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My father moved into an ALA and stayed there for 5 months. It was on the edge of acceptable to begin with, but as time went on, i noticed the attitude of the place of course was reflective of the leader, a very grouchy authoritarian RN Direct with an almost patronizing approach. She had a constant frown on her face and sharp lecture tone. Most of her staff were either the same, or apathetic. Dad felt intimidated and afraid and withdrew into a shell. He lost a lot of weight and a lot of cognitive clarity.

Long story short, we moved. First dad fell and the RN tried to discount the fall by blaming it on dad, who "didn't report it". That was unacceptable so I took him to the hospital after he voiced back pain for 2 days.(They had just noted that he was "non compliant" and wouldn't get out of bed for dinner)

The SKF was kind and thorough and a breath of fresh air. They also have an ALF under the same roof. the ALF, however, is more than 1,000 more a month than the other one. With dads ss and aid and attendance and what he does have, I should be able to last for about 2 years. so I decided to go for it to give him quality of life.

My question is, before I sign the papers, does anyone know whether ALF's negotiate for fees? I know they said they had a June special, but then they only "estimated" my fees (even then I had to insist) -- and when they actually assessed dad they came up with 1,000 more.

Its my only nagging doubt. could I be getting a better price if they for some reason didn't think I have tons of money? Maybe I just need to ask, but I don't know if that's like offering a hospital less or if its like offering less on craigs list.

Do ALFs negotiate for fees?

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Can't say for sure, but almost everything really is negotiable. I've gotten lowered prices on a washing machine, and furniture, in regular retail stores. Try it.
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I've never heard of any facility having negotiable monthly fees. It's not like: "$3,000 a month for the first 12 months, utilities all included. Or best offer."

But since AL's are so expensive it wouldn't cost anything to check it out further.
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If you need to get up your nerve to negotiate, go to a swap meet or a bunch of garage sales this weekend and practice haggling.
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Sometimes rates are negotiable; however care is rarely never negotiated. It never hurts to ask. If you are being charged for levels of care, there are times when this fee can be reduced by carefully reviewing the point system that was used to assign the level of care.
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Maybe the add-on care could be negotiable 1) If Dad improves while his quality of life improves, and 2) If you can take on some of the add-ons, like doing his laundry? Deduct that, save over $$100/mo. or more!

I am for your plan to get Dad the better home.
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O dear, sorry folks!
2014 ?????? ?????
I was not the one who re-activated this thread.
Feeling silly answering someone who has moved on.
Hope it was helpful to someone.
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As to the question, my sis says that it seems like no two people are paying the same rate where she works, and some of the long time residents are paying a lot more than newcomers (if they only knew!). It all depends on the market in your area and how desperate they are to fill rooms!
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So strange, Cwillie! You posted after me, but your post is up there with 2014!!!

I am reporting myself, this thread has quirky flaws and I don't want to be associate with it!
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You can negotiate downward, but realize that your patient will not get the level of care they need. We kept mom at level 2 even though she insisted she did not need it.
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