Nearly 9 in 10 Americans receiving Medicaid long-term care are doing so at home or in their community.

The way America cares for its aging population is shifting, and the data makes it undeniable.

According to the most recent federal LTSS (Long-Term Services and Supports) data, nearly 9 in 10 Americans receiving Medicaid long-term care are now doing so at home or in their community rather than in a nursing facility. From 2019 to 2023, home and community-based services grew by 13%, while nursing facility utilization dropped by 18%.

The cost difference tells an equally compelling story. Home-based care averages $17,298 per person per year. Nursing facility care averages $53,152, more than three times the cost. That gap is driving policy, funding decisions, and family choices across the country.

What does this mean for older adults and their families?

It means that home is now the primary site of long-term care in America. And it means that the technology, support systems, and expertise needed to make home safe, connected, and sustainable have never been more important.

At The Gerontechnology Group, we believe this shift is an opportunity — not just a statistic. When older adults can remain in their own homes, surrounded by their communities and the lives they have built, they thrive. Our work is to make sure the technology supporting that choice is chosen wisely, implemented thoughtfully, and centered on dignity.

Explore the full data using our interactive LTSS Data Dashboard →

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