Introduction:
Understanding costs associated with elderly care, such as assisted living, in-home care, and adult day care can be complicated. This page is intended to assist residents of Nevada in understanding average costs statewide, as well as in particular geographic locations within the state. Financial and care assistance programs that assist in caring for seniors, whether it be at home or in the community, will also be explored.
The compiled list of programs found on this page is inclusive of what is available from the state of Nevada, but it is not inclusive of what is available on a national level. In order to find additional assistance for elderly care on a national level, make sure to use our free Resource Locator Tool. Using this resource can be very valuable, as it allows one to consider all options and choose the one that best fits the current needs and circumstances.
Nevada Eldercare Costs for 2024
Assisted Living / Memory Care
In 2024, according to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey, the most expensive assisted living in Nevada is found in Carson City at an average of $5,904 a month. This is below the nationwide average cost of $5,350 a month. The statewide average cost of assisted living in Nevada is $5,000, which is approximately 7% less than the nationwide average. Assisted living can be found at an even lower monthly average cost in Las Vegas at $4,523.
Alzheimer’s care, also called memory care, generally runs 20% – 30% more than traditional assisted living, due to the increased level of supervision and security.
Home Care
Per Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey, the cost of home care throughout the state of Nevada in 2024 varies from $25 – $38 an hour, with the statewide average being $33 an hour. Carson City and Reno have the costliest hourly average for home care. As with the cost of assisted living, Las Vegas offers more affordable home care.
Home health care, provided by health care professionals, is an option for persons who require minimal medical care. Statewide, the average hourly cost is $30 an hour.
Adult Day Care
As of 2024, Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey indicates that adult day care in Nevada offers the most affordable option when it comes to elder care. On average, the daily rate for adult day care throughout the state is $75. This rate runs fairly consistent throughout the state, regardless of one’s geographic location. Las Vegas is right on par with $75 a day.
Nevada Medicaid Financial Assistance Programs
Medicaid Programs & Waivers for the Elderly
Medicaid State Plan
Medicaid provides health insurance for low-income individuals and families in Nevada, and is a joint program between the federal government and the state. The federal government sets parameters for the program and the state operates the program as they see fit within the given parameters. Nevada Medicaid has a Long-Term Services and Support (LTSS) unit that provides ongoing care for elderly and / or disabled individuals. As with all of the states, Medicaid will cover the cost of nursing home care, as well as some personal care.
Nevada’s Personal Care Services (PCS) program is intended to delay or prevent nursing home placement, enabling those who are elderly or disabled to continue to live independently. Through this program, eligible applicants receive a personal care aide to assist with activities of daily living, such as toiletry, mobility, bathing, dressing, preparing meals, light housekeeping, and shopping for necessities. There is an option for self-direction of care, which means an individual can hire the care provider of their choosing, including some family members. This state program, unlike the waiver programs mentioned below, is an entitlement program. This means all applicants who are eligible to receive services are able to do so, as there is no enrollment cap.
Nevada also offers the Home and Community Based Waiver for the Frail Elderly. Via this program, supportive, non-medical services are available to seniors in their home, in the home of a relative, or in the community. Benefits may include adult day care, respite care, homemaker and chore services, meal preparation, and adult companionship. Personal care services may also be sought in assisted living facilities that have been approved by the state.
Another waiver offered by the state of Nevada is the Home and Community Based Waiver (HCBW) for Persons with Physical Disabilities. This program allows disabled residents who require a nursing home level of care to remain living in the community. This could be in one’s own home, the home of a relative, or an assisted living facility. Supportive benefits include attendant care, homemaker and chore services, meal delivery, personal emergency response systems, and durable medical equipment.
Medicaid Eligibility
In order to be eligible for LTSS, elderly Medicaid applicants in Nevada must meet income and asset requirements. As of 2024, a single individual’s monthly income is capped at $2,829. This amount is equivalent to 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR). The asset limit is set at $2,000, but does exclude certain items, such as a vehicle, an individual’s home (with an equity value up to $713,000), household furnishings, and personal effects.
Applying for Medicaid can be complicated, particularly if an individual is married or is over the income / asset limits. However, being over the income and / or asset limit(s) does not mean one can’t still qualify for Medicaid. There are strategies to restructure finances and “spend down” income and assets. However, these strategies can be tricky, and if not done correctly, can actually disqualify one from Medicaid for a period of time. Applicants who are married or have income and / or assets over the limit(s) may find it helpful to consult with a Medicaid planning professional.
Please note, the qualifications for the state plan Personal Care Services program may differ from those mentioned above.
Nevada Non-Medicaid Assistance Programs
In addition to the Medicaid programs listed above, Nevada currently offers four non-Medicaid assistance programs for the elderly.
The Community Options Program for the Elderly (COPE) is intended for elderly individuals who require a nursing home level of care. Supports available via this program are non-medical and include personal care assistance, adult day care, respite care, housekeeping and laundry, and personal emergency response systems. This program allows for self-direction, meaning an individual may choose their own care provider, including select relatives.
The Homemaker Program provides non-medical assistance to elderly and disabled individuals to assist them in aging in place. A variety of supports are available through this program, including housecleaning, laundry, meal preparation, and grocery shopping.
The Personal Assistance Services (PAS) Program is intended for severely disabled adults and provides in-home services with the intention of preventing nursing home placement. These services include personal care services, such as assistance with eating, grooming, and hygiene, and homemaker services, like housecleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, and meal preparation.
The Assistive Technology for Independent Living (AT/IL) Program is for adult residents of Nevada who are permanently disabled. Through this program, assistive technology, such as grab bars, wheelchairs, star lifts, and walk in tubs, are provided. Home and vehicle modifications are another support offered.
Other Financial Options for Care
In addition to the state specific programs that assist in covering the cost of elderly care in Nevada, there are also federal and non-profit programs available. In order to find other programs that assist in paying for care or reduce your out-of-pocket cost, make sure to use our Resource Locator Tool. This tool makes it easy to locate and consider all of your options and choose the program that best fits the circumstances. Eldercare loans and programs that aid veterans with assisted living are other available options.
Finding Affordable Care
In order to find the most affordable senior care in Nevada, one must check rates with multiple providers. Our organization has partnered with several other organizations that maintain large databases of care providers, and can assist in matching care needs with qualified providers in specific geographic locations. This service is provided free of charge. Click here for help in finding assistance options.
Top Cities for Senior Care in Nevada
For more information about the costs and resources available in Nevada cities, click on the links below.
Top Cities for Memory Care
Top Cities for Assisted Living
