Cost-of-Care Calculator
Estimate what different types of care cost in Southern California. Choose a care setting to see an estimated monthly and yearly cost. Nothing you enter is saved.
How many hours of paid help each week? Many families start around 20 to 40.
Estimate only. Actual costs vary by city, agency, and level of care. Based on CareScout / Genworth Cost of Care Survey — California (2024–2025), rounded (verified July 2026).
Who pays for this care?
The number above is the total cost before any help — most families never pay all of it out of pocket. Home care is usually paid by a mix of the sources below, depending on the type of care and your situation.
Medicare
Covers part-time skilled nursing and therapy at home for homebound patients under a doctor's orders — often at no cost. It does not pay for ongoing personal or custodial care (help with bathing, dressing, or meals) when that is the only care needed.
Official info →Medi-Cal & IHSS
For Californians with limited income, Medi-Cal and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) can pay a caregiver — sometimes a family member — to help with personal care and household tasks at home.
Official info →VA benefits
Veterans and surviving spouses may receive extra monthly income through VA Aid & Attendance, or in-home aide services through the VA, to help pay for care.
Official info →Long-term care insurance
If your loved one has a long-term care insurance policy, it may reimburse in-home care, assisted living, or nursing care. Check the policy's daily benefit amount and waiting period.
Official info →Private pay (out of pocket)
Whatever the programs above don't cover is paid out of pocket. Because those programs often cover a large share, your real out-of-pocket cost can be much lower than the total shown.
Where these numbers come from
This tool is for planning only and is not financial or medical advice.