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

It’s possible to pay for assisted living in a variety of ways, private or public. While some families pick one or the other, many use a combination of private and public means to fund their assisted living costs. In this section, you’ll find resources to help you make a payment plan for assisted living in Phoenix. You can also check out this guide to paying for long-term care for more information.

All assisted living facilities in Arizona must undergo a robust licensing process through the Bureau of Residential Facilities Licensing before opening. This process is overseen by the Arizona Department of Health Services and includes standard safety checks and quality-of-life measures, such as requiring mirrors in the bathrooms, sufficient hot and cold water, and good interior lighting.

Before obtaining a license to operate, all assisted living facilities must meet the state requirements during an inspection. After getting a license, assisted living facilities should pass one unannounced inspection a year to continue operating. Arizona makes the results of all assisted living inspections public through its Residential Facilities Provider Search Form — where you can search by facility or provider name and address.

Recently, Arizona strengthened its background check requirements for assisted living facility employees. This move now prohibits those with felony convictions involving violence or financial fraud from working in assisted living communities. All of these requirements and regulations add more layers of protection to a facility’s senior residents.

Resources

To review all of the state’s requirements for assisted living facilities, see:

• Arizona state requirements for assisted living facilities
• Residential Facilities Provider Search Form
• Arizona Department of Health Services
  • 150 N. 18th Ave.
    Phoenix, AZ 85007
    Phone: 602-542-1025

COVID-19 regulations for Phoenix, Arizona, assisted living facilities

All assisted living facilities in Phoenix are expected to follow Arizona state guidelines to help mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on the residents and staff members.

Following federal guidelines from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), all visitors to Phoenix assisted living communities are allowed regardless of vaccination status.

Phoenix’s COVID-19 guidelines for assisted living communities include the following:

Phoenix has long been a relaxed retiree’s paradise, and consequently, it has some of the highest numbers of seniors in America. The Valley of the Sun has seen some of the highest population growth in the nation, which has also created a few problems. Once known for its low cost of living, Phoenix’s rising housing prices have increased the cost of assisted living for its retirees. Although, residents can still expect to find a range of affordable assisted living communities in Phoenix simply because there are so many options.

A warm, dry climate and beautiful scenery are part of Phoenix’s appeal. Winter in Phoenix averages a high of 68 degrees and a low of 48 degrees, and summers are often over 100 degrees. While high temperatures may make hiking a challenge, many seniors enjoy the warmth from a shaded patio.

Due to the year-round sunshine, Phoenix has its share of snowbirds each winter who enjoy the many golf courses and spas. Many of the newer assisted living communities incorporate this resort-like atmosphere into their own amenities, including luxurious pools, in-house beauticians, and happy hours.

Types of assisted living in Phoenix, Arizona

Luxury assisted living

In keeping with Phoenix’s love for spas, there are plenty of luxury assisted living options. These often include resort-like amenities, such as fitness centers, outdoor pools, and immaculately landscaped grounds. Though, they do come with a higher price tag and a hefty one-time fee. For example, in Paradise Valley, the average cost of luxury assisted living is $5,750 a month. Because of the growing population, there are many brand-new or soon-to-open luxury assisted living facilities in Phoenix. Most are continuing care facilities, with tiered care levels that include independent living, assisted living, and memory care all on one site.

Traditional assisted living

Offering assistance with daily activities, housekeeping, and at least three meals a day, traditional assisted living communities in Phoenix are more cost-effective than luxury options but retain many of the same benefits.

Board and care homes

Board and care homes, or residential care homes, offer assisted living-type care in a residential home setting with under 10 residents. With 91 communities within the Phoenix city center, they are the second most common type of assisted living in Phoenix. Many residents choose a board and care home because they prefer being in a homey environment. These communities also tend to be less expensive than traditional assisted living communities while offering the same level of care.

Health care for seniors in Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix has a high concentration of healthcare providers, and some of them are nationally ranked.

Transportation for seniors in Phoenix, Arizona

To get around Phoenix, most residents use a car. However, the city does provide some public transportation options. The Valley Metro Transit System, known as Valley Metro, is the regional train system that operates throughout the city between 18 and 22 hours a day. Seniors over 65 can receive reduced fare by filling out the application on the Valley Metro website. While very affordable, wait times for the train are typically around 20 minutes or longer, which is why many residents choose to drive.

For only $1, seniors in Phoenix can use the Senior Center Shuttle Program, which provides residents of participating senior centers with flexible transportation to and from their senior living community and off-site activities. Seniors can also use Dial-a-Ride to receive transportation to and from appointments.