#United States #Long-Term Care #Harrisburg #Pennsylvania #AARP

Long-Term Care Affordability Worsening for Middle-Income Pennsylvanians

Crisis Overview

A recent report from AARP exposes a troubling reality for middle-income seniors in Pennsylvania: costs for long-term care have skyrocketed by nearly 50 percent since 2019. This dramatic increase has effectively undone years of efforts aimed at making long-term care more affordable for older adults. As the price of care surges, the financial strain on seniors and their families intensifies, leading to a pressing need for solutions before it escalates into a full-blown crisis.

Current Financial Landscape

As of 2025, the average annual income for Pennsylvanians over the age of 65 was reported at $55,938. However, this figure pales in comparison to the rising costs of long-term care, each of which exceeds the means of most older adults:

• - Nursing Home Private Room: $155,490
• - Nursing Home Semi-Private Room: $141,985
• - Assisted Living: $73,206
• - Home Health Aide: $53,040

These staggering amounts clearly indicate that the burden of long-term care services can swiftly deplete savings and jeopardize the financial security of many families. The gap between income and care costs is widening at an alarming rate, transforming long-term care affordability from a future concern into an immediate crisis.

The Human Impact

The escalating costs are forcing many families into difficult choices: depleting their savings, relying on unpaid family caregivers, or forgoing necessary care altogether. Bill Johnston-Walsh, AARP Pennsylvania State Director, underscores this reality, stating, "Home care and other long-term care services have quickly become increasingly unaffordable in recent years. As costs rise faster than older adults' household incomes, many families must deplete savings or go without the necessary care.”

National Trends and Findings

Nationally, this trend is echoed in the findings of the AARP report, which reveals that:

• - From 2019 to 2024, the annual median cost of home care services has increased by nearly 50 percent, while the median household income for individuals aged 65 or older has grown by only about 20 percent. This discrepancy makes long-term care increasingly unaffordable.
• - In 2024, a typical household income for seniors was around $60,000, but the annual median cost of home care services alone surpassed $50,000, further emphasizing the financial burden.
• - For households with individuals aged 75 and older, the median financial assets are approximately $50,000, which only covers about a year’s worth of home care or a few months in a nursing home.

Need for Legislative Action

The evidence is compelling: Pennsylvania is at a crossroads regarding long-term care policy. Immediate actions are required to bridge the affordability gap and protect older adults from potential financial devastation. Advocacy for policies that ensure equitable access to long-term care is paramount to prevent families from facing these unfortunate decisions.

Conclusion

As costs for long-term care services continue to climb unchecked, Pennsylvania must mobilize to create strategies that keep care affordable and accessible for all seniors. The findings of the AARP report illustrate the urgency of the situation and signal to policymakers that change is not just necessary, but vital to ensuring the well-being of an aging population. Supporting initiatives that allow older adults to receive care at home and affording them the dignity they deserve in their later years should be a priority for all.

For those wanting to learn more about the financial landscape and detailed numbers, the full report is accessible on AARP’s website.