Assisted Living Cost

When considering various options for senior care, it is important to know how much you can expect to pay for different types of care settings.

Assisted living cost varies depending on several factors which typically include: geographic location, the size and location of the apartment within the community, and the level of care required at any particular time during a resident’s stay.

There are additional costs for assisted living that will be discussed below as well.

Geographic Location

Just as the cost of real estate varies by geographic area, assisted living costs also vary nationwide. According to a 2010 MetLife Mature Market Study, the national average for assisted living base rates is $3,131 per month. In 2009, the average base rate was $2,969, which represents an increase of 5.2% year-over-year. Residents of assisted living communities can typically expect a 3-5% annual increase in their base rate.

The table below shows the median monthly cost in 2011* for one-bedroom, single-occupancy units at assisted living communities across the United States:

Size & Location of Apartment

Residents of assisted living communities can typically choose from several apartment types and sizes, including studio, studio alcove, one- and two-bedroom apartments. The size of an apartment determines its base rate as does the location of the apartment with regard to view, proximity to elevators and public areas, and availability of a private patio or balcony.

While it’s common for families to prefer larger apartments for their loved ones, it’s important to remember that the entire community becomes a resident’s home.

In addition, those with mobility issues have a higher risk of falling, particularly during the night, in apartments that require more walking between the bedroom and bathroom.

Level of Care Required

Upon admission and when residents require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), an assessment by a licensed nurse is provided to determine additional assisted living costs. In most cases, a point system or levels of care are used to represent the costs for assisted living services.

When a point system is used, each type of care and the frequency in which it’s provided determines the assisted living cost. For example, medication management/administration once a day may cost an additional $150 per month while the same service provided three times a day may cost an additional $300 per month.

Levels of care may be based upon a point system as well, with this type of cost determination often providing less flexibility in assisted living costs. For example, a resident may fall between a Level One and a Level Two but they must pay for Level Two care as their needs exceed Level One.

Additional Costs for Assisted Living

Assisted living communities charge a refundable deposit fee, which secures a particular apartment within the community for a specific period of time (usually two weeks). Once a resident moves in, this deposit usually applies towards a community fee (terms for the name of this fee may vary).

Ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, this fee is non-refundable and covers administrative expenses and the cost of apartment renovations between residents. Other assisted living costs may include fees for private transportation, off-site activities, guest meals and use of a guest apartment within the community.

Find Assisted Living

With the right planning, assisted living costs can be made manageable for seniors in need of extra support and care. Our nationwide directory of senior housing can help you Find Assisted Living near you.

*From the Genworth Financial 2011 Cost of Care Survey.

Written by gerontologist Sara Shelton.