Senior living communities are notorious for adding “hidden costs” or adding costs after the rental agreement is signed. Most families and seniors don’t realize that Assisted Living and Memory Care cost significantly more than just the cost of the “Community fee” and the “Monthly Rent.” There are MANY extra costs, and before you sign anything, it is critical to know what you will be paying for. Assisted Living can cost as much as $10k or 12k each month (Or more)! I have seen memory care cost as much as $15k a month. So be sure to have an advocate with you to ask all of the right questions, so you recognize the hidden fees before you sign and agree to anything.

You can use this worksheet as an example of SOME of the general costs but an Senior Living Advocate can help you review the contract and ask questions to identify all extra fees. You don’t want any surprises.

Move-in Fees

$____________Community Fee (one time entry fees, including security deposit, assessment fee, pet deposit, etc…)

Monthly Fees

$____________Base Monthly Rent (Unit #________________)

$____________Care Rate (Level of Care #________________)

But Beware!!! The following are just some of the additional charges (not all) that seniors may face EACH month in Assisted Living and Memory Care:

$____________Medication Management                     

$____________Second Person Fee

$____________Monthly Pendant Fee

$____________Meal Delivery to Room

$____________Pharmacy Fees

$____________Housekeeping/Laundry Service

$____________Utilities (Cable, Wifi, etc…)

$____________Personal Services (salon, foot care etc..)

$____________Pet Care/Walking

$____________Parking/Garage/Carport/Storage

$____________*Durable Medical Equipment: Typically Rented w/ Medical Supply Company

Additional monthly charges:

$____________       ____________________________________              

$____________       ____________________________________         

Estimated Monthly Total:     $____________ (Add all monthly charges)

+Plus Total “Move-In” Fees from above (Community fee, Security Deposit, Keys, Assessment etc): $____________

Total Estimated Amount for First Month: $____________

Before signing any agreement, consider having an attorney or a senior living advocate from Advocates for Senior Living review the contract (and supporting documentation) to ask detailed questions about all potential costs. Senior living can be as much as buying a house, so don’t go into an agreement without someone representing you and reading everything. 

Advocates for Senior Living is here to advocate for you and we can ask the questions you need asked!