Monthly service cost
Base rent or hourly care, assessed care level, medication, meals, transportation, and recurring add-ons.
For families
A clearer way to plan for the cost of care.
Understand common senior-care pricing models, funding sources, contract questions, and how to compare the total cost—not only the advertised rate.
- Total cost
- housing, care, fees, and increases
- Written
- estimates and contract terms
- Reviewed
- with qualified professionals
The starting point
Start with the complete monthly picture.
Senior-care pricing can combine housing, personal care, medication support, meals, transportation, supplies, one-time fees, and annual increases. A low starting rate may not reflect what the family will actually pay.
Build a comparison using the same assumptions for every option. Include the current cost of living at home, unpaid family care, home maintenance, transportation, and the hours of paid support that may be needed.
What to know
Three parts of a realistic budget
One-time and contract costs
Community fees, deposits, entrance fees, moving costs, refund terms, and required notice periods.
Future changes
Annual increases, added care, longer home-care schedules, transfers, and the financial effect of changing needs.
Common funding sources
Families often combine personal income and assets with insurance or public benefits. Eligibility and coverage differ, so verify every assumption directly.
- Social Security, pensions, savings, and investment income
- Home sale proceeds, home equity, or rental income
- Long-term-care insurance benefits
- Veterans benefits for eligible individuals
- Medi-Cal programs and other needs-based support
What Medicare usually does not cover
Medicare generally does not pay for ongoing custodial care in assisted living or long-term non-medical home care. It may cover qualifying medical, rehabilitation, hospice, or home-health services under specific rules.
Do not assume a service is covered because it is health-related. Confirm coverage, eligibility, duration, and provider requirements.
Get important advice in writing
Request itemized estimates and sample contracts. Significant financial, tax, benefit, insurance, estate, or legal decisions should be reviewed by qualified professionals.
EverTree can help families identify comparison questions but does not provide legal, tax, investment, or benefits advice.
A clear next step
Build a comparable cost model
Use the same care assumptions and time horizon for every option.
Estimate current needs
Define the care hours, service level, location, housing, transportation, and family support required today.
Request itemized pricing
Collect written totals for base cost, care, medication, supplies, fees, deposits, and likely increases.
Stress-test the plan
Model what happens if care needs increase, a spouse remains at home, or the preferred option is needed for several years.
EverTree made a difficult time so much easier. Our advisor truly listened and helped our family focus on what mattered.— Lisa M., San Mateo
Does health insurance pay for assisted living?
Standard health insurance generally does not pay for room, board, and ongoing personal care. Specific medical services may be covered separately.
How does long-term-care insurance work?
Policies differ in eligibility triggers, waiting periods, daily benefits, covered settings, and claim requirements. Review the actual policy and contact the insurer.
Are senior-living prices negotiable?
Some fees or incentives may vary with availability and timing, while care charges may follow set assessments. Ask what is fixed, temporary, or subject to change.
Should we sell the family home?
That is a major personal, tax, legal, and financial decision. Model alternatives and consult qualified professionals before acting.