Prior to entering into an assisted living facility situation, it’s important to understand all information related to fees and services and these must be disclosed prior to anyone becoming a resident. Some of these charges for only the services used when they are used, referred to as A La Carte Services, add up quickly when it comes to the bigger bills. Some examples include:
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Rent or Housing Costs: some ALF include this service fee in with the monthly contract agreement, however, some do not because they do not consider it a set flat rate because basic services are not delivered.
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Transportation Costs: If the ALF resident is required to attend many doctor’s appointments, fill their own prescriptions, go to physical therapy appointments and other such necessities where transportation is needed an additional fee will be added for these services.
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Personal Care: ALF may charge separately for bathing, laundering clothing, helping residents get dressed and helping with grooming. There are some assisted living facilities that include this in their flat rate fee, but be aware that some do not. Because these service fees tend to add up quickly, many ALF’s allow resident’s family members to aid in these items.
Assisted Living Residents once could enter into a relationship with a facility and only have to worry about a one-time fee. This isn’t the case anymore, and these service-to-service fees are often considered the fine print. If these services run outside of the potential resident’s budget, it is important for them to keep looking for another facility until they find a good financial fit.
However, there are some individuals looking for this type of situation because an all-inclusive flat fee set up doe not work for them. For those who are not in need of transportation because they are receiving help from friends, family or a Senior Center Group, the A La Carte Services allow them to choose exactly what they need and when they need the service.
Tags: A La Carte Services, Assisted Living Facility, Assisted Living Facility Services, Resident, Senior Citizen
