Understanding senior living costs and contracts
How senior living fees are typically structured in India, what to compare across communities, and which contract questions to ask before paying.
How pricing is usually structured
Communities price themselves in different ways, which makes side-by-side comparison hard. Most combine some of the following.
- An upfront payment, such as a purchase price, lease premium or deposit
- A monthly charge for services such as housekeeping, security and maintenance
- Optional or additional charges for meals, care, physiotherapy or medical services
Compare the total, not the headline
A lower monthly figure can hide costs that appear elsewhere. Ask each community to write down the total your family would pay in the first year, and in year five, for the level of care you expect.
Refunds and exit terms
Ask exactly what is refundable, when, and under what conditions. Ask what happens if your parent moves out early, moves to a hospital or passes away.
Things that are easy to miss
- How service charges are revised, and by how much each year
- What is billed separately, such as nursing, consumables and transport
- Who owns the home and what rights your family holds
- What is promised but not yet built
Get independent advice
Have any agreement reviewed by a lawyer who is not connected to the community. This guide is general information and is not legal or financial advice.
This guide is general information for families. It is not medical, legal or financial advice; consult qualified professionals for your situation.