Why might assisted living be considered a costly option for care?

Assisted living can be seen as a costly option for care primarily because personal care services are often not included in the base price and are typically offered as add-ons. Many facilities advertise a basic package that covers essential services, but when residents require more personalized assistance, such as help with bathing, dressing, or medication management, these services can significantly increase the overall cost.

As individuals assess the affordability of assisted living, they may not account for these additional expenses, which can make it seem like a financially burdensome option. Understanding this structure allows families and individuals to make more informed decisions, as they can evaluate the total potential costs rather than only considering the base fee.

Other factors, such as included services or transportation, do not directly contribute to the perception of high costs in the same way that additional personal care services do.