Memory Care Arizona

Memory care in Arizona

How many memory care facilities are there in Arizona? In the state of Arizona, there are over 300 memory care centers. These memory care facilities are licensed and regulated by the Bureau of Residential Facilities Licensing, which belongs to the Arizona Department of Health Services. Most of these senior living communities can be found in the following locations: Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Flagstaff. Usually, they accept senior adults who suffer from Alzheimer's disease, as well as other forms of dementia. The diagnosis is one of the mandatory admittance criteria.

With regard to the age, memory care facilities in AZ accept adults who are over the age of 62, or 55 in some cases. There is a very high demand for memory care, given the increased number of seniors who are diagnosed with this condition. Prospective residents are encouraged to apply for a spot in a memory care center as early as possible, or at least prepare all the necessary documents in a timely manner. Admittance criteria might include: mental and physical impairments, overall health, co-existing conditions, assistance needed with ADLs, and financial independence.

Memory care centers are communities in which dementia seniors can move, enjoying a wide array of services and amenities. Within assisted living facilities, there are memory care units available, which cater to the same needs. Seniors can live in a safe environment, with the staff offering assistance with ADLs. Thanks to all the help senior residents receive and the structured living environment, the progression of dementia is delayed. The mood might also take a turn for the better, especially since seniors will no longer feel like they have to fight this condition on their own.

From all the conditions that affect the senior population, it seems that Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common. Characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, and personality changes, this form of dementia is diagnosed in people from various cultures and backgrounds. Not only does it affect their health, but it prevents them from functioning and enjoying their golden years. The decision to move into memory care should be considered, as these facilities have the capability to meet their needs.

Senior adults who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia have various options for alternative living, including memory care. Within such facilities, they benefit from room and board, assistance with ADLs, and limited healthcare. They also have access to a wide range of services and amenities. Trained personnel help them thrive, with numerous safety features available to reduce the risk of injury. All in all, seniors who live in memory care experience less confusion, aggression, and anxiety.

Moving into memory care might not be an easy decision to take, but it can be very beneficial for the senior in question. Many families are dealing with the burden of having to care for dementia seniors, being close to burnout. Moreover, many are not equipped to deal with the behaviors caused by this condition. On the other hand, the staff working within memory care facilities can handle angry outbursts, hallucinations, or disorientation, without any difficulties. They support residents in their transition toward memory care, providing expert care.

It is up to each memory care facility to establish an additional list of eligibility criteria. Many memory care centers do not accept residents who might present a danger to themselves or others, those who are bedridden or require continuous skilled nursing care. Seniors with advanced forms of dementia are accepted, but only if the cognitive impairment is not severe. They might also accept those who suffer from physical and/or developmental disabilities, as well as those who require hospice care (service provided by third parties, with costs covered by the resident).

All prospective memory care residents benefit from an initial assessment, focused on their health status and level of independence. This examination is usually performed by an experienced physician, and it is necessary to identify not only potential needs but also specific requirements. Individual care plans are created after this assessment, targeting all the problem areas the resident in question has. It is customary for these care plans to be updated every couple of months or after major health events, such as heart attack and stroke.

Average cost of memory care in Arizona

In the state of Arizona, the average monthly cost of memory care is around $4,500. By comparison, the national average is of $5,000, so the difference is quite noticeable. Compared to other states, such as New Mexico and California, Arizona has more affordable rates. On the other hand, both Utah and Nevada are less expensive, with an average monthly cost of $4,250.

Compared to other alternative living solutions, such as in-home care, home health care, and nursing home care, memory care is cheaper. However, this option costs more than adult day care, which has an average of $2,100. Within the state, the most expensive memory care centers are located in Flagstaff, with an average cost of $6,250 per month. Yuma, on the other hand, has the most affordable centers, with a monthly median of $4,300.

Management of dementia in memory care in Arizona

Every year, millions of people receive a diagnosis of dementia, with the large majority being senior adults. The various forms of dementia affect the overall quality of life, leading to decreased functioning. At first, one might forget minor things or become confused about familiar things. However, this is a progressive condition, which means the symptoms become worse over time. In advanced stages, confusion and forgetfulness are accompanied by additional manifestations.

No matter if one suffers from Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, or Lewy Body dementia, the manifestations can be similar. They often include memory loss, cognitive decline and concentration difficulties. Seniors might no longer be able to perform everyday tasks or take care of themselves. Language difficulties can appear, being made worse by the confusion. Seniors might ask a lot of questions, dealing with personality and mood changes at the same time.

It is clear that dementia plays a significant role on the quality of life. Caregivers bear the burden of caring for their loved ones who suffer from such conditions, dealing with health issues themselves. These seniors have to be constantly monitored, so as to keep the risk of wandering and injury down to a minimum. Unfortunately, there will come a time when alternative living solutions will have to be considered. Upon moving into memory care, most seniors feel better, and they are less inclined to withdraw themselves from social life.

Options for memory care in Arizona

Seniors who have received a diagnosis of dementia have a wide range of options available when it comes to retirement living, including continuing care and assisted living. However, they have to consider their needs and how these are going to be met. Memory care centers are best equipped to handle the challenges associated with this diagnosis. The same goes for assisted living facilities that have memory care units.

At a memory care center, the safety of residents represents the number one priority. Seniors are well taken care of, with the staff making efforts to minimize confusion. Difficult situations are dealt with swiftly, but with an adequate amount of compassion for the resident in question. Depending on the facility, medical and specialized care might be offered. If the memory care center does not guarantee such services, it might accept third party providers. The only condition is that the resident covers the associated costs.

In the past few years, more and more assisted living facilities have developed memory care units, so as to cater to the very specific needs of those who suffer from dementia. Just like memory care centers, they offer room and board, personal assistance and, in some cases, specialized care. Couples are allowed to live together, which represents a huge advantage. Each facility might decide on eligibility criteria. Aside from the diagnosis and financial eligibility, they might look at co-existing conditions and level of assistance required.

Services offered in memory care facilities in Arizona

Residents who move into memory care have access to a great diversity of services, all of them being meant to help them live a comfortable existence. Thanks to the numerous safety features, dementia seniors feel less confused and anxious. Even though they benefit from many services, they are encouraged by the staff to be as independent as possible. The main goal is to preserve current skills and delay the progression of dementia, for as long as it is possible.

The services offered in such centers have been especially developed to help dementia residents manage their condition in a more effective manner. From cognitive therapy to specialized staff, these services will always focus on the resident and his/her needs. Of course, there are also general services available, including: general maintenance, housekeeping, 24/7 security, Internet and telephone access, meal planning and preparation, laundry and linen service, errand running and shopping.

Assistance with activities of daily living is always available, but each center might offer such help for a limited number of tasks. The support provided might also dependent on how advantaged one's dementia is, and how big the risk of self-injury actually is. Activities for which one receives assistance include: eating, dressing, bathing, toileting, grooming, and oral hygiene. Specialized care is available, including diabetes care, mobility assistance, wound care, and incontinence care (not in all centers). Additional services, such as medication management, resident supervision, and administration of various treatments, are often provided.

Amenities in memory care centers in Arizona

Housing units available withing memory care centers/units include apartments and bedrooms. To ensure the safety of dementia seniors, these units cannot be locked. Moreover, they have a wide array of features meant to ensure no harm or injury will occur. Emergency response systems are put in place, being quite useful in case of major health events. Bathrooms often have accessibility features as well.

What kind of amenities are available in memory care? Some of the most common options include: swimming pool, fitness center/gym, yoga classes, library, computer room, social club, gardening area, enclosed courtyard for guided walks, weekly religious service, therapy sessions, memory gardens. Memory care staff monitors dementia seniors at all times, making sure they are feeling comfortable. They might also organize special events to encourage socialization between residents and, sometimes, their relatives.