Before you sign, nail down three things in writing: the total cost, what raises it, and how you can leave. Senior living contracts are binding, and the fee, rate-increase, and discharge sections are where families get caught.
Get these in writing
- Total monthly cost — base + care tier + community fee + add-ons
- Care-tier triggers — which assessment results raise the rate, and by how much
- Rate increases — the three-year history and the notice required
- Discharge criteria — what needs would force a move to memory care or nursing
- Refund terms — hospitalization, move-out, or death mid-month
- Financial hardship terms — what happens if funds run short mid-stay
What your options depend on
- Budget runway: can you sustain the cost through likely increases?
- Care trajectory: plan for needs growing, not just today's tier
- Payment source: private pay, long-term care insurance, or VA benefits
How A Place for Seniors advisors help
We've read a lot of these contracts and know which clauses trip families up. An A Place for Seniors advisor will help you ask the right questions before you sign — and tell you when the stakes justify an elder law attorney's review.
Your next step
Want a second set of eyes before signing? Take our placement quiz — it takes a few minutes, and an A Place for Seniors advisor follows up at no cost to your family. Or browse communities in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, and Utah.
Related questions
- What Fees Should You Ask About Before Signing?
- What Questions Should I Ask on a Senior Living Tour?
- How Do Families Pay for Senior Living?
Consider an elder law attorney for contract review. This is not legal advice.