No commissions. No conflicts. Just clarity.

Honest guidance for
the people you love

Finding care — for a parent or a child — shouldn't mean navigating a system designed to profit from your confusion.

We are paid by families, not facilities. All information you share is kept completely anonymous — our recommendations are yours alone.

Who are you looking to find care for today?

Caring for a parent

Nursing homes, memory care, assisted living, home modifications — honest guidance based on your parent's specific needs, not referral commissions.

Start eldercare assessment

Caring for a child

Daycares, preschools, nannies, after-school programs — unbiased recommendations built around your child, not commission rates.

Start childcare assessment
Zero facility commissions — ever
All responses kept completely anonymous
Free assessment, always
Patient voice always comes first

How it works

Clarity in three honest steps

No sales calls. No referral pressure. Just a clear picture of what care fits your situation.

01

Tell us about your situation

Complete our free assessment — built by geriatric and childcare specialists. We ask about medical needs, preferences, location, and budget. If the person needing care can participate, we make sure their voice is heard directly. All information you provide is kept completely anonymous.

02

Receive an honest recommendation

We tell you which type of care fits best — including free public options most platforms never mention. No sponsored listings. No hidden rankings. Our assessment has no financial relationship with any facility.

03

Get the full picture

Unlock a complete report: facility ratings, real pricing, inspection history, red flags, and a personalized visit checklist. One flat fee — $29 per report, or $45 for both eldercare and childcare. We explain every recommendation in plain language.

Our commitment

Built to be on your side

The eldercare and childcare industries run on referral commissions. We don't. Here's exactly what that means.

We never take facility commissions. Our only revenue is what families pay us. The moment we take a referral fee, our advice becomes conflicted.

Your data is not a product. We will never sell your family's health, care, or financial information to facilities, insurers, or advertisers.

We surface every option — including the free ones. Government programs, PACE, Area Agencies on Aging — we include them because they may be the right answer for your family, not because of what they pay us.

We give you confidence, not false certainty. Where professional judgment is essential — legal, medical, financial — we tell you exactly what to ask and who to ask it, rather than pretend the algorithm has all the answers.

$0
Facility referral commissions received.
This will never change.
100%
Of our revenue comes from families.
That's why our advice is yours.
Free
Safety warnings, crisis resources,
and public program information. Always.
Eldercare

Everything your family needs
to find honest care for a parent

The eldercare industry runs on referral commissions. We don't. Our assessment is built around your parent's specific needs — not who pays us the most.

Care type recommendation

We match your parent to the right level of care — aging in place with support, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, or PACE. Based on their medical, cognitive, social, and financial situation. Not a generic suggestion.

Home care vs facility — honest comparison
Urgency rating with specific reasoning
4 scored dimensions of your situation

5 ranked local facilities

Specific facilities near your zip code, ranked by fit to your parent's needs. Every listing shows what we found, not what they paid to show you — including inspection records, staffing data, real monthly costs, and contract red flags.

Fit score + pros and cons for each
Phone, website, monthly cost per facility
Warning flags and inspection guidance

14 financial aid programs

An estimated $30 billion in senior benefits goes unclaimed every year. Your report surfaces every program your parent may qualify for — with eligibility, how to apply, and verified phone numbers.

VA Aid & Attendance — up to $2,874/mo
Medicaid/ALTCS, PACE, Medicare Extra Help
New $6,000 senior deduction (2025–2028)

Legal documents checklist

12 essential documents — sorted by urgency. Durable POA, Healthcare Proxy, Advance Directive, POLST, Will, HIPAA Release, and more. Each one with why it matters, where to get it, and what it costs.

Interactive checklist you can tick off
4 urgency tiers — critical to conditional
Tips, sources, and cost for every document

Financial runway calculator

The question families wish someone had answered earlier: how long will resources last across each care scenario? We model in-home care, assisted living, and skilled nursing side by side — and explain the Medicaid pathway when funds run out.

3 scenarios with real monthly cost estimates
Years of runway at different savings levels
ALTCS/Medicaid transition explained clearly

Care progression map + move-in guide

All 6 stages of the care journey mapped and explained. Your parent pinpointed at their current stage. A move-in day guide that covers what to bring, what not to bring, and the 30-day rule most families are never told about.

6-stage visual from independent to hospice
Contract red flags decoder (5 clauses)
Caregiver support resources for the family

Why this matters

The largest eldercare referral service charges facilities $3,000–$6,000 per placement. We charge that to no one.

When a service earns money from the facility they recommend, the facility is the customer — not your family. A Senate committee has formally investigated the largest of these services for this conflict. Honesttly earns nothing from facilities. Your report belongs to you.

$0
facility commissions received — ever

Free assessment · No account required · No facilities paid to appear in your report

Childcare

Most parents choose childcare on a tour and a gut feeling.
We show you what the tour never will.

Quality childcare has 3–9 month waitlists. The market is opaque. And the thing that actually predicts whether your child thrives — staff turnover — is the thing most tours never show you.

Care type recommendation

We match your child to the right type of care based on their age, developmental stage, schedule needs, and your budget — daycare center, home daycare, nanny, Montessori, preschool, or after-school. Specific, not generic.

Urgency rating — most centers have waitlists
4 scored dimensions of your situation
Honest reason for the recommendation

5 ranked local providers

Specific licensed providers near your zip code, ranked by fit to your child's needs. Real staff ratios, hours, monthly costs, pros and cons — not paid listings or sponsored results.

Fit score + pros and cons for each
Staff ratio, hours, phone, website
Licensing and inspection guidance

12 financial aid programs

Most families overpay for childcare because they don't know what's available. Your report surfaces every credit, subsidy, and program you may qualify for — with deadlines, how to apply, and exactly how much you can save.

DCFSA raised to $7,500/yr — enrollnow
EITC up to $8,046 · Child Tax Credit $2,200
CCDF subsidies · Head Start (free) · WIC

Legal enrollment checklist

12 documents sorted by urgency. Birth certificate, immunization records, health statement, emergency contact authorization, DCFSA confirmation, provider's EIN for the tax credit, and more — with where to get each and what it costs.

Interactive checklist you tick off as you go
Critical vs high vs moderate urgency tiers
Tips and sources for every document

Developmental milestone tracker

What your child should be doing right now — language, social, and physical milestones for their exact age. What a quality provider should be supporting. The specific questions to ask providers about your child's development.

Language, social, and physical benchmarks
Green / amber / red flags for each area
Signs the placement is working — post-enrollment

Settling-in guide + red flags

Nobody tells you what the first two weeks actually look like. We do. Week-by-week guide, what actually helps, what makes it harder. Red flags to watch for after enrollment — and a 4-step escalation plan if something concerns you.

Week-by-week first month breakdown
Contract hidden fees decoder (7 charges)
What to do if something concerns you

The thing most tours won't show you

Staff turnover is the single most predictive measure of childcare quality. Ask for the room-specific rate — not the company average.

Children form emotional bonds with 2–3 caregivers in their first year. When those people leave repeatedly, it disrupts confidence, language development, and the ability to trust. Our assessment makes sure you ask the right question — and helps you read the answer honestly.

$0
provider commissions received — ever

Free assessment · No account required · No providers paid to appear in your report

Pricing

Simple, honest pricing

One flat fee per report. No subscriptions. No upsells. The free tier is genuinely useful — not a teaser.

For Families
Free
$0
Always free, no account required
  • Full care type assessment
  • Recommended care category
  • Red flag & safety warnings
  • Free public resource list
  • Crisis support resources
Most popular
Single report
$29
One eldercare or childcare report
  • Everything in free
  • 5 ranked local providers
  • Real cost comparison engine
  • Financial aid calculator
  • Legal documents checklist
  • Questions to ask providers
Bundle
$45
Both eldercare and childcare reports
  • Everything in single report × 2
  • Full eldercare report
  • Full childcare report
  • Financial aid for both verticals
  • Save $13 vs buying separately
For Employers

A benefit your employees actually need

1 in 5 of your employees is managing a care crisis right now — on your time

Caregiving employees lose 6–8 hours of productivity every week navigating eldercare and childcare decisions. Most never ask HR for help. They just burn out quietly, then leave. Honesttly gives them a clear, unbiased path forward in under 20 minutes.

$36B
Lost annually
to caregiver presenteeism
73%
Of caregiver employees
say it affects performance
1 in 5
Of your workforce
managing a crisis today
Employer plans from
$299/mo
Unlimited employee assessments
  • ✓Full reports for every employee
  • ✓HR analytics dashboard
  • ✓Productivity & ROI reporting
  • ✓Zero facility commissions, ever

Eldercare Assessment

Let's find the right care for your parent

This free assessment takes about 4 minutes. Your answers are completely anonymous.

Free · Anonymous · No account needed
Step 1 of 5

Childcare Assessment

Let's find the right care for your child

This free assessment takes about 4 minutes. Your answers are completely anonymous.

Free · Anonymous · No account needed
Step 1 of 5
For Employers

Turn care stress into
retained talent

Honesttly for Business gives every employee honest, unbiased guidance for eldercare and childcare — the two biggest sources of productivity loss in your workforce.

61%
of your workforce affected by eldercare or childcare stress
$33B
lost annually to care-related productivity loss
6hrs
average weekly productivity loss per affected employee
$299+
per month — full access for your entire team

What you get

Everything your HR team needs

One platform, two verticals, zero conflicts of interest. Your employees get honest guidance. You get measurable ROI.

HR dashboard

Real-time utilization data, employee care type breakdowns, and benefit ROI metrics. See who's using the benefit and how it's impacting your team.

Employee portal

A branded portal your employees access via company code. Full eldercare and childcare assessments with AI-generated reports — included in their benefit.

Complete privacy

Individual employee responses are never visible to HR. You see aggregate utilization only. We are legally prohibited from sharing individual care data with employers.

Utilization analytics

Monthly reports showing benefit usage rates, care categories employees are navigating, and productivity impact estimates for your CFO.

Instant onboarding

Live in 48 hours. We generate a unique company access code, a branded portal URL, and an email template you can send to all employees immediately.

Simple flat pricing

Monthly flat fee by company size. No per-report charges, no usage limits, no surprises. Every employee gets full access to both verticals.

Employer pricing

Flat monthly fee by company size

Covers all employees. Both eldercare and childcare. Unlimited reports. No hidden costs.

Starter · 50–150 emp
$299
per month
Full platform access for your entire team. Both eldercare and childcare verticals included.
Growth · 151–500 emp
$749
per month
Includes HR dashboard, utilization reporting, and dedicated onboarding support.
Business · 501–1,500 emp
$1,499
per month
Priority support, custom branding on employee portal, and quarterly business reviews.
Enterprise · 1,500+ emp
$2,999
per month
Custom integrations, HRIS sync, SSO, dedicated account manager, and SLA guarantee.
Benefits overview
Last updated March 26, 2026 · Q1 2026
Monthly assessments
12-month trend · Apr 2025 – Mar 2026
Eldercare Childcare
554025100
Adoption funnel
Employee journey through the benefit
Usage by department
Assessments completed per team
Elder Child
Absenteeism impact
Unplanned absences per quarter, per caregiving employee
Before Honesttly
4.2
absences/quarter
−24%
After Honesttly
3.2
absences/quarter
Based on 847 active caregiving employees Saves ~$182,000/year in absence costs
Hours reclaimed by care stage
Average time employees spend per stage — before vs. after Honesttly
46h
avg. saved per employee
38,962 hrs across 847 employees
Research & discovery
Finding providers, understanding care options
12h → 2h −10h saved
2h with Honesttly 12h without
Vetting & comparing providers
Calling, interviewing, checking references
22h → 4h −18h saved
4h with Honesttly 22h without
Setup & coordination
Scheduling, paperwork, logistics & handoffs
9h → 2h −7h saved
2h with Honesttly 9h without
Active care management
Ongoing adjustments, check-ins & communication
5h/mo → 1.5h/mo −3.5h/mo saved
1.5h/mo with Honesttly 5h/mo without
Crisis & transition response
Sudden changes, emergency placement, care transitions
14h → 3h −11h saved
3h with Honesttly 14h without
Estimates based on employee self-reported time + care coordination research benchmarks 70–83% time reduction per stage
Annual impact report · 2025–2026
What Honesttly delivered
for your people this year
Acme Corporation
847 employees · Q1 2026
38,962
hours reclaimed from care coordination
≡ 19.5 FTE-years of productivity
$2.1M
in financial aid surfaced for employees
VA Aid & Attendance, Medicaid waivers & more
$182K
saved in unplanned absence costs
24% reduction in caregiver absences
312
employees who found and enrolled a provider
37% conversion rate from assessment
4.8/5
average employee satisfaction score
Based on 289 post-placement surveys
$0
facility commissions ever accepted
Every recommendation is 100% unbiased
Data reflects active enrollees Jan 2025 – Mar 2026. Financial aid figures are projected annual value based on qualifying employee assessments.
Employee success stories
The people behind the numbers
MR
Maria R.
Engineering · Eldercare
Enrolled

“I was spending every lunch break making calls about my mom’s memory care. Honesttly gave me a ranked list and a checklist in 20 minutes. I cried. It felt like someone finally understood.”

Hours saved 38h reclaimed
Aid identified $25,200/yr VA benefit
DK
David K.
Sales · Childcare
Enrolled

“We were on three daycare waitlists and my wife was about to leave her job. Honesttly found us a licensed in-home provider two miles away. We didn’t even know that option existed.”

Hours saved 52h reclaimed
Retention impact Avoided turnover
TL
Theresa L.
Operations · Eldercare
Enrolled

“My dad had a stroke in October. I had no idea where to start. The crisis checklist Honesttly generated was the first thing that made me feel like I wasn’t drowning. I stayed in my role because of this.”

Hours saved 61h reclaimed
Aid identified $18,400/yr Medicaid waiver
Recent activity
Employees
Invite Employees
Share your access code or send direct invitations
Access code: ACME2025
Employee Department Status Assessments Last Activity
Analytics
Utilization trend
Activation rate and completion — last 12 months
Care needs by department
Eldercare vs childcare burden per team
Engagement funnel
Employee journey from eligibility to care arranged
Absenteeism impact
Unplanned absences per quarter per caregiving employee
Downloadable reports
Board-ready exports and utilization summaries
Settings
Company profile
Basic information about your organisation
Plan & billing
Your current subscription details
CURRENT PLAN
Growth
$749/month · 151–500 employees
NEXT BILLING DATE
Apr 15, 2026
Monthly · Auto-renews
EMPLOYEES COVERED
1,200
847 activated · 71% rate
Access management
Control how employees access their benefit
Allow employee self-registration with company code
Employees can access using ACME2025 without an invitation
Company access code
Share with your team: ACME2025
Require manager approval for assessment access
Managers must approve before employees can start
Allow employees to share reports with family members
Employees can export and share their personal report
Notification preferences
Choose what updates you receive by email
Data & privacy
How your data is stored and used
Data retention period
24 months
Anonymized analytics only — no PII stored
Executive summary
Board-ready view · Acme Corporation · Q1 2026
The ROI equation — FY 2025–2026
Program cost
$8,988
$0.88/employee/mo
→
Productivity
$508K
38,962 hrs × $13/hr
+
Turnover avoided
$672K
4 employees × $168K ea.
+
Aid claimed
$700K
VA + Medicaid waivers
=
Return on investment
57:1
$1.88M value · $8,988 cost
Productivity value based on BLS avg. $26.30/hr fully-loaded wage at 50% recovery rate. Turnover replacement cost at 150% of salary per SHRM methodology. Aid figures are employee-reported enrolled benefits.
Where every dollar comes from
Value buckets a CFO can independently verify
Productivity reclaimed $507,840
BLS wage data
Turnover avoided $672,000
SHRM replacement methodology
Financial aid claimed $700,000
Employee-reported, verifiable
Honesttly cost $8,988
0.48% of total value
Quarterly ROI trajectory
Compounding return as adoption grows
57:1
9:1
Q1 $2.40/emp
18:1
Q2 $1.95/emp
34:1
Q3 $1.42/emp
57:1
Q4 $0.88/emp
Cost per employee dropped 63% as adoption compounded. ROI grew 6× in four quarters.
Employees retained
Replacement cost at 150% of salary — SHRM methodology
$957,500
total avoided turnover cost
MH
Maria H.
Operations Manager
Tenure8 years
Care typeDual caregiver
Salary$112K
Replacement cost$168K
✓ Retained — enrolled Q2
JT
James T.
Senior Engineer
Tenure11 years
Care typeEldercare
Salary$145K
Replacement cost$217K
✓ Retained — enrolled Q1
PS
Priya S.
Product Manager
Tenure5 years
Care typeChildcare
Salary$98K
Replacement cost$147K
✓ Retained — enrolled Q3
KM
Kevin M.
Finance Director
Tenure6 years
Care typeEldercare
Salary$138K
Replacement cost$207K
⚠ At risk — not yet enrolled
Before Honesttly, Acme averaged 4 caregiver-related resignations per year. This year: 0 confirmed, 1 at risk.
Benefit comparison — ROI stack rank
All active benefits ranked by return on investment
Benefit
Annual cost
Cost/employee
ROI
Honesttly
Care navigation benefit
$8,988
$10.61
57:1
EAP (Employee Assistance)
Mental health + crisis support
$42,350
$50.00
3:1
Telemedicine
Virtual health visits
$38,115
$45.00
2.8:1
Gym / wellness stipend
Fitness reimbursement
$72,000
$85.00
1.2:1
Honesttly delivers 19× the ROI of the next-best benefit at 12.5% of the cost. If budget cuts come, this is the last benefit to cut.
The invisible workforce tax
Caregiving was costing Acme $2.4M/year before Honesttly — and nobody knew it
Before Honesttly — $2.4M/year
Unplanned absences $840K
Lost at-desk productivity $1.1M
Caregiver turnover $460K
−78%
After Honesttly — $518K/year
Unplanned absences $152K
Lost at-desk productivity $268K
Caregiver turnover $98K
The remaining $518K cannot reach $0. Caregiving is hard, and some disruption is unavoidable. Honesttly’s job is to make it manageable, not invisible — and the data shows it is working.
If Honesttly is cancelled — what happens next
Four quantified consequences of removing this benefit
1
Productivity loss returns
+$507,840 annual cost
38,962 hours of care coordination return to disrupting workdays
2
Turnover risk restarts
+$672,000 at-risk replacement costs
4 high-tenure employees estimated to resign within 12 months
3
Aid access ends immediately
+$700,000 in unclaimed employee benefits
VA Aid & Attendance, Medicaid waivers, and subsidy guidance gone
4
Absenteeism rebounds
+$364,000 in absence-related costs
24% reduction in absences reverses — 847 caregiving employees, 4.2 absences/quarter
Cancellation triggers $2,243,840 in annual exposure
Against an $8,988 annual cost, cancellation is a 249:1 losing trade.
Cost to cancel
$2.24M
Take-away · FY 2025–2026
Four numbers that tell the whole story
57:1
Return on investment
Highest in your benefits stack
$922K
Financial aid claimed
VA, Medicaid & subsidy programs
0
Caregiving resignations
Was 4/year before Honesttly
$0.88
Per employee per month
Less than a cup of coffee
Data reflects Jan 2025 – Mar 2026. Prepared for board presentation. All figures auditable on request.
Honesttly
Employee Benefit Portal
Enter your company code
Your employer has given you access to Honesttly as part of your benefits. Enter the code from your HR team to get started.
Try ACME2025 or MERIDIAN to see demo portals.
Don't have a code? Ask your HR team.

Your employer can only see aggregate usage — never your individual responses. Learn more

Eldercare Guidance

Honest guidance for finding care
for your parent

Whether your parent needs to stay home safely, move to assisted living, or access specialized memory care — the path forward is complicated, emotional, and full of people with financial interests that conflict with yours.

Honesttly takes no commissions from any facility. Our recommendations are built around your parent's specific needs — not who pays us the highest referral fee.

What our assessment covers
✓Medical needs, mobility and cognitive status
✓Care type matched to your parent's specific situation
✓5 ranked local facilities with pros, cons and fit scores
✓14 financial aid programs — VA, Medicaid, PACE and more
✓Legal documents checklist and care progression map
✓Financial runway calculator across 3 care scenarios
Our commitment

We receive $0 in facility commissions. Ever. The moment we accept a referral fee, our advice becomes conflicted — and you deserve advice that belongs to you alone.

What we help with

Every stage of the eldercare journey

Most families face this without a roadmap. We give you one — from the first conversation about care needs through to facility selection, legal preparation, and transition support.

Aging in place

Home modifications, in-home care options, medical alert systems, and funding programs that let your parent stay home longer and more safely than you might think possible.

Home modification guide →

Memory care

What memory care is, who it's for, what it costs, and the specific questions to ask on every tour. Honest guidance on when it's the right decision — and when it isn't yet.

Memory care guide →

Nursing homes & assisted living

What to check before you visit, what to observe during an unannounced tour, and what contract clauses can seriously harm your family if left unread before signing.

Nursing home checklist →

PACE — free comprehensive care

The program that covers medical, social, and long-term care at no cost for qualifying Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries — and one most families never hear about. Check if your parent qualifies.

PACE guide →

Free personalized assessment

Answer 11 questions. Get a personalized report with ranked local facilities, every financial aid program you qualify for, a legal documents checklist, and an honest recommendation.

Start now — free →

Financial aid & tax relief

VA Aid & Attendance pays up to $2,874/mo. PACE covers comprehensive care free. A new $6,000 senior tax deduction is available 2025–2028. Most families claiming none of this.

Medicaid / ALTCS long-term care coverage
VA Aid & Attendance — $1,000–$2,874/mo
New senior deduction $6,000/person (2025–2028)
SNAP, LIHEAP, SSI, Medicare Extra Help

What most families don't know

The eldercare industry is built on commissions. Ours isn't.

The largest eldercare placement service in the US generates revenue by charging facilities $3,000–$6,000 each time they refer a family. The US Senate has formally investigated whether this creates a conflict of interest. It does.

When a service is paid by the facility, the facility is the customer — not your family. Honesttly is paid only by families. That is the only model where the advice belongs to you.

$0
Facility referral commissions received — ever. This will never change regardless of how we grow.
14
Financial aid programs surfaced in every eldercare report — including ones most placement services never mention because they generate zero referral revenue.
Free
Complete assessment with care recommendation, legal checklist, financial aid, provider shortlist, and an honest word. No credit card required.

The care journey

We help at every stage

Most families plan reactively — after a fall, a hospitalization, or a crisis. Planning one stage ahead consistently produces better placements, lower costs, and less family trauma.

Stage 1
Independent living
Fully self-sufficient. Best time to prepare legal documents and research options.
Stage 2
In-home support
Aides, meal delivery, medication reminders. Honesttly identifies free local services.
Stage 3 ← Most families
Assisted living
24hr oversight, meals, medication management. Honesttly ranks and compares local options.
Stage 4
Memory care
Secured unit, specialist dementia programming. Honesttly flags which facilities have this.
Stage 5
Skilled nursing
Complex medical needs. Honesttly checks staffing ratios and inspection records.
Stage 6
Hospice
Comfort-focused care. Honesttly identifies local hospice resources and family support.

Start with a free assessment

11 questions. A personalized report with provider rankings, financial aid, legal checklist, and an honest recommendation. No account needed.

Childcare Guidance

Honest guidance for finding the right
care for your child

Choosing a daycare, preschool, or nanny is one of the most consequential decisions you will make for your child. The childcare market is opaque, expensive, and full of waitlists no one warned you about.

Honesttly takes no commissions from any provider. Our recommendations are built around your child's developmental stage, schedule, and needs — not referral fees.

What our assessment covers
✓Child's age, developmental stage, and specific needs
✓Care type recommendation — daycare, preschool, nanny, or more
✓5 ranked local providers with pros, cons, and fit scores
✓12 financial aid programs — DCFSA, CCDF, EITC, and more
✓Legal enrollment documents checklist
✓Settling-in guide, milestone tracker, and red flags after enrollment
Our commitment

We receive $0 in provider commissions. The childcare referral market is large and growing. We will never participate in it. Our advice belongs to your family — not to the provider who pays us most.

What we help with

Every childcare decision, supported

From finding the right type of care for your child's age and needs, to understanding subsidy programs, to knowing what red flags to watch for after enrollment.

Choosing a daycare

The one thing that actually predicts childcare quality — and it is not the building or the curriculum. What to check before you visit, and what the waitlist reality looks like in your market.

Daycare guide →

Preschool checklist

Play-based vs structured vs Montessori — what the differences actually mean for your child. What to observe during a visit, and the questions most parents forget to ask the director.

Preschool guide →
👩‍👧

Nanny vs daycare

The honest side-by-side comparison across cost, consistency, flexibility, peer socialization, and licensing. Which option fits which situation — and the age at which the answer often changes.

See comparison →

Subsidies & tax credits

The DCFSA limit was permanently raised to $7,500 in 2026. The EITC pays up to $8,046 back. Head Start is free for qualifying families. Most families claiming none of this.

See all programs →

Free personalized assessment

Answer 11 questions. Get a ranked provider list, every financial aid program you qualify for, a legal enrollment checklist, a developmental milestone tracker, and a settling-in guide.

Start now — free →

After enrollment support

The transition is not over when you sign the contract. Our report includes a week-by-week settling-in guide, developmental milestone tracker, red flags to watch for, and a 4-step escalation plan if something concerns you.

Week-by-week settling-in guide
Developmental milestone tracker
Red flags after enrollment — what to do

What most families miss

The thing that predicts childcare quality most is the thing most tours won't show you.

Children form genuine emotional bonds with 2–3 caregivers in their first year. When those people leave repeatedly, children experience disruptions that affect their confidence, language development, and ability to trust. This is developmental science.

The single most important question you can ask a childcare provider is: what is the staff turnover rate in my child's specific room in the last 12 months? Our assessment makes sure you ask it — and helps you interpret the answer.

$0
Provider commissions received. Our only revenue is what families pay us directly.
12
Financial aid programs in every childcare report — including time-sensitive ones with enrollment windows most families miss entirely.
Free
Complete assessment including provider rankings, financial aid, legal checklist, milestone tracker, and settling-in guide. No credit card required.

Start with a free assessment

11 questions. A personalized report with provider rankings, financial aid, legal enrollment checklist, milestone tracker, and honest advice. No account needed.

Eldercare Guide

Memory care — what it is,
who it's for, and what it costs

Memory care is not just "a nicer nursing home." It is a specialized residential environment designed specifically for people with Alzheimer's, dementia, and other cognitive conditions that affect safety and daily functioning.

Key Takeaways
1.Memory care costs $4,200–$9,500+/mo nationally — roughly $2,000/mo more than standard assisted living
2.The key differentiators are secured environments, higher staff ratios (1:4–1:6), and dementia-specific programming
3.Wandering risk and caregiver burnout are the two clearest indicators it’s time
4.Medicare does not cover long-term memory care — plan before you need it

What makes memory care different from assisted living

Secured environment
Memory care units are physically secured — residents cannot wander outside unsupervised. This is the single most important safety feature for people with moderate to advanced dementia.
Higher staff ratios
Typically 1:4 to 1:6 staff-to-resident vs 1:8 in standard assisted living. Staff are specifically trained in dementia behaviors, communication, and non-pharmacological intervention.
Structured programming
Activities are specifically designed around preserved cognitive abilities — music therapy, reminiscence therapy, sensory activities. Not generic bingo.
Dementia-specific environment
Physical design matters: circular walking paths, reduced visual noise, consistent lighting, cue-based wayfinding. These are not cosmetic — they reduce confusion and falls.

When is memory care the right choice?

These are the clinical and practical signals that memory care — rather than in-home care or standard assisted living — is appropriate.

⚠
Wandering risk
Your parent has left the house confused, got lost, or attempts to leave without awareness of danger. This is the clearest indicator.
⚑
Sundowning behavior
Significant agitation, confusion, or behavioral disturbance in the late afternoon or evening that disrupts safety.
⚠
Caregiver can no longer manage safely
24-hour supervision is required and cannot be reliably provided at home without clinical support.
⚑
Stage 5+ Alzheimer's / moderate-severe dementia
Inability to recognise family members, severe language impairment, loss of most daily living skills.
⚑
Falls or injury risk from confusion
Repeated falls, stove left on, medication mistakes, or other safety events from cognitive impairment.
→
Social isolation is accelerating decline
Dementia progresses faster in isolation. A structured community environment can slow cognitive decline.

What memory care costs — honestly

National average
$6,160/mo
$73,920/yr — higher than standard assisted living by ~$2,000/mo
Low end
$4,200/mo
Smaller facilities, lower cost-of-living areas — check inspection records carefully
High end
$9,500+/mo
Urban markets, premium facilities, private rooms with additional services
What Medicare covers: Medicare does not cover long-term memory care. It covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing rehab after a qualifying hospital stay — that is it. Long-term memory care is paid by private funds, long-term care insurance, or Medicaid once private funds are exhausted. Plan for this before you need it.

What to ask on every memory care tour

QWhat is your staff-to-resident ratio on night shifts specifically?
QHow many of your direct care staff are dementia-certified (e.g. CDP certification)?
QWhat is your average staff tenure in the memory care unit?
QHow do you handle a resident who refuses care or becomes aggressive?
QWhat is your policy when a resident's condition progresses significantly?
QDo you have a secured outdoor space residents can access daily?
QWhat family communication do I receive — how often and in what form?
QCan I visit unannounced at any time, including evenings?
Related guides
Nursing home checklist PACE programs Home modifications

Every family's situation is different. Our free assessment gives you personalized recommendations based on your specific needs — including local providers, cost estimates, and financial aid programs you may qualify for.

Get a personalized memory care recommendation
Answer 11 questions about your parent's specific situation and get a ranked list of local memory care options, financial aid programs, and a visit checklist tailored to their needs.

Eldercare Guide

Nursing home checklist —
what to verify before you sign

Most families tour a nursing home once, like what they see, and sign the contract. These are the checks that should happen before that visit, during it, and before the pen hits paper.

Key Takeaways
1.Always check Medicare Care Compare inspection reports before touring — the star rating alone is misleading
2.Visit unannounced on a weekday morning to see the real daily experience
3.Confirm Medicaid acceptance in writing before admission if there’s any chance your parent will need it later
4.Read the arbitration clause — most facilities will remove it if you ask

Before you visit — do this at home

Check Medicare Care Compare
Go to medicare.gov/care-compare. Every Medicare/Medicaid-certified nursing home is rated and has its last 3 years of inspection reports publicly available. Read the actual citations — not just the star rating.
Look up state licensing complaints
Your state health department holds complaint records beyond what Medicare shows. Search "[state] nursing home complaints" to find the portal. Recent complaint patterns matter more than the overall star.
Check staffing data
Medicare Care Compare shows staffing hours per resident per day. The national average is about 3.5 hours. Below 2.5 is a serious red flag — this means residents wait.
Confirm the facility accepts Medicaid
If there is any chance your parent may eventually need Medicaid, confirm the facility accepts it before you visit. Many don't — and a forced move later is devastating.

During the visit — observe, don't just ask

Arrive unannounced
Scheduled tours show you the prepared version. Visit at 10am on a Tuesday without calling ahead. The smell, noise level, and resident engagement you see then is closer to daily reality.
Watch how staff interact with residents
Are residents addressed by name? Does staff make eye contact? Are residents left in hallways without engagement for long periods? These behavioral signals matter more than the carpet.
Ask to see the dining room at meal time
Meal service quality and how residents are assisted with eating is one of the strongest indicators of overall care quality — and one of the easiest to observe.
Count staff on the floor
Ask the administrator the current staff-to-resident ratio. Then count for yourself during your visit. Discrepancies are common.

Before signing — contract review

Request the full fee schedule in writing
The monthly rate covers a specific care level. Ask for every possible additional charge written out: medication management, incontinence supplies, therapy, enhanced care levels, laundry.
Ask about the arbitration clause
Many contracts require you to waive your right to sue in court. Ask for it to be removed. Most facilities will remove it if asked — their willingness tells you something.
Confirm Medicaid transition rights
Ask in writing: if my parent exhausts private funds, can they remain in this facility on Medicaid? Get this answer before admission, not after funds run out.
Understand the discharge policy
A facility can discharge a resident for several reasons. Know exactly what they are and what notice you will receive. Under federal law, residents have appeal rights — know them.
Related guides
Memory care guide Home modifications

Every family's situation is different. Our free assessment gives you personalized recommendations based on your specific needs — including local providers, cost estimates, and financial aid programs you may qualify for.

Get a personalized care recommendation
Our assessment tells you whether a nursing home is the right fit — and if so, surfaces the inspection records, staffing data, and contract red flags for specific facilities near you.

Eldercare Guide

Home modification options —
staying home safely longer

For many seniors, the right home modifications can delay or avoid a facility move entirely. This is where families consistently underinvest — and where the return on a few thousand dollars is enormous.

The average assisted living facility costs $60,000–$70,000 per year. A comprehensive home modification program typically costs $5,000–$15,000 once — and can buy 2–5 additional years of safe independent living.

Key Takeaways
1.A $5,000–$15,000 home modification programme can delay a $60,000–$70,000/yr facility move by 2–5 years
2.Fall prevention (grab bars, lighting, non-slip surfaces) is the highest-ROI investment
3.VA grants, Area Agency on Aging, and USDA programs can cover most or all costs for eligible families
4.A medical alert system ($25–$45/mo) is the single most important modification for seniors living alone

Fall prevention — highest priority

Grab bars in bathroom
Install at toilet, shower entry, and bath. Must be anchored into wall studs — not suction-cup bars. Cost: $150–$400 installed. A single fall hospitalization costs $30,000+.
Remove trip hazards
Area rugs, extension cords, cluttered pathways, and raised door thresholds are the most common fall causes. Free — or close to it.
Non-slip flooring
Add non-slip strips to steps and bathroom floors. Cost: $50–$200. Tile and hardwood are highest risk when wet.
Improved lighting
Motion-sensor nightlights in hallways, bathroom, and bedroom. Most falls happen at night. Cost: $100–$300 total.

Mobility support

Stair lift
Allows safe use of multi-level home. Cost: $3,000–$6,000 for a straight staircase. Can be rented if the need is expected to be temporary.
Walk-in shower conversion
Replace a standard tub with a walk-in shower with zero threshold entry. Cost: $3,000–$8,000. Eliminates one of the highest fall-risk activities.
Ramp installation
For front entry steps. A 1-inch rise requires 1 foot of ramp length. Cost: $1,000–$3,000 depending on length and materials.
Door widening
Standard doors (28–30") often cannot accommodate walkers or wheelchairs. Widening to 36" costs $200–$500 per doorway.

Daily living independence

Lever door handles
Replace round knobs with lever handles throughout — critical for anyone with arthritis or reduced grip strength. Cost: $20–$60 per door, DIY-friendly.
Raised toilet seat
Adds 3–4 inches of height, significantly reducing fall risk during transfers. Cost: $30–$80. Simple DIY installation.
Kitchen safety modifications
Stove auto-shutoff devices, easy-grip cabinet pulls, D-ring drawer pulls. Cost: $100–$500 total.
Medical alert system
Wearable device that summons help after a fall or emergency. Cost: $25–$45/month. Allows parents who live alone to age safely.

Funding home modifications — you may not have to pay out of pocket

Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
Many local AAAs fund home modifications for eligible seniors at no cost. Call 1-800-677-1116 to ask what's available in your area.
VA Home Improvement Grants
Eligible veterans can receive up to $10,000 in grants for disability-related home improvements. Apply at va.gov/housing-assistance.
USDA Section 504 Home Repair
For very low income rural homeowners — grants up to $10,000 for safety repairs. Apply at rd.usda.gov.
Weatherization Assistance Program
Free energy efficiency improvements (insulation, heating, windows) that reduce utility costs and improve home safety. Find at energy.gov/wap.
Related guides
PACE programs Nursing home checklist Memory care guide

Every family's situation is different. Our free assessment gives you personalized recommendations based on your specific needs — including local providers, cost estimates, and financial aid programs you may qualify for.

Is home care still the right choice?
Our assessment tells you honestly whether modifications and in-home care can meet your parent's needs — or whether a facility is the safer option.

Eldercare Guide

PACE — the eldercare program
most families never hear about

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a federal program that provides comprehensive medical, social, and long-term care — completely free for qualifying Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries. It is one of the most effective eldercare options in the US, and one of the least known.

Key Takeaways
1.PACE covers all medical, social, and long-term care — completely free for Medicare/Medicaid dual-eligible
2.You must be 55+, need nursing-home-level care, and live in a PACE service area (32 states, ~170 programs)
3.The main trade-off: you must use PACE providers for all care
4.Call 1-800-677-1116 or visit npaonline.org to check availability in your area

What PACE covers

Primary care, specialist visits, hospital care, nursing home care, prescription drugs, physical and occupational therapy, adult day care, social services, transportation to all PACE appointments, meals at the day center, and home health aides. All coordinated. All free.

What PACE costs for you

$0 for Medicare/Medicaid dual-eligible beneficiaries. A monthly premium applies for those with Medicare but not Medicaid — similar to a Medicare Advantage plan premium. Never any copays or deductibles for PACE services.

Who qualifies for PACE

Age 55 or older
PACE is available from age 55 — not just for those over 65.
Nursing-home level of care need
You must need the level of care typically provided in a nursing home, though you live in the community.
Live in a PACE service area
PACE is not available everywhere. There are about 170 PACE programs in 32 states. Check npaonline.org.
Able to live safely in the community
PACE is designed for seniors who can live at home or with family with PACE support — not those who already require 24hr inpatient care.

The honest trade-off

PACE is comprehensive — but it requires you to use PACE providers for all care. If you enrollin PACE, you generally cannot use outside doctors, specialists, or hospitals without PACE authorization. For families who value continuity with existing doctors, this is the primary drawback.

Bottom line: If your parent qualifies and there is a PACE program in your area, it is almost always worth at minimum calling for a free eligibility assessment. For families where cost is a primary concern, PACE often changes everything.

How to find and apply for PACE

Step 1: Find your local PACE program
Visit npaonline.org/pace-locations or call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. Enter your parent's zip code to see if a PACE organisation operates in their area.
Step 2: Request a free eligibility assessment
Contact the PACE organisation directly. They will conduct a free home visit to assess your parent's medical and functional needs and confirm eligibility.
Step 3: Understand the enrollment decision
Enrollment is voluntary and can be ended by the participant at any time with 30 days' notice. There is no lock-in.
Step 4: Coordinate the transition
Your PACE team will coordinate the transfer of all medical records, medications, and existing care plans. Transitions typically take 30–60 days.
Contact: National PACE Association — npaonline.org · Eldercare Locator — 1-800-677-1116
Related guides
Home modifications Memory care guide

Every family's situation is different. Our free assessment gives you personalized recommendations based on your specific needs — including local providers, cost estimates, and financial aid programs you may qualify for.

See if PACE or other programs fit your parent
Our eldercare assessment identifies all programs your parent may qualify for — including PACE, ALTCS/Medicaid, VA benefits, and local AAA services.

Childcare Guide

Choosing a daycare —
what actually matters

The things most families look at when choosing a daycare — the facility, the curriculum, the toys, the website — are not the things that predict whether a child thrives there. Here is what actually matters.

Key Takeaways
1.Staff turnover rate — not the facility or curriculum — is the strongest predictor of care quality
2.Center-based daycare: $1,200–$2,200/mo; home daycare: $800–$1,400/mo; nanny: $2,500–$4,500+/mo
3.Always check your state’s licensing database and inspection history before visiting
4.Quality daycares in major cities have 3–12 month waitlists — apply early to your top 3–5 choices

The one thing that matters most — and most families miss

Staff turnover rate. Not the building. Not the curriculum. Not the star rating. The most important factor in early childhood care quality is the consistency of the specific adults your child builds relationships with.

Children form genuine emotional bonds with 2–3 caregivers in their first year of care. Those bonds are the foundation of their sense of security away from you. When those people leave repeatedly, children experience repeated disruptions that affect their confidence, language development, and ability to trust new people. This is developmental science — not sentiment.

Ask every provider: "What is the turnover rate specifically in the toddler/infant room in the last 12 months?" If they give you a company average instead of a room-specific answer, that is the answer.

Types of daycare — what's the actual difference?

Center-based daycare
Typically 20–100+ children in age-grouped classrooms. Licensed by the state. Most have structured curriculum, set ratios, and backup staffing. Higher cost than home daycare. Quality varies enormously by center — licensing is a floor, not a ceiling.
$1,200–$2,200/mo
Licensed family home daycare
1–6 children in a registered provider's home. More home-like environment. Often lower cost and more flexible. No backup if the provider is ill — you need a contingency plan. Quality is entirely provider-dependent — visit in person.
$800–$1,400/mo
Nanny / au pair
One-to-one or shared care in your home. Maximum flexibility and consistency. Significantly higher cost for private nanny. Au pair is cheaper but involves hosting. No licensing oversight — background check and references are essential.
$2,500–$4,500+/mo
Employer backup care
Many employers offer 10–20 days/year of subsidized backup childcare through services like Bright Horizons or Care.com. Most employees never use this benefit. Check your HR portal.
Often free/subsidized

What to check before you visit

State licensing record
Search your state's childcare licensing database before you step foot in a building. Look for: number of violations, recency of violations, what type (health/safety vs administrative). This is public information.
Inspection history
Most states publish inspection reports. Read the actual report — not just the summary. Repeated violations in the same category are a serious flag.
Accreditation
NAEYC accreditation (for centers) and CDA credential (for individual caregivers) are voluntary and indicate above-minimum quality commitment. Not required but meaningful.
Staff-to-child ratios
State minimums for infants are typically 1:3 or 1:4. For toddlers 1:5 or 1:6. Ask what their actual ratios are — not the licensed maximum.

The waitlist reality — start earlier than you think

Quality daycares in most major cities have waitlists of 3–12 months. In some markets, parents get on waitlists before their child is born. This is not hyperbole — it is the market reality in Boston, San Francisco, New York, Austin, Seattle, and most other major metros.

What to do right now: Apply to your top 3–5 choices simultaneously, even before you are ready to start. Most programs charge a small waitlist deposit ($50–$200) that is applied to enrollment if you accept a spot. You can always decline.

Related guides
Preschool checklist Nanny vs daycare Childcare subsidies

Every family's situation is different. Our free assessment gives you personalized recommendations based on your specific needs — including local providers, cost estimates, and financial aid programs you may qualify for.

Get a personalized childcare recommendation
Answer 11 questions about your child and situation and get a ranked list of local providers, financial aid programs, and a checklist tailored to your child's age and needs.

Childcare Guide

Preschool checklist —
what to look for, ask, and verify

Choosing a preschool involves more decisions than most families realise. Here is a complete checklist — covering the visit, the curriculum, the contract, and the questions most parents forget to ask.

Key Takeaways
1.“Montessori” is not a protected name — look for AMI or AMS accreditation to verify authenticity
2.Watch how teachers talk to children during your visit — warm, responsive interaction is the strongest quality predictor
3.Many top programs require applications 12+ months in advance
4.Play-based learning is supported by developmental research for ages 3–5

Curriculum approach — understand before you visit

Play-based learning
Child-led exploration, open-ended materials, social play. Strong for emotional and creative development. Less structured. Research supports this approach for ages 3–5.
Structured / academic
Teacher-directed, literacy and numeracy focus. More preparation for kindergarten academics. May not suit all learning styles at age 3–4.
Montessori
Self-directed work at individual pace, mixed-age classrooms (typically 3–6). Requires AMI or AMS accreditation to be genuine. "Montessori" is not a protected name — anyone can use it.
Reggio Emilia
Project-based, child-initiated inquiry. Documentation-heavy. Often private and expensive. Strong philosophical approach with good developmental outcomes.

Visit checklist — what to observe

Observe how teachers talk to children
Do teachers get down to children's level? Do they use names? Do they narrate activities and ask open-ended questions? Warm, responsive interaction is the strongest predictor of outcomes.
Watch the transitions
How does the group move from one activity to another? Calm, predictable transitions indicate good classroom management and routine — which children need.
Look at the physical environment
Are materials accessible to children at their height? Is there a mix of quiet and active spaces? Is children's work displayed? A literate, print-rich environment matters.
Observe peer interactions
Are children generally playing alongside or with each other? Is conflict handled calmly by adults? Positive peer culture is built — it doesn't happen by accident.

Questions to ask the director

Staff qualifications and training
What formal early childhood education training do your teachers hold? Is there ongoing professional development? Look for CDA credentials or bachelor's in ECE as a minimum.
Teacher-to-child ratio
What is the actual daily ratio — not the licensed maximum? What happens when a teacher is absent? Ratio directly affects how much attention your child receives.
Transition to kindergarten
How do you prepare children for the academic and social expectations of kindergarten? Can you share outcomes data for previous cohorts?
How you communicate with parents
Daily verbal debrief? App-based daily reports? Monthly conferences? Written documentation of developmental progress? Know what to expect before you enroll.
Related guides
Daycare guide Childcare subsidies

Every family's situation is different. Our free assessment gives you personalized recommendations based on your specific needs — including local providers, cost estimates, and financial aid programs you may qualify for.

Get a personalized preschool recommendation
Our assessment identifies the right type of preschool for your child's age, temperament, and learning style — and surfaces local options, quality ratings, and subsidy programs.

Childcare Guide

Childcare subsidy programs —
what you can claim right now

Most families overpay for childcare because they don't know what assistance is available to them. The programs below are legitimate, federally funded, and significantly underused.

Key Takeaways
1.A Dependent Care FSA saves $1,500–$2,800+/yr in pre-tax childcare expenses — and most eligible families don’t use it
2.CCDF/state childcare subsidies cover a majority of licensed childcare tuition for qualifying families
3.Head Start provides completely free comprehensive early childhood education for families at or below the poverty level
4.The EITC is the most underused tax credit in the US — families earning under ~$68,675 likely qualify for up to $8,046
5.Most of these programs can be combined for maximum savings
Act now — time-sensitive

Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA)

Employer benefit
Save $1,500–$2,800+/yr depending on your tax bracket

Your employer's benefits portal lets you set aside up to $7,500 pre-tax per year (raised permanently in 2026) for qualified childcare expenses. This money is never taxed — federal, state, or payroll. Most employees who are eligible don't use it.

How to claim it: Log into your HR benefits portal today. DCFSA enrollment is only open during your annual benefits window — missing it costs you the full year of savings.

Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit

Federal tax credit
Up to $1,050 credit on your federal return

If you pay for childcare so you can work, you can claim 20–35% of up to $3,000 in expenses as a credit directly reducing your tax bill. This stacks with your DCFSA — they cover different expense tiers.

How to claim it: File IRS Form 2441 with your annual tax return. Your tax software applies it automatically if you enter your provider's Tax ID (EIN) and your expenses.

Child Tax Credit

Federal tax credit — refundable
Up to $2,200 per child; up to $1,700 refundable

The Child Tax Credit is $2,200 per qualifying child under 17 in 2025. Up to $1,700 is refundable — meaning you can receive it even if you owe no federal tax. This is separate from the childcare credit above.

How to claim it: Automatic when you file Form 1040 with your qualifying children listed. Claimed on Schedule 8812.
Act now — time-sensitive

CCDF / State Childcare Subsidy

Federal + State direct subsidy
Can cover majority of licensed childcare tuition

The Child Care and Development Fund provides direct subsidies to eligible working families with children under 13. Income limits vary by state but are generally up to 85% of your state's median income — many families who assume they don't qualify, do.

How to claim it: Apply through your state childcare agency. Find your state's portal at childcare.gov. Apply now — waitlists are common and processing takes 4–12 weeks.
Act now — time-sensitive

Head Start / Early Head Start

Federal — completely free
Free comprehensive early childhood education and care

Free full-service program for families at or below the federal poverty level. Ages 0–5. Covers education, health screenings, dental, mental health support, and family services. Far more comprehensive than a standard daycare.

How to claim it: Find your local program at eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov or call 1-866-763-6481. Apply as early as possible — enrollment is competitive.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Federal tax credit — fully refundable
Up to $8,046 back on your tax return

The most underused tax credit in the US. If you work and earn under approximately $68,675, you likely qualify. The EITC is fully refundable — you receive it as a refund even if you owe no tax. The average EITC refund for families with children is over $3,000.

How to claim it: Use the IRS EITC Assistant at irs.gov/eitc to check eligibility in 5 minutes. Claimed automatically on Form 1040.
Related guides
Daycare guide Preschool checklist Nanny vs daycare

Every family's situation is different. Our free assessment gives you personalized recommendations based on your specific needs — including local providers, cost estimates, and financial aid programs you may qualify for.

Get all programs surfaced in your report
Our childcare assessment identifies every credit, subsidy, and program you may qualify for — based on your income, your employer, your child's age, and your state.

Childcare Guide

Nanny vs daycare —
the honest comparison

This is one of the most common questions families face — and one where the right answer depends entirely on your child's age, your schedule, your budget, and what you actually value. Here is the honest comparison.

Key Takeaways
1.Nannies cost roughly 2x center daycare ($2,500–$4,500 vs $1,200–$2,200/mo) but offer maximum flexibility
2.Infants under 18 months often benefit more from one-on-one nanny care; 18+ months benefit from peer socialization
3.If you hire a nanny, you are legally their employer — payroll tax, workers comp, and a backup plan are required
4.A nanny share splits costs while keeping the small-group ratio — it’s often the best of both worlds
Nanny Center Daycare
Typical cost$2,500–$4,500+/mo$1,200–$2,200/mo
Staff consistencyOne dedicated person — maximumVaries; turnover is the key risk variable
Sick day coverageYou need a backup planCenter provides backup staffing
Schedule flexibilityVery high — adapts to your scheduleFixed center hours; limited flexibility
Peer socializationLimited — play dates requiredDaily peer interaction built in
Licensing / oversightNone — you are the employerState licensed; inspections on record
Developmental structureDepends entirely on the nannyCurriculum and programming provided
Best age rangeInfants under 18 months often benefit most18 months+ — peer environment becomes crucial
Tax implicationsYou are an employer — payroll tax requiredStandard payment; simpler tax situation
Backup if arrangement endsImmediate need to find replacementCenter continues regardless of staff changes

Choose a nanny when…

✓Your child is under 18 months and peer socialization is less critical
✓Your schedule is irregular and center hours won't work
✓You have two or more children — the per-child cost advantage narrows
✓Your child has special needs that benefit from dedicated one-on-one care
✓You work from home and need someone to manage household during the day

Choose a daycare center when…

✓Your child is 18 months or older and peer interaction is developmentally important
✓Your schedule is regular and predictable
✓Budget is a primary consideration
✓You want licensing oversight and backup staffing built in
✓You value a structured curriculum and professional educators
Related guides
Daycare guide Childcare subsidies

Every family's situation is different. Our free assessment gives you personalized recommendations based on your specific needs — including local providers, cost estimates, and financial aid programs you may qualify for.

Get a recommendation based on your situation
Our assessment tells you which option fits your child's age, your schedule, and your budget — and surfaces the specific providers and financial aid available near you.

Legal

Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 6, 2026

Honesttly, LLC ("Honesttly," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. We built this platform on a simple principle: your care data belongs to you alone. This policy explains what we collect, why, how we protect it, and what rights you have.

Our privacy commitment

We receive zero commissions from any care facility. We will never sell your data to facilities, insurers, or advertisers. Your health information and your identity are stored in separate databases that cannot be joined. We are fiduciaries to families — never to facilities.

1. Information we collect

Assessment answers — When you complete an eldercare or childcare assessment, we collect your responses about care needs, medical conditions, mobility, financial situation, location (zip code), and preferences. This data is used solely to generate your personalized report.

Email address — If you provide your email during the assessment or at checkout, we use it to deliver your report and, if you opted in, to send care guidance follow-ups. We never share your email with facilities or third-party marketers.

Payment information — Payment is processed entirely by Stripe. We never see or store your credit card number. Stripe's privacy policy governs payment data.

Usage data — We may collect anonymised usage analytics (pages visited, features used) to improve the product. This data contains no personally identifiable information.

2. How we protect your data

We use a HIPAA-informed split-table architecture designed so that a breach of any single database exposes nothing actionable:

Table A — Identity

Stores your email and payment reference. Contains no health data whatsoever.

Table B — Health data

Stores your report and assessment answers. Contains no email or name.

Both tables are secured with row-level security policies. All data is encrypted in transit (TLS) and at rest. Access is restricted to authenticated server-side functions only — no browser-side database access is possible.

3. How we use your information

We use your information to: generate your personalized care report; deliver your report via email or magic link; process payment through Stripe; send care guidance follow-ups if you opted in; and improve the quality and accuracy of our recommendations.

We do not use your information to: recommend facilities that pay us; share data with care facilities, insurers, or data brokers; build advertising profiles; or make automated decisions about your care without your involvement.

4. Employer benefit plans

When your employer provides Honesttly as a benefit, your employer pays for your access but cannot see your individual responses, care situation, or report. Employers receive only anonymous, aggregate utilization statistics (e.g., "42% of employees have used the benefit this quarter"). We are contractually and legally prohibited from sharing individual employee data with any employer.

5. Third-party services

We use a limited number of third-party services to operate: Stripe for payment processing, Supabase for secure database hosting, Postmark for transactional email delivery, Anthropic for AI-powered report generation, and Vercel for hosting. Each processes only the minimum data required for their function.

6. Your rights

You have the right to: access the data we hold about you; request correction of inaccurate information; request deletion of your data; withdraw consent for marketing emails at any time; and receive a copy of your data in a portable format. To exercise any of these rights, email us at daven@tryhonesttly.com.

7. Data retention

Your report and its magic link remain accessible indefinitely so you can return to it when you need it. Assessment answers used to generate reports are retained for 12 months to enable follow-up features, then automatically deleted. Payment records are retained as required by tax and financial regulations. You may request early deletion at any time.

8. Children's privacy

Our childcare assessment collects information about children (age, developmental needs, care preferences) from parents and guardians. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13. The childcare assessment is designed for adult caregivers making decisions on behalf of their children.

9. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy as our practices evolve. Material changes will be communicated via email to active users and posted on this page with an updated effective date.

10. Contact

If you have questions about this privacy policy or how we handle your data, contact us at daven@tryhonesttly.com.

Legal

Terms of Service

Last updated: April 6, 2026

By accessing or using Honesttly ("the Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, please do not use the Service.

1. What Honesttly provides

Honesttly provides personalized care guidance for families navigating eldercare and childcare decisions. Our reports include care type recommendations, ranked local providers, cost comparisons, financial aid opportunities, legal checklists, and questions to ask providers.

Honesttly is not a medical, legal, or financial advisory service. Our guidance is informational. Always consult qualified professionals for medical diagnoses, legal decisions, and financial planning.

2. Provider information

Provider recommendations in our reports are generated using AI analysis, public data, and licensing records. While we strive for accuracy, provider details — including contact information, pricing, staffing, and quality ratings — may change without notice. Always verify provider details directly before making care decisions. Honesttly is not responsible for inaccuracies in provider information.

3. Our fiduciary commitment

Honesttly operates as a fiduciary to families. We receive zero commissions, referral fees, or placement bonuses from any care facility, insurer, or third party. No facility can pay to be included in, ranked higher in, or excluded from our reports. This commitment is structural and permanent.

4. Pricing and payment

The free assessment and initial report sections are available at no cost with no account required. Full reports are available for a one-time payment of $29 per report. Payments are processed by Stripe. All sales are final — however, if you believe your report contains a material error, contact us and we will make it right.

5. Employer benefit plans

When Honesttly is provided as an employer benefit, access is fully covered by your employer at no cost to you. Your employer receives only anonymous, aggregate usage data and cannot access your individual responses, reports, or care decisions. The privacy protections in our Privacy Policy apply in full to employer-sponsored accounts.

6. Intellectual property

All content, design, and functionality of Honesttly are owned by Honesttly, LLC. Your personalized report is yours to use, share, print, and refer to as needed. You may not reproduce the platform itself, our assessment methodology, or our brand assets for commercial purposes without written permission.

7. Limitation of liability

Honesttly provides care guidance to the best of our ability, but we cannot guarantee specific outcomes. We are not liable for decisions made based on our reports, for changes in provider availability or quality after report generation, or for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of the Service.

8. Changes to these terms

We may update these terms as the Service evolves. Material changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

9. Contact

Questions about these terms? Contact us at daven@tryhonesttly.com.

Our Promise

Our Ethics Pledge

The eldercare and childcare referral industry is broken. Families in crisis are steered toward facilities that pay the highest commissions — not the facilities that best match their needs. Honesttly exists to fix that.

"We are paid by families.
Never by facilities.
This will never change."

This is not a marketing slogan. It is the structural foundation of every decision we make.

The problem we saw

Most eldercare referral services earn $3,000–$6,000 per placement from facilities. The US Senate has investigated this model for conflicts of interest. When the person guiding your family earns a commission from the facility they recommend, their advice is compromised — whether they admit it or not.

Childcare is no better. "Top 10" lists are often pay-to-play. Review sites sell premium placements. Parents searching at 2am for reliable care deserve better than sponsored results dressed up as recommendations.

What we pledge

Zero commissions — ever

No facility, provider, or insurer will ever pay us to appear in, be ranked higher in, or be excluded from a report. Not now. Not at scale. Not under investor pressure. Ever.

Your data stays yours

We will never sell, share, or monetise your personal information or health data. If your employer provides Honesttly as a benefit, they see only anonymous aggregate usage — never your individual responses.

Transparent pricing

One flat fee per report. No hidden upsells, no premium tiers that unlock "better" recommendations, no subscription traps. The free assessment is genuinely useful on its own — not a teaser designed to frustrate you into paying.

Honest about limitations

We tell you what we know and what we don't. Our reports include verification disclaimers, encourage you to visit providers in person, and flag when data may be outdated. We would rather be honest than impressive.

Hold us accountable

If you ever find that a facility in one of our reports has a financial relationship with Honesttly, email daven@tryhonesttly.com. We will investigate immediately, remove the conflict, and refund your report. This pledge exists because we believe the care industry can be better — and we intend to prove it.

Why Honesttly

How we're different

Every family navigating care deserves guidance that puts them first. Here's how Honesttly is fundamentally different from every other care referral service.

Traditional referral services
Honesttly
Who pays
Facilities pay $3K–$6K per placement
Families pay $29. Facilities pay $0.
Incentive
Steer you toward highest-commission facility
Match you to the best-fit facility
Recommendations
Only facilities that pay to participate
All licensed facilities near you
Cost transparency
Vague or hidden until you tour
Real cost ranges with hidden fee warnings
Financial aid
Rarely mentioned (reduces their commission)
Every programme you may qualify for

What your $29 report includes

A personalized care guidance report built from your specific situation — not a generic brochure:

Care recommendation

What type of care is right for your situation, with urgency assessment

5 ranked providers

Real, licensed facilities near you with fit scores, pros, and cons

Cost comparison engine

Real cost ranges with hidden fees, deposit requirements, and rate hike warnings

Financial aid finder

Every programme you may qualify for — VA benefits, Medicaid, tax credits, employer benefits

Legal checklist

Power of attorney, advance directives, and every document you need before you need it

Questions to ask

Personalized questions for each provider based on your specific care needs

Built for the worst day of your life

Most families don't research eldercare or childcare casually. You're here because something changed — a fall, a diagnosis, a job that starts in two weeks, a daycare that just closed. You're stressed, overwhelmed, and making decisions that will affect someone you love for months or years.

That moment is exactly when you deserve guidance that's on your side. Not a sales call from someone earning a commission. Not a "free consultation" that's actually a pitch. Just honest, personalized, data-driven guidance that respects the weight of what you're going through.

That's what Honesttly is. That's why we built it.

For Employers

Employer Benefits

1 in 5 of your employees is managing a care crisis right now — for an aging parent, a child, or both. Most never tell HR. They just quietly lose productivity, miss work, and eventually leave. Honesttly gives them a clear path forward in under 20 minutes.

$36B
Lost annually to caregiver presenteeism in the US workforce
73%
Of caregiver employees say it affects their job performance
6–8 hrs
Productivity lost per caregiver employee every week

What your employees get

Unlimited personalized reports

Both eldercare and childcare assessments, with full reports including ranked providers, cost comparisons, financial aid, and legal checklists. No cost to the employee.

Complete privacy

Individual responses are never visible to HR. Your company sees only anonymous aggregate usage statistics. We are contractually and legally prohibited from sharing individual employee data.

20-minute resolution

Instead of spending weeks Googling, calling facilities, and comparing options, employees get a clear action plan in one sitting. That's hours of productivity returned every week.

What your company gets

HR analytics dashboard

Anonymous utilization metrics, department-level trends, ROI calculations, and executive-ready reports. See the impact without seeing individual data.

Employee retention

Caregiving is one of the top reasons employees leave. Providing guidance before they reach breaking point reduces turnover and the $15,000–$50,000 cost of replacing each employee.

Zero conflict of interest

Unlike EAPs that partner with specific facility networks, Honesttly has no financial relationship with any provider. Your employees get genuinely unbiased guidance.

Employer plans from
$299/mo
Unlimited reports · Both eldercare & childcare · HR dashboard included
No commitment required