Assisted Living Costs

In general, assisted living costs are at a national average monthly fee of $3,131. Costs can increase for residents receiving care for Alzheimer’s to about $4,267 per month.

Factors of Assisted Living Pricing

Assisted living costs depend on many factors, including the cost of living in the area, services and amenities provided. In addition, square footage and the floor plan of the unit have major effects on the monthly costs. Floor plans may be private or shared, and may include or share kitchenettes and bathrooms.

In addition, there may be additional fees such as move-in fees, yearly community fees, or additional support outside of your care-level. Utilities, phone and cable may also be out-of-pocket costs in some communities. Consider these when looking at the cost of a particular facility.

Although the assisted living costs of may sound high, they are actually comparable to the costs of living at home, especially when you consider the costs of in-home care and home maintenance. Assisted living facilities often provide three meals a day, transportation, healthcare services, housekeeping, laundry and entertainment as part of the monthly fee.

Each community is different so make sure to ask how the community you are considering divides the costs.

State Policy and Average Costs for Assisted Living

See chart below for state averages for assisted living costs, and policies by state.

Learn more about your state’s assisted living Medicare benefits at longtermcare.gov

Sources:

• The 2009 MetLife Market Survey of Nursing Home, Assisted Living, Adult Day Services, and Home Care Costs, MetLife Mature Market Institute, 2009
• State Medicaid Reimbursement Policies and Practices in Assisted Living, National Center for Assisted Living American Health Care Association, 2009