often runs below.

Does Medicaid pay for assisted living in California?

California uses In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) to deliver Medicaid Home & Community-Based Services for eligible seniors. Coverage typically pays for personal care and some support services inside an assisted-living facility — but rarely covers the room-and-board portion. Eligibility requires both a financial test (income/asset limits) and a clinical test (nursing-facility level of care). Families typically apply through the local Area Agency on Aging or a state Medicaid office.

What does Medicare cover for long-term care in California?

Medicare does not cover assisted living, memory care, or long-term nursing-home stays anywhere in the country, including California. Medicare Part A covers up to 100 days of skilled rehabilitation following a qualifying hospital admission — after that, families are paying privately, applying for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), or relying on long-term-care insurance or VA Aid & Attendance (up to $2,874/mo for eligible veterans in 2025).

How do I report concerns about a California eldercare facility?

Call California’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-231-4024. The ombudsman is a free, confidential advocate funded under the federal Older Americans Act — they investigate complaints about quality of care, billing, eviction, and resident rights at any licensed assisted-living, memory-care, or nursing facility. Filing a complaint never costs anything and does not appear on the resident’s file unless you authorize it. For licensing-level concerns, California’s licensing portal also accepts public complaints directly.

Related state guides
Eldercare in Texas Eldercare in Florida Eldercare in New York Eldercare in Pennsylvania
Get a personalized California eldercare report
Answer 11 questions about your parent’s specific situation. We return a ranked list of California facilities, the full all-in cost (not marketing rate), every state and federal aid program you qualify for, and the licensing-record red flags you should know about.

Eldercare by State

Eldercare in Texas — costs, Medicaid, and finding care

Planning eldercare in Texas means navigating costs roughly at the national median, a state-specific Medicaid program (Texas STAR+PLUS HCBS), and an inspection and licensing system that doesn’t look like any other state’s. This guide pulls the real numbers and the programs your family can actually use — not the marketing pitch from a referral service.

Texas costs sit just below the national median for assisted living but its nursing-home rates are among the lowest in the country. STAR+PLUS managed-care delivers Medicaid HCBS statewide. Texas also offers one of the strongest property-tax benefits for seniors: a school-tax freeze at age 65 that locks the school portion of property tax at the level paid the year the homeowner turned 65.

Key Takeaways
1.Texas assisted-living median: $5,250/mo — roughly at the $5,350 US median (CareScout 2024)
2.Medicaid HCBS: Texas STAR+PLUS HCBS — the primary route to publicly funded long-term care
3.Property-tax relief for seniors: Texas Over-65 / Disabled Property Tax Exemption + School Tax Freeze
4.Free state advocate: Texas Long-Term Care Ombudsman — 1-800-252-2412 for complaints about any licensed facility

What eldercare costs in Texas

Statewide monthly medians from the CareScout 2024 Cost of Care Survey — the most-cited authoritative source. Actual quotes vary significantly by metro and amenities; use these as the floor, not the ceiling.

Assisted living
$5,250/mo
US median: $5,350/mo
Memory care
$6,668/mo
US median: $6,160/mo (1.27× assisted living industry standard)
Nursing home (semi-private)
$5,475/mo
US median: $8,929/mo • Private: $7,087/mo
In-home care (HHA)
$5,720/mo
US median: $6,292/mo • 44 hrs/wk at the typical Home Health Aide rate
A reminder about Medicare: Medicare does not cover assisted living, memory care, or long-term nursing-home stays — in Texas or anywhere else. It covers up to 100 days of skilled rehabilitation after a qualifying hospital stay. Long-term care in Texas is paid by private funds, long-term-care insurance, VA Aid & Attendance (eligible veterans, up to $2,874/mo in 2025), or Medicaid HCBS through Texas STAR+PLUS HCBS.

Financial aid programs available to Texas families

Programs specific to Texas — separate from federal benefits like Medicare, Social Security, SNAP, LIHEAP, and VA Aid & Attendance, which apply nationwide. Every Honesttly assessment surfaces the full federal stack alongside these state programs.

Medicaid HCBS
Texas STAR+PLUS HCBS
Statewide managed LTSS for adults 21+ with disabilities or 65+.
Open program → 1-800-964-2777
Property tax relief
Texas Over-65 / Disabled Property Tax Exemption + School Tax Freeze
Additional $10K school district homestead exemption for 65+ or disabled; mandatory school-tax ceiling (freeze).
Family caregiver support
Texas Family Caregiver Support (NFCSP)
Through 28 Texas AAAs; counseling, respite, education.
State pharmacy assistance
Federal programs only
Texas does not currently run a state pharmacy assistance program. Eligible seniors should apply for Medicare Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy) directly via Social Security.
Open program → 1-800-772-1213
Area Agency on Aging
Texas Health & Human Services - Aging Services
Your local AAA is the single best entry point for Texas-specific eldercare resources — they coordinate Medicaid waiver applications, family caregiver support, congregate meals, in-home services, and ombudsman referrals.
Open program → 1-800-252-9240

How to verify a Texas facility before you sign

Three official sources to consult before signing any assisted-living, memory-care, or nursing-home contract in Texas. Honesttly’s free assessment pulls inspection results, CMS quality ratings, and ownership records automatically — but you should know these direct links exist.

State licensing & inspection records
Texas HHS — Long-term Care Provider Search (TULIP)
Search every licensed assisted-living, adult-care, and nursing facility in Texas for current license status, recent inspection dates, and substantiated complaints. Pull at least the last two inspection reports before any tour.
Open portal →
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
TX Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Free, confidential advocate for residents and families. Investigates complaints about quality of care, billing, eviction, and resident rights. Calling them costs nothing and never appears on the facility’s file unless you ask it to.
Open ombudsman site → 1-800-252-2412
Home modification contractors
Texas contractor data is bundled in every Honesttly report
When you run a free Honesttly assessment for a Texas ZIP, we pull live local contractor records (permits, licenses, accessibility-keyword filtering) and surface verified options for grab bars, ramps, stairlifts, and full-bath retrofits. No contractor pays us; the listing order is data-driven.

Care types covered in this Texas guide

Each guide below applies nationally but is also the foundation of every Texas Honesttly assessment. Click through for full cost detail, what Medicare covers, and the questions to ask on every tour.

Assisted living guide Memory care guide Nursing home checklist In-home care guide Aging in place PACE programs

Common questions about eldercare in Texas

How much does assisted living cost in Texas?

The CareScout 2024 Cost of Care Survey reports a statewide median of $5,250/mo for assisted living in Texas, roughly at the $5,350 US median. Memory-care pricing typically runs ~27% above assisted living ($6,668/mo statewide), and semi-private nursing home is $5,475/mo. Metro markets in Texas run well above the state median; rural Texas often runs below.

Does Medicaid pay for assisted living in Texas?

Texas uses Texas STAR+PLUS HCBS to deliver Medicaid Home & Community-Based Services for eligible seniors. Coverage typically pays for personal care and some support services inside an assisted-living facility — but rarely covers the room-and-board portion. Eligibility requires both a financial test (income/asset limits) and a clinical test (nursing-facility level of care). Families typically apply through the local Area Agency on Aging or a state Medicaid office.

What does Medicare cover for long-term care in Texas?

Medicare does not cover assisted living, memory care, or long-term nursing-home stays anywhere in the country, including Texas. Medicare Part A covers up to 100 days of skilled rehabilitation following a qualifying hospital admission — after that, families are paying privately, applying for Texas STAR+PLUS HCBS, or relying on long-term-care insurance or VA Aid & Attendance (up to $2,874/mo for eligible veterans in 2025).

How do I report concerns about a Texas eldercare facility?

Call Texas’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-252-2412. The ombudsman is a free, confidential advocate funded under the federal Older Americans Act — they investigate complaints about quality of care, billing, eviction, and resident rights at any licensed assisted-living, memory-care, or nursing facility. Filing a complaint never costs anything and does not appear on the resident’s file unless you authorize it. For licensing-level concerns, Texas’s licensing portal also accepts public complaints directly.

Related state guides
Eldercare in California Eldercare in Florida Eldercare in New York Eldercare in Pennsylvania
Get a personalized Texas eldercare report
Answer 11 questions about your parent’s specific situation. We return a ranked list of Texas facilities, the full all-in cost (not marketing rate), every state and federal aid program you qualify for, and the licensing-record red flags you should know about.

Eldercare by State

Eldercare in Florida — costs, Medicaid, and finding care

Planning eldercare in Florida means navigating costs roughly at the national median, a state-specific Medicaid program (Florida Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC)), and an inspection and licensing system that doesn’t look like any other state’s. This guide pulls the real numbers and the programs your family can actually use — not the marketing pitch from a referral service.

Florida has the highest share of residents 65+ of any state (over 21%) and the second-highest absolute count. The state’s Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC) program is mandatory for Medicaid LTC enrollees, and the Homestead Exemption stacks with a senior-additional exemption that can shield the entire taxable value for long-term residents. Watch for wide pricing variance between Miami/Naples and inland markets.

Key Takeaways
1.Florida assisted-living median: $5,324/mo — roughly at the $5,350 US median (CareScout 2024)
2.Medicaid HCBS: Florida Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC) — the primary route to publicly funded long-term care
3.Property-tax relief for seniors: Florida Homestead Exemption (incl. Senior Additional)
4.Free state advocate: Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman — 1-888-831-0404 for complaints about any licensed facility

What eldercare costs in Florida

Statewide monthly medians from the CareScout 2024 Cost of Care Survey — the most-cited authoritative source. Actual quotes vary significantly by metro and amenities; use these as the floor, not the ceiling.

Assisted living
$5,324/mo
US median: $5,350/mo
Memory care
$6,761/mo
US median: $6,160/mo (1.27× assisted living industry standard)
Nursing home (semi-private)
$10,342/mo
US median: $8,929/mo • Private: $11,558/mo
In-home care (HHA)
$5,720/mo
US median: $6,292/mo • 44 hrs/wk at the typical Home Health Aide rate
A reminder about Medicare: Medicare does not cover assisted living, memory care, or long-term nursing-home stays — in Florida or anywhere else. It covers up to 100 days of skilled rehabilitation after a qualifying hospital stay. Long-term care in Florida is paid by private funds, long-term-care insurance, VA Aid & Attendance (eligible veterans, up to $2,874/mo in 2025), or Medicaid HCBS through Florida Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC).

Financial aid programs available to Florida families

Programs specific to Florida — separate from federal benefits like Medicare, Social Security, SNAP, LIHEAP, and VA Aid & Attendance, which apply nationwide. Every Honesttly assessment surfaces the full federal stack alongside these state programs.

Medicaid HCBS
Florida Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC)
Mandatory managed-care long-term-care program for Florida Medicaid LTC enrollees.
Open program → 1-877-711-3662
Property tax relief
Florida Homestead Exemption (incl. Senior Additional)
Standard $50K homestead; counties may grant additional exemption up to $50K for seniors 65+ with low income; long-term residency exemption can equal entire taxable value.
Family caregiver support
Florida Department of Elder Affairs - Caregiver Programs
NFCSP services delivered through 11 Florida AAAs.
State pharmacy assistance
Federal programs only
Florida does not currently run a state pharmacy assistance program. Eligible seniors should apply for Medicare Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy) directly via Social Security.
Open program → 1-800-772-1213
Area Agency on Aging
Florida Department of Elder Affairs
Your local AAA is the single best entry point for Florida-specific eldercare resources — they coordinate Medicaid waiver applications, family caregiver support, congregate meals, in-home services, and ombudsman referrals.
Open program → 1-800-963-5337

How to verify a Florida facility before you sign

Three official sources to consult before signing any assisted-living, memory-care, or nursing-home contract in Florida. Honesttly’s free assessment pulls inspection results, CMS quality ratings, and ownership records automatically — but you should know these direct links exist.

State licensing & inspection records
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration — FloridaHealthFinder
Search every licensed assisted-living, adult-care, and nursing facility in Florida for current license status, recent inspection dates, and substantiated complaints. Pull at least the last two inspection reports before any tour.
Open portal →
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
FL Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Free, confidential advocate for residents and families. Investigates complaints about quality of care, billing, eviction, and resident rights. Calling them costs nothing and never appears on the facility’s file unless you ask it to.
Open ombudsman site → 1-888-831-0404
Home modification contractors
Florida DBPR — Construction Industry Licensing Board
Always verify a Florida contractor’s license, insurance, and complaint history before signing a remodel contract — especially for accessibility work like ramps, stairlifts, and bathroom retrofits. Verify Certified General, Building, Residential, and specialty contractor licenses.
Verify a license →

Care types covered in this Florida guide

Each guide below applies nationally but is also the foundation of every Florida Honesttly assessment. Click through for full cost detail, what Medicare covers, and the questions to ask on every tour.

Assisted living guide Memory care guide Nursing home checklist In-home care guide Aging in place PACE programs

Common questions about eldercare in Florida

How much does assisted living cost in Florida?

The CareScout 2024 Cost of Care Survey reports a statewide median of $5,324/mo for assisted living in Florida, roughly at the $5,350 US median. Memory-care pricing typically runs ~27% above assisted living ($6,761/mo statewide), and semi-private nursing home is $10,342/mo. Metro markets in Florida run well above the state median; rural Florida often runs below.

Does Medicaid pay for assisted living in Florida?

Florida uses Florida Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC) to deliver Medicaid Home & Community-Based Services for eligible seniors. Coverage typically pays for personal care and some support services inside an assisted-living facility — but rarely covers the room-and-board portion. Eligibility requires both a financial test (income/asset limits) and a clinical test (nursing-facility level of care). Families typically apply through the local Area Agency on Aging or a state Medicaid office.

What does Medicare cover for long-term care in Florida?

Medicare does not cover assisted living, memory care, or long-term nursing-home stays anywhere in the country, including Florida. Medicare Part A covers up to 100 days of skilled rehabilitation following a qualifying hospital admission — after that, families are paying privately, applying for Florida Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC), or relying on long-term-care insurance or VA Aid & Attendance (up to $2,874/mo for eligible veterans in 2025).

How do I report concerns about a Florida eldercare facility?

Call Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-888-831-0404. The ombudsman is a free, confidential advocate funded under the federal Older Americans Act — they investigate complaints about quality of care, billing, eviction, and resident rights at any licensed assisted-living, memory-care, or nursing facility. Filing a complaint never costs anything and does not appear on the resident’s file unless you authorize it. For licensing-level concerns, Florida’s licensing portal also accepts public complaints directly.

Related state guides
Eldercare in California Eldercare in Texas Eldercare in New York Eldercare in Pennsylvania
Get a personalized Florida eldercare report
Answer 11 questions about your parent’s specific situation. We return a ranked list of Florida facilities, the full all-in cost (not marketing rate), every state and federal aid program you qualify for, and the licensing-record red flags you should know about.

Eldercare by State

Eldercare in New York — costs, Medicaid, and finding care

Planning eldercare in New York means navigating costs well above the national median, a state-specific Medicaid program (New York Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC) / Consumer Directed Personal Assistance), and an inspection and licensing system that doesn’t look like any other state’s. This guide pulls the real numbers and the programs your family can actually use — not the marketing pitch from a referral service.

New York costs run well above national medians across every care setting, with NYC, Westchester, and Long Island driving the average. The state’s Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC) program and the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) let Medicaid-eligible seniors hire family caregivers. New York also runs EPIC, the most comprehensive state pharmacy assistance program in the country, helping seniors pay Medicare Part D premiums and copays.

Key Takeaways
1.New York assisted-living median: $6,300/mo — well above the $5,350 US median (CareScout 2024)
2.Medicaid HCBS: New York Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC) / Consumer Directed Personal Assistance — the primary route to publicly funded long-term care
3.Property-tax relief for seniors: New York STAR (School Tax Relief) & Enhanced STAR for Seniors
4.Free state advocate: New York Long-Term Care Ombudsman — 1-855-582-6769 for complaints about any licensed facility

What eldercare costs in New York

Statewide monthly medians from the CareScout 2024 Cost of Care Survey — the most-cited authoritative source. Actual quotes vary significantly by metro and amenities; use these as the floor, not the ceiling.

Assisted living
$6,300/mo
US median: $5,350/mo
Memory care
$8,001/mo
US median: $6,160/mo (1.27× assisted living industry standard)
Nursing home (semi-private)
$14,722/mo
US median: $8,929/mo • Private: $15,558/mo
In-home care (HHA)
$6,483/mo
US median: $6,292/mo • 44 hrs/wk at the typical Home Health Aide rate
A reminder about Medicare: Medicare does not cover assisted living, memory care, or long-term nursing-home stays — in New York or anywhere else. It covers up to 100 days of skilled rehabilitation after a qualifying hospital stay. Long-term care in New York is paid by private funds, long-term-care insurance, VA Aid & Attendance (eligible veterans, up to $2,874/mo in 2025), or Medicaid HCBS through New York Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC) / Consumer Directed Personal Assistance.

Financial aid programs available to New York families

Programs specific to New York — separate from federal benefits like Medicare, Social Security, SNAP, LIHEAP, and VA Aid & Attendance, which apply nationwide. Every Honesttly assessment surfaces the full federal stack alongside these state programs.

Medicaid HCBS
New York Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC) / Consumer Directed Personal Assistance
NY .health.ny.gov returns 403 to curl due to bot-blocking. MLTC delivers HCBS to dual-eligibles.
Open program → 1-800-505-5678
Property tax relief
New York STAR (School Tax Relief) & Enhanced STAR for Seniors
Basic STAR for income ≤$500K; Enhanced STAR for seniors 65+ with income ≤$98,700 (2024).
Family caregiver support
New York State Office for the Aging - Caregiver Support (NFCSP)
Counseling, respite, and education through 59 county offices for the aging.
State pharmacy assistance
New York EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage)
Pays Medicare Part D premiums and copays for residents 65+ with income ≤$75K single / $100K married.
Area Agency on Aging
New York State Office for the Aging
Your local AAA is the single best entry point for New York-specific eldercare resources — they coordinate Medicaid waiver applications, family caregiver support, congregate meals, in-home services, and ombudsman referrals.
Open program → 1-800-342-9871

How to verify a New York facility before you sign

Three official sources to consult before signing any assisted-living, memory-care, or nursing-home contract in New York. Honesttly’s free assessment pulls inspection results, CMS quality ratings, and ownership records automatically — but you should know these direct links exist.

State licensing & inspection records
New York State DOH — Health Profiles (Nursing Homes & Adult Care)
Search every licensed assisted-living, adult-care, and nursing facility in New York for current license status, recent inspection dates, and substantiated complaints. Pull at least the last two inspection reports before any tour.
Open portal →
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
NY Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Free, confidential advocate for residents and families. Investigates complaints about quality of care, billing, eviction, and resident rights. Calling them costs nothing and never appears on the facility’s file unless you ask it to.
Open ombudsman site → 1-855-582-6769
Home modification contractors
New York contractor data is bundled in every Honesttly report
When you run a free Honesttly assessment for a New York ZIP, we pull live local contractor records (permits, licenses, accessibility-keyword filtering) and surface verified options for grab bars, ramps, stairlifts, and full-bath retrofits. No contractor pays us; the listing order is data-driven.

Care types covered in this New York guide

Each guide below applies nationally but is also the foundation of every New York Honesttly assessment. Click through for full cost detail, what Medicare covers, and the questions to ask on every tour.

Assisted living guide Memory care guide Nursing home checklist In-home care guide Aging in place PACE programs

Common questions about eldercare in New York

How much does assisted living cost in New York?

The CareScout 2024 Cost of Care Survey reports a statewide median of $6,300/mo for assisted living in New York, well above the $5,350 US median. Memory-care pricing typically runs ~27% above assisted living ($8,001/mo statewide), and semi-private nursing home is $14,722/mo. Metro markets in New York run well above the state median; rural New York often runs below.

Does Medicaid pay for assisted living in New York?

New York uses New York Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC) / Consumer Directed Personal Assistance to deliver Medicaid Home & Community-Based Services for eligible seniors. Coverage typically pays for personal care and some support services inside an assisted-living facility — but rarely covers the room-and-board portion. Eligibility requires both a financial test (income/asset limits) and a clinical test (nursing-facility level of care). Families typically apply through the local Area Agency on Aging or a state Medicaid office.

What does Medicare cover for long-term care in New York?

Medicare does not cover assisted living, memory care, or long-term nursing-home stays anywhere in the country, including New York. Medicare Part A covers up to 100 days of skilled rehabilitation following a qualifying hospital admission — after that, families are paying privately, applying for New York Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC) / Consumer Directed Personal Assistance, or relying on long-term-care insurance or VA Aid & Attendance (up to $2,874/mo for eligible veterans in 2025).

How do I report concerns about a New York eldercare facility?

Call New York’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-855-582-6769. The ombudsman is a free, confidential advocate funded under the federal Older Americans Act — they investigate complaints about quality of care, billing, eviction, and resident rights at any licensed assisted-living, memory-care, or nursing facility. Filing a complaint never costs anything and does not appear on the resident’s file unless you authorize it. For licensing-level concerns, New York’s licensing portal also accepts public complaints directly.

Related state guides
Eldercare in California Eldercare in Texas Eldercare in Florida Eldercare in Pennsylvania
Get a personalized New York eldercare report
Answer 11 questions about your parent’s specific situation. We return a ranked list of New York facilities, the full all-in cost (not marketing rate), every state and federal aid program you qualify for, and the licensing-record red flags you should know about.

Eldercare by State

Eldercare in Pennsylvania — costs, Medicaid, and finding care

Planning eldercare in Pennsylvania means navigating costs above the national median, a state-specific Medicaid program (Pennsylvania Community HealthChoices (CHC) / Aging Waiver), and an inspection and licensing system that doesn’t look like any other state’s. This guide pulls the real numbers and the programs your family can actually use — not the marketing pitch from a referral service.

Pennsylvania has the fifth-largest 65+ population, with strong eldercare infrastructure in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and the Lehigh Valley. Community HealthChoices (CHC) is the statewide managed-LTSS program for adults 21+ who need long-term care. Pennsylvania’s PACE and PACENET programs are among the most generous state pharmaceutical aid programs in the country, helping older adults afford prescriptions regardless of Medicare Part D enrollment.

Key Takeaways
1.Pennsylvania assisted-living median: $6,100/mo — above the $5,350 US median (CareScout 2024)
2.Medicaid HCBS: Pennsylvania Community HealthChoices (CHC) / Aging Waiver — the primary route to publicly funded long-term care
3.Property-tax relief for seniors: Pennsylvania Property Tax / Rent Rebate Program (PTRR)
4.Free state advocate: Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Ombudsman — 1-717-783-8975 for complaints about any licensed facility

What eldercare costs in Pennsylvania

Statewide monthly medians from the CareScout 2024 Cost of Care Survey — the most-cited authoritative source. Actual quotes vary significantly by metro and amenities; use these as the floor, not the ceiling.

Assisted living
$6,100/mo
US median: $5,350/mo
Memory care
$7,747/mo
US median: $6,160/mo (1.27× assisted living industry standard)
Nursing home (semi-private)
$11,832/mo
US median: $8,929/mo • Private: $12,958/mo
In-home care (HHA)
$6,483/mo
US median: $6,292/mo • 44 hrs/wk at the typical Home Health Aide rate
A reminder about Medicare: Medicare does not cover assisted living, memory care, or long-term nursing-home stays — in Pennsylvania or anywhere else. It covers up to 100 days of skilled rehabilitation after a qualifying hospital stay. Long-term care in Pennsylvania is paid by private funds, long-term-care insurance, VA Aid & Attendance (eligible veterans, up to $2,874/mo in 2025), or Medicaid HCBS through Pennsylvania Community HealthChoices (CHC) / Aging Waiver.

Financial aid programs available to Pennsylvania families

Programs specific to Pennsylvania — separate from federal benefits like Medicare, Social Security, SNAP, LIHEAP, and VA Aid & Attendance, which apply nationwide. Every Honesttly assessment surfaces the full federal stack alongside these state programs.

Medicaid HCBS
Pennsylvania Community HealthChoices (CHC) / Aging Waiver
CHC managed-care LTSS plus Aging Waiver for adults 60+ at nursing-facility level of care.
Open program → 1-800-753-8827
Property tax relief
Pennsylvania Property Tax / Rent Rebate Program (PTRR)
Rebate up to $1,000 for residents 65+, widow(er)s 50+, or disabled 18+ with income ≤$45K (2024 expansion).
Family caregiver support
Pennsylvania Caregiver Support Program (PA-CSP)
Reimburses caregivers up to $600/mo for out-of-pocket expenses related to caring for adult 60+ or relative with dementia.
State pharmacy assistance
Pennsylvania PACE / PACENET
State-funded prescription assistance for residents 65+; PACE for income ≤$14,500 single, PACENET up to $33,500.
Area Agency on Aging
Pennsylvania Department of Aging - AAA finder
Your local AAA is the single best entry point for Pennsylvania-specific eldercare resources — they coordinate Medicaid waiver applications, family caregiver support, congregate meals, in-home services, and ombudsman referrals.
Open program → 1-800-753-8827

How to verify a Pennsylvania facility before you sign

Three official sources to consult before signing any assisted-living, memory-care, or nursing-home contract in Pennsylvania. Honesttly’s free assessment pulls inspection results, CMS quality ratings, and ownership records automatically — but you should know these direct links exist.

State licensing & inspection records
Pennsylvania Department of Health — Health Care Facility Locator
Search every licensed assisted-living, adult-care, and nursing facility in Pennsylvania for current license status, recent inspection dates, and substantiated complaints. Pull at least the last two inspection reports before any tour.
Open portal →
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
PA Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Free, confidential advocate for residents and families. Investigates complaints about quality of care, billing, eviction, and resident rights. Calling them costs nothing and never appears on the facility’s file unless you ask it to.
Open ombudsman site → 1-717-783-8975
Home modification contractors
Pennsylvania Attorney General — Home Improvement Contractor Registry
Always verify a Pennsylvania contractor’s license, insurance, and complaint history before signing a remodel contract — especially for accessibility work like ramps, stairlifts, and bathroom retrofits. PA requires HIC registration for any contractor doing > $5,000/year of home-improvement work.
Verify a license →

Care types covered in this Pennsylvania guide

Each guide below applies nationally but is also the foundation of every Pennsylvania Honesttly assessment. Click through for full cost detail, what Medicare covers, and the questions to ask on every tour.

Assisted living guide Memory care guide Nursing home checklist In-home care guide Aging in place PACE programs

Common questions about eldercare in Pennsylvania

How much does assisted living cost in Pennsylvania?

The CareScout 2024 Cost of Care Survey reports a statewide median of $6,100/mo for assisted living in Pennsylvania, above the $5,350 US median. Memory-care pricing typically runs ~27% above assisted living ($7,747/mo statewide), and semi-private nursing home is $11,832/mo. Metro markets in Pennsylvania run well above the state median; rural Pennsylvania often runs below.

Does Medicaid pay for assisted living in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania uses Pennsylvania Community HealthChoices (CHC) / Aging Waiver to deliver Medicaid Home & Community-Based Services for eligible seniors. Coverage typically pays for personal care and some support services inside an assisted-living facility — but rarely covers the room-and-board portion. Eligibility requires both a financial test (income/asset limits) and a clinical test (nursing-facility level of care). Families typically apply through the local Area Agency on Aging or a state Medicaid office.

What does Medicare cover for long-term care in Pennsylvania?

Medicare does not cover assisted living, memory care, or long-term nursing-home stays anywhere in the country, including Pennsylvania. Medicare Part A covers up to 100 days of skilled rehabilitation following a qualifying hospital admission — after that, families are paying privately, applying for Pennsylvania Community HealthChoices (CHC) / Aging Waiver, or relying on long-term-care insurance or VA Aid & Attendance (up to $2,874/mo for eligible veterans in 2025).

How do I report concerns about a Pennsylvania eldercare facility?

Call Pennsylvania’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-717-783-8975. The ombudsman is a free, confidential advocate funded under the federal Older Americans Act — they investigate complaints about quality of care, billing, eviction, and resident rights at any licensed assisted-living, memory-care, or nursing facility. Filing a complaint never costs anything and does not appear on the resident’s file unless you authorize it. For licensing-level concerns, Pennsylvania’s licensing portal also accepts public complaints directly.

Related state guides
Eldercare in California Eldercare in Texas Eldercare in Florida Eldercare in New York
Get a personalized Pennsylvania eldercare report
Answer 11 questions about your parent’s specific situation. We return a ranked list of Pennsylvania facilities, the full all-in cost (not marketing rate), every state and federal aid program you qualify for, and the licensing-record red flags you should know about.

Eldercare by State

Eldercare in Illinois — costs, Medicaid, and finding care

Planning eldercare in Illinois means navigating costs above the national median, a state-specific Medicaid program (Illinois Community Care Program (CCP)), and an inspection and licensing system that doesn’t look like any other state’s. This guide pulls the real numbers and the programs your family can actually use — not the marketing pitch from a referral service.

Illinois costs are roughly at the national median for assisted living but well below for skilled nursing. The Community Care Program (CCP), run by the Department on Aging, provides in-home and adult-day services to adults 60+ regardless of Medicaid status — a more accessible entry point than most state HCBS waivers. Cook County dominates statewide pricing; downstate markets can be 30–40% lower.

Key Takeaways
1.Illinois assisted-living median: $5,836/mo — above the $5,350 US median (CareScout 2024)
2.Medicaid HCBS: Illinois Community Care Program (CCP) — the primary route to publicly funded long-term care
3.Property-tax relief for seniors: Illinois Senior Citizens Homestead / Assessment Freeze
4.Free state advocate: Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman — 1-312-814-1203 for complaints about any licensed facility

What eldercare costs in Illinois

Statewide monthly medians from the CareScout 2024 Cost of Care Survey — the most-cited authoritative source. Actual quotes vary significantly by metro and amenities; use these as the floor, not the ceiling.

Assisted living
$5,836/mo
US median: $5,350/mo
Memory care
$7,412/mo
US median: $6,160/mo (1.27× assisted living industry standard)
Nursing home (semi-private)
$7,908/mo
US median: $8,929/mo • Private: $9,125/mo
In-home care (HHA)
$6,673/mo
US median: $6,292/mo • 44 hrs/wk at the typical Home Health Aide rate
A reminder about Medicare: Medicare does not cover assisted living, memory care, or long-term nursing-home stays — in Illinois or anywhere else. It covers up to 100 days of skilled rehabilitation after a qualifying hospital stay. Long-term care in Illinois is paid by private funds, long-term-care insurance, VA Aid & Attendance (eligible veterans, up to $2,874/mo in 2025), or Medicaid HCBS through Illinois Community Care Program (CCP).

Financial aid programs available to Illinois families

Programs specific to Illinois — separate from federal benefits like Medicare, Social Security, SNAP, LIHEAP, and VA Aid & Attendance, which apply nationwide. Every Honesttly assessment surfaces the full federal stack alongside these state programs.

Medicaid HCBS
Illinois Community Care Program (CCP)
IL Department on Aging program providing in-home services, adult day, and emergency response for adults 60+.
Open program → 1-800-252-8966
Property tax relief
Illinois Senior Citizens Homestead / Assessment Freeze
Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption ($8,000) plus optional Assessment Freeze for seniors with household income under $65K.
Family caregiver support
Illinois Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)
Counseling, respite, and supplemental services through 13 Illinois AAAs.
State pharmacy assistance
Illinois Rx Buying Club
Discount drug card open to seniors 65+ and people with disabilities.
Area Agency on Aging
Illinois Department on Aging
Your local AAA is the single best entry point for Illinois-specific eldercare resources — they coordinate Medicaid waiver applications, family caregiver support, congregate meals, in-home services, and ombudsman referrals.
Open program → 1-800-252-8966

How to verify a Illinois facility before you sign

Three official sources to consult before signing any assisted-living, memory-care, or nursing-home contract in Illinois. Honesttly’s free assessment pulls inspection results, CMS quality ratings, and ownership records automatically — but you should know these direct links exist.

State licensing & inspection records
Illinois Department of Public Health — Office of Health Care Regulation Facility Lookup
Search every licensed assisted-living, adult-care, and nursing facility in Illinois for current license status, recent inspection dates, and substantiated complaints. Pull at least the last two inspection reports before any tour.
Open portal →
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
IL Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Free, confidential advocate for residents and families. Investigates complaints about quality of care, billing, eviction, and resident rights. Calling them costs nothing and never appears on the facility’s file unless you ask it to.
Open ombudsman site → 1-312-814-1203
Home modification contractors
Illinois IDFPR — License Lookup
Always verify a Illinois contractor’s license, insurance, and complaint history before signing a remodel contract — especially for accessibility work like ramps, stairlifts, and bathroom retrofits. Illinois does not license general contractors statewide — most cities (Chicago, etc.) license at the municipal level. IDFPR licenses plumbing, roofing, and HVAC.
Verify a license →

Care types covered in this Illinois guide

Each guide below applies nationally but is also the foundation of every Illinois Honesttly assessment. Click through for full cost detail, what Medicare covers, and the questions to ask on every tour.

Assisted living guide Memory care guide Nursing home checklist In-home care guide Aging in place PACE programs

Common questions about eldercare in Illinois

How much does assisted living cost in Illinois?

The CareScout 2024 Cost of Care Survey reports a statewide median of $5,836/mo for assisted living in Illinois, above the $5,350 US median. Memory-care pricing typically runs ~27% above assisted living ($7,412/mo statewide), and semi-private nursing home is $7,908/mo. Metro markets in Illinois run well above the state median; rural Illinois often runs below.

Does Medicaid pay for assisted living in Illinois?

Illinois uses Illinois Community Care Program (CCP) to deliver Medicaid Home & Community-Based Services for eligible seniors. Coverage typically pays for personal care and some support services inside an assisted-living facility — but rarely covers the room-and-board portion. Eligibility requires both a financial test (income/asset limits) and a clinical test (nursing-facility level of care). Families typically apply through the local Area Agency on Aging or a state Medicaid office.

What does Medicare cover for long-term care in Illinois?

Medicare does not cover assisted living, memory care, or long-term nursing-home stays anywhere in the country, including Illinois. Medicare Part A covers up to 100 days of skilled rehabilitation following a qualifying hospital admission — after that, families are paying privately, applying for Illinois Community Care Program (CCP), or relying on long-term-care insurance or VA Aid & Attendance (up to $2,874/mo for eligible veterans in 2025).

How do I report concerns about a Illinois eldercare facility?

Call Illinois’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-312-814-1203. The ombudsman is a free, confidential advocate funded under the federal Older Americans Act — they investigate complaints about quality of care, billing, eviction, and resident rights at any licensed assisted-living, memory-care, or nursing facility. Filing a complaint never costs anything and does not appear on the resident’s file unless you authorize it. For licensing-level concerns, Illinois’s licensing portal also accepts public complaints directly.

Related state guides
Eldercare in California Eldercare in Texas Eldercare in Florida Eldercare in New York
Get a personalized Illinois eldercare report
Answer 11 questions about your parent’s specific situation. We return a ranked list of Illinois facilities, the full all-in cost (not marketing rate), every state and federal aid program you qualify for, and the licensing-record red flags you should know about.

Eldercare by State

Eldercare in Ohio — costs, Medicaid, and finding care

Planning eldercare in Ohio means navigating costs roughly at the national median, a state-specific Medicaid program (Ohio PASSPORT Waiver / MyCare Ohio), and an inspection and licensing system that doesn’t look like any other state’s. This guide pulls the real numbers and the programs your family can actually use — not the marketing pitch from a referral service.

Ohio costs sit modestly above the national assisted-living median. The PASSPORT Waiver and MyCare Ohio program deliver Medicaid HCBS statewide, and Ohio’s Homestead Exemption shields $26,200 of home value for seniors 65+ meeting income limits. The state also runs Ohio’s Best Rx, a drug-discount card open to any resident regardless of age.

Key Takeaways
1.Ohio assisted-living median: $5,500/mo — roughly at the $5,350 US median (CareScout 2024)
2.Medicaid HCBS: Ohio PASSPORT Waiver / MyCare Ohio — the primary route to publicly funded long-term care
3.Property-tax relief for seniors: Ohio Homestead Exemption
4.Free state advocate: Ohio Long-Term Care Ombudsman — 1-800-282-1206 for complaints about any licensed facility

What eldercare costs in Ohio

Statewide monthly medians from the CareScout 2024 Cost of Care Survey — the most-cited authoritative source. Actual quotes vary significantly by metro and amenities; use these as the floor, not the ceiling.

Assisted living
$5,500/mo
US median: $5,350/mo
Memory care
$6,985/mo
US median: $6,160/mo (1.27× assisted living industry standard)
Nursing home (semi-private)
$9,034/mo
US median: $8,929/mo • Private: $10,038/mo
In-home care (HHA)
$6,292/mo
US median: $6,292/mo • 44 hrs/wk at the typical Home Health Aide rate
A reminder about Medicare: Medicare does not cover assisted living, memory care, or long-term nursing-home stays — in Ohio or anywhere else. It covers up to 100 days of skilled rehabilitation after a qualifying hospital stay. Long-term care in Ohio is paid by private funds, long-term-care insurance, VA Aid & Attendance (eligible veterans, up to $2,874/mo in 2025), or Medicaid HCBS through Ohio PASSPORT Waiver / MyCare Ohio.

Financial aid programs available to Ohio families

Programs specific to Ohio — separate from federal benefits like Medicare, Social Security, SNAP, LIHEAP, and VA Aid & Attendance, which apply nationwide. Every Honesttly assessment surfaces the full federal stack alongside these state programs.

Medicaid HCBS
Ohio PASSPORT Waiver / MyCare Ohio
Ohio .gov returns 404 to curl due to aggressive bot-blocking; aging.ohio.gov and medicaid.ohio.gov are live in browsers.
Open program → 1-800-266-4346
Property tax relief
Ohio Homestead Exemption
Reduces taxable value by $26,200 (2024) for homeowners 65+ with income ≤$36,100; tax.ohio.gov bot-blocks curl.
Family caregiver support
Ohio Family Caregiver Support (NFCSP)
Through Ohio Department of Aging and 12 AAAs; aging.ohio.gov bot-blocks curl.
State pharmacy assistance
Ohio's Best Rx
Free prescription discount card for OH residents.
Area Agency on Aging
Ohio AAA finder (Eldercare Locator)
Your local AAA is the single best entry point for Ohio-specific eldercare resources — they coordinate Medicaid waiver applications, family caregiver support, congregate meals, in-home services, and ombudsman referrals.
Open program → 1-800-677-1116

How to verify a Ohio facility before you sign

Three official sources to consult before signing any assisted-living, memory-care, or nursing-home contract in Ohio. Honesttly’s free assessment pulls inspection results, CMS quality ratings, and ownership records automatically — but you should know these direct links exist.

State licensing & inspection records
Ohio Department of Health — Long-Term Care Facility Search (Nurse Aide Registry public facility lookup)
Search every licensed assisted-living, adult-care, and nursing facility in Ohio for current license status, recent inspection dates, and substantiated complaints. Pull at least the last two inspection reports before any tour.
Open portal →
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
OH Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Free, confidential advocate for residents and families. Investigates complaints about quality of care, billing, eviction, and resident rights. Calling them costs nothing and never appears on the facility’s file unless you ask it to.
Open ombudsman site → 1-800-282-1206
Home modification contractors
Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board
Always verify a Ohio contractor’s license, insurance, and complaint history before signing a remodel contract — especially for accessibility work like ramps, stairlifts, and bathroom retrofits. OH licenses 5 specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, hydronics, refrigeration). Residential general contractors are city-licensed.
Verify a license →

Care types covered in this Ohio guide

Each guide below applies nationally but is also the foundation of every Ohio Honesttly assessment. Click through for full cost detail, what Medicare covers, and the questions to ask on every tour.

Assisted living guide Memory care guide Nursing home checklist In-home care guide Aging in place PACE programs

Common questions about eldercare in Ohio

How much does assisted living cost in Ohio?

The CareScout 2024 Cost of Care Survey reports a statewide median of $5,500/mo for assisted living in Ohio, roughly at the $5,350 US median. Memory-care pricing typically runs ~27% above assisted living ($6,985/mo statewide), and semi-private nursing home is $9,034/mo. Metro markets in Ohio run well above the state median; rural Ohio often runs below.

Does Medicaid pay for assisted living in Ohio?

Ohio uses Ohio PASSPORT Waiver / MyCare Ohio to deliver Medicaid Home & Community-Based Services for eligible seniors. Coverage typically pays for personal care and some support services inside an assisted-living facility — but rarely covers the room-and-board portion. Eligibility requires both a financial test (income/asset limits) and a clinical test (nursing-facility level of care). Families typically apply through the local Area Agency on Aging or a state Medicaid office.

What does Medicare cover for long-term care in Ohio?

Medicare does not cover assisted living, memory care, or long-term nursing-home stays anywhere in the country, including Ohio. Medicare Part A covers up to 100 days of skilled rehabilitation following a qualifying hospital admission — after that, families are paying privately, applying for Ohio PASSPORT Waiver / MyCare Ohio, or relying on long-term-care insurance or VA Aid & Attendance (up to $2,874/mo for eligible veterans in 2025).

How do I report concerns about a Ohio eldercare facility?

Call Ohio’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-282-1206. The ombudsman is a free, confidential advocate funded under the federal Older Americans Act — they investigate complaints about quality of care, billing, eviction, and resident rights at any licensed assisted-living, memory-care, or nursing facility. Filing a complaint never costs anything and does not appear on the resident’s file unless you authorize it. For licensing-level concerns, Ohio’s licensing portal also accepts public complaints directly.

Related state guides
Eldercare in California Eldercare in Texas Eldercare in Florida Eldercare in New York
Get a personalized Ohio eldercare report
Answer 11 questions about your parent’s specific situation. We return a ranked list of Ohio facilities, the full all-in cost (not marketing rate), every state and federal aid program you qualify for, and the licensing-record red flags you should know about.

Eldercare by State

Eldercare in Georgia — costs, Medicaid, and finding care

Planning eldercare in Georgia means navigating costs below the national median, a state-specific Medicaid program (Georgia Community Care Services Program (CCSP) / SOURCE), and an inspection and licensing system that doesn’t look like any other state’s. This guide pulls the real numbers and the programs your family can actually use — not the marketing pitch from a referral service.

Georgia has some of the lowest eldercare costs among the top-10 states, with assisted living running about 8% below the national median. The Community Care Services Program (CCSP) and SOURCE provide Medicaid HCBS for elderly and disabled adults. Georgia’s school-tax exemption for seniors is among the most generous in the country — local boards in counties like Fulton, DeKalb, and Cobb often eliminate school taxes entirely for residents 65+ with limited income.

Key Takeaways
1.Georgia assisted-living median: $4,940/mo — below the $5,350 US median (CareScout 2024)
2.Medicaid HCBS: Georgia Community Care Services Program (CCSP) / SOURCE — the primary route to publicly funded long-term care
3.Property-tax relief for seniors: Georgia Homestead Exemptions for Seniors
4.Free state advocate: Georgia Long-Term Care Ombudsman — 1-404-657-5327 for complaints about any licensed facility

What eldercare costs in Georgia

Statewide monthly medians from the CareScout 2024 Cost of Care Survey — the most-cited authoritative source. Actual quotes vary significantly by metro and amenities; use these as the floor, not the ceiling.

Assisted living
$4,940/mo
US median: $5,350/mo
Memory care
$6,274/mo
US median: $6,160/mo (1.27× assisted living industry standard)
Nursing home (semi-private)
$8,821/mo
US median: $8,929/mo • Private: $9,429/mo
In-home care (HHA)
$5,529/mo
US median: $6,292/mo • 44 hrs/wk at the typical Home Health Aide rate
A reminder about Medicare: Medicare does not cover assisted living, memory care, or long-term nursing-home stays — in Georgia or anywhere else. It covers up to 100 days of skilled rehabilitation after a qualifying hospital stay. Long-term care in Georgia is paid by private funds, long-term-care insurance, VA Aid & Attendance (eligible veterans, up to $2,874/mo in 2025), or Medicaid HCBS through Georgia Community Care Services Program (CCSP) / SOURCE.

Financial aid programs available to Georgia families

Programs specific to Georgia — separate from federal benefits like Medicare, Social Security, SNAP, LIHEAP, and VA Aid & Attendance, which apply nationwide. Every Honesttly assessment surfaces the full federal stack alongside these state programs.

Medicaid HCBS
Georgia Community Care Services Program (CCSP) / SOURCE
CCSP and SOURCE are the two main HCBS waivers for elderly/disabled adults in GA.
Open program → 1-866-552-4464
Property tax relief
Georgia Homestead Exemptions for Seniors
Statewide $4,000 senior exemption (65+ with low income); local boards offer additional exemptions, including school-tax exemptions for seniors.
Family caregiver support
Georgia Caregiver Support / NFCSP via DAS
Counseling, respite, and supplemental services via Georgia Division of Aging Services and 12 AAAs.
State pharmacy assistance
Federal programs only
Georgia does not currently run a state pharmacy assistance program. Eligible seniors should apply for Medicare Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy) directly via Social Security.
Open program → 1-800-772-1213
Area Agency on Aging
Georgia Division of Aging Services
Your local AAA is the single best entry point for Georgia-specific eldercare resources — they coordinate Medicaid waiver applications, family caregiver support, congregate meals, in-home services, and ombudsman referrals.
Open program → 1-866-552-4464

How to verify a Georgia facility before you sign

Three official sources to consult before signing any assisted-living, memory-care, or nursing-home contract in Georgia. Honesttly’s free assessment pulls inspection results, CMS quality ratings, and ownership records automatically — but you should know these direct links exist.

State licensing & inspection records
Georgia Department of Community Health — GaMap2Care (Healthcare Facility Regulation)
Search every licensed assisted-living, adult-care, and nursing facility in Georgia for current license status, recent inspection dates, and substantiated complaints. Pull at least the last two inspection reports before any tour.
Open portal →
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
GA Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Free, confidential advocate for residents and families. Investigates complaints about quality of care, billing, eviction, and resident rights. Calling them costs nothing and never appears on the facility’s file unless you ask it to.
Open ombudsman site → 1-404-657-5327
Home modification contractors
Georgia Secretary of State — Construction Industry Licensing
Always verify a Georgia contractor’s license, insurance, and complaint history before signing a remodel contract — especially for accessibility work like ramps, stairlifts, and bathroom retrofits. Search by name or license number. Residential and General contractor licenses.
Verify a license →

Care types covered in this Georgia guide

Each guide below applies nationally but is also the foundation of every Georgia Honesttly assessment. Click through for full cost detail, what Medicare covers, and the questions to ask on every tour.

Assisted living guide Memory care guide Nursing home checklist In-home care guide Aging in place PACE programs

Common questions about eldercare in Georgia

How much does assisted living cost in Georgia?

The CareScout 2024 Cost of Care Survey reports a statewide median of $4,940/mo for assisted living in Georgia, below the $5,350 US median. Memory-care pricing typically runs ~27% above assisted living ($6,274/mo statewide), and semi-private nursing home is $8,821/mo. Metro markets in Georgia run well above the state median; rural Georgia often runs below.

Does Medicaid pay for assisted living in Georgia?

Georgia uses Georgia Community Care Services Program (CCSP) / SOURCE to deliver Medicaid Home & Community-Based Services for eligible seniors. Coverage typically pays for personal care and some support services inside an assisted-living facility — but rarely covers the room-and-board portion. Eligibility requires both a financial test (income/asset limits) and a clinical test (nursing-facility level of care). Families typically apply through the local Area Agency on Aging or a state Medicaid office.

What does Medicare cover for long-term care in Georgia?

Medicare does not cover assisted living, memory care, or long-term nursing-home stays anywhere in the country, including Georgia. Medicare Part A covers up to 100 days of skilled rehabilitation following a qualifying hospital admission — after that, families are paying privately, applying for Georgia Community Care Services Program (CCSP) / SOURCE, or relying on long-term-care insurance or VA Aid & Attendance (up to $2,874/mo for eligible veterans in 2025).

How do I report concerns about a Georgia eldercare facility?

Call Georgia’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-404-657-5327. The ombudsman is a free, confidential advocate funded under the federal Older Americans Act — they investigate complaints about quality of care, billing, eviction, and resident rights at any licensed assisted-living, memory-care, or nursing facility. Filing a complaint never costs anything and does not appear on the resident’s file unless you authorize it. For licensing-level concerns, Georgia’s licensing portal also accepts public complaints directly.

Related state guides
Eldercare in California Eldercare in Texas Eldercare in Florida Eldercare in New York
Get a personalized Georgia eldercare report
Answer 11 questions about your parent’s specific situation. We return a ranked list of Georgia facilities, the full all-in cost (not marketing rate), every state and federal aid program you qualify for, and the licensing-record red flags you should know about.

Eldercare by State

Eldercare in North Carolina — costs, Medicaid, and finding care

Planning eldercare in North Carolina means navigating costs well above the national median, a state-specific Medicaid program (North Carolina Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA)), and an inspection and licensing system that doesn’t look like any other state’s. This guide pulls the real numbers and the programs your family can actually use — not the marketing pitch from a referral service.

North Carolina assisted-living costs run modestly above the national median, with the Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) and Charlotte commanding the highest rates. The Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA) is the primary Medicaid HCBS waiver. The state’s Homestead Exclusion shields the greater of $25,000 or 50% of home value for residents 65+ or permanently disabled with income at or below $36,700 (2025).

Key Takeaways
1.North Carolina assisted-living median: $6,354/mo — well above the $5,350 US median (CareScout 2024)
2.Medicaid HCBS: North Carolina Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA) — the primary route to publicly funded long-term care
3.Property-tax relief for seniors: NC Homestead Exclusion (Elderly or Disabled)
4.Free state advocate: North Carolina Long-Term Care Ombudsman — 1-919-855-3433 for complaints about any licensed facility

What eldercare costs in North Carolina

Statewide monthly medians from the CareScout 2024 Cost of Care Survey — the most-cited authoritative source. Actual quotes vary significantly by metro and amenities; use these as the floor, not the ceiling.

Assisted living
$6,354/mo
US median: $5,350/mo
Memory care
$8,070/mo
US median: $6,160/mo (1.27× assisted living industry standard)
Nursing home (semi-private)
$8,821/mo
US median: $8,929/mo • Private: $9,885/mo
In-home care (HHA)
$5,720/mo
US median: $6,292/mo • 44 hrs/wk at the typical Home Health Aide rate
A reminder about Medicare: Medicare does not cover assisted living, memory care, or long-term nursing-home stays — in North Carolina or anywhere else. It covers up to 100 days of skilled rehabilitation after a qualifying hospital stay. Long-term care in North Carolina is paid by private funds, long-term-care insurance, VA Aid & Attendance (eligible veterans, up to $2,874/mo in 2025), or Medicaid HCBS through North Carolina Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA).

Financial aid programs available to North Carolina families

Programs specific to North Carolina — separate from federal benefits like Medicare, Social Security, SNAP, LIHEAP, and VA Aid & Attendance, which apply nationwide. Every Honesttly assessment surfaces the full federal stack alongside these state programs.

Medicaid HCBS
North Carolina Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA)
CAP/DA HCBS waiver for adults 18+ at nursing-facility level of care.
Open program → 1-919-855-3400
Property tax relief
NC Homestead Exclusion (Elderly or Disabled)
Exempts greater of $25,000 or 50% of permanent residence value for owners 65+ or totally disabled.
Family caregiver support
NC Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)
Counseling, respite, and education through 16 NC AAAs.
State pharmacy assistance
Federal programs only
North Carolina does not currently run a state pharmacy assistance program. Eligible seniors should apply for Medicare Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy) directly via Social Security.
Open program → 1-800-772-1213
Area Agency on Aging
North Carolina Division of Aging & Adult Services
Your local AAA is the single best entry point for North Carolina-specific eldercare resources — they coordinate Medicaid waiver applications, family caregiver support, congregate meals, in-home services, and ombudsman referrals.
Open program → 1-919-855-3400

How to verify a North Carolina facility before you sign

Three official sources to consult before signing any assisted-living, memory-care, or nursing-home contract in North Carolina. Honesttly’s free assessment pulls inspection results, CMS quality ratings, and ownership records automatically — but you should know these direct links exist.

State licensing & inspection records
North Carolina DHSR — Regulated Facilities Search (Nursing Home & Adult Care)
Search every licensed assisted-living, adult-care, and nursing facility in North Carolina for current license status, recent inspection dates, and substantiated complaints. Pull at least the last two inspection reports before any tour.
Open portal →
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
NC Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Free, confidential advocate for residents and families. Investigates complaints about quality of care, billing, eviction, and resident rights. Calling them costs nothing and never appears on the facility’s file unless you ask it to.
Open ombudsman site → 1-919-855-3433
Home modification contractors
NC Licensing Board for General Contractors
Always verify a North Carolina contractor’s license, insurance, and complaint history before signing a remodel contract — especially for accessibility work like ramps, stairlifts, and bathroom retrofits. Verify General Contractor classification (Building, Residential, Highway, Public Utilities, Specialty).
Verify a license →

Care types covered in this North Carolina guide

Each guide below applies nationally but is also the foundation of every North Carolina Honesttly assessment. Click through for full cost detail, what Medicare covers, and the questions to ask on every tour.

Assisted living guide Memory care guide Nursing home checklist In-home care guide Aging in place PACE programs

Common questions about eldercare in North Carolina

How much does assisted living cost in North Carolina?

The CareScout 2024 Cost of Care Survey reports a statewide median of $6,354/mo for assisted living in North Carolina, well above the $5,350 US median. Memory-care pricing typically runs ~27% above assisted living ($8,070/mo statewide), and semi-private nursing home is $8,821/mo. Metro markets in North Carolina run well above the state median; rural North Carolina often runs below.

Does Medicaid pay for assisted living in North Carolina?

North Carolina uses North Carolina Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA) to deliver Medicaid Home & Community-Based Services for eligible seniors. Coverage typically pays for personal care and some support services inside an assisted-living facility — but rarely covers the room-and-board portion. Eligibility requires both a financial test (income/asset limits) and a clinical test (nursing-facility level of care). Families typically apply through the local Area Agency on Aging or a state Medicaid office.

What does Medicare cover for long-term care in North Carolina?

Medicare does not cover assisted living, memory care, or long-term nursing-home stays anywhere in the country, including North Carolina. Medicare Part A covers up to 100 days of skilled rehabilitation following a qualifying hospital admission — after that, families are paying privately, applying for North Carolina Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA), or relying on long-term-care insurance or VA Aid & Attendance (up to $2,874/mo for eligible veterans in 2025).

How do I report concerns about a North Carolina eldercare facility?

Call North Carolina’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-919-855-3433. The ombudsman is a free, confidential advocate funded under the federal Older Americans Act — they investigate complaints about quality of care, billing, eviction, and resident rights at any licensed assisted-living, memory-care, or nursing facility. Filing a complaint never costs anything and does not appear on the resident’s file unless you authorize it. For licensing-level concerns, North Carolina’s licensing portal also accepts public complaints directly.

Related state guides
Eldercare in California Eldercare in Texas Eldercare in Florida Eldercare in New York
Get a personalized North Carolina eldercare report
Answer 11 questions about your parent’s specific situation. We return a ranked list of North Carolina facilities, the full all-in cost (not marketing rate), every state and federal aid program you qualify for, and the licensing-record red flags you should know about.

Eldercare by State

Eldercare in Michigan — costs, Medicaid, and finding care

Planning eldercare in Michigan means navigating costs above the national median, a state-specific Medicaid program (Michigan MI Choice Waiver), and an inspection and licensing system that doesn’t look like any other state’s. This guide pulls the real numbers and the programs your family can actually use — not the marketing pitch from a referral service.

Michigan costs sit above the national median for assisted living and skilled nursing. The MI Choice Waiver provides Medicaid HCBS statewide, and Michigan’s Homestead Property Tax Credit is one of the few in the country structured as a refundable income-tax credit, meaning eligible seniors with low or no income tax liability still receive cash back. MiRx is a state-sponsored discount card open to any Michigan resident without prescription coverage.

Key Takeaways
1.Michigan assisted-living median: $6,040/mo — above the $5,350 US median (CareScout 2024)
2.Medicaid HCBS: Michigan MI Choice Waiver — the primary route to publicly funded long-term care
3.Property-tax relief for seniors: Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit
4.Free state advocate: Michigan Long-Term Care Ombudsman — 1-517-827-8025 for complaints about any licensed facility

What eldercare costs in Michigan

Statewide monthly medians from the CareScout 2024 Cost of Care Survey — the most-cited authoritative source. Actual quotes vary significantly by metro and amenities; use these as the floor, not the ceiling.

Assisted living
$6,040/mo
US median: $5,350/mo
Memory care
$7,671/mo
US median: $6,160/mo (1.27× assisted living industry standard)
Nursing home (semi-private)
$10,646/mo
US median: $8,929/mo • Private: $11,574/mo
In-home care (HHA)
$6,483/mo
US median: $6,292/mo • 44 hrs/wk at the typical Home Health Aide rate
A reminder about Medicare: Medicare does not cover assisted living, memory care, or long-term nursing-home stays — in Michigan or anywhere else. It covers up to 100 days of skilled rehabilitation after a qualifying hospital stay. Long-term care in Michigan is paid by private funds, long-term-care insurance, VA Aid & Attendance (eligible veterans, up to $2,874/mo in 2025), or Medicaid HCBS through Michigan MI Choice Waiver.

Financial aid programs available to Michigan families

Programs specific to Michigan — separate from federal benefits like Medicare, Social Security, SNAP, LIHEAP, and VA Aid & Attendance, which apply nationwide. Every Honesttly assessment surfaces the full federal stack alongside these state programs.

Medicaid HCBS
Michigan MI Choice Waiver
michigan.gov returns 403 to curl due to bot-blocking; URL is live in browsers.
Open program → 1-517-241-4100
Property tax relief
Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit
Refundable credit for homeowners/renters with household income ≤$67,300 (2024); higher for seniors and disabled.
Family caregiver support
Michigan Caregiver Support (NFCSP via ACLS Bureau)
Counseling and respite via 16 Michigan AAAs.
State pharmacy assistance
MiRx Card
Prescription discount card for uninsured Michigan residents.
Area Agency on Aging
Michigan Aging, Community Living, and Supports Bureau (ACLS)
Your local AAA is the single best entry point for Michigan-specific eldercare resources — they coordinate Medicaid waiver applications, family caregiver support, congregate meals, in-home services, and ombudsman referrals.
Open program → 1-517-241-4100

How to verify a Michigan facility before you sign

Three official sources to consult before signing any assisted-living, memory-care, or nursing-home contract in Michigan. Honesttly’s free assessment pulls inspection results, CMS quality ratings, and ownership records automatically — but you should know these direct links exist.

State licensing & inspection records
Michigan LARA — Adult Foster Care / Homes for the Aged Search
Search every licensed assisted-living, adult-care, and nursing facility in Michigan for current license status, recent inspection dates, and substantiated complaints. Pull at least the last two inspection reports before any tour.
Open portal →
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
MI Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Free, confidential advocate for residents and families. Investigates complaints about quality of care, billing, eviction, and resident rights. Calling them costs nothing and never appears on the facility’s file unless you ask it to.
Open ombudsman site → 1-517-827-8025
Home modification contractors
Michigan LARA — Bureau of Construction Codes
Always verify a Michigan contractor’s license, insurance, and complaint history before signing a remodel contract — especially for accessibility work like ramps, stairlifts, and bathroom retrofits. Verify Residential Builder, Maintenance & Alteration Contractor, and electrical/plumbing/mechanical licenses.
Verify a license →

Care types covered in this Michigan guide

Each guide below applies nationally but is also the foundation of every Michigan Honesttly assessment. Click through for full cost detail, what Medicare covers, and the questions to ask on every tour.

Assisted living guide Memory care guide Nursing home checklist In-home care guide Aging in place PACE programs

Common questions about eldercare in Michigan

How much does assisted living cost in Michigan?

The CareScout 2024 Cost of Care Survey reports a statewide median of $6,040/mo for assisted living in Michigan, above the $5,350 US median. Memory-care pricing typically runs ~27% above assisted living ($7,671/mo statewide), and semi-private nursing home is $10,646/mo. Metro markets in Michigan run well above the state median; rural Michigan often runs below.

Does Medicaid pay for assisted living in Michigan?

Michigan uses Michigan MI Choice Waiver to deliver Medicaid Home & Community-Based Services for eligible seniors. Coverage typically pays for personal care and some support services inside an assisted-living facility — but rarely covers the room-and-board portion. Eligibility requires both a financial test (income/asset limits) and a clinical test (nursing-facility level of care). Families typically apply through the local Area Agency on Aging or a state Medicaid office.

What does Medicare cover for long-term care in Michigan?

Medicare does not cover assisted living, memory care, or long-term nursing-home stays anywhere in the country, including Michigan. Medicare Part A covers up to 100 days of skilled rehabilitation following a qualifying hospital admission — after that, families are paying privately, applying for Michigan MI Choice Waiver, or relying on long-term-care insurance or VA Aid & Attendance (up to $2,874/mo for eligible veterans in 2025).

How do I report concerns about a Michigan eldercare facility?

Call Michigan’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-517-827-8025. The ombudsman is a free, confidential advocate funded under the federal Older Americans Act — they investigate complaints about quality of care, billing, eviction, and resident rights at any licensed assisted-living, memory-care, or nursing facility. Filing a complaint never costs anything and does not appear on the resident’s file unless you authorize it. For licensing-level concerns, Michigan’s licensing portal also accepts public complaints directly.

Related state guides
Eldercare in California Eldercare in Texas Eldercare in Florida Eldercare in New York
Get a personalized Michigan eldercare report
Answer 11 questions about your parent’s specific situation. We return a ranked list of Michigan facilities, the full all-in cost (not marketing rate), every state and federal aid program you qualify for, and the licensing-record red flags you should know about.
Childcare Resource Guide

Navigate care for your child
with clarity

Choosing a daycare, preschool, or nanny is one of the most consequential decisions you will make for your child. The childcare market is opaque, expensive, and full of waitlists no one warned you about.

Honesttly takes no commissions from any provider. Our reports are built around your child's developmental stage, schedule, and needs — not referral fees.

What our assessment covers
✓Child's age, developmental stage, and specific needs
✓Care type breakdown — daycare, preschool, nanny, or more
✓5 ranked local providers with pros, cons, and fit scores
✓12 financial aid programs — DCFSA, CCDF, EITC, and more
✓Legal enrollment documents checklist
✓Settling-in guide, milestone tracker, and red flags after enrollment
Our commitment

We receive $0 in provider commissions. The childcare referral market is large and growing. We will never participate in it. Our advice belongs to your family — not to the provider who pays us most.

What we help with

Every childcare decision, supported

From finding the right type of care for your child's age and needs, to understanding subsidy programs, to knowing what red flags to watch for after enrollment.

Choosing a daycare

The one thing that actually predicts childcare quality — and it is not the building or the curriculum. What to check before you visit, and what the waitlist reality looks like in your market.

Daycare guide →

Preschool checklist

Play-based vs structured vs Montessori — what the differences actually mean for your child. What to observe during a visit, and the questions most parents forget to ask the director.

Preschool guide →
👩‍👧

Nanny vs daycare

The honest side-by-side comparison across cost, consistency, flexibility, peer socialization, and licensing. Which option fits which situation — and the age at which the answer often changes.

See comparison →

Subsidies & tax credits

The DCFSA limit was permanently raised to $7,500 in 2026. The EITC pays up to $8,046 back. Head Start is free for qualifying families. Most families claiming none of this.

See all programs →

Free personalized assessment

Answer 11 questions. Get a ranked provider list, every financial aid program you qualify for, a legal enrollment checklist, a developmental milestone tracker, and a settling-in guide.

Start now — free →

After enrollment support

The transition is not over when you sign the contract. Our report includes a week-by-week settling-in guide, developmental milestone tracker, red flags to watch for, and a 4-step escalation plan if something concerns you.

Week-by-week settling-in guide
Developmental milestone tracker
Red flags after enrollment — what to do

What most families miss

The thing that predicts childcare quality most is the thing most tours won't show you.

Children form genuine emotional bonds with 2–3 caregivers in their first year. When those people leave repeatedly, children experience disruptions that affect their confidence, language development, and ability to trust. This is developmental science.

The single most important question you can ask a childcare provider is: what is the staff turnover rate in my child's specific room in the last 12 months? Our assessment makes sure you ask it — and helps you interpret the answer.

$0
Provider commissions received. Our only revenue is what families pay us directly.
12
Financial aid programs in every childcare report — including time-sensitive ones with enrollment windows most families miss entirely.
Free
Complete assessment including provider rankings, financial aid, legal checklist, milestone tracker, and settling-in guide. No credit card required.

Start with a free assessment

11 questions. A personalized report with provider rankings, financial aid, legal enrollment checklist, milestone tracker, and honest advice. No account needed.

Eldercare Guide

Assisted living — what it is,
who it's for, and what it costs

Assisted living is the most commonly chosen long-term care option in the US — and the most commonly misunderstood. It is for older adults who can no longer manage daily activities alone but do not need 24-hour skilled nursing care. Pricing structures are often opaque, and Medicare does not cover it.

Key Takeaways
1.National median: $5,350/mo ($64,200/yr) — roughly $2,000/mo less than memory care, $4,000/mo less than skilled nursing
2.Covers help with bathing, dressing, meals, medications, and mobility — not medical or skilled nursing care
3.Medicare does NOT cover assisted living. This misconception causes more bad planning than any other
4.Most facilities use à la carte pricing — base rent + service fees that can double the quoted price

What assisted living actually provides

Activities of Daily Living (ADL) support
Staff assist with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, transferring, and eating as needed. Most facilities tier service levels based on how many ADLs require support — this is where pricing escalates.
Meals and dining
Three meals plus snacks daily in a communal dining room. Special diets accommodated (low-sodium, diabetic, soft, pureed). Ask about kitchenette access in private rooms and what happens when a resident misses meals.
Medication management
Trained staff dispense medications on schedule and track adherence. Critical for residents on multiple prescriptions. Often charged separately — ask if it is included in the base rate.
Social engagement & transport
Daily activities calendar, transportation to medical appointments, group outings, and communal lounges. Research consistently shows engagement directly slows physical and cognitive decline.

When is assisted living the right choice?

The decision is rarely about a single event — it's about a pattern. These are the most common indicators that assisted living — rather than aging in place or memory care — is appropriate.

⚠
Difficulty with 2 or more ADLs
A parent can no longer bathe, dress, or manage meals reliably on their own. This is the clearest medical indicator and is typically what triggers a Medicaid HCBS eligibility evaluation.
⚠
Multiple falls or close calls
Even one ER visit from a fall at home is a clear warning sign. Two or more in a year predicts a major fall within 18 months without intervention.
⚑
Medication errors
Missed doses, double doses, expired prescriptions still being taken, or confusion about what to take when. Medication errors send more older adults to the hospital than falls do.
⚑
Nutrition is deteriorating
Unintentional weight loss, skipped meals, expired food in the fridge, or no longer cooking at all. Malnutrition compounds every other condition.
⚑
Increasing isolation
Social isolation accelerates physical and cognitive decline at roughly the same rate as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Assisted living embeds structure and community by default.
→
Caregiver burnout
A family caregiver's health, finances, or marriage is suffering. The data here is unambiguous — caregiver burnout is one of the strongest predictors of poor outcomes for both the parent and the caregiver.

What assisted living costs — honestly

National median
$5,350/mo
$64,200/yr — Genworth 2024 Cost of Care Survey, national median
Low end
$3,000/mo
Rural areas, smaller facilities — verify staffing levels and recent state inspection reports
High end
$8,000+/mo
Urban markets, premium amenities, larger private units, additional services
What Medicare covers: Medicare does not cover assisted living — not the rent, not the meals, not the personal care. It covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing rehab after a qualifying hospital stay. That is it. Long-term assisted living is paid by private funds, long-term care insurance, VA Aid & Attendance (eligible veterans, up to $2,874/mo), or Medicaid HCBS waivers (income and asset limits apply — varies by state).
The à la carte pricing trap: Most facilities quote a base rent that covers room, meals, and a small number of service hours. Each additional service (medication management, bathing assistance, incontinence care, transport) adds a monthly fee. A $4,200 quoted rate routinely becomes $6,500 once needs are fully assessed. Always ask for the total cost at the highest care level you anticipate — not the marketing rate.

What to ask on every assisted living tour

QWhat is the staff-to-resident ratio during the day? At night?
QWhat is the average tenure of your direct care staff?
QIs the price all-inclusive or is there à la carte pricing for services?
QWhat happens if my parent's needs increase — do you have memory care or skilled nursing on-site?
QHow do you handle medical emergencies — who calls 911, and how fast?
QCan I see your three most recent state inspection reports?
QWhat are the move-in fees and the refund policy on deposits if my parent needs to leave?
QWhat is your resident turnover rate in the last 12 months — and where do residents go when they leave?
Related guides
Memory care guide Nursing home checklist PACE programs Aging in place

Every family's situation is different. Our free assessment gives you personalized recommendations based on your specific needs — including local assisted living facilities, full-price cost estimates with service add-ons, and financial aid programs you may qualify for.

Get a personalized assisted living recommendation
Answer 11 questions about your parent's specific situation and get a ranked list of local assisted living facilities, the full all-in cost (not just the marketing rate), financial aid programs you may qualify for, and a visit checklist tailored to their needs.

Eldercare Guide

Memory care — what it is,
who it's for, and what it costs

Memory care is not just "a nicer nursing home." It is a specialized residential environment designed specifically for people with Alzheimer's, dementia, and other cognitive conditions that affect safety and daily functioning.

Key Takeaways
1.Memory care costs $4,200–$9,500+/mo nationally — roughly $2,000/mo more than standard assisted living
2.The key differentiators are secured environments, higher staff ratios (1:4–1:6), and dementia-specific programming
3.Wandering risk and caregiver burnout are the two clearest indicators it’s time
4.Medicare does not cover long-term memory care — plan before you need it

What makes memory care different from assisted living

Secured environment
Memory care units are physically secured — residents cannot wander outside unsupervised. This is the single most important safety feature for people with moderate to advanced dementia.
Higher staff ratios
Typically 1:4 to 1:6 staff-to-resident vs 1:8 in standard assisted living. Staff are specifically trained in dementia behaviors, communication, and non-pharmacological intervention.
Structured programming
Activities are specifically designed around preserved cognitive abilities — music therapy, reminiscence therapy, sensory activities. Not generic bingo.
Dementia-specific environment
Physical design matters: circular walking paths, reduced visual noise, consistent lighting, cue-based wayfinding. These are not cosmetic — they reduce confusion and falls.

When is memory care the right choice?

These are the clinical and practical signals that memory care — rather than in-home care or standard assisted living — is appropriate.

⚠
Wandering risk
Your parent has left the house confused, got lost, or attempts to leave without awareness of danger. This is the clearest indicator.
⚑
Sundowning behavior
Significant agitation, confusion, or behavioral disturbance in the late afternoon or evening that disrupts safety.
⚠
Caregiver can no longer manage safely
24-hour supervision is required and cannot be reliably provided at home without clinical support.
⚑
Stage 5+ Alzheimer's / moderate-severe dementia
Inability to recognise family members, severe language impairment, loss of most daily living skills.
⚑
Falls or injury risk from confusion
Repeated falls, stove left on, medication mistakes, or other safety events from cognitive impairment.
→
Social isolation is accelerating decline
Dementia progresses faster in isolation. A structured community environment can slow cognitive decline.

What memory care costs — honestly

National average
$6,160/mo
$73,920/yr — higher than standard assisted living by ~$2,000/mo
Low end
$4,200/mo
Smaller facilities, lower cost-of-living areas — check inspection records carefully
High end
$9,500+/mo
Urban markets, premium facilities, private rooms with additional services
What Medicare covers: Medicare does not cover long-term memory care. It covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing rehab after a qualifying hospital stay — that is it. Long-term memory care is paid by private funds, long-term care insurance, or Medicaid once private funds are exhausted. Plan for this before you need it.

What to ask on every memory care tour

QWhat is your staff-to-resident ratio on night shifts specifically?
QHow many of your direct care staff are dementia-certified (e.g. CDP certification)?
QWhat is your average staff tenure in the memory care unit?
QHow do you handle a resident who refuses care or becomes aggressive?
QWhat is your policy when a resident's condition progresses significantly?
QDo you have a secured outdoor space residents can access daily?
QWhat family communication do I receive — how often and in what form?
QCan I visit unannounced at any time, including evenings?
Related guides
Assisted living guide Nursing home checklist PACE programs Home modifications

Every family's situation is different. Our free assessment gives you personalized recommendations based on your specific needs — including local providers, cost estimates, and financial aid programs you may qualify for.

Get a personalized memory care recommendation
Answer 11 questions about your parent's specific situation and get a ranked list of local memory care options, financial aid programs, and a visit checklist tailored to their needs.

Eldercare Guide

Nursing home checklist —
what to verify before you sign

Most families tour a nursing home once, like what they see, and sign the contract. These are the checks that should happen before that visit, during it, and before the pen hits paper.

Key Takeaways
1.Always check Medicare Care Compare inspection reports before touring — the star rating alone is misleading
2.Visit unannounced on a weekday morning to see the real daily experience
3.Confirm Medicaid acceptance in writing before admission if there’s any chance your parent will need it later
4.Read the arbitration clause — most facilities will remove it if you ask

Before you visit — do this at home

Check Medicare Care Compare
Go to medicare.gov/care-compare. Every Medicare/Medicaid-certified nursing home is rated and has its last 3 years of inspection reports publicly available. Read the actual citations — not just the star rating.
Look up state licensing complaints
Your state health department holds complaint records beyond what Medicare shows. Search "[state] nursing home complaints" to find the portal. Recent complaint patterns matter more than the overall star.
Check staffing data
Medicare Care Compare shows staffing hours per resident per day. The national average is about 3.5 hours. Below 2.5 is a serious red flag — this means residents wait.
Confirm the facility accepts Medicaid
If there is any chance your parent may eventually need Medicaid, confirm the facility accepts it before you visit. Many don't — and a forced move later is devastating.

During the visit — observe, don't just ask

Arrive unannounced
Scheduled tours show you the prepared version. Visit at 10am on a Tuesday without calling ahead. The smell, noise level, and resident engagement you see then is closer to daily reality.
Watch how staff interact with residents
Are residents addressed by name? Does staff make eye contact? Are residents left in hallways without engagement for long periods? These behavioral signals matter more than the carpet.
Ask to see the dining room at meal time
Meal service quality and how residents are assisted with eating is one of the strongest indicators of overall care quality — and one of the easiest to observe.
Count staff on the floor
Ask the administrator the current staff-to-resident ratio. Then count for yourself during your visit. Discrepancies are common.

Before signing — contract review

Request the full fee schedule in writing
The monthly rate covers a specific care level. Ask for every possible additional charge written out: medication management, incontinence supplies, therapy, enhanced care levels, laundry.
Ask about the arbitration clause
Many contracts require you to waive your right to sue in court. Ask for it to be removed. Most facilities will remove it if asked — their willingness tells you something.
Confirm Medicaid transition rights
Ask in writing: if my parent exhausts private funds, can they remain in this facility on Medicaid? Get this answer before admission, not after funds run out.
Understand the discharge policy
A facility can discharge a resident for several reasons. Know exactly what they are and what notice you will receive. Under federal law, residents have appeal rights — know them.
Related guides
Assisted living guide Memory care guide Home modifications

Every family's situation is different. Our free assessment gives you personalized recommendations based on your specific needs — including local providers, cost estimates, and financial aid programs you may qualify for.

Get a personalized care recommendation
Our assessment tells you whether a nursing home is the right fit — and if so, surfaces the inspection records, staffing data, and contract red flags for specific facilities near you.

Eldercare Guide

Home modification options —
staying home safely longer

For many seniors, the right home modifications can delay or avoid a facility move entirely. This is where families consistently underinvest — and where the return on a few thousand dollars is enormous.

The average assisted living facility costs $60,000–$70,000 per year. A comprehensive home modification program typically costs $5,000–$15,000 once — and can buy 2–5 additional years of safe independent living.

Key Takeaways
1.A $5,000–$15,000 home modification programme can delay a $60,000–$70,000/yr facility move by 2–5 years
2.Fall prevention (grab bars, lighting, non-slip surfaces) is the highest-ROI investment
3.VA grants, Area Agency on Aging, and USDA programs can cover most or all costs for eligible families
4.A medical alert system ($25–$45/mo) is the single most important modification for seniors living alone

Fall prevention — highest priority

Grab bars in bathroom
Install at toilet, shower entry, and bath. Must be anchored into wall studs — not suction-cup bars. Cost: $150–$400 installed. A single fall hospitalization costs $30,000+.
Remove trip hazards
Area rugs, extension cords, cluttered pathways, and raised door thresholds are the most common fall causes. Free — or close to it.
Non-slip flooring
Add non-slip strips to steps and bathroom floors. Cost: $50–$200. Tile and hardwood are highest risk when wet.
Improved lighting
Motion-sensor nightlights in hallways, bathroom, and bedroom. Most falls happen at night. Cost: $100–$300 total.

Mobility support

Stair lift
Allows safe use of multi-level home. Cost: $3,000–$6,000 for a straight staircase. Can be rented if the need is expected to be temporary.
Walk-in shower conversion
Replace a standard tub with a walk-in shower with zero threshold entry. Cost: $3,000–$8,000. Eliminates one of the highest fall-risk activities.
Ramp installation
For front entry steps. A 1-inch rise requires 1 foot of ramp length. Cost: $1,000–$3,000 depending on length and materials.
Door widening
Standard doors (28–30") often cannot accommodate walkers or wheelchairs. Widening to 36" costs $200–$500 per doorway.

Daily living independence

Lever door handles
Replace round knobs with lever handles throughout — critical for anyone with arthritis or reduced grip strength. Cost: $20–$60 per door, DIY-friendly.
Raised toilet seat
Adds 3–4 inches of height, significantly reducing fall risk during transfers. Cost: $30–$80. Simple DIY installation.
Kitchen safety modifications
Stove auto-shutoff devices, easy-grip cabinet pulls, D-ring drawer pulls. Cost: $100–$500 total.
Medical alert system
Wearable device that summons help after a fall or emergency. Cost: $25–$45/month. Allows parents who live alone to age safely.

Funding home modifications — you may not have to pay out of pocket

Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
Many local AAAs fund home modifications for eligible seniors at no cost. Call 1-800-677-1116 to ask what's available in your area.
VA Home Improvement Grants
Eligible veterans can receive up to $10,000 in grants for disability-related home improvements. Apply at va.gov/housing-assistance.
USDA Section 504 Home Repair
For very low income rural homeowners — grants up to $10,000 for safety repairs. Apply at rd.usda.gov.
Weatherization Assistance Program
Free energy efficiency improvements (insulation, heating, windows) that reduce utility costs and improve home safety. Find at energy.gov/wap.
Related guides
PACE programs Nursing home checklist Memory care guide

Every family's situation is different. Our free assessment gives you personalized recommendations based on your specific needs — including local providers, cost estimates, and financial aid programs you may qualify for.

Is home care still the right choice?
Our assessment tells you honestly whether modifications and in-home care can meet your parent's needs — or whether a facility is the safer option.

Eldercare Guide

In-home care — costs,
coverage, and when it's enough

In-home care brings professional caregivers to your parent's home — for help with daily activities, medication management, or short-term medical recovery. It is often the right first step. But the cost structure and Medicare rules are very different from what most families assume.

Key Takeaways
1.National hourly rate: $28–$35/hr — full-time in-home care costs more than assisted living
2.Medicare only covers SKILLED home health (RN, PT, OT) short-term after a hospital stay
3.Personal care aides for daily living help are NOT Medicare-covered — this trips up most families
4.24/7 care typically costs $25,000+/month — usually more than memory care or skilled nursing

Four types of in-home care — they are not the same

Companion care
No hands-on care. Supervision, conversation, light housekeeping, meal prep, errands, transport. Best for socially isolated but otherwise capable seniors. $25–$30/hr.
Personal care aide (PCA)
Hands-on ADL help: bathing, dressing, toileting, meal assistance, transferring. Non-medical. Most common in-home care type. $28–$35/hr.
Home health aide (HHA)
PCA scope plus basic medical: medication reminders, vital signs, simple wound dressing, mobility assistance. Sometimes Medicare-covered when doctor-ordered. $32–$38/hr.
Skilled nursing visit (RN/LPN)
Licensed nursing: complex wound care, IV therapy, catheter care, post-surgical recovery. Often Medicare-covered for a short period when prescribed. $145+ per visit.

When is in-home care the right choice?

In-home care fits well in specific situations. In others, it's a more expensive and less safe option than assisted living — even though families often default to it first.

→
Mild ADL needs (1–2 areas)
Help is needed for a couple of activities — bathing assistance, meal prep, transportation — but not constant supervision. In-home care can cover this at 10–20 hours/week without breaking the budget.
→
Short-term recovery from a hospital stay
After surgery, fall, or acute illness — this is when Medicare-covered skilled home health is most valuable and most appropriate. Typically up to 60 days, sometimes longer with reauthorization.
→
Strong family caregiver backbone
In-home care works best as a supplement to family caregiving — not as a replacement. If a spouse or adult child is the primary caregiver and just needs respite hours, this is the right model.
→
Strong preference to stay home + the resources
For seniors with sufficient financial resources and a safe home, in-home care can extend independence by years — especially when paired with home modifications.
⚠
Hospice or end-of-life care
Most hospice care happens at home and is fully covered by Medicare/Medicaid for qualifying patients. In-home aides supplement hospice nurses for ADL support.
⚑
When in-home care is NOT enough
Wandering risk from dementia, advanced ADL needs requiring round-the-clock supervision, severe caregiver burnout, or an unsafe home. At these points, a facility is typically both safer and cheaper.

What in-home care costs — honestly

Part-time (20 hr/wk)
$2,500/mo
$30,000/yr — covers a few hours daily for ADL support and supervision
Full-time (40 hr/wk)
$5,000/mo
$60,000/yr — roughly equivalent to assisted living, but at home
24/7 care
$25,000+/mo
$300,000+/yr — more than memory care or skilled nursing; rarely sustainable
What Medicare actually covers: Medicare covers SKILLED home health — nursing care (RN/LPN), physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy — when prescribed by a doctor after a qualifying hospital or skilled-nursing stay. Coverage is typically 60 days, sometimes extended. It does not cover ongoing personal care aide hours, companion care, or long-term in-home support. This is the single largest misconception in eldercare planning.
Who actually pays for ongoing care: Private funds, long-term care insurance, VA Aid & Attendance (up to $2,874/mo for eligible veterans), or Medicaid HCBS waivers for income-eligible seniors (varies by state, often with waitlists). PACE programs cover comprehensive in-home support for dual-eligible Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries at no cost.

What to ask before hiring in-home care

QAre you a licensed home health agency, a registry, or do I employ the aide directly?
QAre aides bonded, insured, and background-checked? Can I see the documentation?
QWho provides backup if my aide doesn't show up? How quickly?
QCan I interview and approve specific aides? Can I refuse aides who don't fit?
QWhat is your aide turnover rate in the last 12 months?
QIs there a 24/7 supervisory clinician I can call when something goes wrong?
QHow are aides trained on dementia behaviors, fall prevention, and emergency response?
QWhat's the minimum billable shift, and what is your cancellation policy?
Related guides
Home modifications Assisted living guide PACE programs Memory care guide

Every family's situation is different. Our free assessment evaluates whether in-home care can meet your parent's needs at a sustainable cost — and if not, identifies which alternatives are honestly safer and more affordable.

Is in-home care enough for your parent?
Answer 11 questions about your parent's specific situation and get a clear, honest recommendation — including local agencies, the realistic monthly cost at your needs level, and the financial aid programs you may qualify for.

Eldercare Guide

PACE — the eldercare program
most families never hear about

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a federal program that provides comprehensive medical, social, and long-term care — completely free for qualifying Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries. It is one of the most effective eldercare options in the US, and one of the least known.

Key Takeaways
1.PACE covers all medical, social, and long-term care — completely free for Medicare/Medicaid dual-eligible
2.You must be 55+, need nursing-home-level care, and live in a PACE service area (32 states, ~170 programs)
3.The main trade-off: you must use PACE providers for all care
4.Call 1-800-677-1116 or visit npaonline.org to check availability in your area

What PACE covers

Primary care, specialist visits, hospital care, nursing home care, prescription drugs, physical and occupational therapy, adult day care, social services, transportation to all PACE appointments, meals at the day center, and home health aides. All coordinated. All free.

What PACE costs for you

$0 for Medicare/Medicaid dual-eligible beneficiaries. A monthly premium applies for those with Medicare but not Medicaid — similar to a Medicare Advantage plan premium. Never any copays or deductibles for PACE services.

Who qualifies for PACE

Age 55 or older
PACE is available from age 55 — not just for those over 65.
Nursing-home level of care need
You must need the level of care typically provided in a nursing home, though you live in the community.
Live in a PACE service area
PACE is not available everywhere. There are about 170 PACE programs in 32 states. Check npaonline.org.
Able to live safely in the community
PACE is designed for seniors who can live at home or with family with PACE support — not those who already require 24hr inpatient care.

The honest trade-off

PACE is comprehensive — but it requires you to use PACE providers for all care. If you enrollin PACE, you generally cannot use outside doctors, specialists, or hospitals without PACE authorization. For families who value continuity with existing doctors, this is the primary drawback.

Bottom line: If your parent qualifies and there is a PACE program in your area, it is almost always worth at minimum calling for a free eligibility assessment. For families where cost is a primary concern, PACE often changes everything.

How to find and apply for PACE

Step 1: Find your local PACE program
Visit npaonline.org/pace-locations or call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. Enter your parent's zip code to see if a PACE organisation operates in their area.
Step 2: Request a free eligibility assessment
Contact the PACE organisation directly. They will conduct a free home visit to assess your parent's medical and functional needs and confirm eligibility.
Step 3: Understand the enrollment decision
Enrollment is voluntary and can be ended by the participant at any time with 30 days' notice. There is no lock-in.
Step 4: Coordinate the transition
Your PACE team will coordinate the transfer of all medical records, medications, and existing care plans. Transitions typically take 30–60 days.
Contact: National PACE Association — npaonline.org · Eldercare Locator — 1-800-677-1116
Related guides
Home modifications Memory care guide

Every family's situation is different. Our free assessment gives you personalized recommendations based on your specific needs — including local providers, cost estimates, and financial aid programs you may qualify for.

See if PACE or other programs fit your parent
Our eldercare assessment identifies all programs your parent may qualify for — including PACE, ALTCS/Medicaid, VA benefits, and local AAA services.

Childcare Guide

Choosing a daycare —
what actually matters

The things most families look at when choosing a daycare — the facility, the curriculum, the toys, the website — are not the things that predict whether a child thrives there. Here is what actually matters.

Key Takeaways
1.Staff turnover rate — not the facility or curriculum — is the strongest predictor of care quality
2.Center-based daycare: $1,200–$2,200/mo; home daycare: $800–$1,400/mo; nanny: $2,500–$4,500+/mo
3.Always check your state’s licensing database and inspection history before visiting
4.Quality daycares in major cities have 3–12 month waitlists — apply early to your top 3–5 choices

The one thing that matters most — and most families miss

Staff turnover rate. Not the building. Not the curriculum. Not the star rating. The most important factor in early childhood care quality is the consistency of the specific adults your child builds relationships with.

Children form genuine emotional bonds with 2–3 caregivers in their first year of care. Those bonds are the foundation of their sense of security away from you. When those people leave repeatedly, children experience repeated disruptions that affect their confidence, language development, and ability to trust new people. This is developmental science — not sentiment.

Ask every provider: "What is the turnover rate specifically in the toddler/infant room in the last 12 months?" If they give you a company average instead of a room-specific answer, that is the answer.

Types of daycare — what's the actual difference?

Center-based daycare
Typically 20–100+ children in age-grouped classrooms. Licensed by the state. Most have structured curriculum, set ratios, and backup staffing. Higher cost than home daycare. Quality varies enormously by center — licensing is a floor, not a ceiling.
$1,200–$2,200/mo
Licensed family home daycare
1–6 children in a registered provider's home. More home-like environment. Often lower cost and more flexible. No backup if the provider is ill — you need a contingency plan. Quality is entirely provider-dependent — visit in person.
$800–$1,400/mo
Nanny / au pair
One-to-one or shared care in your home. Maximum flexibility and consistency. Significantly higher cost for private nanny. Au pair is cheaper but involves hosting. No licensing oversight — background check and references are essential.
$2,500–$4,500+/mo
Employer backup care
Many employers offer 10–20 days/year of subsidized backup childcare through services like Bright Horizons or Care.com. Most employees never use this benefit. Check your HR portal.
Often free/subsidized

What to check before you visit

State licensing record
Search your state's childcare licensing database before you step foot in a building. Look for: number of violations, recency of violations, what type (health/safety vs administrative). This is public information.
Inspection history
Most states publish inspection reports. Read the actual report — not just the summary. Repeated violations in the same category are a serious flag.
Accreditation
NAEYC accreditation (for centers) and CDA credential (for individual caregivers) are voluntary and indicate above-minimum quality commitment. Not required but meaningful.
Staff-to-child ratios
State minimums for infants are typically 1:3 or 1:4. For toddlers 1:5 or 1:6. Ask what their actual ratios are — not the licensed maximum.

The waitlist reality — start earlier than you think

Quality daycares in most major cities have waitlists of 3–12 months. In some markets, parents get on waitlists before their child is born. This is not hyperbole — it is the market reality in Boston, San Francisco, New York, Austin, Seattle, and most other major metros.

What to do right now: Apply to your top 3–5 choices simultaneously, even before you are ready to start. Most programs charge a small waitlist deposit ($50–$200) that is applied to enrollment if you accept a spot. You can always decline.

Related guides
Preschool checklist Nanny vs daycare Childcare subsidies

Every family's situation is different. Our free assessment gives you personalized recommendations based on your specific needs — including local providers, cost estimates, and financial aid programs you may qualify for.

Get a personalized childcare recommendation
Answer 11 questions about your child and situation and get a ranked list of local providers, financial aid programs, and a checklist tailored to your child's age and needs.

Childcare Guide

Preschool checklist —
what to look for, ask, and verify

Choosing a preschool involves more decisions than most families realise. Here is a complete checklist — covering the visit, the curriculum, the contract, and the questions most parents forget to ask.

Key Takeaways
1.“Montessori” is not a protected name — look for AMI or AMS accreditation to verify authenticity
2.Watch how teachers talk to children during your visit — warm, responsive interaction is the strongest quality predictor
3.Many top programs require applications 12+ months in advance
4.Play-based learning is supported by developmental research for ages 3–5

Curriculum approach — understand before you visit

Play-based learning
Child-led exploration, open-ended materials, social play. Strong for emotional and creative development. Less structured. Research supports this approach for ages 3–5.
Structured / academic
Teacher-directed, literacy and numeracy focus. More preparation for kindergarten academics. May not suit all learning styles at age 3–4.
Montessori
Self-directed work at individual pace, mixed-age classrooms (typically 3–6). Requires AMI or AMS accreditation to be genuine. "Montessori" is not a protected name — anyone can use it.
Reggio Emilia
Project-based, child-initiated inquiry. Documentation-heavy. Often private and expensive. Strong philosophical approach with good developmental outcomes.

Visit checklist — what to observe

Observe how teachers talk to children
Do teachers get down to children's level? Do they use names? Do they narrate activities and ask open-ended questions? Warm, responsive interaction is the strongest predictor of outcomes.
Watch the transitions
How does the group move from one activity to another? Calm, predictable transitions indicate good classroom management and routine — which children need.
Look at the physical environment
Are materials accessible to children at their height? Is there a mix of quiet and active spaces? Is children's work displayed? A literate, print-rich environment matters.
Observe peer interactions
Are children generally playing alongside or with each other? Is conflict handled calmly by adults? Positive peer culture is built — it doesn't happen by accident.

Questions to ask the director

Staff qualifications and training
What formal early childhood education training do your teachers hold? Is there ongoing professional development? Look for CDA credentials or bachelor's in ECE as a minimum.
Teacher-to-child ratio
What is the actual daily ratio — not the licensed maximum? What happens when a teacher is absent? Ratio directly affects how much attention your child receives.
Transition to kindergarten
How do you prepare children for the academic and social expectations of kindergarten? Can you share outcomes data for previous cohorts?
How you communicate with parents
Daily verbal debrief? App-based daily reports? Monthly conferences? Written documentation of developmental progress? Know what to expect before you enroll.
Related guides
Daycare guide Childcare subsidies

Every family's situation is different. Our free assessment gives you personalized recommendations based on your specific needs — including local providers, cost estimates, and financial aid programs you may qualify for.

Get a personalized preschool recommendation
Our assessment identifies the right type of preschool for your child's age, temperament, and learning style — and surfaces local options, quality ratings, and subsidy programs.

Childcare Guide

Childcare subsidy programs —
what you can claim right now

Most families overpay for childcare because they don't know what assistance is available to them. The programs below are legitimate, federally funded, and significantly underused.

Key Takeaways
1.A Dependent Care FSA saves $1,500–$2,800+/yr in pre-tax childcare expenses — and most eligible families don’t use it
2.CCDF/state childcare subsidies cover a majority of licensed childcare tuition for qualifying families
3.Head Start provides completely free comprehensive early childhood education for families at or below the poverty level
4.The EITC is the most underused tax credit in the US — families earning under ~$68,675 likely qualify for up to $8,046
5.Most of these programs can be combined for maximum savings
Act now — time-sensitive

Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA)

Employer benefit
Save $1,500–$2,800+/yr depending on your tax bracket

Your employer's benefits portal lets you set aside up to $7,500 pre-tax per year (raised permanently in 2026) for qualified childcare expenses. This money is never taxed — federal, state, or payroll. Most employees who are eligible don't use it.

How to claim it: Log into your HR benefits portal today. DCFSA enrollment is only open during your annual benefits window — missing it costs you the full year of savings.

Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit

Federal tax credit
Up to $1,050 credit on your federal return

If you pay for childcare so you can work, you can claim 20–35% of up to $3,000 in expenses as a credit directly reducing your tax bill. This stacks with your DCFSA — they cover different expense tiers.

How to claim it: File IRS Form 2441 with your annual tax return. Your tax software applies it automatically if you enter your provider's Tax ID (EIN) and your expenses.

Child Tax Credit

Federal tax credit — refundable
Up to $2,200 per child; up to $1,700 refundable

The Child Tax Credit is $2,200 per qualifying child under 17 in 2025. Up to $1,700 is refundable — meaning you can receive it even if you owe no federal tax. This is separate from the childcare credit above.

How to claim it: Automatic when you file Form 1040 with your qualifying children listed. Claimed on Schedule 8812.
Act now — time-sensitive

CCDF / State Childcare Subsidy

Federal + State direct subsidy
Can cover majority of licensed childcare tuition

The Child Care and Development Fund provides direct subsidies to eligible working families with children under 13. Income limits vary by state but are generally up to 85% of your state's median income — many families who assume they don't qualify, do.

How to claim it: Apply through your state childcare agency. Find your state's portal at childcare.gov. Apply now — waitlists are common and processing takes 4–12 weeks.
Act now — time-sensitive

Head Start / Early Head Start

Federal — completely free
Free comprehensive early childhood education and care

Free full-service program for families at or below the federal poverty level. Ages 0–5. Covers education, health screenings, dental, mental health support, and family services. Far more comprehensive than a standard daycare.

How to claim it: Find your local program at eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov or call 1-866-763-6481. Apply as early as possible — enrollment is competitive.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Federal tax credit — fully refundable
Up to $8,046 back on your tax return

The most underused tax credit in the US. If you work and earn under approximately $68,675, you likely qualify. The EITC is fully refundable — you receive it as a refund even if you owe no tax. The average EITC refund for families with children is over $3,000.

How to claim it: Use the IRS EITC Assistant at irs.gov/eitc to check eligibility in 5 minutes. Claimed automatically on Form 1040.
Related guides
Daycare guide Preschool checklist Nanny vs daycare

Every family's situation is different. Our free assessment gives you personalized recommendations based on your specific needs — including local providers, cost estimates, and financial aid programs you may qualify for.

Get all programs surfaced in your report
Our childcare assessment identifies every credit, subsidy, and program you may qualify for — based on your income, your employer, your child's age, and your state.

Childcare Guide

Nanny vs daycare —
the honest comparison

This is one of the most common questions families face — and one where the right answer depends entirely on your child's age, your schedule, your budget, and what you actually value. Here is the honest comparison.

Key Takeaways
1.Nannies cost roughly 2x center daycare ($2,500–$4,500 vs $1,200–$2,200/mo) but offer maximum flexibility
2.Infants under 18 months often benefit more from one-on-one nanny care; 18+ months benefit from peer socialization
3.If you hire a nanny, you are legally their employer — payroll tax, workers comp, and a backup plan are required
4.A nanny share splits costs while keeping the small-group ratio — it’s often the best of both worlds
Nanny Center Daycare
Typical cost$2,500–$4,500+/mo$1,200–$2,200/mo
Staff consistencyOne dedicated person — maximumVaries; turnover is the key risk variable
Sick day coverageYou need a backup planCenter provides backup staffing
Schedule flexibilityVery high — adapts to your scheduleFixed center hours; limited flexibility
Peer socializationLimited — play dates requiredDaily peer interaction built in
Licensing / oversightNone — you are the employerState licensed; inspections on record
Developmental structureDepends entirely on the nannyCurriculum and programming provided
Best age rangeInfants under 18 months often benefit most18 months+ — peer environment becomes crucial
Tax implicationsYou are an employer — payroll tax requiredStandard payment; simpler tax situation
Backup if arrangement endsImmediate need to find replacementCenter continues regardless of staff changes

Choose a nanny when…

✓Your child is under 18 months and peer socialization is less critical
✓Your schedule is irregular and center hours won't work
✓You have two or more children — the per-child cost advantage narrows
✓Your child has special needs that benefit from dedicated one-on-one care
✓You work from home and need someone to manage household during the day

Choose a daycare center when…

✓Your child is 18 months or older and peer interaction is developmentally important
✓Your schedule is regular and predictable
✓Budget is a primary consideration
✓You want licensing oversight and backup staffing built in
✓You value a structured curriculum and professional educators
Related guides
Daycare guide Childcare subsidies

Every family's situation is different. Our free assessment gives you personalized recommendations based on your specific needs — including local providers, cost estimates, and financial aid programs you may qualify for.

Get a recommendation based on your situation
Our assessment tells you which option fits your child's age, your schedule, and your budget — and surfaces the specific providers and financial aid available near you.

Eldercare Comparison

Memory care vs assisted living — how to choose

These two senior care options are often confused but serve very different needs. Memory care is a secured residential setting designed for dementia and Alzheimer's. Assisted living is for older adults who need help with daily activities but can navigate their environment safely. The wrong choice in either direction has serious consequences — and costs typically differ by about $2,000/month.

Quick verdict
Choose memory care when…
A dementia or Alzheimer's diagnosis is present, your parent has wandered or attempted to leave the home, they can no longer recognize close family, or they need a secured environment for safety.
Choose assisted living when…
Cognition is intact, ADL help is needed (bathing, dressing, meals), and the goal is social engagement and supervision — not a secured dementia unit.

Side-by-side comparison

Assisted livingMemory care
National median$5,350/mo$6,160/mo (+$810)
Typical range$3,000–$8,000+/mo$4,200–$9,500+/mo
Staff-to-resident ratio~1:81:4 to 1:6
EnvironmentOpen community, residents come and goSecured/locked unit, residents cannot wander out
Staff trainingGeneral senior careDementia certification (CDP or equivalent)
ProgrammingGeneric activities, outings, social eventsCognitive stimulation, music/reminiscence therapy
Medicare coverageNone (long-term)None (long-term)
Typical residentMild ADL needs, cognition intactStage 5+ dementia, safety concerns
Move-up if needs increaseOften to memory care or skilled nursingUsually skilled nursing

The decision framework

Answer these six questions about your parent. The pattern points one way or the other.

1
Has your parent received a dementia or Alzheimer's diagnosis? A formal diagnosis from a neurologist or primary care physician with cognitive testing is the single strongest indicator that memory care — eventually — will be appropriate.
2
Has your parent wandered, gotten lost, or attempted to leave without awareness of danger? Even once is a serious signal. Assisted living is not equipped to prevent wandering.
3
Can your parent recognize close family members consistently? Loss of recognition typically marks the transition from early to moderate dementia — the point where memory care becomes appropriate.
4
Are they oriented to time, place, and person? Confusion about what year it is, where they are, or who they are talking to is a memory care indicator.
5
Do they need 24-hour supervision for safety reasons? Not just companionship — actual safety. Assisted living provides supervision during shifts; memory care provides continuous secured supervision.
6
Are there unsafe behaviors driven by cognitive impairment? Stove left on, medications taken incorrectly, money mismanagement, wandering. These are clearly memory care signals, not assisted living concerns.
Pattern interpretation: Multiple "yes" answers point to memory care now or soon. Multiple "no" answers with ADL needs point to assisted living. Mixed answers usually mean your parent is in the transition zone — a formal cognitive assessment is the right next step.
Read each in depth
Assisted living guide Memory care guide Nursing home vs assisted living In-home care vs assisted living
Not sure which level is right?
Our free assessment uses 11 specific questions to tell you honestly which level of care fits your parent's current situation — with local facility recommendations either way.

Eldercare Comparison

Nursing home vs assisted living — what's the difference

These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they describe very different care settings. Assisted living provides ADL support in a residential community. A nursing home (skilled nursing facility) provides 24/7 licensed medical care. The cost difference can exceed $4,000/month — and Medicare coverage rules differ dramatically.

Quick verdict
Choose assisted living when…
Help is needed with daily activities (bathing, dressing, meals) but no significant medical needs. Cognition is intact. The goal is supervision, structure, and community.
Choose a nursing home when…
Complex medical care is needed: IV medications, wound care, ventilator support, dialysis, rehab after surgery. 24/7 licensed nursing is required.

Side-by-side comparison

Assisted livingNursing home (SNF)
National median$5,350/mo$9,733/mo (semi-private) — $10,965/mo (private)
Annual cost~$64,200/yr~$117,000–$132,000/yr
LicensingState-licensed residential careFederally regulated under CMS, state-licensed
Medical staffingAides + on-call nurses24/7 licensed RN/LPN, MDs on contract
Care providedADL help, medication mgmt, meals, socialComplex medical: IV, wound, vents, post-surgical rehab
SettingApartment-style, residentialHospital-style rooms, often semi-private
Medicare coverageNone (long-term)Up to 100 days after qualifying hospital stay
Medicaid coverageSometimes (HCBS waivers, varies by state)Yes, after assets spent down to state limits
Typical length of stay2–5 yearsShort rehab (weeks) or long-term (years)

When is a nursing home actually required?

Nursing homes are not "the next step up" from assisted living for most families — memory care often is. Nursing homes are specifically for situations needing licensed medical care.

⚠
Post-hospital skilled rehabilitation
After surgery, stroke, or serious illness — this is when Medicare-covered skilled nursing is most appropriate (up to 100 days). Often a step-down from hospital before returning home or to assisted living.
⚠
Complex medical needs requiring 24/7 RN
Ventilator dependence, IV therapy, complex wound care, dialysis, tube feeding, behavioral conditions requiring nursing supervision.
⚑
Severe ADL dependence with medical comorbidities
Total dependence for all activities of daily living combined with significant medical conditions that exceed assisted living's licensing scope.
⚑
End-stage chronic disease
Advanced heart failure, end-stage COPD, late Parkinson's — when medical management is constant and complex.
→
When Medicaid is the only payer option
Once private funds are exhausted, Medicaid typically covers nursing home care more reliably than assisted living. This drives many long-term placements even when medical needs would otherwise fit a lower setting.
Read each in depth
Assisted living guide Nursing home checklist Memory care vs assisted living PACE programs
Get an honest recommendation
Our free assessment evaluates your parent's specific situation and recommends the right care level — with cost projections, financial aid programs, and local provider rankings.

Eldercare Comparison

In-home care vs assisted living — which costs less?

Most families assume that aging at home with an in-home aide is cheaper than moving to assisted living. At low care levels, it usually is. As needs increase, in-home care quickly becomes the more expensive option — and not always the safer one. The crossover point matters.

Quick verdict
Choose in-home care when…
Care needs are mild (a few hours per day), a strong family caregiver is the primary support, the home is safe, and your parent strongly prefers staying home.
Choose assisted living when…
Care needs exceed ~30 hours/week, social isolation is accelerating decline, the home has safety issues, or the caregiver is burning out.

Side-by-side cost & care

In-home careAssisted living
Pricing modelHourly ($28–$35/hr typical)Monthly all-in ($3,000–$8,000+)
~20 hr/week cost$2,500/mo — cheaper$5,350/mo (always full price)
~40 hr/week cost~$5,000/mo — roughly equal$5,350/mo — crossover point
24/7 care cost$25,000+/mo$5,350–$8,000/mo — cheaper
Supervision when aide offFamily or alone24/7 staff on premises
Social engagementLimited (depends on family/neighbors)Built-in daily community
Continuity of caregiverOften disrupted (aide turnover)More consistent (same staff team)
Medicare coverageShort-term skilled health onlyNone (long-term)
Home modifications neededOften (safety, accessibility)No (facility is already accessible)
The 30-hour crossover: Around 30 hours/week of in-home care, the cost equals assisted living — but you are also paying for the home (rent or mortgage, utilities, food, maintenance). Once needs exceed 30 hours, assisted living is almost always cheaper AND safer because of the 24/7 supervisory presence.

Hidden cost-of-staying-home factors

In-home care looks cheaper on paper. Five factors families routinely miss when running the math.

1
Housing costs continue. Mortgage/rent, property tax, utilities, insurance, food, maintenance — all still apply on top of the aide. Assisted living bundles all of this.
2
Home modifications. Stairlifts, grab bars, walk-in tubs, ramps. Often $5,000–$25,000 in one-time costs before in-home care is safe.
3
Caregiver opportunity cost. Family members covering hours the aide doesn't typically lose wages or career advancement. This rarely shows up in the comparison spreadsheet.
4
Emergency response time. A fall at 3am in an empty house is a hospital visit; the same fall in assisted living is staff in the room within minutes. Hospital costs and decline from one bad event can erase years of savings.
5
Isolation acceleration. Social isolation accelerates physical and cognitive decline at the rate of smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Built-in community in assisted living is a clinical intervention, not a luxury.
Read each in depth
In-home care guide Assisted living guide Home modifications Memory care vs assisted living
Run the honest math for your situation
Our free assessment projects the realistic monthly cost of in-home care vs. assisted living based on your parent's actual care level — including hidden home costs and likely caregiver hours.

Legal

Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 6, 2026

Honesttly, LLC ("Honesttly," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. We built this platform on a simple principle: your care data belongs to you alone. This policy explains what we collect, why, how we protect it, and what rights you have.

Our privacy commitment

We receive zero commissions from any care facility. We will never sell your data to facilities, insurers, or advertisers. Your health information and your identity are stored in separate databases that cannot be joined. We are committed to acting in families’ best interests — never in the interests of facilities.

1. Information we collect

Assessment answers — When you complete an eldercare or childcare assessment, we collect your responses about care needs, medical conditions, mobility, financial situation, location (zip code), and preferences. This data is used solely to generate your personalized report.

Email address — If you provide your email during the assessment or at checkout, we use it to deliver your report and, if you opted in, to send care resource follow-ups. We never share your email with facilities or third-party marketers.

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Usage data — We may collect anonymised usage analytics (pages visited, features used) to improve the product. This data contains no personally identifiable information.

Browser-stored data — Our Health Summary and Child Profile Card tools save your entries to your browser’s local storage so you can return to them later. This data never leaves your device — Honesttly cannot access, read, or recover it. If you clear your browser data or switch devices, this information is permanently lost. You can also clear this data at any time by using your browser’s “Clear site data” function for honesttly.com.

2. How we protect your data

We use a HIPAA-informed split-table architecture designed so that a breach of any single database exposes nothing actionable:

Table A — Identity

Stores your email and payment reference. Contains no health data whatsoever.

Table B — Health data

Stores your report and assessment answers. Contains no email or name.

Both tables are secured with row-level security policies. All data is encrypted in transit (TLS) and at rest. Access is restricted to authenticated server-side functions only — no browser-side database access is possible.

3. How we use your information

We use your information to: generate your personalized care report; deliver your report via email or magic link; process payment through Stripe; send care resource follow-ups if you opted in; and improve the quality and accuracy of our reports.

We do not use your information to: recommend facilities that pay us; share data with care facilities, insurers, or data brokers; build advertising profiles; or make automated decisions about your care without your involvement.

4. Employer benefit plans

When your employer provides Honesttly as a benefit, your employer pays for your access but cannot see your individual responses, care situation, or report. Employers receive only anonymous, aggregate utilization statistics (e.g., "42% of employees have used the benefit this quarter"). We are contractually and legally prohibited from sharing individual employee data with any employer.

5. Third-party services

We use a limited number of third-party services to operate: Stripe for payment processing, Supabase for secure database hosting, Postmark for transactional email delivery, Anthropic for AI-powered report generation, and Vercel for hosting. Each processes only the minimum data required for their function.

6. Your rights

You have the right to: access the data we hold about you; request correction of inaccurate information; request deletion of your data; withdraw consent for marketing emails at any time; and receive a copy of your data in a portable format. To exercise any of these rights, email us at daven@honesttly.com.

7. Data retention

Your report and any associated access link remain available for 24 months from the date of generation. You may request deletion at any time by emailing daven@honesttly.com. Payment records are retained as required by tax and financial regulations.

8. Children's privacy

Our childcare assessment collects information about children (age, developmental needs, care preferences) from parents and guardians. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13. The childcare assessment is designed for adult caregivers making decisions on behalf of their children.

9. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy as our practices evolve. Material changes will be communicated via email to active users and posted on this page with an updated effective date.

10. State privacy rights

California (CCPA/CPRA). California residents have the right to know what personal information we collect, request deletion, and opt out of the sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information.

Washington (My Health My Data Act). Washington residents have additional rights over health data including the right to access, delete, and withdraw consent. We collect health-related information only through voluntary assessments and do not share it with third parties.

Colorado, Connecticut, Virginia, and other states with consumer privacy laws. Residents of states with consumer privacy laws may have additional rights. Contact daven@honesttly.com to exercise any data rights.

11. What happens if there’s a data breach

In the unlikely event of a data breach affecting your personal information, we will notify affected users by email within 72 hours of discovering the breach. If the breach affects more than 500 individuals, we will also notify the FTC and relevant state authorities as required by law. Our split-table architecture (described in Section 2) means that health information and identity information are stored separately and cannot be joined — so a breach of one database does not expose the other. We maintain breach-notification commitments for any personal information we hold.

12. Contact

If you have questions about this privacy policy or how we handle your data, contact us at daven@honesttly.com.

Legal

Terms of Service

Last updated: April 6, 2026

By accessing or using Honesttly ("the Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, please do not use the Service.

1. What Honesttly provides

Honesttly is an informational resource and navigation tool for families exploring eldercare and childcare options. Our reports compile publicly available information including care type overviews, local provider comparisons, cost estimates, financial aid opportunities, legal document checklists, and questions to ask providers.

Honesttly does not provide medical, legal, or financial advice, and our reports are not recommendations. All information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. You should always verify provider details directly and consult qualified professionals before making care, medical, legal, or financial decisions.

2. Provider information

Provider information in our reports is compiled using AI analysis, public data, and licensing records. While we strive for accuracy, provider details — including contact information, pricing, staffing, and quality ratings — may change without notice. Always verify provider details directly before making care decisions. Honesttly is not responsible for inaccuracies in provider information.

3. Our commitment to families

Honesttly is committed to acting in families’ best interests. We receive zero commissions, referral fees, or placement bonuses from any care facility, insurer, or third party. No facility can pay to be included in, ranked higher in, or excluded from our reports. This commitment is structural and permanent.

4. Pricing and payment

The free assessment and initial report sections are available at no cost with no account required. Full reports are available for a one-time payment of $29 per report. Payments are processed by Stripe. All sales are final — however, if you believe your report contains a material error, contact us and we will make it right.

5. Employer benefit plans

When Honesttly is provided as an employer benefit, access is fully covered by your employer at no cost to you. Your employer receives only anonymous, aggregate usage data and cannot access your individual responses, reports, or care decisions. The privacy protections in our Privacy Policy apply in full to employer-sponsored accounts.

6. Intellectual property

All content, design, and functionality of Honesttly are owned by Honesttly, LLC. Your personalized report is yours to use, share, print, and refer to as needed. You may not reproduce the platform itself, our assessment methodology, or our brand assets for commercial purposes without written permission.

7. Limitation of liability

Honesttly provides informational resources to the best of our ability, but we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information. We are not liable for decisions made based on our reports, for changes in provider availability or quality after report generation, or for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of the Service.

8. Changes to these terms

We may update these terms as the Service evolves. Material changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

9. Contact

Questions about these terms? Contact us at daven@honesttly.com.

Our Promise

Our Ethics Pledge

The eldercare and childcare referral industry is broken. Families in crisis are steered toward facilities that pay the highest commissions — not the facilities that best match their needs. Honesttly exists to fix that.

"We are paid by families.
Never by facilities.
This will never change."

This is not a marketing slogan. It is the structural foundation of every decision we make.

The problem we saw

Most eldercare referral services earn $3,000–$6,000 per placement from facilities. The US Senate has investigated this model for conflicts of interest. When the person guiding your family earns a commission from the facility they recommend, their information is compromised — whether they admit it or not.

Childcare is no better. "Top 10" lists are often pay-to-play. Review sites sell premium placements. Parents searching at 2am for reliable care deserve better than sponsored results dressed up as objective information.

What we pledge

Zero commissions — ever

No facility, provider, or insurer will ever pay us to appear in, be ranked higher in, or be excluded from a report. Not now. Not at scale. Not under investor pressure. Ever.

Your data stays yours

We will never sell, share, or monetise your personal information or health data. If your employer provides Honesttly as a benefit, they see only anonymous aggregate usage — never your individual responses.

Transparent pricing

One flat fee per report. No hidden upsells, no premium tiers that unlock "better" information, no subscription traps. The free assessment is genuinely useful on its own — not a teaser designed to frustrate you into paying.

Honest about limitations

We tell you what we know and what we don't. Our reports include verification disclaimers, encourage you to visit providers in person, and flag when data may be outdated. We would rather be honest than impressive.

Hold us accountable

If you ever find that a facility in one of our reports has a financial relationship with Honesttly, email daven@honesttly.com. We will investigate immediately, remove the conflict, and refund your report. This pledge exists because we believe the care industry can be better — and we intend to prove it.

Why Honesttly

How we're different

Every family navigating care deserves resources that put them first. Here's how Honesttly is fundamentally different from every other care referral service.

Traditional referral services
Honesttly
Who pays
Facilities pay $3K–$6K per placement
Families pay $29. Facilities pay $0.
Incentive
Steer you toward highest-commission facility
Help you compare all options objectively
Recommendations
Only facilities that pay to participate
All licensed facilities near you
Cost transparency
Vague or hidden until you tour
Real cost ranges with hidden fee warnings
Financial aid
Rarely mentioned (reduces their commission)
Every programme you may qualify for

What your $29 report includes

A personalized care resource report built from your specific situation — not a generic brochure:

Care type breakdown

How each type of care relates to your situation, with urgency assessment

5 local providers compared

Real, licensed facilities near you with fit scores, pros, and cons

Cost comparison engine

Real cost ranges with hidden fees, deposit requirements, and rate hike warnings

Financial aid finder

Every programme you may qualify for — VA benefits, Medicaid, tax credits, employer benefits

Legal checklist

Power of attorney, advance directives, and every document you need before you need it

Questions to ask

Personalized questions for each provider based on your specific care needs

Built for the worst day of your life

Most families don't research eldercare or childcare casually. You're here because something changed — a fall, a diagnosis, a job that starts in two weeks, a daycare that just closed. You're stressed, overwhelmed, and making decisions that will affect someone you love for months or years.

That moment is exactly when you deserve resources that are on your side. Not a sales call from someone earning a commission. Not a "free consultation" that's actually a pitch. Just honest, clear, data-driven information that respects the weight of what you're going through.

That's what Honesttly is. That's why we built it.

For Employers

Employer Benefits

1 in 5 of your employees is managing a care crisis right now — for an aging parent, a child, or both. Most never tell HR. They just quietly lose productivity, miss work, and eventually leave. Honesttly gives them a clear path forward in under 20 minutes.

$36B
Lost annually to caregiver presenteeism in the US workforce
73%
Of caregiver employees say it affects their job performance
6–8 hrs
Productivity lost per caregiver employee every week

What your employees get

Unlimited personalized reports

Both eldercare and childcare assessments, with full reports including ranked providers, cost comparisons, financial aid, and legal checklists. No cost to the employee.

Complete privacy

Individual responses are never visible to HR. Your company sees only anonymous aggregate usage statistics. We are contractually and legally prohibited from sharing individual employee data.

20-minute resolution

Instead of spending weeks Googling, calling facilities, and comparing options, employees get a clear action plan in one sitting. That's hours of productivity returned every week.

What your company gets

HR analytics dashboard

Anonymous utilization metrics, department-level trends, ROI calculations, and executive-ready reports. See the impact without seeing individual data.

Employee retention

Caregiving is one of the top reasons employees leave. Providing resources before they reach breaking point reduces turnover and the $15,000–$50,000 cost of replacing each employee.

Zero conflict of interest

Unlike EAPs that partner with specific facility networks, Honesttly has no financial relationship with any provider. Your employees get genuinely unbiased information.

Employer pricing
$2.50 /employee/mo
About the cost of a cup of coffee · Both eldercare & childcare · HR dashboard included
No commitment required