Assisted Living Costs
Updated August 7, 2025 | Lisbeth Cano
When considering assisted living for a parent or loved one, understanding the costs is often the first—and most significant—concern.
Assisted living facilities provide housing, care services, and supervision for older adults who need help with daily activities but don’t require full-time medical care. Costs depend on location, services, and level of care.
Comparing Long-Term Care Options and Their Costs
Assisted Living: Mid-Tier Cost with Personal Support
| Feature | Typical Inclusions |
|---|---|
| Monthly Avg. Cost | $4,628 / $152 per day1 |
| Services | ADL support, meals, laundry, social activities |
Learn more about Assisted Living.
Nursing Homes: Higher Cost, Full-Time Medical Supervision
Nursing homes serve people with serious conditions needing skilled care.
“Medicare does not cover assisted living, but may cover short-term skilled nursing or rehab care.” — [Medicare.gov]2
See Assisted Living vs Nursing Home for comparison.
Memory Care: Specialized Dementia Support
Memory care units are secure and staff are trained in dementia care.
- Avg. Monthly Cost: $6,3993
Explore Memory Care or compare at Memory Care vs Assisted Living.
CCRCs: Multiple Levels of Care in One Community
Continuing Care Retirement Communities offer:
- Independent, assisted, and skilled care
- Entrance fees + ongoing payments
- Long-term contracts
What’s Included in Assisted Living Fees?
| Included Services | Description |
|---|---|
| Room and Board | Private/shared space + utilities |
| ADL Assistance | Bathing, dressing, grooming |
| Meals | Three meals per day |
| Housekeeping | Weekly or bi-weekly cleaning and laundry |
| 24/7 Staff | Safety supervision and emergency response |
| Social Activities | Group outings, games, fitness, etc. |
Medical services may incur extra fees.
Hidden Costs and Unexpected Charges
Even with a base rate, costs can rise. Watch for:
- Medication Management — Tiered fees
- Increased ADL Support — More help = higher cost
- Memory Care Add-Ons — Locked units, higher staff ratios
- Personal Supplies — Incontinence products, hygiene kits
- Transportation — Non-emergency rides may be extra
- Beauty Services — Haircuts, nails often cost more
- Utilities — Cable, phone, Wi-Fi sometimes excluded
- Guest Meals — Charged per visitor
“Hidden costs often include added fees for higher levels of care.” — [AARP]4
Always get an itemized breakdown.
See Understanding Assisted Living Contracts.
How Families Pay for Assisted Living
“Most people pay the full costs of assisted living themselves.” — [NIA]5
Common Personal Funding Sources
- Retirement or pension income
- Social Security
- Sale of a home or investments
- Family contributions
Medicare Coverage
- Does not cover assisted living
- May cover short-term skilled nursing or rehab only
More at Medicare Coverage Guide
Medicaid Assistance
Some Medicaid waivers may help with:
- Personal care services
- Limited in-home supports
- Not room and board
Learn more at Medicaid and Long-Term Care
Long-Term Care Insurance
These policies may cover:
- Daily benefit amounts
- Limits based on condition
- Elimination periods
➤ See Long-Term Care Insurance
Other Financial Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Reverse Mortgage | Borrow against home equity |
| Life Insurance | Convert policy to cash (settlement or loan) |
| Annuities | Provide monthly income, often with healthcare riders |
Each requires professional advice.
Smart Planning Tips for Cost Management
Start before care is urgently needed.
- Evaluate care needs now and later
- Review tiered pricing models
- Ask how needs impact fees over time
“Area Agencies on Aging and Eldercare Locator help families understand local support options.” — [ACL.gov]6
Also consider:
- Elder Law Attorneys — Help with Medicaid planning
- Aging Life Care Professionals — Navigate facility choices and services
Use the Long-Term Care Checklist and Move Checklist.
Tools to Research and Compare Facilities
Helpful resources include:
- Medicare Care Compare
- State Ombudsman Programs
- AARP Long-Term Care Resources
- Local Area Agencies on Aging via Eldercare Locator (ACL.gov)
Start here: How to Find Senior Living
Final Thoughts on Assisted Living Costs
Planning ahead is the best defense against cost surprises.
Understand what’s included, ask the right questions, and explore every funding avenue available.
“Early preparation can reduce stress and ensure better care decisions.” — Aging Life Care Association
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https://acl.gov/ltc/costs-and-who-pays/costs-of-care ↩
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https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/long-term-care ↩
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https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/basics/memory-care-alzheimers-dementia/ ↩
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https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/unexpected-costs-assisted-living.html ↩
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https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/assisted-living-and-nursing-homes/long-term-care-facilities-assisted-living-nursing-homes ↩
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https://eldercare.acl.gov/ ↩
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Meet the author: Lisbeth Cano earned her medical degree from Universidad de Iberoamérica in Costa Rica and worked as a doctor before becoming a clinical researcher. She now focuses on senior care, writing evidence-based guides for SeniorCanvas.com to help families make safer, smarter decisions for aging parents.
