Glossary
Starting price
A starting price is the lowest monthly rate a community quotes, usually a shared or studio room at the lightest level of care, before care fees.
On Senior Places, the starting price on a listing is the lowest rate on file for that community; some listings carry a market estimate rather than a quoted rate. Always ask for an all-in monthly figure for the care your person needs.
Related terms
Base rent
Base rent is the monthly charge for the room, meals and standard services in a senior living community, before any care fees are added.
Level of care
Level of care is a community’s rating of how much personal assistance a resident needs, used to set the monthly care fee on top of base rent.
All-inclusive pricing
All-inclusive pricing is a senior living rate model in which one monthly fee covers room, meals, services and all personal care, regardless of how much help a resident needs.
Definitions reviewed September 5, 2026. Rules vary by state and change over time; confirm specifics with the community and the licensing agency.