Understanding the Cost of Assisted Living: A Detailed Breakdown

Trying to find the perfect Assisted Living community for yourself or your loved one can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to the costs involved. Assisted Living costs are a topic that can bring up a lot of questions, and rightly so. After all, you want to find an Assisted Living community that’s safe and comfortable without breaking the bank or running into any unexpected bills.

Here is a breakdown of the cost of Assisted Living facilities and questions you can ask to feel informed and confident in your decisions.

What is the Average Cost of Assisted Living?

The national median cost of Assisted Living is $4,500 per month, which amounts to about $54,000 a year. 

However, these costs may vary depending on the state where you live since Assisted Living facilities are regulated on the state level. How much you pay for Assisted Living may even vary from community to community. For example, the median cost for Assisted Living in Georgia is about $3,535 per month, while New Jersey has a median cost of almost $6,500 per month. 

While the prices may vary, there are some general evaluation criteria to determine your total Assisted Living expenses:

• Any medical conditions or diagnoses and the supports needed for those conditions
• Medications taken and how much you need help with medication administration
• The degree to which you need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as toileting, bathing, and personal hygiene
• Behavioral state, including your cognitive function
• Level of physical activity, including your ability to walk without help and transfer to and from bed by yourself
• Special preferences or diets
• Risk factors like wandering outside or violent behavior

Assisted Living facilities typically offer tiered pricing or a la carte options based on the level of care active seniors need and the services provided, so you and your family need to understand what services are included in the base cost and what services will incur additional charges.

A Breakdown of Assisted Living Costs

Assisted living costs comprise a base fee, personal care services, and additional services. Let’s take a closer look at what each of these aspects involves.

The Base Fee

First, there is the base fee. The base fee of Assisted Living communities typically covers your room and board, which includes three meals a day and utilities. The cost can change based on how much space you need and whether you have a private room or share with a roommate. You should decide if you want a private room or to share it with a companion to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget.

Personal care services

Many Assisted Living communities also charge additional fees based on the level of personal care assistance needed. The more care you need, the more expensive Assisted Living costs will be. 

Some of the key personal care services that typically affect your Assisted Living cost include:

• Help with Activities of Daily Living: Bathing, toileting, grooming, and dressing
• Medication management: Reminders to take medications, opening medication containers, and directly administering medications.
• Mobility assistance: Support with walking, transferring from bed to chair, and other needs.
• Meals: Providing three meals a day, including special diets for health conditions like heart disease or diabetes, and helping with eating if needed.
• Housekeeping: Regular housekeeping services, laundry, and maintenance of resident living areas.
• Incontinence care: Helping with toileting, using the bathroom, changing incontinence products like adult incontinence briefs, and maintaining personal hygiene.

Additional services

Some Assisted Living communities may also provide additional services that could raise the cost of your residency because they often require more specialized staff and stronger security. These include:

• Transportation: Taking Assisted Living residents to appointments, shopping, and other outside activities.
• Memory care: Specialized care for Assisted Living residents with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other similar cognitive conditions. 
• Healthcare services: On-site healthcare services like occupational therapy, physical therapy, and regular check-ups from healthcare professionals.
• Round-the-clock care: 24-hour supervision for safety and immediate response to emergencies.

Questions to Ask About Assisted Living Costs

When you are looking at the living cost of an Assisted Living facility, you should ask detailed questions so you can be sure you are fully aware of what you’re signing up for, both in terms of care and costs. 

Here are a few questions that can help you and our family learn the complete cost of an Assisted Living community: 

• What is included in the base monthly rate?
• Are there different levels of care? If so, what are the costs associated with each level?
• How do you handle billing for additional services? Is it a la carte, part of a package, or included in the cost of higher care levels?
• Can you provide a detailed list of out-of-pocket expenses?
• What is your policy for rate increases?
• What is your policy for guest visits and overnight stays?
• How do you bill for medication management and health care services?
• Is there a deposit, and is it refundable?
• What types of assistance with ADLs are included, and what are considered additional costs?
• Do you accept any insurance plans or aid programs, such as long-term care insurance, life insurance policies, or benefits from Veterans affairs?
• What happens if Assisted Living residents’ financial resources run out? Do you accept Medicaid?
• What are your costs for emergency response services?
• Are there any fees for community amenities like fitness centers, parking, or group activities?
• How do you handle the transition to a higher level of care or a different type of community, such as memory care?
• Can you provide a sample bill or statement?

With these questions, you can avoid any surprises down the line and feel comfortable and informed about your choice.

Find the Best Assisted Living Community for You with Mira Vie

Interested in learning more about finding an Assisted Living community in your area? Here at Mira Vie, we offer several dynamic Assisted Living communities throughout New Jersey to provide personalized care and assistance for active seniors. Contact us today to see which community living option is best for you.

Key Takeaways: The Cost of Assisted Living

• Assisted Living costs can vary widely by state, but the national median cost is $4,500 per month.
• The total cost of Assisted Living depends on the type of room and level of care needed.
• The total Assisted Living cost includes room and board, personal care services for daily living, and additional services like transportation and on-site healthcare services.
• It’s important to ask detailed questions about Assisted Living costs to make sure you get the best option for you.