DEV | TEST h1 template (view-level fallback) Assisted Living

Most people pay for assisted living using a mix of personal savings and public aid. Medicaid, Medicare, and veterans benefits may cover some or all of your loved one’s assisted living costs. Private methods, such as a reverse mortgage or cashing out a life insurance policy, can also help keep the perfect assisted living facility within reach.

Assisted living facilities in Mesa, Arizona, provide a safe and secure home for seniors. Here’s what you need to know about Arizona’s laws and regulations for assisted living facilities:

• Assisted living facilities in Mesa are licensed and regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services.
• Assisted living facilities go through annual inspections. You can find inspection results on the Residential Facilities Provider Search Form.
• Large assisted living facilities and smaller board and care homes receive the same assisted living facility license and provide the same level of care.

Assisted living facilities in Mesa follow state guidelines to keep residents safe

Mesa’s assisted living facilities should follow state regulations in order to keep their licensure. Among Arizona’s assisted living regulations are the following:

• Facilities must have a written care plan for each resident.
• Facilities must keep the residence in a clean and livable condition and provide daily meals.
• Facilities must stay up to date on all building codes.
• Caregivers must pass a background check, complete a state-approved caregiver training program, be current on their tuberculosis immunizations, and complete first-aid and CPR training.

Assisted living residents in Mesa, Arizona, maintain their rights

Article 8 from the Arizona Department of Health Services outlines residents’ rights in long-term care facilities. While these rights pertain to the senior, they may also pertain to a family member acting as the senior’s power of attorney. Here’s what you need to know about your loved one’s rights in Mesa’s assisted living facilities:

• Residents must be treated with respect and dignity and can expect a reasonable amount of privacy.
• Residents must not receive any retaliation for submitting a complaint.
• Residents’ possessions remain their own and can’t be removed without their permission.
• Residents can choose their own health care providers.
• Residents must be informed of all care services they receive.
• Residents must be informed about all changes to the cost of their care.

Arizona Department of Health contact information

150 N. 18th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-542-1025

COVID-19 regulations for Mesa assisted living facilities

Assisted living facilities in Mesa do their best to protect residents and staff members from COVID-19 by following federal and state recommendations. Arizona’s state government doesn’t mandate special precautions for assisted living facilities, but facilities can choose to implement preventative measures, such as asking visitors to mask.

Mesa, Arizona, is the third-largest city in Arizona, with a population of just over half a million people. Nearly 18% of Mesa’s residents are over 65, and this number is growing by the year as seniors are drawn to Mesa’s warm, quiet suburbs.

While Mesa is only about thirty minutes from Phoenix, it’s considerably more peaceful. Made up mostly of families and seniors, Mesa enjoys a low crime rate, friendly neighborhoods, and the beautiful backdrop of the Superstition Mountains.

What you need to know about assisted living in Mesa

Mesa is an exceptional place to retire, and the residents of Mesa’s assisted living facilities are both Arizona natives and from other states. Before choosing to settle down into one of Mesa’s assisted living facilities, here’s what you need to know:

• Traditional assisted living facilities vs. board and care homes. About half of Mesa’s assisted living facilities are large traditional facilities, and half are smaller board and care homes.
• Traditional assisted living facilities cost more. Traditional assisted living facilities in Mesa are slightly more expensive than those in Phoenix because they tend to be newer. However, they’re still more affordable than the national average.
• Traditional assisted living facilities have more amenities. Traditional assisted living facilities tend to have over 50 residents and feature customary community amenities, such as a formal dining room, a gym, a library, and a theater.
• Traditional assisted living facilities have more services. Traditional assisted living facilities in Mesa employ a staff of caregivers, chefs, activity coordinators, and housekeepers.
• Board and care homes are more affordable. Board and care homes offer the same type of care as traditional assisted living facilities but are more affordable. Most board and care homes in Mesa are about $1,000 less expensive per month than traditional assisted living facilities.
• Board and care homes are smaller. Board and care homes are set in residential houses. Residents typically share a bedroom, eat in the dining room, and spend their time on a patio or in the living room.
• Board and care homes have live-in caregivers. Board and care homes tend to have at least two live-in caregivers who make the meals, tend to the residents, and plan activities.
• Mesa is warm all year. Mesa gets very hot in the summer months. Temperatures often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit for half of the year. Temperatures rarely dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Health care for seniors in Mesa

Transportation for seniors in Mesa

Seniors living in Mesa’s assisted living facilities won’t need to worry about transportation because 86% of A Place for Mom’s partnering communities offer either complimentary transportation or transportation for a small fee. Visiting family and friends should be aware that a car is the most common way to get around Mesa.

RideChoice is Mesa’s signature public transportation program for seniors

Seniors without the ability to access transportation can use RideChoice, Mesa’s public transportation option for seniors. RideChoice is a pick-up and drop-off service for anyone with disabilities or for those 65 years and older. Here’s what you need to know about RideChoice:

• It serves most of Maricopa County.
• It costs $3 for the first 8 miles and $2 for each additional mile.
• It doesn’t require reservations, but you need to sign up by calling 602-716-2111.
• It offers wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

Walk Score gives Mesa strong walking and biking scores

Walk Score rates cities for their alternative transportation options. Each score is out of 100. Here are scores for Mesa, Arizona:

Senior activities in Mesa

Mesa may be quiet, but it has plenty of attractions and activities to keep seniors and visitors busy. The nearby mountain range, golf courses, fine dining, museums, and theaters keep Mesa interesting.

Mesa’s assisted living facilities offer in-house activities

Traditional assisted living facilities in Mesa often hire an activities coordinator who designs daily events and classes for the residents. Here are some of the most common activities in Mesa’s assisted living facilities:

• Chair yoga or tai chi
• Social hours
• Visiting musicians
• Movie nights
• Bridge club
• Garden club
• Arts and crafts workshops

Senior centers in Mesa

Most seniors in assisted living won’t need to venture to Mesa’s senior centers. However, seniors are always encouraged to attend the events thrown by Mesa’s senior centers, the Aster Senior Centers. Yearly memberships are only $20, and registration information is on the Aster website. A membership to the Aster Senior Centers includes the following:

• Daily lunch (here is the current menu)
• Exercise, art, and dance courses
• Games, live music, and movies
• Members-only parties

Explore Mesa’s museums

Many of Mesa’s museums are wheelchair-accessible and offer an enjoyable afternoon for seniors. Here are three of the best museums in Mesa for seniors:

• Arizona Museum of Natural History. Seniors can receive discounted admissions to the Arizona Museum of Natural History. This museum exhibits feature ancient civilizations, dinosaurs, and more.
• Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Museum. This museum is perfect for veterans or anyone interested in air travel. The Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Museum has planes from over 100 years of American Air Force history.
• Mesa Arts Center. The Mesa Arts Center is the local theater. It has rotating live performances of contemporary musical numbers, classical pieces, and comedians. Find information about the season’s lineup on the website. The center accommodates people with low vision, individuals who have difficulty hearing, and those with mobility impairments.

Get outside on Mesa’s hiking trails

With a range of hiking trails for all abilities, Mesa’s natural beauty can be experienced by anyone. Here are some of the more accessible walking trails for seniors in Mesa:

• Merkle Trail. This is a 1-mile loop, ideal for seniors who want to enjoy the sunset or sunrise.
• Hawes Ridge Loop. At only 2 miles long, this loop is a great way to see saguaro cactus groves.

Phoenix’s attractions are accessible from Mesa

Phoenix is only 30 minutes away from Mesa, making it an accessible and reasonable day trip for seniors and loved ones who want something a little different. Here are some of the best activities in Phoenix for seniors:

• Papago Golf Course. Papago Golf Course is one of the best golf courses in a city known for its golf courses. Enjoy a morning of golf set against a scenic view and eat lunch at Lou’s Bar & Grill.
• Taliesin West. Taliesin West was Frank Lloyd Wright’s personal home, designed by the famed architect himself. You can schedule tours on the website.
• Desert Botanical Garden. The Desert Botanical Garden is the best way to explore the local desert flora. You can request tours and wheelchairs on the website.