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How Much Does Room and Board Cost in Assisted Living?
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
Room and board costs for assisted living vary depending on location, amenities and level of care needed. According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the national average for assisted living is $4,500 monthly. This fee typically covers housing, meals and support services, including personal care assistance and housekeeping. However, some facilities charge extra for extensive personal or medical care and premium services or amenities.
What services cost extra in assisted living?
Some assisted living facilities charge a community fee upon admission, which covers move-in assistance and room preparations. However, this is usually a one-time payment. In addition, communities bill for specialized medical services beyond personal care assistance, including rehabilitative therapies or nursing care.
While monthly rates include daily meals or snacks, requests for room service, catering or guest meals may carry additional fees. Other services assisted living communities may charge extra for include:
- Pet care
- Personal laundry
- Guest accommodations
- Personal transportation
- Beauty and salon services
- Medication management or administration
- Incontinence care
- Cable TV and Wi-Fi
- Increase in care needs
Some communities include utilities such as electricity or heat and air conditioning in their monthly rates, but contacting facilities directly can clarify this information.
Where can you find pricing for local assisted living options?
You can find pricing for local assisted living options by contacting them via phone or email. If you aren’t sure what facilities reside in your area, enter your city or zip code into Caring.com’s database. Each listing features a phone number.
Your local Area Agency on Aging may also maintain a facility database organized by city or county. Additionally, the Genworth Cost of Care Survey features average monthly rates for assisted living communities and other senior care options, including home care and nursing homes, in specific cities and states.