Study: Memphis below average for nursing costs

Nursing home rates rose slightly in the last year, but Memphis rates are still below the average, according to a new study released from the MetLife Mature Market Institute.

The study reports that the cost for private and semi-private nursing home rooms nationally increased 3 percent in the last year.

The national average for nursing home care was $213 per day, or $77,745 a year, compared to $206 in 2006. Semi-private rooms increased 3 percent as well to $189 from $183 per day.

Nursing home costs are the highest in Alaska at $510 daily and lowest in Baton Rouge, La. at $123.

Memphis rates for a nursing home private room averaged $169 per day, or $61,685 per year.

Assisted living costs remained virtually unchanged at $2,969 per month or $35,628 yearly.