Budget Information About Assisted Living Centers

Making the decision to move yourself or a loved one in to an assisted living center is difficult enough. When you factor in the financing it can make a challenging decision that much harder. Since, at best, only a limited benefit is provided through state and federal funded programs, you need to look at all the costs associated.

Assisted living centers can easily cost $5,000 or more a month. While the average is much lower, around $2,000 a month, it’s important to understand what fees you will incur and how to save money.

Actual Monthly Fees

An assisted living facility will generally include room and board, three meals, laundry and on-site activities in the monthly price. If more specialized care is needed the cost will go up. There may be additional fees based on the location of the room, amount of assistance with daily living activities required, medication monitoring, transportation and more. You want to talk to someone in admissions to get a break down of the costs that go above and beyond the standard rent.

Cutting Costs

There are ways to find a great assisted living community and cut costs. If a resident won’t need transportation to and from activities and doctors appointments, you can cut back on the costs. Many time family members will step in and help with transportation anyhow. If a resident is willing to share a room with a roommate the costs can be cut drastically too. Finding specials for new facilities can offer a good amount of savings as well.  Other ways to save on the monthly expenses can range from eliminating housekeeping services for residents who are capable of doing this on their own, providing their own laundry services, and foregoing a balcony or patio room for one with a bay window instead.

Compare the Facilities

Don’t let price be your only deciding factor in choosing a living facility. You want to tour the facilities several times at different times of the day. See how the current residents are interacting with staff. Ask lots of questions. There are usually plenty of affordable assisted living facilities out there that will meet all of your needs.