This webpage will help Hawaii residents understand assisted living, home care, and adult day care costs on each island. It also discusses the payment options and financial assistance programs available to help in caring for the elderly, whether in residential care, in the community, or in the home.
The programs available here are comprehensive of what is available from the state of Hawaii. But it is not comprehensive of what is available from the rest of the continental United States. To find the program that is most suitable to your needs, it’s important to also search for nationwide assistance. You can easily do so by using our Resource Locator Tool.
Hawaii Eldercare Costs for 2023
Assisted Living / Memory Care
The average assisted living cost in per Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey 2021, across the state of Hawaii is $5,375. In Honolulu, the monthly average price is the same as the state average. On the island of Maui, in the area of Kahului, less expensive senior living can be found at approximately $3,825 / month. Memory care (for persons with dementias, such as Alzheimer’s disease) can increase the monthly costs by approximately 20% – 30%. This is due to the increased level of supervision and security that is required for these types of patients.
Home Care
According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, home care services for the state of Hawaii, as well as Honolulu, average $30 / hour. However, the average hourly cost of home care is a little less expensive in Kahului ($27.75) than the statewide average. Home health care is another option, and is ideal for those who are in need of minimal medical assistance. The average cost for the state of Hawaii is approximately the same as for home care.
Adult Day Care
Contrary to home care in Hawaii, which is quite expensive, adult day care is much more affordable. Adult day care services, per Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey 2021, cost an average of $75 / day. It can be as low as $65 / day for Kahului residents. Notably, for the same number of hours, adult day care costs well less than half of what in-home care costs.
Hawaii Medicaid Financial Assistance Programs
Medicaid Programs & Waivers for the Elderly
Medicaid in Hawaii will pay for nursing home care for low-income elderly and frail individuals, as well as for limited personal care assistance. However, unlike most states, elderly Hawaii residents do not have Medicaid Waiver options, which have enrollment caps. Instead, the state has chosen to service the aging through a single Medicaid managed care program called Med QUEST. However, like Waivers, the program offers residents Medicaid funded care outside of nursing homes. These benefits may include adult day care, home health services, personal emergency response systems, adult foster care, assisted living, and more. Additional details can be found here. Furthermore, more information about the state’s Community Care Foster Family Homes (CCFFH) program, available through Med QUEST, can be found here.
Medicaid Eligibility
As of 2023, Hawaii states that in order to qualify for Medicaid as a disabled or elderly person, one must be a resident at least 65 years of age, or under 65 and disabled. The monthly income limit is set at $1,398 for an individual, and the asset limit is $2,000. Certain assets are considered exempt, such as the individual’s home (up to $1,033,000 in value), household appliances/furnishings, wedding/engagement rings, a primary vehicle, and a burial spot.
For married couples, the rules change depending on if there is one Medicaid applicant or two. For instance, if only one spouse is applying for Medicaid, a portion of the applicant’s spouse income may be transferred to the non-applicant spouse (the community spouse) as a maintenance needs allowance. Non-applicant spouses are also able to retain a higher level of assets in the form of a community spouse resource allowance. These rules are in place to prevent spousal impoverishment of community spouses.
Medicaid eligibility is complex, especially for married couples. It is recommended that persons unsure of their status consult with a professional in advance of applying.
Hawaii Non-Medicaid Assistance Programs
The state of Hawaii offers four Non-Medicaid assistance programs. These programs provide financial assistance for housing or skilled services in order to keep the disabled and elderly residents of Hawaii from having to leave their homes and move to more costly nursing facilities. Click on the programs below to get more information on specific benefits and eligibility guidelines.
KC offers multiple in-home and community based benefits, such as adult day care, personal care, homemaker services, meal delivery, and transportation assistance.
The Chore Services Program offers in-home assistance to help maintain one’s home in a safe, livable condition, as well as provides personal care assistance. Other benefits include preparation of meals, laundry, yard work, and shopping. This program allows for consumer self-direction. This means individuals are able to choose their own service provider, including some family members.
The Kupuna Caregivers Program provides financial assistance for unpaid primary caregivers of an elderly family member. The caregiver must also be employed outside of the home. Funds may be used toward a variety of assistance, such as adult day care, meal delivery, respite care, and aid with the activities of daily living (ADLs), like bathing, grooming, eating, and mobility.
A fairly new program with limited enrollment, CLP is intended to assist in independent living and prevent nursing home placements. Via a monthly budget, program participants may use the funding on a variety of benefits and services. These include companion care, durable medical equipment, home modifications, and personal care assistance. Unfortunately, this program is not available statewide.
Other Financial Options for Care
Many non-profit and federal options also exist that help pay for care, in addition to the Hawaii specific options that are listed here. Our Resource Locator Tool is invaluable in finding these programs that pay for, or reduce the burden of the cost of care, including loan options and benefits for veterans. Use our tool to find the program that best suits your needs.
Finding Affordable Care in Hawaii
Given that pricing can vary even within the same geographic region, there is good reason to contact multiple providers to find affordable care. Taking into account the difficulties of moving from island to island, one should consider home care services over assisted living or nursing home care in order to find a plan that may be more affordable.
To assist families with the process, our organization includes a free service that pairs an individual’s or family’s specific care needs with senior care providers in their price range and in their constrained geographic area. Click here for help in finding affordable care.
Eldercare Financial Assistance Locator
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Top Cities for Senior Care in Hawaii
For more information about the costs and resources available in Hawaii cities, click on the link below.
