Cost of In-Home Care vs Nursing Home: A Vermont Family's Guide
- Jack Thompson
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 8
In-Home Care vs Nursing Home Costs in Vermont: A Family Guide
Planning care for an aging loved one is a major decision for Vermont families, and cost is often one of the first questions that comes up. Deciding between in-home support and a nursing home requires looking beyond price alone, factors such as safety, wellbeing, level of medical need, and long-term sustainability all play important roles. This guide provides a clear, research-informed comparison to help families make confident, well-informed choices.
Understanding Vermont’s Care Landscape
Vermont’s rural geography, aging population, and limited long-term care facility availability can influence both cost and access to services. Many older adults prefer to “age in place,” but families should be aware of caregiver travel time, availability of skilled providers in rural areas, and potential waiting lists at nursing homes or memory care facilities.
Typical Costs of In-Home Care in Vermont
In-home care costs vary depending on the level of support required. Based on regional care industry averages in Vermont:
Companion Care(social support, meals, errands, light housekeeping): $25–$30 per hour
Personal Care(bathing, dressing, toileting, mobility, fall-prevention assistance): $28–$35 per hour
Skilled Nursing or Specialized Care(medical needs, dementia support, chronic condition monitoring): $40+ per hour
Families should also consider potential additional expenses, which may include safety equipment, home modifications, transportation to appointments, or the value of unpaid family caregiving time.
Typical Costs of Nursing Home Care in Vermont
Vermont’s nursing home costs remain among the highest in the U.S., due in part to staffing requirements and specialized care standards:
Semi-Private Room: typically $10,000–$11,000 per month
Private Room: often $12,000+ per month
Memory Care: higher, due to secure environments, trained staff, and enhanced supervision
It’s important to review contracts carefully, as there may be additional fees for rehabilitation services, medications, personal supplies, community activities, or transportation.
Financial Considerations for Families
When comparing long-term care options, families should explore all available funding sources:
Medicare – covers short-term skilled nursing or rehabilitation after a qualifying hospital stay, but does not cover long-term custodial care.
Medicaid – Vermont’s Choices for Care Program – may help with both nursing home and in-home care for eligible residents based on care needs and financial qualification.
Private Long-Term Care Insurance – policies vary widely; some plans help offset in-home or facility-based care costs.
Family Budget Planning – consider indirect costs such as lost wages due to caregiving responsibilities, transportation, stress, and caregiver burnout.
Speaking with an elder care financial planner or case manager can provide personalized guidance.
Quality of Life Matters Too
While cost is important, families often find that quality of life plays an equal or greater role in the decision:
In-Home Care Benefits
Promotes independence and comfort in familiar surroundings
Encourages meaningful family and community connections
Flexible care hours,pay only for the support needed
Nursing Home Benefits
24/7 supervision and immediate access to care staff
Appropriate for advanced medical or cognitive needs
Structured activities, therapy services, and social engagement
The Golden Lakes Home Help Difference
Golden Lakes Home Help provides professional, non-medical in-home care designed specifically for Vermont families who value independence, dignity, and personalized support. Our Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs) deliver compassionate, qualified care that helps seniors remain safely at home, reduce unnecessary hospital visits, and receive support tailored to their evolving needs.
Final Thoughts
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. For individuals with light to moderate care needs, in-home care often offers a more affordable and flexible path that supports independence. As medical needs progress, a nursing home or memory care facility may eventually be necessary, planning ahead helps families avoid sudden, stressful decisions.
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