Author: Andrea Miller

Reviewed By: Catherine Braxton

Assisted living is so expensive because of the large professional staff this type of community needs. The demand for high-quality assisted living care also drives up the cost, especially as the size of the older adult population continues to grow. In addition, the rent at many assisted living communities covers all costs, including meals, transportation and assistance with daily activities. 

What factors affect the cost of assisted living?

Many factors affect the cost of assisted living, such as the type of care required, the size of the facility, the type of room selected and the geographic location. Communities with premium amenities, such as fitness centers and pools, cost more than smaller assisted living communities without these features. The average monthly cost of assisted living is $4,500, projected to increase by about 4% per year. However, some states have a much higher average cost of assisted living than others. In this case, you may consider shopping around for a community in a more affordable area.

Are programs available to help seniors afford assisted living expenses?

Federal, state and local programs could help you or a loved one pay for assisted living. Medicaid has a waiver program that covers part of the cost of assisted living in many states. The Veterans Administration has an Aid and Attendance program that helps disabled veterans pay for assisted living. The Area Agency on Aging offers resources for seniors and can provide information about other assistance programs in a given area.