What does it cost to live in an assisted living facility?
It depends. That is always a fear inducing response. The primary factor to the cost is the acuity or the needs that the senior has on admission to the facility. Additionally, the costs may increase as the senior’s condition changes and they require more assistance. However, there can be some surprises as noted below.
As a power of attorney for healthcare or guardian, I am called upon to make decisions for my patients. I was shocked when I received a call that an assisted living memory support unit does not provide toilet paper for residents. I was told that the “family” is responsible of toilet paper and tissues as well. In my dismay, I asked about the tenure of this policy. I was told it was long standing. This patient has been in the facility for over a year and this is the first time I was made aware of this. There was no documentation of this in the contract. When I asked what the staff were using for toileting for the prior year, I was told that they were probably “stealing” toilet tissue from other residents. I visit this patient every week and was never told of this need.
This is an example that even those of us who work in the industry on a daily basis still get surprised. Look at the contract and have an attorney review the document. Ask questions about mundane issues that can come back as critical. Do not let the aesthetics, cookies, coffee, popcorn and smiling staff stop your investigation. You are making a tough decision so come prepared.
Please contact me if you need assistance with your contract, or if you have made an interesting discovery regarding your assisted care living costs recently.