Advantages of Retiring to Arizona

The Weather. Arizona offers 365 days of sunshine per year, and  since there are no natural disasters like hurricanes or floods, it also makes for a safe place to live.

Low Maintenance Living. If you are looking to buy a home or live within a retirement community, Arizona’s desert landscape allows for low cost maintenance without the need of mowing grass or trimming trees.

Retiring in Arizona is affordable.  Arizona offers retirement options which are affordable, retirement communities allow for individuals to rent or own property and have it maintained. Or if you prefer to own your own home, this state has some of the most affordable properties on the West coast.

Activities in Arizona.  Golf is a major favorite past time in Arizona, there are many courses all across the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas which range in price from $22 per round. Golf in Phoenix is more affordable than Scottsdale and usually offer discounts. Outdoor activates include day trips to Sedona, Prescott, Flagstaff, Tucson and surrounding areas. Phoenix and Scottsdale offer some of the best outdoor shopping malls where families gather to listen to live music and entertainment.

A Conclusion to Retiring in Arizona
Individuals who have chosen Arizona retirement have done so because of a combination of home values, actives and great climate. If you are looking to relocate or retire to Arizona, it is suggested that you first visit Arizona and become accommodated with lifestyle, dry scenery and weather.

Beyond Arizona Retirement
For aging seniors who have either lived here their entire lives or have relocated to Arizona, and may need help sustaining a normal lifestyle, Arizona offers quite an array of retirement communities and assisted living options. As we age and become more dependent on others for help, it is important to research available options. For example, some individuals may only need some help with daily living activities, laundry service or housekeeping part time a few days a week. In-home care agencies offer certified caregivers who can help sustain a quality of life for seniors who desire independence.

For seniors who need more than just part time assistance, residential assisted living homes offer 24/7 assisted living offered by trained caregivers and providers affordable living in residential family style homes which have been converted to care homes. This type of living accommodation does allow for flexibility, freedom and independence for example: Goldwater Assisted Living. 

Identifying the proper adult group home or assisted living facility in Glendale can prove to be a little challenging. For example, some folks would like an assisted living facility that offers the highest quality of services, in other words luxury assisted living. While others do not have the budget of $4,500 per month but still want to know their loved one is well cared for.

Facilities in Glendale which are worth a Visit

Goldwater Assisted Living
(623) 738-6459
This facility offers quality senior care services in a luxurious home which offers all the upgrades imaginable. Residents at Goldwater Assisted Living are pampered with weekly planned activities and delicious home cooked meals.

Arrowhead Symphony
(623) 207-9842
Owned and managed by Daniella Filip, Arrowhead Symphony offers assisted living for 10 residents and has been in business for five years. Arrowhead Symphony offers quality assisted living at affordable prices.

Arizona’s Golden Heart
(623) 207-7531
Owned and managed by Aurelia Horga, Arizona’s Golden Heart offers residents true compassionate care. Aurelia has been providing assisted living in Glendale for more than a decade, she understands her resident’s needs and truly offers resident’s families complete peace of mind.

Locating assisted living in Glendale Arizona can be simplified by following a few guidelines.

• Identify what is the most important factor, is it location, budget, quality of service, or the type of assisted living services needed.
• After you’ve selected which factors are the most important, browse assisted living facilities in Glendale and sort by the criteria you desire. If you fill out the get a quote form, you’ll be matched with the facilities which match your criteria, taking out some of the work you’ll have to do. Basically you’ll get a match score to see which facilities match up most with your criteria.
• Once you’ve identified and established communication with a few assisted living homes in the Glendale area, be sure to tour at least three to four of the facilities to get a general idea of the environment and differences between them.
• You may also check the Arizona State Department of Health for the number of deficiencies the group home might have. Generally most of them do have at least one deficiency on each year’s inspection. But some Glendale assisted living homes might have one too many, for those kind of facilities you might to be careful of.

Browse Glendale assisted living facilities, or fill out our quote request form which will instantly match you with providers in your area based on specific criteria you provide. If you have questions, be sure to dial our (800) for assistance which is located on the top right of our website.

Arizona nursing homes specialize in providing care of residents who require nursing care and have significant deficiencies with activities of daily living. These residents may be younger or older with physical or mental disabilities and may receive physical, occupational and other rehabilitation therapies.

Because the level of care varies and is different for each individual who may require assisted living services, not all persons belong in an Arizona nursing home. Most seniors who are at the beginning stages of needing help with physical or cognitive functions may only require minimal assistance.  For these kinds of patients who don’t need skilled nursing services but require assistance with daily living activities, alternatives exist which are much more affordable cost than nursing homes.

The Alternative to Nursing Homes

Arizona assisted living homes are a growing trend among the aging population in Phoenix, Arizona and surrounding areas. What exactly is an assisted living home? Basically an assisted living home, adult group home, or care home in Arizona is a single family home which has been converted to provide care for either 5 or 10 residents. These homes are state licensed by the Arizona Department of Health and are required to pass yearly inspections which check that the homes meet the safety standards for providing assisted living services.

What is so great about Arizona assisted living homes?

The quality of care is different than in nursing homes. Usually during the day, two caregivers are on staff to provide assistance with daily living activities, cooking and housekeeping. This low resident to staff ratio ensures that each senior’s needs are being met quicker and with more accuracy. Since medications are only managed for 10 residents at most, this can help eliminate inconsistencies which may occur when monitoring medications in mass. Ensuring that each resident is living a quality lifestyle is important, assisted living homes offer the convenience, quality of care in a homelike atmosphere.

Cost of assisted living is also a great advantage when discussing assisted living homes in Arizona. With today’s slow economy, many more families are looking for more affordable assisted living options. Adult group homes or assisted living homes offer assisted living in the average range of $2,200 per depending on the level of care. This can be a significant saving  when compared to the costs of assisted living in a nursing home which averages $4,500 and up.

Most popular areas in Arizona for assisted living exists in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa and Tucson. If you need to find assisted living for your loved one, be sure to browse the quality assisted living homes offered on our network.

Some of the most common and popular senior housing choices in Arizona include:

Arizona In-Home Care

In-home care refers to caregivers who come to the home at scheduled times and typically help with hygiene-related matters like helping with showers or baths, as well as with caring for certain medical issues. This might be a good solution for seniors who are only needing meal preparation or specific chores. Seniors who choose to receive care at home are still independent enough to carry out most of their chores and are able to remain at home unsupervised.

Arizona Assisted Living Homes

In Arizona, assisted living homes are usually regular homes, typically found in family-based neighborhoods, that house a group of seniors who need help with everyday tasks but are still pretty independent. Assisted living homes in Arizona are state licensed to provide care for up to 10 residents and usually specialist in all three levels of care; direct, personal and supervisory care. Some offer private rooms, others have roommates, and there is a central dining room and kitchen and living room. Staff can help with housework-related chores, and may also be able to help with personal care and medical help. AssistedLivingBook offers assisted living homes in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale and Paradise Valley.

North Valley Care Home – Phoenix, Arizona 85022 
Arrowhead Symphony Assisted Living Home – Glendale, Arizona
Palm House 2 – Phoenix, Arizona
Desert Comfort Assisted Living Home – Phoenix, Arizona
Roses Of Love Assisted Living Home – Phoenix, Arizona
Kristal Bell Assisted Home – Glendale, Arizona
Grayhawk Assisted Living – Scottsdale, Arizona
Pinnacle Peak Assisted Living – Scottsdale, Arizona
A Family Affair – Phoenix, Arizona
Silver Crown Assisted Living Home – Glendale, Arizona
Paradise Valley Senior Retreat – Paradise Valley, Arizona
Thompson Peek Senior Care Home – Scottsdale, Arizona
Amber Hills Assisted Living Home – Phoenix, Arizona
Brightest Light Senior Living – Glendale, Arizona
Goldwater Assisted Living – Glendale, Arizona
Happy Valley Care Home Llc – Glendale, Arizona
Arizona’s Golden Heart – Glendale, Arizona
Central Assisted Living – Phoenix, Arizona
Palm House I Plc – Phoenix, Arizona

Arizona Assisted Living Facilities

Rather than one single home, assisted living facilities are larger, often more like an apartment complex. Residents typically have small studio-like apartments with a small kitchenette and can bring comforts of their previous home to decorate them. There is a central dining hall, optional activities, and residents can usually sign up for whatever level of help they need—from laundry to housekeeping to medical and personal care.

Arizona Nursing Homes

These are for people who have acute medical issues that require constant monitoring and care, but are not severe enough to need hospitalization. Rooms may be private or semi-private, and while some residents can still get around the facility for planned activities and for eating, some seniors are confined to their rooms due to their health care needs. Nursing homes are typically fairly pricey, due to the level of care the residents receive and the skill of the staff working there.

Arizona Dementia or Alzheimer’s Care Facilities

This is a unique type of senior housing option that is reserved solely for people who have either dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease. The residences may resemble assisted living facilities in many ways, but with a lot more safety features like locks high up on the doors, simple floor plans so residents do not get confused getting around, and more vigilant, round the clock monitoring of residents to make sure they do not wander off.

Browse Arizona assisted living homes to find the closest facility, each home listing offers full details on location, pricing, description, services and photos.

For some, they want to be close to friends or family. For others, they would like to be near a variety of amenities like shopping centers, banks, restaurants, or beauty salons. Still others would like to live close to their church or synagogue.

But one other point that all seniors who are locating assisted living facilities should also consider is the proximity of the residence to a major hospital.

This may seem like a morbid point to think about, but the reality is that many people who live in assisted living facilities already have a pre-existing health condition. Some may be relatively minor and the senior may be in little danger of becoming ill, but the fact remains that the vast majority of people who live in assisted living are seniors, and things can and do happen to their health that require hospitalization.

Oftentimes seniors will think about their own personal doctor and where he or she practices when selecting where to live. This also makes sense—whether you go in once or twice a year for checkups or if you have a health issue that requires more regular office visits, being close to the medical complex where the physician works can have a lot of benefits.

But again, seniors should be ready to think outside their health box a bit and ask themselves how long of an ambulance ride they would need to take if the worst happened and they suffered from a bad fall or had a heart attack or stroke. The most lovely of assisted living facilities may not seem as attractive when you look at a map and realize the closest hospital is 20 miles away.

Another point to consider is which hospitals your loved one’s primary care physician has privileges; that may influence which assisted living facility he or she chooses. Being admitted into the hospital for a health issue can be stressful enough; for many, getting to see a familiar face who can help treat them can be a blessing.

When narrowing down which assisted living facilities, seniors can ask staff members about proximity to major hospitals. Then, if they are able, they can drive there themselves to test the time and distance or have a family member do it. In general, the closer your loved one can be to a hospital, the better all of you will probably feel.

Once the decision has been made to move, it is a good idea to work with them on deciding which items will come along with them to Arizona, and which ones may need to be sold or donated. If they are moving to an Arizona assisted living facility, there probably will not be room for all of their treasured belongings. Respect what they want to bring with them, and then help them make lists of which items will not make the trip. Having it all on paper can be very useful and give you all peace of mind that nothing will be forgotten.

Next, a moving company should be hired, or, if you have the time and inclination, you might be able to help your parents move their belongings by renting a moving van. Before the big moving day, the items that are not going to be packed should be removed from the home—options include a moving sale, estate sale, donating them to local charities like Goodwill, or giving them away to friends and family members.

If you can help your parents pack their items, do so. Otherwise, most moving companies will help with this for an added fee. Either way, the goal is to reduce the amount of packing your elderly parents will have to do; anyone who has moved can tell you how physically taxing moving can be, and in some cases, your parents simply might not be able to assist that much.

If the home is going to be sold after moving to Arizona, you can assist your parents by interviewing a few realtors and helping them choose the one who will work to sell the house. In some cases, the home will be on the market during the moving process but for some seniors it is easier and less stressful to put the home up for sale once it is empty and they have vacated.

These steps can be taken one at a time or at the same time, depending on schedules and how quickly your parents would like to relocate to Arizona. The process may be emotionally draining at times, but it will not last forever and by helping your elderly parents as much as you can, it can make the entire move go much more smoothly.

If your relative is still able to drive, then it should be fairly easy for him or her to get out and about. In some cases, if your schedule permits, you might also be able to meet your loved one and provide transportation. Or, depending on what part of the state the assisted living facility is located, many cities have ample bus service and the Phoenix metropolitan area recently installed a light rail system that provides relatively easy access to other parts of the valley.
The following five suggestions should help your loved one enjoy senior living in Arizona to the fullest:

Shopping

The number of stores, malls, and boutiques throughout the state is mind boggling; in many cities a good-sized mall is not that far away. Most buses have stops right at shopping centers. Even if you are on a relatively tight budget, the opportunity to get out and walk around window shopping can be very enjoyable.

Sports

Phoenix is one of a handful of cities in the country that boast all four major sports—it has the Phoenix Suns basketball team, the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball team, the Phoenix Coyotes hockey team and the Arizona Cardinals football team. The valley also has spring training, college games, and even high school competitions. Many arenas are on bus and light rail schedules, making it convenient for seniors who might no longer drive or want to fuss with stadium-related traffic.

Scenery

Arizona is one of the most gorgeous states in the country. From its mountain ranges to the Grand Canyon, just getting out to drive around and admire the scenery is a great way to pass the time. Some tour companies offer organized trips to popular destinations, or if your relative is able to drive, a relaxing Sunday drive past the city limits can reveal some stunning scenery.

Culture

Getting out to see a play or concert, or even a trip to the movies can be enjoyable for many seniors. From the Phoenix Symphony to Gammage Auditorium to the dozens of movie theaters all around the state, most seniors who enjoy these sorts of activities should have no problem finding them in Arizona.

Commune with Nature

The Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix are located next door to each other, and depending on how mobile your loved one is, either or both offer great opportunities for walking while observing Mother Nature in action.

Chances are, you probably know someone who suffers from either Alzheimer’s and/or Dementia.

According to a fact sheet on the Alzheimer’s Association’s website, there are currently 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease.  Of this number, 5.2 million are over the age of 65.  In addition, an article on emedicinehealth’s website estimated that about 4 to 5 million people in the United States have dementia, or about 1 percent of people ages 60 to 64 and 30 to 50 percent of those 85 years and up.

Housing options for people with dementia

Finding a place for people with either dementia or Alzheimer’s to live used to be more challenging: the only choices were typically to have the patient live with family members or move into a nursing home.  But now, numerous group homes across Arizona are equipped to handle patients with these health issues. This can be a huge relief for both the patient as well as his or her family, because it can be tremendously emotionally and physically draining to take care of a patient with worsening dementia, and placing him or her into a nursing home is typically very costly.

Group homes that specialize in dementia and Alzheimer’s care usually have more staff members than typical assisted living or group homes.  This is so the residents with dementia will have the extra attention they need and deserve, as well as because the residents tend to require more on-going care.  In addition, these staff members should be trained on the often unique needs and challenges that accompany dementia.  If you are considering placing your loved one in one of these types of care facilities, asking about the type of training the staff received is both appropriate and a good idea.

The dementia care group home is often physically different than the traditional group home.  Floor plans are sometimes more basic so it’s easier for the residents to get around and make their way back to their rooms without any help. Many offer things to do that can help residents get much-needed social interaction as well as mentally stimulating activities.  The level of security at dementia care homes also tends to be higher than most assisted living or group homes.  Because sometimes people with advancing dementia or Alzheimer’s can tend to wander off from their homes, residents are usually watched much more closely and doors may have extra security features that will prevent people from getting outside unattended and unnoticed.

Dealing with a Loved One’s Stress

Talk to your loved one, and listen to what he or she has to say. Although your loved one may or may not realize that moving into an alternative housing arrangement will improve her qualify of life, he or she will still likely experience a range of emotions. Some seniors are left feeling traumatized after moving to an assisted living home or nursing home, which is natural. Many seniors may see moving out of their own home or out of your home as a sign of defeat and loss of control. And of course, the senior will feel like their independence is faltering. Listening to your loved one is important because this allows you to understand their fears and hopes so that you can help make the transition to assisted living smoother for them. Talking to your loved one to help him or her to understand that moving is in her best interests, whether it is to receive better care or be around more people during the day so that the loved one doesn’t feel so isolated. Helping your loved one see the transition to a different place as being a positive occurrence rather than a means-to-an-end is a good start to alleviating their stress, and yours.

Avoid Selling the House

A big part of your loved one’s stress may be that they aren’t ready to part with their home. It is important that you don’t rush your loved one to sell their residence. Many seniors want to have their home on standby in case their new arrangement doesn’t work out. Moving is difficult enough without having the added worry that one’s home will be sold before they are ready to give the home up. If your loved one has assets that he or she can use in order to finance the move, or if you can let the loved one borrow the deposit or entrance fee that is needed for the move, then selling later is the best option. For those seniors moving to an apartment community where the purchase of a condo or apartment is required, they may qualify for a bridge loan that will cover the down payment until their residence is put on the market and sold.

Support after the Move

Although moving may be the best thing for your loved one, moving is an exhaustive process both emotionally and physically, no matter what age you are. An ideal assisted living community will have programs in place that will support your loved one during the transition, but you should make time available for additional visits to your loved one in the immediate days following the move so that he or she knows that her most valuable assets, his or her family and friends, are not going away and are still within easy reach.

Many assisted living facilities charge a flat rate fee each month for care, room and board and all services rendered. However, that policy differs from facility to facility. Be aware that you might be charged additional fees, depending on the assisted living facility and the level of service that you require. For example, some assisted living facilities have “levels” of care and monthly rates that reflect that. Be alert to the following possible fees that are associated with assisted living:

• Application fees. You may be charged a fee to apply for a room or apartment in an assisted living facility or apartment complex for retirees, or for a bed in a nursing home.
• Initial assessment fee. This fee may be charged for assessing the senior’s needs in order to determine if the senior is a good fit for the facility and if the facility is right for the needs that he senior has. This fee is usually charged by nursing homes.
• Security deposit. This is a refundable deposit that is charged (much like the deposit on a home or apartment rental) that will cover the cost of cleaning and repairs when the senior moves out of the facility. Most facilities will require that a security deposit is placed on hold for the period of time that the senior lives in the facility.
• Entrance fee. This fee may be charged for becoming a resident of the facility, and is more common among retirement communities.
• Personal care. Some facilities that don’t provide personal care to all residents will charge a fee for these services when they are requested.
• Incontinence care. Some assisted living facilities charge extra for caring for an incontinent senior, to defer labor and supply costs.
• Nursing care. If more specialized nursing care is required, the senior may have to pay extra for it.
• Cable, telephone, Internet and utilities. If the senior wishes to have cable, telephone, or Internet service, the cost is additional in most facilities. Some facilities require that the resident pay for other utilities as well, like electricity and water. Residential care homes usually include these fees in the monthly cost of living in the facility.
• Beauty salon. Some assisted living facilities provide an on-site salon, and seniors must pay additional costs for services rendered there.
• Field trips. Scheduled trips for residents may be at cost to the resident in some facilities.
• Transportation. Transportation to and from appointments, shopping, or to run errands may incur additional fees.
• Housekeeping or laundry services. Depending on the facility, housekeeping services and laundry services may be an added expense. Residential care homes usually include these services in the monthly cost of living in the facility, so there is no extra charge.
• Guest meals. Having a guest for dinner may incur a separate charge at some facilities.
• Pets. Some facilities allow residents to bring along a pet, but they may be charged a pet deposit that is usually refundable.

When choosing a facility or a care option, be sure to discuss what is and is not included in the basic monthly fee, and what payment options are available. Many facilities have on-site social workers who will work closely with your family to make staying in their facility possible, and will help point you toward any government programs that can assist you as well.

Needs Assessment

The decision to go with assisted living and alternative care options is likely one that you have arrived at after much soul-searching. When a loved one’s needs cannot be met in their current living situation, for whatever reason, assisted living can help them to maintain their dignity while still receiving the care that they need. Perhaps the best partner that you will have in determining the type of care that your loved one requires is his or her own physician, who can perform a needs assessment and make a recommendation of the level of care the person needs. You can also take cues from your loved one, by observing them in their everyday life. Some seniors simply need help with basic daily activities, like dressing and cleaning, while others may be not be able to much of anything for themselves.

Setting and Atmosphere

The type of care you choose will determine the setting and atmosphere of the senior’s new home. If you choose assisted living facilities, then the person will maintain much of their independence but still receive help with various needs. Nursing homes offer more intense levels of care, and are an option for seniors in failing health. Whichever type of services or facility you choose – be sure to tour the facility and make an honest assessment of what they offer. Talking to the staff and the residents of the facility will help you to better understand if a particular facility is right for them. Ask if you can stay for a meal so that you can judge the type of food your loved one will be eating. The location of the facility is important, also, because you will be traveling back and forth to visit your loved one and to check on them.

Affordability

Medicare pays none of the cost of some assisted living facilities, but does pay many of the costs of nursing home care. In addition, Medicare and Medicaid may pay the cost of some types of home health services that are offered to the elderly. Long term care insurance is very flexible when it comes to assisted living costs. Check your individual policy to see what is covered. Affordability is a big issue when it comes to continuing care options. It is important for families to realize that the costs of care will elevate when a loved one needs additional services – which means that the level of care increase will result in additional charges. Therefore, taking into consideration future needs is a vital part of financial planning for assisted living expenses.

Services Offered

The type of services offered at an assisted living facility varies widely depending on the type of facility. Depending on the level of self-care that the senior can perform, some facilities offer bathing, grooming and dressing, most all of them prepare meals for the senior, and some provide transportation for the senior to activities, shopping, errands and doctor’s appointments. For example, residential care homes, nursing homes, or board and care homes offer assistance with all daily living activities, and some independent living facilities do as well. There may also be a beauty shop or barber shop on the site for residents, typically in a nursing home, retirement community or independent living facility, while a residential group home may have a hair dresser that visits on particular days of the week. Laundry service is also offered. Check the facility to see that they have ample opportunities for your loved one to socialize and interact with others.

In Home Care

In home care is a wonderful option for many seniors, because they can remain in their home and have the care provider come to them. Typically, certified nurse aids or home health aides will come to the senior’s home for a designated number of hours each day, or there may be shifts of in home care workers that provide care and support around the clock. Seniors that receive in home care may occasionally receive a visit from a registered nurse to monitor their health condition. Nurse aides will provide services like dressing, bathing and grooming, cooking, and cleaning.

Adult Day Care

Some seniors elect to participate in adult day care and this is a good option for when a family member can take care of the loved one in the evening and at night time, but needs help during the day. Adult day care is offered at a location away from the home, which is a drawback of this type of service for some seniors because they don’t feel like making the trip to go to an adult day care center each day. For those seniors that do, this type of care option provides them with activities for socializing and occupying their time, although most adult day cares do not offer medical care.

Retirement Communities

Retirement communities are a growing choice for those seniors who have retained most of their abilities to care for themselves, but may need assistance with activities like cleaning or laundry. Retirement communities are usually apartment complexes that are filled by other retirees, and there may be some activities that are geared toward group participation. Retirement communities are more for the aging person who is looking to downsize and move from a larger home that has become hard to take care of. There is no supervision of residents in most retirement communities.

Assisted Living Homes or Residential Care Homes

Residential care homes are for adults that are struggling with daily activities, and may be either in a facility with many suites or rooms, or in an actual home where six or more adults live, under supervision. Assisted living homes can provide your loved one with the help they need for basic tasks like personal grooming and bathing, as well as cooking, cleaning, laundry, and transportation to medical appointments and to run errands. There are private or shared rooms in most assisted living homes, and some may even have their own mini-apartments with a sitting room or breakfast nook.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes are the ideal choice for seniors who are in ill health, have become bedridden, or need intense supervision and constant medical attention. Nursing homes may also be the best choice for those seniors who are suffering from mental debilitating illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease. Nursing homes are staffed by trained medical professionals and offer structured living that features specific meal times. There are also activities that are organized in nursing homes that allow for resident socialization. Nursing homes offer both private and shared rooms. Nursing homes provide an almost hospital-like environment, and are usually not ideal for the senior that can perform many daily living activities with just minor assistance.

Considerations to Make

When evaluating assisted living care options, you should take into account the following:

• The aging person’s wishes. Always make them a part of the decision.
• Cost. How much can they afford to pay?
• Location. Choosing a location that is close by will improve the likelihood of visits from friends and family.
• Services. Does the location offer the services that your loved one needs?

Always tour the facility that you are considering, and talk to both staff and residents when possible. This can make the decision before you easier, and give you the peace of mind that your loved one will be well cared for.

Emotional

Preparing for the emotional impact that this move will have on your loved one, your other family members, and yourself is important to make the move seem like the positive change that it is. Talk to your loved one and everyone else that is involved in the decision to seek alternative housing options. Listen to the concerns, fears, and hopes that your loved one has about moving, and reassure them that this is just a change in residence, and that you will still be there for them. Oftentimes, seniors feel that moving to an assisted living facility means that they are being “tucked away in an old folk’s home”, so help them to move beyond that tired cliché with gentle reassurance. Point out all of the good things that are in store for them: access to medical care around the clock, help with daily living activities, and social opportunities that will help to occupy their time.

Financial

Getting your loved one’s finances in order prior to moving into assisted living is important. You may have already decided on an assisted living arrangement, and have already taken a look at the financial aspect of the move. Most assisted living or continuing care facilities and communities will ask for documentation of your loved one’s income and assets, so be prepared to give them financial statements and bank records. You might also want to get your loved one’s home appraised, especially if you will be placing it on the market to help defer the cost of care.

Legal

Moving into an assisted living arrangement will require that you and your loved one sign many documents. Contracts and agreements that go hand-in-hand with moving into an assisted living home, retirement community, or nursing home should be read very carefully. Make sure that the documents are specific to the type of care that your loved one will receive and that you understand what you are agreeing to when you sign your name. This may also be the best time for your loved one to choose a power of attorney or other legal representative to make choices for them when the time comes that they are unable to make decisions on their own (assuming that this has not yet been done). Most states require that a power of attorney (sometimes called POA) be designated in front of a notary public in order to be valid.

Downsizing

The hardest part of moving from a house into an assisted living arrangement is downsizing. Many seniors have huge homes full of furniture and belongings, and most assisted living apartments and rooms are minimal as far as space goes. Downsizing is a painful process for many seniors who have enjoyed the luxury of space for so many years. You can help them to determine which possessions they truly must take with them to their new home, and which they should leave behind. Some seniors like to make gifts of larger furniture items to other family members, or they might choose to have an estate sale to raise funds for the move. Be respectful of the senior’s wishes and keep in mind that it is hard for them to fit a lifetime of memories into small quarters, so they will need all the help that you can muster to make decisions on what goes and what stays.

Discussing the Benefits

It is important to point out to your aging parent up front how hard the discussion is for you. Let them know that you in are in no way trying to be “rid” of them, but that an assisted living facility is better equipped to meet the needs that they might have now, and in the future, especially if your parent has a debilitating condition or disease. Assisted living facilities have nurses and doctors that are on call around the clock to assist your parent when they need them. In addition, they will get help with daily living activities that they are struggling with, like dressing, cleaning, laundry and other chores. And they will not feel as isolated as they might be feeling right now because there are tons of activities to keep them entertained and active while they are in the facility. Pick up some brochures to use as visual aids while discussing the positive aspects of assisted living. Your parent may not be receptive to the idea at all, but be prepared with the answers to questions that they might have, like the cost of the facility, the size of the rooms or suites, and more. Offer to take the parent for a tour of the facility. Visiting the assisted living facility with your loved one can help them to better understand what it is like to live in that kind of arrangement.

Negative Stigma of Assisted Living Facilities

Your parent may be concerned (and you may be as well) about the reports that are always cropping up about assisted living facilities in general, and about nursing homes in particular. It is important that you are prepared to discuss these negative stigmas with your parent as well. The government and each state set standards that all facilities must follow, and more has been done in recent years to prevent elderly people from being abused at the hands of those who are paid to care for them. However, it is not possible to get rid of all the “bad apples”, but you can certainly research each facility thoroughly beforehand and have a background check of the facility in hand when talking to your parent about safety issues. This also shows your parent that you would not trust their care to “just anyone”. In fact, each state has a governmental department that is charged with evaluating these types of facilities, and carries out early inspections of these facilities on a regular basis. A record of deficiencies is made available to the public upon request to the state’s Department of Health.

When Parents Don’t Agree on Assisted Living

The important thing is to keep the lines of communication open when discussing assisted living with your parents. This reversal of roles is hard for many aging parents to understand and deal with, but in the end, you can reach a workable solution that both of you can live with. In the case of parents who have become mentally debilitated to the point that making decisions of this nature is not possible, you will need a power of attorney in order to make the move for them, so contacting an attorney beforehand is your best option in this instance. And remember not to be too hard on yourself. If you have weighed all of your options and there is no other alternative, doing what is best for your parent’s well-being is all that is important.

Granted, costs can vary greatly from location to location—a newer, larger and fancier assisted living facility with a lot of bells and whistles will be sure to cost more than a small residential home that has been converted to a group home.

Genworth Financial Inc. 2011 Cost of Care Survey

In order to help assess the financial situation of assisted living residences, the insurance firm Genworth Financial Inc. recently published its 2011 Cost of Care Survey, which listed typical costs for different assisted living expenses in each state.

Nationally, assisted living costs average $39,135 for a year. In Arizona it’s slightly less, or $36,000 a year.

Additional research has found that in Arizona, the average cost of assisted living is about $2,500 a month, which is just slightly lower than the figure quoted above.

Cost of Assisted Living is evaluated by Level of Care

Cost is greatly influenced by the level of care, specialty needs and services. The phrase “level of care” is a commonly used term to evaluate how much care a senior may require. As a senior ages and becomes more dependent, the cost of care also increases. In some ways, you get what you pay for when it comes to assisted living facilities—meaning that the higher priced ones tend to be fancier and offer more.

Genworth Financial Inc. also found that costs for assisted living have risen faster than other senior housing choices.  They concluded that this is probably the case because the facilities are improving in terms of what they offer their residents.

Before you begin the selection process for an assisted living facility, it might be helpful to determine how much you or your loved one can afford to pay, and if you or your relative qualifies for any type of aid. With this information in mind at the start, it will be easier to decide which facilities you can take the time to visit.

Assisted living facilities, also called adult group homes, vary widely in size, accommodations and amenities.  According to the Assisted Living Federation of America, assisted living residences can be found in homes as well as high rise apartment buildings.

Adult Group Homes offer greater Flexibility

Some residents of assisted living facilities in Arizona have a private apartment with a kitchen and a bathroom, while others share a room with another person.

Many of the apartments have small kitchens—either a full sized kitchen or a kitchenette.  Either way, residents may bring in food and prepare meals or snacks right in his or her own apartment.  Group homes tend to have a community kitchen where meals are served together and residents may or may not have access to the refrigerator for their own food storage.

All assisted living facilities should allow residents to bring in touches of home to help make the room or apartment feel more like his or her own place.  The small studio-like apartments often contain homey accents like the resident’s own bedding from before, pictures of loved ones, small pieces of furniture, a television set, computer, and everything needed to help prepare and eat meals in the kitchen like dishes, frying pans, pots, and more.

Housed in a Regular Residential Homes

In assisted living facilities that are housed in a regular residential homes, you might not be able to tell while driving by that the home has been converted for this type of use.  Inside, residents typically have private or semi-private rooms and everyone has access to the main living areas like the living room and possibly the kitchen.

Amenities at assisted living residences varies from both place to place and person to person. Many schedule activities that residents may take part if they wish—art classes, religious activities, and more may be available.  All adult care facilities should offer ‘round the clock help if need be. Chances are most residents will live their lives in the manner to which they are accustomed, just with a little extra help from the staff when need be.

Types of Services

Most assisted living services in Phoenix include help with grocery shopping, housekeeping services, assistance with laundry, getting to and from the bathroom, help with showering or shampooing, reminders about taking medication, and help with transportation.

Care Plan based on the Needed Services

This is not to say that everyone who moves into a Phoenix assisted living residence requires all of these services; they are generally available if needed but not every person will necessarily need help in all of these areas.  A reputable facility will sit down with a new resident and help determine what types of services for the elderly he or she requires, making up a specific care plan for that person. So for example, if you are afraid of falling when you head to the bathroom in the middle of the night, or you tend to forget to take your heart medication, assisted living services can be extremely helpful and even necessary.

Most assisted living homes offer these services 24 hours a day, so residents don’t have to worry about being alone and in need of help.  If you have a disability that requires extra care and help, but you are not ill and don’t require the constant care available at nursing homes, assisted living services may be a great option for you.

Common Assisted Living Services Include

• Skilled Caregivers 24 Hours a Day
• Home Cooked Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
• Complete Medication Management and Administration
• Activities of Daily Living (Eating, Dressing, Bathing, Grooming, Toileting)
• Special Diets
• Weekly Activities & Entertainment
• Mobility Assistance
• Housekeeping Services

Special Needs Services Could Include

• Alzheimer’s Care
• Breathing Support – Oxygen/Ventilator
• Catheter Management
• Colostomy/Urostomy Care
• Custodial Care
• Directed Care
• Foot Care
• Broken Bones Care
• Diabetes
• Incontinence

Arizona Assisted living facilities do not take away independence from their residents; in fact, staff will encourage its elderly residences to maintain as much privacy and self-sufficiency as possible.  The types of rooms and/or apartments do vary from residence to residence—some offer shared rooms and others boast small but comfortable apartments that still feel very much like home.

Things to look for when choosing assisted living group homes in Phoenix include the following:

1. Is the facility warm and inviting?

When you show up for your appointment to tour an assisted living facility, take note of what the place “feels” like upon entering.  Does a staff member greet you in a cheerful and friendly way?  Is the main lobby or meeting area furnished with comfortable and clean furniture?  Do you feel welcome?

2. What is the overall mood of the residents?

Chances are you will see some of the residents when you are visiting the assisted living facility—do they seem well-kempt, happy, and in good physical condition?  Sometimes, being aware of how current residents appear can give you a very good idea of the quality of the assisted living facility.

3. How close is it to a hospital?

Although this is not a topic anyone ever wants to bring up, sometimes people who reside in an assisted living facility require care at a hospital.  If this should happen, would they be minutes away, or more like a half hour plus?

4. Walking through the facility during the tour, what does the rest of the building look like?

Are the rooms and/or apartments that you and your loved one looked at during your visit clean and is any existing furniture in good shape?  Does the air smell clean or are there any lingering odors?

5. Is the assisted living group home close to a major shopping center or large grocery store, bank, gas station, etc?

While some people who live in assisted living have given up driving, many are still independent in this way and can leave the facility as they wish to go out and run errands, pick up groceries, and more.  But this does not necessarily mean you or your relative wants to drive long distances to reach these places.

By keeping these five tips in mind, choosing an assisted living facility in the Phoenix area can be as easy and pleasant as possible.

The difference between Assisted Living in Scottsdale and Phoenix is found in the cost of care and luxury accommodations. In Scottsdale, you will find upscale facilities, some priced in the millions which feature beautiful exterior and interior decorations.

1. What area of Scottsdale is best?

While many people equate Scottsdale with a higher income bracket, there are definitely areas of the city where this is not the case.  Scottsdale has areas of older homes and assisted living facilities, a downtown area filled with art galleries, large shopping malls, and then more open spaces with plenty of desert views and more high end residences.  Become familiar with the different areas and neighborhoods within Scottsdale; this will help you determine which assisted living facilities you would like to consider.

2. How close is the nearest hospital?

Scottsdale is home to more than one outstanding medical facility, but this does not necessarily mean the assisted living facility you are considering is located close by.  No one wants to think about a midnight ride to a hospital in an ambulance, but the fact is, many people who move to an assisted living facility are senior citizens, and many have some type of health issue.  Finding out how close each assisted living home is to a local hospital can provide peace of mind for you and your family.

3. How much does it cost?

Just as Scottsdale is made up of many areas and neighborhoods with different income brackets, the assisted living facilities located there also vary greatly in cost.  Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask during your visit for cost information; it should be readily available for anyone to look at.

4. How large is the facility?

Do you want to live in a regular residential home that has been converted to an assisted living home, or would you prefer a small apartment in a larger facility?  This is important to decide before you start planning to visit several assisted living facilities in Scottsdale.

5. How close (or far) will I be from my family?

Many people who move to assisted living facilities feel better and more secure when they know that a close family member or friend is living nearby.  You don’t have to be on the same block, but if your loved ones only have to drive 10 or 15 minutes to come visit, that will probably be better for them and your chances of getting regular company than if they have to drive for over an hour.

The following five tips can help break down the process, and help families focus on key areas that should be taken into consideration when choosing an assisted living facility:

1. Location Matters

Location, location, location—for many people, this is one of the first things they will look at when choosing an assisted living facility.  If your loved one has lived for many years in Phoenix, and is familiar with the area, then focusing on assisted living facilities that are in or close to his old neighborhood might be helpful.  Or, if family members are going to be visiting often, selecting a facility close by can make a lot of sense.  By narrowing down the search by geographic location, it can help narrow the field of choices so they do not feel as overwhelming.

2. Cost of Assisted Living

In a perfect world, cost would not be an issue.  But in reality, families must look at whether or not an assisted living facility in Phoenix is affordable.  Knowing ahead of time what the monthly rents are is extremely useful in narrowing down the list of possible properties.

3. Services

While most assisted living facilities offer a central dining hall with meal service at certain times of the day during the week, many of the services do vary from location to location.  Will your loved one need help with laundry or housekeeping service?  Does she require reminders to take her medication?  Is he still pretty independent and would he like a small kitchen in his apartment?

4. Years in Business

Knowing how long assisted living facilities have been in business is an important piece of information to have.  While newly-founded locations can certainly be as nice and reputable as more established properties, some people prefer to live in an assisted living facility that has been around, at the same location, for a number of years.

5. Proximity to Hospitals

Some of the assisted living facilities in Phoenix are located close to hospitals, while others are a longer distance away.  For seniors who are still in good health, being close to a hospital might not be as important as it is to residents who are struggling with health issues. For some, knowing a hospital is close by if need be can be a comfort.

By keeping these five tips in mind, it should be easier to narrow down the huge list of Phoenix assisted living facilities to a more manageable group of candidates.

The following five tips can help make choosing an assisted living facility in Arizona less stressful:

1—Welcome to Arizona—moving into an assisted living facility may require relocating your loved one from another state. If so, it is important that you and your relative do your homework ahead of time and research the area to determine if the area is right for him or her, and if so, which cities or suburbs he or she would want to reside in. If possible, before committing to an assisted living facility, come to Arizona with your relative for a visit.

2—Close to family members and familiar stomping grounds, or further away?—some people select their assisted living facility based on its proximity to their old neighborhood and/or how close their family lives. Many would like their family members nearby, while others enjoy the relative freedom of being farther away from everybody. Either way, these are important points to consider before selecting several facilities to visit.

3—How much?—very few people have unlimited money and are able to live in virtually any assisted living facility in Arizona. Knowing ahead of time how much your loved one can spend will make the search for an assisted living home go much more smoothly.

4—What if I get sick?—not coincidentally, some assisted living homes are located close to neighborhood hospitals. This makes sense—residents of assisted living facilities tend to be older and more prone to illness, falls, etc. While no one ever wants to think about these things happening, knowing that there is a hospital nearby to help if need be can be of extreme comfort to many people.

5—What services will be included?—it’s important to know what services assisted living facilities will offer your loved one. Knowing ahead of time what a potential residence will and will not do can be very helpful in narrowing down the field of candidates.
By keeping these five tips in mind, it should be easier to narrow down the huge list of Arizona assisted living facilities to a more manageable group of candidates.

Are there Similarities?

Basically, both nursing homes and group homes are housing options for people—typically senior citizens—who are no longer able to live independently. Residents of both types of facilities need help with many aspects of everyday living, and both allow family members for visits and possible outings.  Meals are provided in both nursing homes and group homes.

Nursing Homes

How the two differ revolves mainly around the type and level of care that is offered to residents.  Nursing homes are popular choice for people who require continuous skilled nursing care.  Residents in nursing homes can vary in age, but many are older people with health issues that are serious enough to need access to medical care, but are not acute enough to require hospitalization.  Some people who live in Arizona nursing homes have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia that requires around the clock supervision and monitoring.

Typical services offered in nursing homes include physical therapists, recreational assistants, occupational therapy and care by nurses and nurse’s aides.  Some residents of nursing homes spend a large portion of their day in their rooms, while others are able to move around the facility to attend programs and see visitors. Some nursing homes are located close to hospitals, should more immediate medical care be needed.

Adult Group Homes

Group homes, on the other hand, are usually found in residential homes that have been converted for handicapped access.  Residents of group homes are unable to live on their own, but they do not need the constant presence of trained medical staff to assist with any health issues.  Meals and housekeeping services are provided, and staff can help with everyday tasks that the seniors need help with, but constant access to medical monitoring is not provided.  Rooms can be private or semi-private. Adult Group homes tend to be less expensive than nursing homes.

For example, group homes in Arizona are usually found in residential communities—sometimes in a regular home that has been converted to help the physical health issues and challenges of those who live there.  Driving by a group home, you probably won’t be able to distinguish it as such; they tend to blend in very nicely with the other residential homes in the neighborhood.  The residences tend to be small family-style homes that can house several seniors at one time.  They can be a good solution for seniors who don’t need the full time nursing care that is available at a nursing home, but who also need a bit more help than is typically available in an assisted living community.  Group homes can be a welcome option for seniors who are disabled in some way or unable to live alone and independently, but don’t need constant monitoring.  Sometimes a senior will find a group home that is close to their family member’s neighborhood, allowing them to visit often.

In many cases, group homes become a long-term residence for seniors, but some can assist with shorter stays if need be.  The staff is trained to help residents with their daily needs from bathing and eating to laundry and much more.  Living with other seniors who are facing similar issues can be comforting for some, and it offers residents the chance to socialize and not be alone all of the time.  In as many ways as possible, group homes try to look and feel like a “regular” home, complete with comfortable furnishings, private or semi-private rooms that residents may decorate with items from home, common meeting areas, and sometimes backyards and patios for sitting and socializing.

When it comes to cost, group homes tend to be lower-priced than many assisted living communities or nursing homes.  This feature can also make them an attractive option to many people who want their loved one to be safe and taken care of, but do not have unlimited resources to pay for higher-priced care.

Low End Independent Living

The lowest cost Independent Living facilities are those that are subsidized by public or private charities, or through HUD. The cost of the subsidized housing is a percentage of the senior resident’s income. Note that Medicare and Medicaid will not cover any portion of your housing payment since they are forms of health insurance, and no healthcare is provided in an Independent Living arrangement.

Mid-Range Independent Living

The next level of Independent Living for seniors is rental facilities. Rental fees are indexed to the cost of luxury housing in your geographic area. In addition to rent, you’ll also incur a monthly charge for services. Depending upon the services used, the monthly fee can be anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

High End Independent Living

The highest cost Independent Living facilities are planned retirement communities that require buying a home or living unit. The cost of a home is indexed to the cost of other luxury housing in your geographic area. In addition, the shared amenities of the retirement community are figured into a monthly fee of $1000 to $2000. This fee covers taxes, common utilities, and community services.

If a senior needs occasional personal or medical care, they will be able to bring in health care providers from outside the community or call for assisted living services from within the community, where available.

Assistance with Daily Living Activities

Also, more complex, personal care tasks could be offered by the care provider, such as: bathing or showering, hair care and shaving, skin care, transfers like chair-to-bed or chair-to-toilet, mouth and denture care, special assistance to patients that suffer from diseases like Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Diabetes or other geriatric conditions, special therapies and treatments such as occupational, physical or speech therapy.

There are two types of caregivers: the primary caregiver provides care for 4-5 days a week, and the back-up caregiver takes over for the remainder of the week.

Since about 90% of all home health agency care is paid for by Medicare or Medicaid, the cost of care is not such a big burden. But some families do pay for this service out of their own pockets. Costs will vary from area to area. A nurse, therapist or social worker may cost $70.00 to $100.00 an hour. An aide to take care of daily living needs, so called activities of daily living, may cost $10.00 to $25.00 an hour.

Are there any programs that offer financial help?

As a general rule government programs will pay only in case there is a medical care need. Still, government programs can pay for home care that is non-medical under certain conditions. The care-recipient must be low income and have virtually no assets.

This care is typically provided free of charge by informal caregivers who are family or friends. But increasingly, Medicaid is also paying for these home services for those who are Medicaid qualified. In order to receive Medicaid home care a person must qualify for Medicaid and spend at least 90 days in a nursing home. Medicaid qualification requires an income insufficient to pay for care and assets less than $2,000.00.

Knowing the differences between these types of facilities and what each typically offers to its residents can help you decide which one is the best place for you or your relative.

Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted living facilities are usually in a residential-type home, apartment-like setting, or retirement community. They are typically popular with older people who can still basically do most of the things they need to accomplish during the day, and wish to maintain a pretty high level of independence, but at the same time they may need a little help in performing some tasks. These tasks may include help with bathing, cooking, medication, and other things. Depending on the type of assisted living facility, your loved one may be able to cook his or her own meals in a small kitchen, and central dining halls with scheduled mealtimes are often also usually provided. Staff is usually on-hand at all times to help with whatever tasks need to be done; however full-time medically-trained staff may not be there 24 hours a day. The resident’s room or apartment will not resemble a hospital room and will not typically include any medical monitoring equipment. Residents of assisted living facilities are often younger seniors who still enjoy as much independence as possible.

Nursing Homes

On the other hand, nursing homes are set up to provide constant medical monitoring to their residents. Older people who have on-going health problems, cognitive issues, need a great deal of help with personal care needs and/or require on-going supervision typically reside in nursing homes. The room may be private or semi-private, and medical monitoring equipment is often present in the room. Meals are provided to residents and the staff can help dispense medications that the residents may need. Because nursing homes provide a lot more hands-on care and are staffed with medically trained personnel at all hours of the day, nursing homes typically cost more than assisted living facilities.

• Skilled Caregivers 24 Hours a Day
• Three Daily Home Cooked Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
• Complete Medication Management and Administration
• Activities of Daily Living (Eating, Dressing, Bathing, Grooming, Toileting)
• Special Diets
• Weekly Activities & Entertainment
• Mobility Assistance
• Housekeeping Services
• Transportation
• Weekly Exercises

Direct care to an assisted living resident usually covers diseases and conditions such as: Alzheimer’s, Arthritis, Asthma, broken bones or Osteoporosis, Cancer, different levels of Dementia, Depression, different levels of Diabetes, Heart related conditions or Heart failure, Incontinence, Memory Loss, need for monitored food intake, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Stroke, tendency to fall, traumatic brain injuries or wounds.

There are various types of residential assisted living options and thus the services provided by them are closely linked to the type of facility. Usually, residential assisted living activities resemble a lot with family-like activities, like dining at the dining room table, planning excursions and tours, having a normal social interaction with the neighbors, watching TV and other, more complex activities, depending on the possibilities of each individual.

Supported payment options often depends on the type of facility offering the services. Be sure to ask about payment options the facility you’re interested in care form. Aging parents can often cover the cost of assisted living by a combination of the following:

Personal or family money – assets like stocks and savings, plus income from a job or investments.

Pensions and Social Security retirement benefits — the primary income source for many seniors that can cover rent or mortgage payments.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – monthly public assistance checks for seniors and the disabled who have very limited income and assets.

Reverse mortgage – can be an income source to pay for services to keep a senior in their own home, or to pay for nursing home care of a very ill spouse, or even pay for long-term care insurance.

Long-term-care insurance – sometimes pays only for nursing home care, but some policies cover an array of services in a private home or in an assisted living type of facility.

Medicaid (called Medical in California) – for people who have very limited assets and income, this coverage acts as health insurance for costs of hospitalization, rehab and medicine; also covers some custodial care and long-term care in a nursing home.