Free Tool

Stay or go: what does it actually cost?

Compare the one-time cost of making your parent's home safer against the ongoing cost of assisted living or in-home care. No email required — just real numbers to bring to the family conversation.

~$300
~$5,000
~$4,500
~$2,500
~$3,600
~$15,000
~$500
1 yr5 years15 yrs
One-time home modification cost—
Cost of alternative over selected years—
Break-even point—
Money saved by staying home—
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How this comparison works

Home modification costs are one-time expenses — once grab bars, a walk-in shower, or a stairlift are installed, they're paid for. Assisted living and in-home care are ongoing monthly costs that continue for as long as your parent needs them. This calculator compares the total cost of each path over the number of years you select, so you can see the real break-even point rather than just comparing a single upfront number to a single monthly number.

This is a starting point for the conversation, not a complete financial plan — every family's situation involves other factors too, including your parent's specific care needs, local costs in your area, and what they can realistically manage safely at home regardless of cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is aging in place always cheaper than assisted living?

Financially, often yes, especially for the first several years — but it depends heavily on how much care your parent needs. Someone who mainly needs home safety modifications will usually save significantly by staying home. Someone who needs daily medical supervision may find the cost gap narrows or reverses once paid in-home care hours add up.

What if my parent needs more care later?

This is common — many families start with modifications and add paid in-home care hours as needs increase, rather than choosing one path permanently. It's worth planning for that possibility rather than assuming today's needs will stay the same.

Does this calculator account for my specific area's costs?

No — it uses general national averages. Actual costs for both home modifications and care vary significantly by region. Use this as a starting estimate, then get local quotes for a precise number.

This calculator provides general estimates based on national average costs and is not financial or medical advice. Every family's situation is different — use this as a starting point for your own research and conversations, not a final decision.