Each year, the MetLife Mature Market Institute conducts a market survey of nursing home and assisted living costs in the United States. The 2007 survey was conducted by telephone in 87 major markets in all 50 states and the District of Columbia by LifePlans, Inc., a risk management and consulting services firm.

The survey found that nursing home rates range considerably by region. For example, the Baton Rouge, LA area had the lowest rates for a private room in a nursing home averaging $123 per day, and Alaska the highest averaging $510 daily. For a semi-private room, the Shreveport, LA area was the lowest, with an average daily rate of $115, and Alaska the highest averaging $504 per day.

Assisted living rates also ranged considerably by region, with Indianapolis, IN the lowest ($1,963 monthly) and the Washington, DC area the highest ($5,031 monthly).

A Summary of National Findings

Nursing Homes:

• The 2007 average daily rate for a private room in a nursing home is $213 ($77,745 annually),  $7 or 3.4% increase over the 2006 rate of $206. In 2005 the daily rate was $203.
• The 2007 average daily rate for a semi-private room in a nursing home is $189 ($68,985 annually), a $6 or 3.3% increase over the 2006 rate of $183. In 2005 the daily rate was $176.
• The national average daily cost of a room for Alzheimer’s services is $197, or $71,905 annually.
• Annually, private rooms cost an average of $8,760 more than semi-private accommodations.
• 65% of the nursing homes responding provided separate Alzheimer’s or dementia units, and only 10% charged any additional fee, with most charging a nominal amount, such as $5 - $25 additional per day.
• 79% were freestanding facilities, and 20% had an associated assisted living unit or wing.

Assisted Living:

• The 2007 national average, private pay monthly base rate for a one-bedroom apartment ith a private bath or a private room with a private bath is $2,969 ($35,628 annually), virtually unchanged from the 2006 costs. In 2006, the national average, private pay monthly base rate for a one-bedroom apartment with a private bath or a private room with a private bath was $2,968, or $35, 616 annually. In 2005, the cost was $2,905 or $34,860 annually.
• The 2007 average monthly base rate for Alzheimer’s and dementia care in facilities which charge additional fees is $4,270, or $51,240 annually. Fifty-nine percent of assisted living communities provide Alzheimer’s care up from 48% in 2006.
• Of the 54% of communities charging additional fees for dementia care, the average additional fees totaled $1,110 monthly. The average rate for facilities that do charge additionally for dementia care is $4,270 monthly, or $51,240 annually.

To see the full report, including a breakdown by state, visit the MetLife website.