[Boomer]

medicare.gov has a section to compare providers where you can find ratings and some details.

But I am not sure if stand-alone assisted living facilities are included there. If assisted living is part of a CCRC, it will be noted.

Someone mentioned buy-ins and while I am not familiar with how those work in Florida, I know that in my Ohio hometown, some of the more expensive, non-profit CCRCs have them as a one-time, pro-rated entrance cost. There still will be a monthly fee but at a somewhat reduced rate.

Buy-ins require a clear and definite understanding. They are not inexpensive. But a buy-in (or entrance fee) does not always mean “the facility takes all.”

The original entrance cost, that can be required when entering independent living in a CCRC, should apply throughout the stay as healthcare needs change and the resident moves through the types of care.

I have known of 5-year prorating being a part of some facilities’ entrance costs where the estate is refunded should 5 years not be the length of the stay. I do not know if that also applies should the resident decide to move out. I don’t know how that works in different states or types of facilities. For-profit? Non-profit? Levels of care needed?

Sometimes financial reviews can be a part of entrance to determine actuarially how long private pay might be possible before Medicaid is needed for care. But, as far as I know, Medicaid will not cover assisted living.

Well, I am definitely in over my head here and probably should shut up. I am not in the LTC business or profession. There are so many variables in elder-care situations. Navigating through those variables can be complicated and might require a trusted elder-care attorney to be sure all the questions are answered before a decision is made. Sometimes it is hard to even know what all the questions should be.

Boomer

PS: No matter how good a facility appears to be, known visitors are important, especially as care needs increase.