There’s a lot to consider when you’re thinking about moving into a retirement community. For many seniors, cost is an important factor, in addition to finding the right assisted living community that caters to your unique needs.
If you are unfamiliar with the costs associated with assisted living, it’s natural to be uncertain as to what questions to ask. Many seniors and their family members may think moving into an assisted living community in Texas is more expensive than living at home. However, when you consider that many monthly fees include essentials you may already be paying for, you may find that senior living may just be more cost effective.
Although costs do vary between assisted living facilities in Texas, there are several basic services to consider. Here’s a list of costs seniors and their families should take into consideration when researching retirement options near them:
- Private or shared room
- Meals and snacks
- Maintenance and/or utilities
- Laundry and housekeeping
- Activities and programs
- Medication assistance
- Additional assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Telephone and cable television service
What does the monthly fee include?
Some assisted living communities in TX offer a basic fee inclusive of certain services with additional services that can be added for an additional fee as care needs change. These fees associated with increased care are charged based on assessed “levels.” Each assisted living community you’re considering should be able to provide you with the base price and additional charges by levels so that you can know what costs to expect.
Your basic monthly fee should include your private or shared room rate and two or three meals per day. Snacks may or may not be included. The fee usually also includes utilities, housekeeping, maintenance, and daily activities.
There are certain services which are included within the basic monthly fee at some facilities but are not at others. During your tour of the community, it is important to ask the staff specifically what is and is not included. For example, assistance with bathing and dressing, and medication assistance may be provided at an additional charge. It’s important to ask if transportation is also included in the monthly fee or if it will be charged at an additional cost.
What other costs should I expect?
Assisted living residents can expect to be charged for additional services like cable TV, telephone, personal toiletries or incontinence supplies, laundry and dry cleaning and salon services to name a few.
Additionally, medication management, assistance with toileting, showering and other activities of daily life may also not be included within the monthly fee.
Are there all-inclusive fees?
As mentioned, some assisted living communities charge fees based on the specific assessed level of care with additional fees, while others offer an all-inclusive fee model.
In this model, your monthly fee includes all services provided by the assisted living community from personal care to housing and meals. If you require most of these services offered, this pricing structure can be a great way to manage costs. However, if personal care or daily assistance are not needed, choosing a community offering more of an a la carte model may be more cost-effective.
What else should I consider?
In the US, the average cost of an assisted living community is $4,300 per month. This is an average and varies by city and the services offered by each community. It’s important to remember that assisted living costs primarily depend on the assessed level of care and whether additional support for daily living is needed.
In addition to location, enhanced community services and features can also affect your monthly rental fee. For example, a luxury assisted living community providing enriched services and amenities will charge more. Moreover, if you prefer a private room, this will also be more costly than a shared room.
When researching assisted living communities, think about what services and amenities are important to you. Be sure to ask about the pricing of these services and if they are included in the monthly fee or are charged at an additional cost.
With the right planning, you can find an assisted living community that suits both your budget and your needs. And at Argent Court, we’re here to help! Contact us today to learn more about our wonderful community and the services we provide.