How Much Does a Nonprofit Assisted Living Cost?
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
Assisted living prices across the United States
Nonprofit providers’ rates are roughly the same as for-profit communities, but precise fees vary widely across the nation. Although Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey 2021 indicates the median monthly cost of assisted living nationwide is $4,500, costs differ significantly depending on the location, required services and amenities. Comparing states, Missouri has the lowest median price of $3,000, while Alaska’s median monthly cost of $6,830 is among the highest in the country.
Nonprofit versus for-profit assisted living
Figures from the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living indicate that the United States has about 30,600 assisted living facilities, of which approximately 42% are independently owned and 56% are part of a wider chain. Per CDC research, almost 82% of the nation’s assisted living communities operate on a for-profit basis. Each facility type must receive licensing from the relevant state agency and comply with federal and state rules and regulations.
All assisted living communities charge for room and board, support services and enrichment activities. Major differences between facility types relate to their financial organization and funding sources. While for-profit assisted living homes make money for owners, investors and shareholders, nonprofit facilities invest any revenue back into the community. Nonprofit assisted living facilities might get grants, charitable donations and other funding, which may lower seniors’ prices. However, checking what facility fees cover is vital before choosing where to age.