Costs may vary:
By the amount and kind of personal care assistance included in the service package. You may be quoted a price based on your loved one needing no care, a small amount of daily care or a large amount of care. Under a tiered pricing structure in which costs are calculated based on the actual number of hours/minutes that care was provided, initial quotes may not reflect the true costs that your Mom or Dad will actually incur. If your loved one needs more care than the allotted time under the “tier” you are paying for, your cost for care will increase.
By the size, location and special features of the apartment. Accommodations can range from a shared bedroom to a two-bedroom apartment. Some communities charge more for apartments that are considered “prime” for characteristics such as proximity to an elevator, great views, extra closets or oversized windows.
By geography. Land, real estate taxes, insurance, construction costs and labor all vary geographically and they affect the cost of developing and running an Assisted Living community. For example, Massachusetts is more expensive than Florida. Even within the same state Assisted Living communities in wealthier towns will cost more than in other towns and cities.
By the company. Some companies charge more than others, perhaps because they need to maximize profits for stockholders or they have a large corporate headquarters with more overhead.