.png&w=256&q=75){kind=small}
How to Get Out of an Assisted Living Contract
Date Updated: January 3, 2025
Written by:
Lisa A. Koosis is an experienced copywriter, who has ghostwritten extensively for clients in the senior living and memory care arena. In recent years, she’s penned countless articles on topics ranging from Medicare to creativity for older adults. Lisa is also a traditionally published novelist and a prize-winning short story writer. She holds a degree in writing and literature from Long Island University.
Reviewed by:
Dr. Brindusa Vanta is a health care professional, researcher, and an experienced medical writer (2000+ articles published online and several medical ebooks). She received her MD degree from “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine, Romania, and her HD diploma from OCHM – Toronto, Canada.
To get out of an assisted living contract before the legal termination date, you can typically provide written notice that you want to vacate. However, specific rules for early termination depend on the contract you signed and where you live.
What's in an Assisted Living Contract?
The assisted living contract you or a loved one sign when you move in contains the terms you and the facility agree to for the duration of your stay. This legal document includes information, such as:
- Care levels the resident requires
- Costs of housing and required care services
- Rates of optional care services
- Discharge or termination policies
- Resident rights and responsibilities
- Procedures for filing a grievance
Some facilities permit residents to negotiate reasonable modifications to a contract based on personal needs or preferences.
Can You Get Out of an Assisted Living Contract?
You can often get out of an assisted living contract before your formal termination date by providing written notice of your intent to vacate. The required notification date depends on the contract's wording or your state of residence. For example, early termination in Florida requires at least 30 days written notice from the resident or their surrogate.
In many facilities, other valid reasons for terminating a contract include breach of contract by the facility, evidence of fraud or the need to transfer you to a hospital or skilled nursing facility. However, termination conditions depend on your signed contract and any relevant state regulations. Additionally, most assisted living facilities must evaluate your health before you leave to ensure a safe discharge or transfer to another facility.
What Can I Do if the Facility Refuses to Terminate My Contract Early?
If the facility refuses to terminate your contract early, you have options. Every state has a long-term care ombudsman program that assists seniors looking to resolve issues with assisted living programs at no cost. Additionally, states have an Office of Aging that provides further support for older adults. A local senior advocacy program or an elder care lawyer can also assist with long-term care contract termination.