Average Long-Term Care Costs in Vermont
Long-term care expenses in Vermont consistently exceed national averages, with costs influenced by a range of factors from staffing shortages to inflation. For families, understanding these expenses is the first step toward effective financial planning.
Assisted Living Costs
Assisted living offers a combination of housing, health, and supportive services for individuals who require assistance but not the intensive care of a nursing home. While national costs for assisted living continue to rise, Vermont remains a high-cost state.
As of February 2025, the median monthly cost for assisted living in Vermont was reported at approximately $7,795. It is important to note that these costs can fluctuate significantly based on several factors, including the facility's location, the specific amenities offered, and the level of care needed. For example, some studies have shown higher costs in metro areas like Burlington compared to the rest of the state.
Nursing Home Costs
Nursing homes provide the highest level of long-term care, offering skilled nursing services and 24-hour supervision. In 2025, the median monthly cost for a semi-private room in a Vermont nursing home was estimated at $14,099, while a private room commands a median monthly cost of $15,664.
- Semi-private room: Approximately $14,099 per month
- Private room: Approximately $15,664 per month
This makes Vermont's nursing home care among the most expensive nationally, a critical consideration for families planning for future needs. These figures represent the median costs and can vary between different facilities and regions of the state.
Home Health Care Costs
For those who prefer to age in place, home health care provides services within the comfort of one's own home. This option can be more or less costly than facility-based care, depending on the number of hours and level of care required. In Vermont, home health services are also high-priced.
According to the 2024 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the median annual cost for a home health aide in Vermont was $99,528. This equates to over $8,000 per month for full-time care (44 hours per week) and does not include the cost of housing or meals. Homemaker services, which involve non-medical assistance with tasks like cooking and cleaning, have a similar median annual cost in Vermont due to market conditions.
- Home Health Aide: Median annual cost of $99,528 (2024)
- Homemaker Services: Median annual cost of $99,528 (2024)
Adult Day Care Costs
Adult day care offers daytime supervision and social activities for seniors who live with family caregivers. It can provide a much-needed respite for family members while ensuring the senior is in a safe, engaging environment. While specific recent data for Vermont was not uniformly available in the search results, national averages from 2024 show an annual median cost of $26,000. Vermont's costs are typically higher than the national average across most care types.
Comparison of Vermont Long-Term Care Costs (Approximate 2025 Medians)
| Type of Care | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Home Health Aide (44 hrs/week) | $8,294 (Based on 2024 data) | $99,528 (Based on 2024 data) |
| Assisted Living | ~$7,795 | ~$93,540 |
| Nursing Home (Semi-Private) | $14,099 | $169,188 |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $15,664 | $187,968 |
Financial Planning and Payment Options
Given the substantial costs, planning for long-term care in Vermont is essential. While private pay (using personal savings) is an option, many rely on other means to cover expenses. Here are some options for paying for care:
- Long-Term Care Insurance: This is a policy you can purchase to cover long-term care expenses for a set period. It is best to purchase this while still healthy, as acceptance is not guaranteed if you already need care. More information about long-term care insurance can be found on the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation website.
- Medicaid (Choices for Care): Vermont's Medicaid program, known as Choices for Care (CFC), is a joint federal/state program that can help pay for long-term care expenses for eligible residents. Eligibility is based on both financial and clinical criteria, generally requiring limited financial means and a demonstrated need for a nursing home level of care.
- Medicare: Medicare's coverage for long-term care is very limited. It may cover up to 100 days of skilled nursing facility care after a qualifying hospital stay but does not cover long-term custodial care.
- Veterans Benefits: Veterans or their surviving spouses may be eligible for financial assistance through VA benefits to help cover long-term care costs.
Factors Contributing to Vermont's High Costs
Several factors contribute to the high cost of long-term care in Vermont, which often exceed those in neighboring states:
- Labor Costs: Staffing shortages and competitive wages for caregivers drive up operating expenses for care facilities and agencies.
- Geographic Differences: Costs vary by location, with metropolitan areas like Burlington typically being more expensive than rural parts of the state.
- Inflation: Annual inflation affects the entire healthcare sector, including long-term care services, leading to year-over-year price increases.
- Level of Care: The intensity and type of care required directly impacts the cost, from minimal assistance in assisted living to 24/7 skilled nursing.
To learn more about Vermont's specific cost factors and regional comparisons, a report on Vermont's long-term care costs exceeding national costs is available through Genworth.
Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions
Exploring long-term care options in Vermont requires a careful evaluation of costs and a solid financial plan. Due to the state's higher-than-average expenses, starting this process early is crucial. By researching local facility rates, understanding the various care options, and investigating potential financial assistance programs like Medicaid, families can make informed decisions and secure the best possible care for their loved ones without undue financial stress. Understanding what is the average cost of long term care in Vermont is the first step toward this crucial planning.
