One of the first questions families ask is: “How much does adult day care cost — and how do families pay for it?” At Aging Care Matters, we believe families deserve clear, honest information without pressure or confusion. Our Adult Day Centers provide a safe, engaging daytime program for older adults while giving caregivers peace of mind, support, and respite. Compared to the rising cost of in-home care, assisted living, or memory care, adult day care is often one of the most affordable ways to help a loved one remain safely at home longer. Below is a quick overview of our costs and what they include. Scroll down the page for more information about these costs. Our current rates are: Daily rates include: Families typically use one or a combination of these payment options: Many families pay out-of-pocket for part-time attendance because it is significantly less expensive than full-time home care or residential care. Some long-term care insurance policies reimburse for adult day care services. Our team can help provide documentation, attendance records, and care information needed for claims reimbursement. In many families, siblings or extended family members share the cost of attendance because they recognize the value of helping a loved one remain safely at home while reducing caregiver burnout. Some families begin with just one or two days per week to create caregiver relief while managing costs. Even limited attendance often provides meaningful emotional, social, and safety benefits. The biggest misconception families have is assuming adult day care is “too expensive” before comparing it to the true cost of the alternatives. Families are often surprised to learn: Many families tell us: “We wish we had started sooner.” Our daily rate is designed to provide families with far more than supervision alone. Each day includes meaningful engagement, structure, support, and peace of mind for both participants and caregivers. The daily rate includes: Here is an honest comparison of common aging care costs in North Carolina: Typical annual costs vary depending on attendance frequency. Examples include: 2 days per week: approximately $10,000–$12,000 annually Even full-time adult day care attendance is significantly less expensive than: Families commonly use a combination of: In some situations, adult day care may qualify as an eligible expense through an HSA or FSA when considered medically necessary. Families should consult their tax advisor, benefits administrator, or insurance provider regarding eligibility requirements and documentation. Many long-term care insurance policies help cover the cost of adult day care services, especially when attendance supports safety, supervision, cognitive needs, or caregiver respite. Families are often relieved to learn that benefits may apply not only to residential care, but also to structured daytime care that helps a loved one remain at home longer. Long-term care insurance paperwork can feel overwhelming, especially during a stressful caregiving season. Our team helps simplify the process by providing documentation families commonly need for reimbursement. We can assist with: One of the most common issues families face is not realizing they should initiate their policy early in order to begin receiving credit toward their elimination period. Many policies require families to satisfy a waiting or “elimination” period before benefits begin paying. Families sometimes delay opening a claim because they assume they should wait until care needs become more severe. Unfortunately, this can delay reimbursement unnecessarily. We often encourage families to: You do not have to figure this out alone. In most cases, we can help families identify which payment options, insurance benefits, or budgeting approaches may apply in under 30 minutes. Whether you are exploring adult day care for the first time or trying to compare care costs, our team is here to provide honest guidance without pressure. Call us at 919-525-6464 or schedule a consultation to discuss: In most cases, traditional Medicare does not cover adult day care services. One important exception is the newer Medicare GUIDE respite program, which may provide eligible families with covered respite days through approved providers such as Aging Care Matters. In some situations, adult day care expenses may qualify as a deductible medical expense under Section 213 of the IRS tax code when services are considered medically necessary and related to the treatment or care of a chronic illness or cognitive impairment. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances, medical documentation, and tax status. Families should consult their CPA or tax professional regarding qualification requirements, documentation, and potential deductions. We frequently work with families using policies from carriers such as: Every policy is different, and families are encouraged to review their individual coverage details.
Understanding Adult Day Care Cost & Our Payment Options
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Contact Our Team
Our Adult Day Care Cost
The Most Common Ways Families Pay
Private Pay
Long-Term Care Insurance
Family Support & Shared Caregiving
The Most Common Cost Misconception
What’s Included in the Daily Rate?
Comparing The Cost To Alternative Forms Of Care
Care Option
Typical Cost
Adult Day Care
Appx $80–$125/day
In-Home Care
$35–$40/hour
8 Hours of In-Home Care Daily
Often $280+ per day
Memory Care Community
$7,000–$12,000/month
Skilled Nursing Facility
$10,000+/month
Payment option 1: Private pay
Average Cost at Our Adult Day Centers
3 days per week: approximately $15,600 annually
5 days per week: approximately $26,000 annually
How Families Often Budget for Care
Payment option 2: Long-term Care Insurance
Using Long-Term Care Insurance for Adult Day Care
How We Help Families File Claims
The Most Common LTC Insurance Hiccup We Help Families Navigate
A Note From Carla, Our Owner and Founder
Frequently Asked Admission Questions
Does Medicare Cover Adult Day Care?
Is Adult Day Care Tax Deductible?
What are some common long-term care insurance carriers in North Carolina
