Assisted Living
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Assisted Living Options
Arizona is Unique
Assisted living communities in Arizona are licensed and regulated by the state and must adhere to the standards set forth in the Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) to ensure that residents receive the care and support they need to maintain their health, safety, and well-being.
When searching for assisted living in Arizona, it’s important to understand the nuances of the term “Level of Care” as defined by the State of Arizona Department of Health Services. These definitions will be helpful to understanding the nature of care offered at a licensed assisted living facility in Arizona.
At VIP, we are always reviewing the most recent State inspection of a facility, as we want to provide our families with licensed care facilities that maintain a high standard of care and compliance with Arizona law.
For over 15 years, VIP Senior Placement Services has provided no cost professional guidance and consultation to seniors and their families who are seeking Assisted Living, Independent Living, or Memory Care Facilities.
Clarifying Senior Care Choices: Your Guide to Clearer Options
Supervisory Care (A.R.S. 36-401.42)
Assisted living at the SUPERVISORY LEVEL offers a safe environment for seniors with minimal daily living needs, promoting independence while still having the oversight of trained caregivers. Medication management, meal preparation and daily reminders may be the help required at the supervisory level of care in assisted living. These residents are typically more independent and generally do not require assistance with personal tasks, can ambulate safely and can make their needs known.
Personal Care Services (A.R.S. 36-401.35)
At this level of care, a more personalized form of assistance with daily activities will be required by the patient/resident. Help with personal hygiene, bathing/showering, dressing/grooming are standard needs at this care level. Seniors may have become incontinent, but can still manage themselves without help. They may also require 24/7 care including night supervision or assistance. The amount of help required is assessed upon admission and becomes part of an individualized care plan required by the State to be maintained by the facility.
Directed Care Services (A.R.S. 36-401.14)
The Directed Care Level requires 24-hour care to be provided for the resident in all areas of daily living. This includes bedbound patients who are unable to recognize danger, require constant monitoring and supervision and can do very little for themselves on a daily basis. Typically these patients are struggling with ambulation, they are incontinent and unable to make manage their care or make their needs known.
Typical at this level of care are those suffering from chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s, congestive heart failure, and other conditions that have become progressively worse near the end of life. Specilized care may be needed and services such as hospice are typically accommodated in a residential setting with dignity and grace.
Types of Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living is one of the fastest growing sectors in the senior marketplace. Assisted living provides a senior living option for older adults requiring long-term, daily care from certified caregivers. These environments allow a person to continue living as independently as possible, even with a chronic health condition, mild memory loss/confusion or mobility issues. These licensed environments offer residents the ability to receive services like 24/7 care and supervision, prepared meals, housekeeping, medication management and caregiving assistance with bathing, dressing and grooming, transportation, etc.
In Arizona, assisted living comes in two forms; Communities and Residential Care Homes. With 100’s of licensed facilities offering a myriad of configurations and choices. Most assisted living facilities will do a clinical assessment of the resident before move-in to determine to right level of care. Although both are licensed and regulated by the State of Arizona’s Department of Health and Safety, they offer different types of services.
Assisted Living Communities
Assisted Living Communities in Arizona are larger scaled apartment-style living environments offering 24/7 around-the-clock care for your loved one. Transportation services and a host of daily activities are also offered as part of the over offerings in these buildings.
Best suited for Supervisory and Personal Levels of care, these communities prioritize personalized care plans, activities and some independence while fostering connections among residents and their families. Ancillary outside services like physical therapy and mobile physicians are also available here.
Assisted Living Communities typically have a one-time, non-refundable “Entrance Fee” that can range from $1500-$3000+ depending on geographic location and size of the property. Room and board costs vary based on
size and configuration. Additional costs are scaled for “Level of Care” as defined by each community upon assessment. The average assisted living community cost in Arizona is $5150 for single occupancy, 1 bedroom,
mid-level care need. Contracts are typically month-to-month in Arizona and require a 30-day advance notice for a non-emergency move-out.
To learn more about all the amenities, services and financial options offered in a specific facility among Arizona Assisted Living, schedule a one-on-one, consultation with a senior advocate at VIP Senior Placement today.
Residential Care Home
Residential Care Homes are licensed for assisted living just like a community, but provide a smaller, ‘home-like’ setting with both private and shared rooms available. Configurations vary and suites may be available with a private bath/shower. Certified caregiving staff are on-site 24/7 where residents receive personalized care in a smaller environment. Meals, medication management, and responsive, continuity of care are the focus here. Physical therapy and Mobile Physician services for Podiatrists, PCPs, etc. are also available in these home settings.
Best suited for Personal and Directed Levels of Care, this smaller, more intimate setting offers an even more personalized care environment where closer attention is typically given as your loved one’s care needs increase. These residents will require daily help and supervision with their normal routine. It is suggested to consider these settings when your loved one no longer benefits from the amenities of a community. Some residential homes may cater specifically to just men/women, veterans, dementia/Alzheimer’s or others who may be intellectually challenged as older adults.
Residential Assisted Living costs will range from $2500-3500 for a shared room, while a private room starts near $4000 and includes the level of care. The contract is typically month-to-month and can be negotiated more easily for flexible terms and conditions especially for end of life care. Most home settings do not charge entrance fees, while about 25% of Arizona assisted living homes charge a modest administrative fee upon admission.
VIP recommends starting the conversations early with your loved ones and discussing their on-going care wishes before an ‘event’ takes place that makes it necessary. By discussing these senior living options today, with a clear mind, everyone will be better prepared when/if the time comes to make decisions. We can help start these talks. It can also be helpful to ask a doctor or certified care manager to be part of this discussion to encourage respectful and meaningful dialogue.
Memory Care
Memory Care facilities in Arizona are licensed as assisted living at the highest level, but also specifically designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. They are often integrated into an Assisted Living environment and prioritize the safety and well-being of residents. Caregivers typically have specialized training and the care is tailored to address the progression of Alzheimer’s or dementia, which may exceed what families can manage at home.
Respite Care
Respite Care offers short-term support, typically lasting fewer than 30 days. At VIP we understand the invaluable peace of mind that respite care can provide. Whether it's to aid in recovery from an illness or medical procedure, or simply to give the primary caregiver an opportunity to attend to other aspects of their lives.
Families should carefully consider care options after a hospitalization or extensive stay in rehab. Always consult with appropriate medical professionals to thoroughly understand the care needs of yourself or loved one before selecting an assisted living facility. At VIP, we help you understand these care levels when considering all aspects of your loved one's needs: Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual. Put our experience to work for you. Our no-cost services are available 24/7 and our trusted Senior Care Advocates are ready to assist you in navigating the options available in Arizona's assisted living communities.
