Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Results
Takes about 60 seconds

The True Cost of Dementia

Most families underestimate the lifetime cost of dementia care. By the time expenses become urgent, options have already narrowed.

This calculator gives you a realistic and personalized projection so you can plan ahead, not react.

All projections are based on published data from the Alzheimer's Association (2025), Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey (2024), and AARP caregiver research (2026). No information you enter is stored or shared.

Takes about 60 seconds

The True Cost of Dementia

Step 1 – Situation

This helps us estimate how long your assets cover projected costs and when Medicare eligibility may apply.

Step 2 – Financial Picture

Tell us about the care situation so we can personalise the financial projection.

$
401(k), IRA, bank accounts, investments

$
Market value minus what you owe

$
Social Security+pension + other

This adjusts costs for your area

Tell us about your situation

Disease stage and age determine the care timeline we use for your projection.

Your financial picture

This helps us estimate how long your assets cover projected costs and when Medicaid eligibility may apply.

$
401(k), IRA, bank accounts, investments

$
Market value minus what you owe

$
Social Security+pension + other

This adjusts costs for your area

These numbers are hard to look at. Knowing them now is how families protect what they've built.

Estimated total true cost

$2,393,635

Over 9 years

Disease progression timeline

3 yrs
4 yrs
2 yrs
Early (3 yrs)
Moderate (4 yrs)
Severe (2 yrs)

Cost breakdown

Paid care costs$1,619,571
Unpaid caregiver value$554,975
Caregiver lost wages$122,094
Caregiver out-of-pocket$96,995
Total True Cost $2,393,635

Family financial burden

Portion borne by family (70%)$1,676,545
Average cost per year$266,959
Assets may be depleted in Year 6 Based on your savings, home equity, and projected costs, you could reach Medicaid eligibility in approximately 6 years. Early planning with an elder law attorney is strongly recommended.

Year-by-year asset depletion

YearStageStarting AssetsAnnual CostRemaining
1Early / Mild$350,000$20,848$327,152
2Early / Mild$23,152$30,060$293,842 (↑)
3Early / Mild$293,862$30,895$158,624
4Middle / Moderate$299,917$102,685$58,424
5Middle / Moderate$156,426$107,762$48,664
6Middle / Moderate$48,664$112,550$0
7Middle / Moderate$0$116,003$0
8Late / Severe$0$168,718$0
9Late / Severe$0$129,967$0
Swipe to see all data

Resources & Next Steps

Alzheimer's Assoc. 24/7 Helplinep
Alzheimer's Assoc. 24/7 Helpline
800-273-3900 — Free guidance in 200+ languages
Find your state Medicaid office
Medicaid pre-admission contacts
Elder law attorneys (NAELA)
naela.org — Find a certified attorney in your area
CareScout cost of care
Get local cost estimates by ZIP code
Benefits check-up
Find financial assistance programs for seniors
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