.png&w=256&q=75){kind=small}
Do Assisted Living Places Have Bargains on Room Rates?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
Some assisted living places have bargains on room rates, depending on their specific policies and your unique personal or financial situation. They may also offer discounts, promotional rates or special deals to attract new residents if they have long-term vacancies or have experienced extensive renovations or rebranding. Additionally, you can ask a community if it’s willing to negotiate lower costs to make paying for care more manageable.
How do you negotiate room rates with assisted living facilities?
You can negotiate room rates with assisted living facilities by asking whether they provide incentives or have any upcoming deals. Sometimes communities offer discounted rates or waive community or entrance fees if you move in during a certain period. If they don’t, explore the facility’s pricing structure to understand what services the base rate includes and how this aligns with your care needs.
Politely express your concerns if the initial rate is too high, and explain your financial considerations or constraints. Some facilities offer customized packages, allowing you to pay only for services and amenities you need rather than a fixed monthly rate that’s all-inclusive.
How can you tell which assisted living facilities offer bargains?
You can tell which facilities offer bargains by contacting them directly or checking their websites. If you need help finding contact information or identifying facilities in your area, use Caring.com’s searchable database or reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging. Additionally, facilities with low occupancy rates may offer special promotions to recruit new residents.
Assisted living communities need to maintain a certain occupancy level to operate profitably. If they have long-term vacancies, they’re more willing to waive fees, provide move-in credits or offer discounted rates to boost occupancy. Newly opened communities also sometimes offer discounts or special perks to fill spots quickly or encourage residents to sign leases ahead of opening.