There are hundreds of retirement communities in Arizona to choose from, including many in and near Phoenix and the other major cities, but also plenty in smaller areas as well. When you’re choosing a retirement home for yourself or someone you care about, there are a lot of factors to take into consideration.

Of course, the reputation and quality of care they offer is of utmost importance, but there are a lot of other factors you may not have ever considered, especially if you’re still in the early stages of your research.

The average cost for assisted living in Arizona is $3,771 per month, however there are options available to help with that cost, which we’ll discuss near the end of this page.

From memory care for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s, rehab services after an injury, respite care, seasonal stays, and a variety of other options, you’ll find what you need in Arizona.

We’ve put together this resource to help people along the way, whether you’re just starting to look, or you already know the basics of finding assisted living in Arizona.

Types of Care in Arizona

First things first, before you can start looking for a facility, you need to determine exactly which types of care are required in the first place. Does the person who will be staying there require extra help for cognitive issues such as dementia, or Alzheimer’s? If so, that will limit your options, but there are still some great places to choose from, so don’t fret.

Along with the aforementioned options, there are also numerous facilities that specialize in other types of care, including those who needed skilled nurses on call, and any other types of assisted living you could imagine.

Assessment Prior to Care

In Arizona, after someone has been approved to move into an assisted living facility, there is a two week period during which an initial assessment must be completed in order for the facility to ensure they’re tailoring their care as needed to that individual and that all of the individual’s unique needs are being met.

An in-depth service plan ensures that everyone is on the same page as far as care and expectations are concerned, and this plan must also be updated on a regular basis as the patient’s condition and needs may change over time.

Important information about Assisted Living in Arizona

Here’s a rundown of some of the essential things you’ll need to know.

First of all, the ratio for washrooms to residents is a bit different than in some other places. One full bathroom (sink, tub or shower, toilet) is required for every 8 residents living in the facility.

This number varies from state to state, and the lower the number is – the better. We would like to see Arizona have more facilities per patient, as sharing one washroom between 8 people isn’t ideal.

Medication is managed by care-givers and certified professionals, and can also be administered by a nurse.

A facility can only intake a patient who is suited for the types of care provided, and there are a few instances where one can be instantly disqualified from being admitted into a facility.

These instances include, but aren’t necessarily limited to residents who require restrains (Either chemical or physical), require assistance for behavioral difficulties, or that require any type of service or care that the particular facility does not have proper licensing to provide, which can include a number of things.

Just because someone is under care, that doesn’t mean they need to just sit around all day and run down the clock. There are many ways to enjoy yourself in Arizona, from hundreds of beautiful golf courses, to professional sports teams to watch and cheer on, to a number of casinos, and plenty of incredible places to enjoy nature and pass the afternoon, there are many arguments to be made in favor of Arizona as a place to retire.

From Phoenix, Glendale, Mesa, Flagstaff, Scottsdale, and the rest of the state, we encourage you to browse the available options and the numerous well-equipped facilities. Don’t just go with the one that’s closest, although that’s another valuable consideration to take. Having your loved one closer by makes it easier to visit them, and can give them more peace of mind, however if a better facility is a little further away, it’s still worth considering.

Fire alarms and sprinklers are required, and inspections must take place every three years.

Staffing Requirements in AZ

All members of the staff at a facility in Arizona are required by the state to undergo First Aid and CPR training, and care-givers need at least 90 days of prior experience that relates to health care.

If the group home offers any special care beyond what is typical, for example memory care, then staff members must be proficient and up-to-date in their training in order to meet those additional requirements. If the facility doesn’t offer additional types of care, the staff isn’t required to take additional training for them. It’s a practical way of going about things, and is handled as-needed.

For staff members working with residents who require memory care, additional education is necessary.

Fingerprints and security information must be kept on file for staff members working in the facility, along with security clearance cards. Along with that, anyone contractors hired by the facility also require these additional measures.

Payment Assistance for Senior Care

Medicaid in Arizona’s community and home-based service waivers covers assisted living facilities.

For more information, you can reach out to the Arizona Department of Health Services, who have an office specifically dedicated to providing resources and information in regards to assisted living.