Costs
Understanding assisted living costs and how families pay
How assisted living pricing is usually structured, who may help pay, what Medicare does not cover, and the questions to ask every community.
Step 3 of 6 in the family journey
Checklist
Questions to ask about costs and fees
A printable list of questions to ask each assisted living community about monthly fees, care charges, one-time fees and how to pay.
Print one copy for each community you are considering, and ask every one the same questions so you can compare fairly. Write the answers down, and ask for the fee schedule in writing.
Rules and fees vary by state and by community, so confirm anything important before you sign. For help understanding the answers, see our costs guide or talk with an elder-law attorney or benefits counselor.
Tick items as you go, or print this page (Ctrl+P or Share, then Print) to take it with you. Printing gives you empty boxes and hides the menus, and you can save it as a PDF from the same menu.
Monthly fees
Care fees
One-time fees and contract terms
Paying for care
Sources
What would you like to do next?
Find a community
How to find and shortlist assisted living communities
A calm, step-by-step way to research assisted living near you, check licenses and inspection reports, make first calls, and narrow your list to three to five places.
Guides
Browse all guides
Every guide in order, from the first question to moving day.