I looked at the literature on the ALF I checked last week. There is an Application fee of $3,000.00 for one person and $500.00 for a second person. I am assuming this is to go on a waiting list but I will check tomorrow to be sure. I was wondering if this is the usual procedure for ALF's. I'm not sure I want to pay $3,000.00 to go on a list I might never use, especially as it's non refundable!
At the first ALF I had a $1000 deposit for being on their waiting list. They never cashed my check and when I couldn’t wait any longer and placed my DW at another facility, they returned my deposit check. The place where I placed her also required a $1000 deposit that they keep when placed and it goes into their “community fund” .
When looking for ALF facilities for DH, I was also required to put down a deposit to be on the waiting list. The deposit was $4000.00; but as Jerry said, they never cashed the check and returned it after a year. Fortunately DH has done well at home with a live-in aide - so far.
Sheltifan, it's similar to the escrow deposit you pay when you are buying a home. To demonstrate your true intent to follow through. Just as with Escrow deposits, if you change your mind, most of the time, you get it back.
Update on the ALF. I took DH on Tuesday to check the ALF, he liked it but I am having second thoughts on this one. First there is the nonrefundable $3,000.00 for the application fee, then there $45.00 a month for cable TV and $45.00 for a telephone. DH wouldn't need the phone because he doesn't know how to dial a number. Then there are what they refer to as points which is over and above the basic care items. Each point costs $2.95. Then ther is the cost for furniture I would have to buy...bed, chest of drawers, nightstands, lamps, mattress and bed linens including pillows. Also, a dinette set and sofa and whatever DH would need in the kitchen area. I just bought 2 bedroom sets when we moved here last August and if DH took his set I would still have to buy another set for here. So all in all I think this one is off my list. I will check some other places as well as in-home help.
P.S. Has anyone heard or know anything about Right at Home? The neuro gave me a brochure on it at DH's last a appointment. It is $17.50 an hour for a minimum of 3 hours. If anyone would like to check it out the URL is www.rightathome.net.
My grand daughter works for Rightat home here in PA and has been very happy working for them. She had a year of nursing school and goes part time to school and works the rest of the time'so she already had experience. I do know she had to take a test to get the job.