Educate Yourself about the Hidden Costs from Some Assisted Living Facilities
Moving into assisted living facilities is not only stressful for you but also to your pocket. Because no matter how affordable the costs are, there are hidden fees that could add up.
To avoid such a stressful situation, you should be aware of the hidden fees and charges of assisted living. The more you know, the fewer surprises you’ll have to deal with financially.
This article is designed to educate seniors in need of nursing care and their families about the financial requirements of assisted living. Knowing the potential costs will help you make an informed decision before you commit to a facility.
Assisted Living Facilities Services and Costs
Hygiene
You know that laundry services are not always free. What you may not know is that dressing and undressing come with a fee as well. The same is true with bathing and bathroom/incontinence care.
Hidden costs may vary from one facility to another, so it is important to know how much things like these cost:
- dressing/morning hygiene
- undressing/evening hygiene
- Incontinence Care
- Stand-by during 7 showers a week
Medical
Have you ever wondered what’s included in the health care costs in your bill?
What you should be asking about are the services you are receiving. Also, which costs are added on top of the fees of major medical expenses. These are:
- Health training before moving into assisted living facilities
- An on-site doctor or pharmacy access
- Management of medication
- Treatment for temporary illness or wounds
- Monitoring of blood pressure and or blood glucose
- Insulin injections
If you happen to be diabetic, expect to pay hidden medical costs.
Mobility and some Forms of Assistance
Nearly every form of help that you receive from staff, comes with a price.
Did you know that some facilities will charge when they escort you to and from the activity center or the dining room? The same is true for the following:
- Reminding you to take your medication, to go to the bathroom every few hours, or to get therapy.
- Checking in on you at regular intervals
- Transporting you to the doctor’s office, area shops, and other places
- Admission or discharge
- Your use of telephone and/or on-site gym or spa
- Some facilities even include deep-cleaning charges
How much to Expect in Hidden Charges?
When added up, hidden costs can range from $3,500 to $4000 on top of the basic accommodation rental and services. If you need a great deal of assistance, expect the numbers to increase too.
In memory care facilities, fees for personalized care is often all-inclusive since the expectation is that you’ll need 24-hour assistance and monitoring.
Make sure to always check your bill. If you see any prepaid services that you did not use, make sure to ask for a refund. Before you do, however, check any related policies. The hidden cost of your discharge, for example, could be outlined in a facility’s discharge policies as non-refundable.
Ask the right questions when comparing assisted living facilities so you can make the right choice without burning a hole in your pocket.
Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper
