Unexpected Expenses to Expect in Assisted Living

"Surprise!" Usually a fun word, right? Not so much when it comes with a dollar sign attached -- especially when we're talking about unexpected expenses in assisted living.

Do you think you've got all your senior care finances figured out? Hold onto your wallet because there might be a few financial plot twists ahead.

Before we discuss those surprise costs in detail, let's first examine what you're actually paying for in assisted living communities.

Basic Expenses for Assisted Living

Let's talk about senior care finances -- the stuff that should be straightforward but quickly becomes complex and confusing. Base fees in assisted living communities are like paying for the base rental car: you get the essentials, but there are definitely some things they don't give you for free.

Here's what's typically covered in your base monthly fee:

• Your apartment comes furnished with basic maintenance and utilities included.
• Daily meals and snacks are provided in community dining areas.
• Regular housekeeping helps keep your living space spick and span.
• Basic personal care services are included in your monthly rate.

Common Misconceptions About Coverage

Many assume everything's included in that base fee, but a whole menu of unexpected expenses is waiting in the wings.

Ready to discover what these surprise costs might be? Let's pull back the curtain on these hidden expenses that nobody tells you about and try to get you some cost savings.

Types of Unexpected Expenses

Remember those infomercials that always end with "But wait, there's more"? That's exactly what we're dealing with here. Let's break down these surprise costs that might sneak up on you.

Healthcare and Personal Care Costs

Think the base fee covers your healthcare expenses? Think again! While assisted living communities offer basic personal care services, medication management often comes with an extra charge that could be costly when stacked up.

Here's what might cost extra:

• Medication management services often come with additional monthly fees.
• Medical alert systems and specialized equipment require separate payments.
• Extra assistance with daily activities might incur additional charges.

Mobility and Moving Around

Getting from point A to point B shouldn't cost a fortune, but it's important to understand what you're signing up for. Some communities charge extra for certain arrangements.

Here's what you need to know about getting around:

• Special trips outside regular schedules might come with additional fees.
• Personal requests often involve extra charges.
• Some communities charge for parking spots or garage spaces.

Personal Care Essentials

In most hotels, you'd remember when toiletries came as standard. That's not the case anymore. These everyday items can add up quickly.

Here's what to budget for:

• Regular toiletries and personal hygiene items aren't typically included.
• Incontinence supplies require separate budgeting.
• Specialty care items might need to be purchased independently.

Extra Service Surprises

"Additional services" are one of the stealthy ways that some companies attempt to charge you extra.

Consider these potential extra costs:

• Laundry services might cost extra per load or month.
• Package delivery and handling could involve additional fees.
• Special cleaning requests often come with supplementary charges.

Moving and Setting Up Shop

Moving isn't just about boxing up memories; it's about unpacking your wallet, too. Aside from the base moving costs, the initial setup can involve more expenses than expected.

Here's what to plan for:

• Professional moving services require separate budgeting.
• New furniture or modifications might be necessary.
• Storage solutions for items that won't fit in your new space.

Fee Adjustments Over Time

Nothing stays the same forever, not even the prices for your care. Care needs can change, and so can the associated costs.

Watch out for these potential changes:

• Regular assessments might lead to increased care costs.
• Annual fee adjustments are standard in most communities.
• Service packages may need updating as needs change.

While these costs might seem uninvited and unexpected, there are plenty of ways to prepare for them. Let's explore some smart strategies to keep your budget as comfortable as your new home.

Strategies for Managing Unexpected Expenses

Consider this section your financial map, helping you avoid costly surprises in your long-term care planning journey. Here are a few things you can implement to make your finances more secure.

Do Your Homework Before Moving Day

Remember when your teachers said research was important? Well, they weren't kidding! Being prepared helps you to avoid the deluge of issues when you actually start moving.

Here's your pre-move checklist:

• Ask specifically about extra charges for personal care services.
• Request a detailed breakdown of all potential additional fees.
• Get a written list of what's included in the base rate.

Create a Budget That Actually Works

Budgeting doesn't have to be painful and uncomfortable. Planning for your move can remove much of the discomfort and even highlight things you should avoid that could cause problems.

Here are some smart moves for your wallet:

• Track all healthcare expenses for three months to establish patterns.
• Add a 15-20% buffer for those inevitable surprise costs.
• Keep a running list of monthly assisted living costs.

Know Your Contract Inside and Out

Contracts are crucial to understanding your future expenses. They're the guidelines for your new life and protect you and your community.

Here are some protection pointers:

• Review all fee increase clauses before signing anything.
• Ask for clarification on any vague service descriptions.
• Consider having a professional review the agreement.

Finding the right community for you is the first step in avoiding unexpected expenses. We can help with that.

Making the Right Choice

Since we've decoded those unexpected expenses together, wouldn't it be nice to find a community that helps you navigate them? Please think of us at Addington Place of Des Moines as your friendly neighborhood guide, complete with an excellent chef who makes every meal something to look forward to.

Our parkside location gives you gorgeous views while you chat with our team about making sense of all those numbers we discussed.

Contact us to schedule a visit to our community in Des Moines, IA. We'll give you the grand tour and show you how we make budgeting enjoyable!