With more than 10,000 people around the country turning 65 each day, and the average number of elderly people increasing significantly year after year, one of the biggest challenges facing modern society is senior housing. One option that you should consider if you have a loved one who needs ongoing care, is assisted living apartments in Scottsdale, AZ.

This type of living arrangement may be right for your loved one if they are in a transitional period of aging. For example, you are no longer able to provide the care they need; or they may be a fall risk  or may not require, 24/7 care and monitoring. Or, if you have aging loved ones who live far away, then opting for an independent or assisted living community can help to relieve the stress of being far apart.  Senior living communities whether independent living or assisted living offer a variety of activities and socialization opportunities for your loved one and bring new life to those who have become isolated in their home.

Some of the benefits of choosing apartments as your preferred Scottsdale assisted living option can be found here.

Seniors Have the Privacy They Desire

When you choose an assisted living apartment for your aging loved one, they will be able to live their life privately and with dignity, which are two factors that are extremely important to many seniors. Regardless of what they want, this option is ideal for those who don’t yet need a higher level of ongoing care.

Keep in mind, there are some senior living housing options that don’t provide this level of privacy for residents, which is why apartments are such a smart option. They provide this, which may not be available elsewhere.

Community Amenities

One of the main issues that caregivers express prior to moving their loved one into Scottsdale assisted living facilities is medical care options. Keep in mind, independent living (even in a retirement community) is not a medical establishment, as it is as stated “independent living” but many communities now offer “scheduled in-home care” options for those who need some help but can manage on their own most of the time. In Assisted living apartments will have medical care available to residents 24 hours a day seven days a week. Most locations have on-site nurses. This can help in a number of ways, including ensuring your loved one gets the care they need quickly.

In addition to medical care, most facilities offer activities to keep seniors happy and reduce cases of depression. Some of the activities include off-site trips, holiday celebrations, special events, games, classes and more. These activities help enhance the senior living in Scottsdale, AZ experience.

When it comes to finding assisted living accommodations, there are more than a few things to consider. If you want the features listed here, then considering an apartment may be the best option. This will ensure your senior loved one has the activities, socialization and privacy they want and need, as well as a wide array of amenities that will keep them busy and happy. Keep this in mind when trying to find a location for your needs there are 3 levels of assisted living care in Arizona. Working with a senior living referral agency that only employs Licensed Healthcare professionals like the ones at “A Caring Hand for Mom (and Dad)” are a great resource to utilize to help you in your search. The best part is their services are Free for you to use and can help you save thousands because they are aware of the specials at each community and the levels of care that are provided at each location.

Additional information about finding the right senior living apartment can be found by visiting the A Caring Hand for Mom (and Dad) website or calling them directly at 800-881-7706.

Assisted Living Care Vs. Nursing Home Care

What kind of care do I need?

Arizona assisted living, provides housing for those who cannot live alone, and who do not need the higher level of skilled medical care given in nursing homes. These facilities provide assistance with activities of daily living “ADL’s”, (assistance with bathing, eating, medication assistance and dressing) to services that used to only be provided in skilled nursing facilities such as the use of assistive devices such as Hoyer lifts, feeding tubes and wound care.   This is not to say that all Assisted living communities provide these services but some do.

This higher level of care can be found in many Group homes which are also licensed assisted living homes. These homes generally provide a higher level of supervision and care, because of their size and ability to provide closer supervision and manage these services with the assistance of outside services like home health services for wound care management and outpatient P.T., O.T., Speech therapy.

Seniors still enjoy a good degree of independence especially in assisted living communities -- many live in private apartments or studios -- with options for socializing with other residents and 24-hour help nearby. Larger assisted living community’s general offer more options for socialization with larger scale recreational activities and entertainment that comes to the community as well as restaurant style dining. Group homes provide a more homelike atmosphere with home cooked meals and small scale recreational activities. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines assisted living facilities as facilities that provide help with bathing, dressing, and medication.

Some assisted living communities also provide Memory Care for those with advanced stages of dementia in a special wing (dedicated Memory Care Unit), or are a stand-alone Memory Care communities. Not all facilities offer this option and not all residents with Memory care needs require a special unit or community for their care.  Many residents especially in the earlier stages of their disease progression can be safely managed in a more open assisted living setting. 

It's important to note that assisted living facilities are private pay establishments, which are not covered by programs such as Medicare or third party insurances, though they may be covered by some long-term care insurance policies and ALTC’s (Arizona’s Medicaid program requiring Long term care who meet medical and financial eligibility).  Assisted Living costs range from $2000-$6,000 for most assisted living residences but can run $5,000-$8000 for memory care in Arizona.  Most Assisted Living communities charge a base rent plus levels of care and medication administration fees,  whereas Group homes are generally charge a flat fee which includes care except for incontinence supplies.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes, also called "skilled nursing facilities," are licensed facilities for those who require long-term care or short-term rehabilitation services. They are for those individuals who require a higher level of “24 hr. a day Skilled Care” not provided by assisted living. A nursing home is a place for people who don't need to be in a hospital but can't be cared for at home or in a assisted living community or group home because of their need for 24 hour skilled care. Most nursing homes have nursing aides and skilled nurses on hand 24 hours a day.

Some nursing homes are set up like a hospital. The staff provides medical care, as well as physical, speech and occupational therapy if it falls under Medicare guidelines for coverage. There is usually a nurses' station on each floor and residents may share rooms, meals are served in a central dining hall (unless a resident is too ill to leave the room). This type of care is covered by both Medicare and Medicaid, though private payment options are also available and allow for more choices, such as private rooms.  Private rates are usually based upon the current Medicare rates for the rooms currently running around $220-280 a day for semi private and private rooms plus ancillary charges.

Some nursing homes have special care units for people with serious memory problems such as Alzheimer's disease. Some will let couples live together, Nursing homes are not only for the elderly, but for anyone who requires 24-hour care.

A common concern of some skilled nursing facilities is that some seniors find them depressing because many of the residents have numerous medical problems, and that these facilities do not provide the best care due to higher staff turnover, inadequate staffing patterns, requiring extra attention and monitoring from family members.

Help to determine the best setting can be obtained from an experienced healthcare professional such as your family physician or other medical providers as well as the licensed healthcare professionals at A Caring Hand for Mom who with their extensive experience can guide you.  We look at factors such as care needs, wandering potential, safety in an apartment setting, group home or Memory care unit, and overall functioning capability.  We can help you find the best options available for your loved one and will always give you honest unbiased answers. Call us today at 800-881-7706 and visit our website at www.acaringhandformom.com.