One of the most common questions we get is “how much does assisted living cost?” But even with our huge database of assisted living in Los Angeles, you would be surprised to learn that the answer often is “it depends.” The reason is that assisted living costs often depend on how much or how little assistance the senior needs in their activities of daily living (ADLs).
Most assisted living communities will start with a needs assessment where the new resident’s level of care is determined. From there, assisted living costs are often either all-inclusive, a base price plus tiered levels of care, or a base price plus fees for a range of a la carte services.
The Average Cost of Assisted Living in Los Angeles
Determining the cost of assisted living is difficult because each senior living community will have its own amenities, activities, and services and may offer different types of care for its residents. The size of the room and the location of the community will also factor into costs. Room rent alone can run anywhere from $3,000 per month to $15,000 per month depending upon the size of the room and whether it is shared or private.
According to a recent study:
- The monthly average cost of assisted living in LA is $5,500
- The yearly average cost of assisted living in LA is $66,000
How are Assisted Living Costs Determined?
There are three different fee models assisted living communities may use to determine costs:
- All-Inclusive – everything is included
- Base price plus tiered levels of care
- Base price plus customized a la carte services
The All-Inclusive Model
With the all-inclusive model, everything including the rent, food, events and activities, and assistance with daily needs is included in the monthly fee. An all-inclusive plan is a great option for families that are planning their budget as the monthly cost should remain fairly steady over time.
Tiered Levels of Care
In the tiered system, a base fee covers the rent, meals, housekeeping, activities, and events. Each resident also takes a quick assessment to determine their daily care needs. The resident may then pay for a level of service based on the type of help that they need with their activities of living. For example, the resident may need memory care if they suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or require assistance getting in and out of bed if they have a disability. The fee increases for each level of care offered with higher levels providing more care, assistance, and help with special needs. Tiered pricing is a fair and balanced approach as you do not have to pay for levels of care that you don’t need. You can also anticipate costs if things change in the future.
Customized A La Carte Services
The a la carte model is more complex but can be customized for each resident’s specific needs. With a la carte pricing, the resident will pay a base fee that includes rent, meals, housekeeping, activities, and events. The resident then chooses additional services depending on their unique personal needs. For example, one resident may need help with medication so medication management is added. Another resident may need help getting in and out of their wheelchair and help with bathing. The benefit of a la carte pricing is that it is customizable and residents can add or remove services as their needs change.
10 Questions That Help Determine the Cost of Assisted Living
- Is the assisted living community all-inclusive?
- If not, what is included in the base fee?
- What types of rooms are available and how much is the rent?
- What is the ratio of staff to residents?
- How are residents monitored throughout the day?
- Is there a move-in fee?
- Are there any move-in specials?
- Will the price increase each year?
- Do they offer different levels of care or a la carte services?
- What types of care do they offer? For example;
- Medication management for health ailments
- Memory care for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
- Help and assistance for residents with disabilities
- Incontinence care and help with bathing and toileting
Let Us Help
When you work with the Passaro Group, we will explain how each community determines its fees and any options that are available. We have the most up-to-date information on the different levels of care and services available for assisted living in Los Angeles and our goal is to help you save time and money during this difficult time of transition. Let us help you find that perfect assisted living community for your loved one – all at NO COST to you.
Call Ron Passaro at 310-428-8221 or 855-525-5565 (toll free).
