Money is one of the first questions families ask, and it should be. Here is how an adult family home rate is set, what it covers and the ways families pay for it. We do not list dollar figures on this page, because every rate is set after a free care assessment. You get it in writing before you decide anything.
How the Monthly Rate Is Set
Two things set the rate: the level of care your parent needs and the type of room they choose.
Level of care means how much hands-on help a person needs through the day and night. A reminder at pill time and a hand in the shower is a light level of care. Help with every transfer, meal and change of clothes is a higher one. Memory loss, overnight needs and special diets are part of this picture too.
Room type is simpler. A private room costs more than a semi-private room shared with one other resident.
When needs change, the rate can change. We talk with you first, explain why, and put the new rate in writing.
What the Rate Includes
- A furnished private or semi-private room with an adjustable bed
- Three home-cooked meals a day, plus snacks and drinks, prepared for your parent’s diet
- Hands-on help with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting and moving safely
- Help with medications under the care plan, including nurse-delegated tasks
- Laundry, linens and housekeeping
- Activities in the house and the garden, and company every day
- Caregivers in the home 24 hours a day
- Coordination with doctors, home health, therapy and hospice teams
What Is Billed Separately
A few things are not part of the monthly rate:
- Medications and medical supplies, which the pharmacy bills or insurance covers
- Personal items such as clothing, toiletries, a phone or a television
- Doctor visits, therapy, home health and hospice services, which those providers bill directly or through insurance
- Hair appointments, outings with a fee and similar extras, which we agree with you first
We keep this list short and we keep it honest. If something is not covered, we tell you before it happens.
Ways Families Pay
Private Funds
Most residents pay from retirement income, savings, a pension or the proceeds of a home. Some families share the cost between siblings. We can give you a simple monthly statement for your records.
Long-Term Care Insurance
Many policies cover care in a licensed adult family home. Read the policy or call the insurer. Ask about adult family home or assisted living benefits, and about any waiting period. We will fill in the forms the insurer asks for.
Veterans Benefits
Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for the VA pension with Aid and Attendance, which can help pay for care. The rules depend on service, income and health. Ask a county veterans service officer or the VA, and ask us too. We will point you to the right people.
WA Cares Fund
WA Cares is Washington’s long-term care benefit for workers who paid in through payroll. Benefits began in 2026 for eligible workers and can be used toward care in an adult family home. Eligibility depends on work history, so families should confirm with WA Cares directly before counting on it.
Medicaid
Washington’s Medicaid program can pay for adult family home care for people who qualify on care needs, income and assets. Whether a home can accept Medicaid depends on its contract with the state and which rooms are open. Please ask us which funding options we can accept right now, and we will answer plainly.
Let Us Talk It Through
Paying for care is confusing even for people who do it for a living. Call us with your questions. If we cannot answer one, we will tell you who can, such as your local Area Agency on Aging.