What’s Included in the Monthly Fee at a Senior Living Community?

When families first explore senior living, one of the most common questions is:

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“What exactly am I paying for each month?”

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Unlike a simple rent payment, the monthly fee at a senior living community bundles housing, care, meals, and services into a single, predictable cost. This structure not only simplifies budgeting—it often represents better value compared to the rising expenses of living independently or coordinating in-home care.

In this blog, we’ll break down what’s typically included, what may be optional, and how to compare offerings between communities.

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Core Services Included in Most Senior Living Monthly Fees

While specific offerings vary by community, most senior living monthly fees include the following:

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🏡 Housing

• Private or semi-private apartment or suite
• Utilities (electricity, water, heating/cooling)
• Maintenance and repairs
• Trash removal and basic Wi-Fi

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🍽️ Dining

• Three chef-prepared meals per day
• Snacks and beverages throughout the day
• Specialized diets or texture-modified meals if needed
• Restaurant-style or communal dining options

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🧹 Housekeeping & Laundry

• Weekly light housekeeping
• Linen and towel service
• Laundry service for personal items (in some communities)

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🚌 Transportation

• Scheduled transportation to doctor’s appointments, errands, shopping, and outings
• Accompaniment by staff for certain off-site visits

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🎉 Activities & Life Enrichment

• Daily social, physical, cognitive, and creative activities
• Community events, entertainment, and educational sessions
• Access to fitness centers, salons, libraries, or chapels (where available)

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🩺 Staffing and Support

• 24/7 on-site staff for safety and support
• Emergency call systems in every apartment
• Basic wellness checks and care coordination

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Care Services: What’s Typically Included vs Additional

In Assisted Living and Memory Care, the monthly fee often includes:

• Personal care (bathing, grooming, toileting, mobility assistance)
• Medication reminders or administration
• Health monitoring and routine assessments
• Assistance with dressing and hygiene

However, communities may tier care services based on a needs assessment. That means additional fees might apply for:

• Frequent or complex medication administration
• Incontinence care
• One-on-one behavioral support
• Physical or occupational therapy (billed through Medicare or private insurance)

👉 Related: Is Memory Care More Expensive Than Assisted Living? Here’s Why

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What About All-Inclusive Pricing?

Some senior living communities—like select ONELIFE locations—offer an all-inclusive pricing model. This means that the monthly fee stays consistent, even if care needs increase, so families can plan ahead without worrying about unpredictable add-on charges.

All-inclusive pricing typically bundles:

• Rent and utilities
• Daily meals and snacks
• Housekeeping and laundry
• Transportation
• Activities and life enrichment
• 24/7 caregiver support
• Personal care services (bathing, dressing, medication assistance, etc.)

At communities like Shadow Mountain Memory Care in Phoenix, this model provides financial peace of mind and eliminates the complexity of tiered pricing or à la carte care plans. Families can focus on their loved one’s well-being rather than recalculating costs month to month.

Why it matters:
All-inclusive pricing can be especially helpful in Memory Care, where needs often increase over time. With a flat rate, families avoid surprise bills—and residents receive consistent care without financial stress.

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Optional or À La Carte Services

While many services are bundled into the monthly fee, some communities offer optional upgrades such as:

• Salon and spa services (haircuts, manicures, etc.)
• Private dining or guest meals
• Pet care or pet rent
• Upgraded cable or high-speed internet
• Room service or concierge amenities
• Private transportation

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Comparing Community Offerings: Questions to Ask

When evaluating monthly fees, it’s important to compare what’s actually included. Ask:

• Are all meals and activities included, or only a set number?
• Is there a base care package, or is everything billed separately?
• Are utilities (including Wi-Fi and cable) part of the rent?
• What are the fees for higher levels of care?
• What services are considered optional?

Having clear answers to these questions helps avoid unexpected fees and ensures you’re comparing apples to apples.

👉 Explore next: Why You Shouldn’t Choose a Senior Living Community Based on Price Alone

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The Bottom Line: Value Beyond Rent

Senior living isn’t just about square footage—it’s about peace of mind, safety, and a supported lifestyle. The monthly fee includes so much more than housing; it’s an investment in your loved one’s well-being, daily engagement, and access to around-the-clock help if needed.

📞 Have more questions? Contact ONELIFE to learn what’s included at your nearest community

👉  Explore our Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities today

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What does the monthly fee in senior living include?

The monthly fee typically covers housing, meals, housekeeping, transportation, life enrichment activities, and 24/7 staffing. In Assisted Living and Memory Care, it also includes personal care and medication support.

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Are care services included or charged separately?

Most communities include a base level of care in the monthly fee, but some services—like incontinence care or complex medication management—may cost extra. Be sure to ask for a breakdown of what's included.

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What is all-inclusive pricing in senior living?

All-inclusive pricing means that housing, meals, care services, and amenities are bundled into one predictable monthly rate. It offers peace of mind by avoiding fluctuating bills based on care level.

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What services might not be included in the monthly fee?

Optional or à la carte services may include salon visits, guest meals, pet care, upgraded cable or internet, and private transportation.

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