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What Extra Fees Do Assisted Living Facilities Charge?
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
Extra fees Assisted living facilities may charge include medication management and administration, special dietary needs or preferences, transportation services, personal care, recreational activities and premium amenities. Assisted living communities often add these costs on top of the base price for room, board and basic services.
What do residents receive for added assisted living fees?
Each extra assisted living fee should ideally correspond to a provided service. The medication management fee at assisted living facilities includes help taking your prescribed medications. The staff can remind you to take your medication, organize your pills and help you keep track of possible side effects. If you or your loved one could use this type of help, ask each facility you visit if it has a medication management fee, so you won’t be surprised by this extra cost.
Other services with extra costs:
Meals: Many assisted living facilities cover basic meals but charge extra fees for certain needs. You may have to pay a higher cost for tiered dining options, room service or specialized diet plans.
Transportation: For example, the center may charge extra for travel outside a certain radius or to destinations other than medical appointments. Consider your transportation needs, and read each center’s policy carefully.
Activities: You may have to pay extra for a hobby class, entertainment event or day trip, or your community may include social outings in your base room and board. Review the center’s activity calendar, and ask if any of the events listed have added costs.
Do assisted living centers charge maintenance fees?
Assisted living facilities may charge maintenance fees for repairs, upgrades or renovations. Inquire about the maintenance policies to find out about additional costs associated with keeping the living spaces in good condition.