Price lists for retirement homes often appear confusing at first glance - each facility structures them slightly differently, so comparing two homes based on a single figure is misleading. It is more useful to understand what items the price usually comprises and to ask about these consistently at every facility.
What the price consists of
The cost of staying in a retirement home is in the vast majority of cases divided into three basic components: accommodation, meals and care. Accommodation and meals are usually paid as a fixed daily or monthly rate, and their amount mainly depends on the type of room (a single room is usually more expensive than a shared one) and the standard of the facility. The cost of care, on the other hand, depends on the scope of services actually provided: the more demanding the care the senior needs, the higher this component tends to be.
In addition to these three basic items, many facilities charge separately for supplementary services such as medical aids, medicines, hairdressing, pedicures, individual activation or accompaniment to doctors outside the facility. It is therefore advisable to request a written price list before admission, which clearly shows what is included in the base rate and what is charged separately.
Private and publicly funded facilities: key differences
There are often noticeable price differences between publicly funded facilities established by the region or municipality and private providers. Publicly funded facilities usually have lower and more regulated rates but longer waiting lists. Private facilities, on the other hand, often charge more - especially for comfort, faster admission or a wider range of additional services - with the price range between individual private homes being very wide depending on the region, standard and scope of care. Specific amounts must always be verified directly with the facility as they vary from home to home and from year to year.
Tip: When comparing prices between facilities, always calculate the total monthly amount including anticipated additional services, not just the basic rate for accommodation and meals; otherwise you are comparing apples with pears.
How care can be financed
The cost of staying in a retirement home is usually covered by the client's pension, or with family support. The care allowance can also play an important role; it is available to people who depend on assistance from another person and is governed by Act No. 108/2006 Coll. on social services. This allowance is intended specifically for covering care costs and can be used in residential facilities, but the exact amount and eligibility conditions must always be verified with the relevant authority as they change over time.
Before you start comparing specific prices, it is worth clarifying other selection criteria. We have summarised them in the article how to choose retirement home. If availability of a place is your main concern, also read the article on available capacity in retirement homes. And if you are unsure whether residential care is already needed, we compare options in the article caring for parents at home or in a facility.
What else to ask about the price
Apart from the price itself, it is important to know how often and under what conditions the facility may change it - price lists are adjusted over time and the contract for providing social services should clearly describe how any adjustment takes place. Also ask what happens if the client's income (pension together with care allowance) is insufficient to cover the cost - procedures differ between facilities and are usually resolved individually, so it is better to have clarity in advance rather than only when the situation arises.
It is also worth asking how the price changes if the client's health deteriorates and they require more extensive care, as this may increase the cost of care at some facilities. A written price list with clearly described rules will save you unpleasant surprises after admission.
On SrovnejPéči.cz you can find an overview of facilities where you can request a specific price list and send an enquiry directly from the profile, thus saving time on calling individual homes separately.
