Hello! In searching for Assisted Living Facility (ALF) for my sister a few have offered to negotiate rates. Common to these are high vacancy rates and pending construction/renovation projects. While we're not adverse to getting best rates possible this seems puzzling and potentially risky. Is/Are there things to watch out for? Also observing high turnover rate of facility ownership which seems typical. We just wonder if we'll "get an actual level of service" tied to the rate. Another way of saying you get what you pay for.
Technically, there are usually two things you will pay, 1) the rent that covers the room and board , then 2) fees for the care, that vary based on how much care they need/ level of care. "In theory", these two should be independent. However, in reality, as you fear, could it lead to inferior service as management knows you are paying a lower rate....?
The parallel I suppose is, renting a vacation hotel room from a budget discounter service like Expedia, versus paying more by booking via the hotel itself. In theory one should get the same service either way, BUT...in practice people say those who book via hotel are at an advantage....
So it is a tricky question. It may well be good to have an attorney look at the contract. See how long the lease term is. Also, keep in mind that in many standard contracts there is room for them to increase rates over time.
If they are really undersold with a lot of empty rooms, maybe its fine to take a lower introductory rate? it could be possible that no one in there is actually paying full price rate? then for a short while perhaps its ok?
Tricky scenario. With my dad, we are paying standard room rent, and for his level of care, he is actually at a higher level of care than he is actually taking so we are overpaying a bit. I have mentioned, and the staff have said they could "reassess" him which may bring down the monthly cost a bit with a lower level of care. But I have decided for now its safer to leave it as it is and slightly overpay. I even made it known to the care director and executive director that this is the case....and its ok to keep a slightly higher level of care than he is using to be on the safe side. Anyway, hes likely to need more and more care over time......
You are talking getting what you pay for.