Two quotes can look very different because they cover different things. Put them on the same basis before deciding which one costs less.
Match the arrangement first
Write the care type, room type, number of residents, included services, and quote date at the top of each column. If those details differ, keep the difference visible. A shared room and a private apartment are not interchangeable prices.
Build one normal monthly total
| Recurring item | Community A | Community B | Community C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing and standard package | |||
| Additional assistance | |||
| Medication-related service fees | |||
| Meals or second-resident charges | |||
| Laundry, transport, supplies, and other extras | |||
| Services billed by outside providers | |||
| Normal monthly total |
Mark an item included only when that is confirmed. A blank means unknown, not free. Ask the community to explain any line you cannot reconcile with its written quote.
Put one-time amounts in a separate box
Record entrance or community fees, deposits, moving expenses, and temporary overlap with current housing. Mark each amount refundable or nonrefundable based on the agreement, including the conditions for a refund. Keep a refundable amount visible: the household still needs the money when it is due.
Compare the offer and the standard bill
A waived fee or introductory rate can help with the move, but it does not explain the ongoing cost. Record the promotion, its written conditions, and its end date. Beside it, record the standard bill after the offer ends. Ask whether future increases apply to the promotional or standard amount.
Subtract only confirmed payments
Insurance and public benefits belong below the full total, on separate lines. For each, note whether it is approved, pending, or not checked. Do not assume that a policy's maximum, a possible benefit, or a community's general statement about participation is a confirmed payment for this arrangement.
Keep the non-price comparison beside the numbers
Use three short notes: what the prospective resident prefers, what the community has confirmed it can provide, and what still needs an answer. An incomplete service arrangement is not made complete by a lower quote. Ask the designated community team to resolve support questions before deciding.
Your next step: Send the missing cost questions to each community and ask for one updated written quote. Print the table for your own notes; it does not need to be uploaded or submitted to use GlenOak's guides.