The cost of assisted living can be a significant expense for families, with the national average cost being $5,830 per month. However, costs can vary significantly depending on the state and location, with some communities charging one all-inclusive monthly rate and others using tiered or a la carte pricing.
Understanding Assisted Living Costs
According to A Place for Mom, the average cost of assisted living ranges from about $4,000 to almost $8,000 per month, depending on the state. Location greatly affects price, with communities in large metropolitan areas or areas with a higher cost of living tend to be more expensive.
The cost of assisted living is also affected by the level of care needed, with some communities charging a second-person fee for couples who live in the same apartment. The national median cost of this fee is about $1,200 per month. Additionally, costs can vary depending on the individual’s health issues and assistance needs.
Types of Assisted Living Communities
There are different types of assisted living communities, including all-inclusive, a la carte, and tiered communities. All-inclusive communities charge a flat monthly fee that includes room and board, care services, and all other services and amenities. A la carte communities charge a base fee and add or remove services as residents’ needs change. Tiered communities offer different levels of care at different price points.
Families can expect costs to rise incrementally, with the cost of assisted living increasing by about 5% per year. To find the most appropriate and affordable assisted living community, families should understand their loved one’s current expenses and consider talking with someone who can provide experienced insight about the benefits of assisted living and communities in their area.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
