Moving into an assisted living facility is a major life decision. Shoshi Arbib provides comprehensive legal support throughout the process — from reviewing facility contracts and securing deposits to ensuring residents' rights are fully protected. (Shoshi Arbib Law Office.)
Moving into an assisted living facility is a major life decision. Shoshi Arbib provides comprehensive legal support throughout the process — from reviewing facility contracts and securing deposits to ensuring residents' rights are fully protected.
Key Services
- Review and negotiation of residency agreements
- Protection of entrance deposit funds
- Advice on nursing care benefits and eligibility
- Representation against facility management
The Residency Agreement — What to Check
The residency agreement is the most important document you will sign. It must include: the total deposit amount and the annual erosion rate (3–5%), the maintenance fee and how it is updated, the services included in the base fee, and the conditions for early termination and deposit refund. Any clause that deviates from the Assisted Living Law (2012) can be challenged.
How to Understand Deposit Erosion in Assisted Living Contracts
The deposit erodes at 3–5% per year, linked to the Consumer Price Index, over the first 12–16 years of residence. After the erosion period ends, the remaining balance is preserved. When the resident leaves — whether by choice or upon death — the uneroded balance is returned to the resident or their heirs. Operators are required by law to secure this balance through a first-ranking mortgage, bank guarantee, or trust arrangement.
Rights During Your Stay
Under the Assisted Living Law, residents may not be required to leave without due process. Fee increases beyond the index require advance written notice. Residents are entitled to apply for nursing care benefits from the National Insurance Institute independently of the facility, and cannot be denied entry to the facility's nursing unit when medically required.
What legal rights does an assisted living resident have in Israel?
Under Israel's Assisted Living Law (2012), residents have the right to a written residency agreement, advance notice of any fee changes, and a refund of their remaining deposit upon leaving. Residents may appeal facility decisions before the district physician. Operators cannot make unilateral fee changes beyond the index adjustment.
How is the deposit protected when entering an Israeli assisted living facility?
Israeli law requires operators to provide one of three forms of security for the entrance deposit: a first-ranking mortgage, a bank or insurance guarantee, or a trust holding at least 40% of the deposit with the resident as beneficiary. The remainder must be returned to the resident or their heirs when the contract ends.
Official References: National Insurance Institute of Israel · Israel Ministry of Justice · Israel Ministry of Justice — Lasting POA · Israeli Courts Administration · Israel Land Authority
Steps to Choosing an Assisted-Living Facility
- Assess needs and budget — Define the required level of care, geographical proximity to family, and whether nursing-care allowances can offset costs.
- Visit and evaluate — Tour shortlisted facilities, assess accommodation quality, medical and care services, and speak with current residents.
- Verify licence and oversight — Confirm a valid operating licence from the Ministry of Health and review inspection reports and any past violations.
- Review the contract — Have an attorney examine the residency agreement before signing: deposit terms, cancellation mechanisms, management fees, and service changes.
Shoshi Arbib Law Office — Attorney | CPA | Mediator, Netanya, Israel.
