Senior living costs in India vary widely by city, care level, and amenities. The important thing is to understand what you’re paying for and to budget realistically. This guide breaks costs down, explains hidden charges, and offers planning tips.

Typical cost bands (approximate, city-dependent)

• Independent living: ₹25,000 – ₹60,000 / month
  
  

• Assisted living: ₹35,000 – ₹1,00,000 / month
  
  

• Memory care: ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000 / month
  
  

• Home care (full-time attendant / nurse): ₹20,000 – ₹80,000 / month

These ranges are indicative. Metro cities command higher fees; tier-2 towns may be significantly lower.

What contributes to cost

1. Accommodation quality & size. Private rooms, better finishes and premium locations increase rent.
   
   

2. Level of medical support. On-site nurses, frequent doctor visits and advanced clinical monitoring add cost.
   
   

3. Staffing levels & training. Higher staff-to-resident ratios and trained geriatric staff raise operational costs.
   
   

4. Food & dining options. Tailored nutrition and multiple dining venues cost more.
   
   

5. Activities & lifestyle services. Specialized programs, transport and outings are additional.
   
   

6. Regulatory compliance & insurance. Facilities maintaining higher compliance standards may have higher overheads.

Common extra charges (read the fine print)

• One-time admission or registration fees (sometimes called security deposits)
  
  

• Charges for physiotherapy, specialist consultations, medicines and ambulance transfers
  
  

• Extra for upgraded meals, laundry and housekeeping
  
  

• Charges for family events, printed materials or external outings

Deposit and refund rules

Many facilities require a refundable security deposit. Ask: is it fixed, refundable, subject to deductions? Get the clause in writing with clear timelines.

Financial planning horizons

Plan for the long term. Senior care can extend for many years. Families should model monthly costs over 5–15 years, accounting for inflation and potential increase in care needs.

Funding options

• Savings & retirement corpus. Typical route for many families.
  
  

• Sale / rent of property. Common in India to fund long-term care.
  
  

• Family pooling. Multiple family members contribute monthly.
  
  

• Insurance & health plans. Check limits and exclusions; many policies do not cover long-term care.
  
  

• CSR & subsidies. In some cases, facilities partner with NGOs or CSR programs for subsidised beds.

Negotiation tips

• Ask for itemised bills. Transparent billing is a sign of a well-run facility.
  
  

• Negotiate notice period & escalation clauses. Especially if you plan long-term.
  
  

• Ask about price locks. Can fees be fixed for the first year; is there a cap on annual increases?
  
  

• Request trial or short-stay discounts to assess fit before committing.
  How Nirvala helps

  
  Nirvala’s finance module provides a clear dashboard to compare costs across facilities, model projected expenses, and understand the true monthly commitment (including hidden extras). This reduces surprises and helps families make budgeted choices.

Bottom line

Costs are a real concern—but transparency and careful planning remove uncertainty. Budget realistically, look beyond the headline price, and prioritise facilities that offer clear, itemised billing and predictable increases.