In 2002, the MetLife Mature Market Institute first pioneered the collection of national market survey data on nursing home, assisted living, and home care costs. Since then this market survey data has been updated and released on an annual basis and in 2007 cost information on adult day services was included for the first time.

For the 2008 report, hourly rates were obtained for home health aides from licensed agencies and for agency-provided homemaker/companion services. Daily rates were obtained for adult day services.

While the 2008 national average hourly rate for homemaker/companions remained unchanged from 2007 at $18 per hour, the average 2008 hourly rate for home health aides increased by 5% from $19 in 2007 to $20 in 2008. Adult day services national average daily rates increased by 5% from $61 in 2007 to $64 in 2008. (Abstract from: http://www.metlife.com/FileAssets/MMI/MMIStudies2008ADSHC.pdf)