Memory Care in Arizona

Table of Contents

Memory Care in Arizona

Table of Contents

• The Cost of Memory Care in Arizona
• Arizona Medicaid Programs for Memory Care
• Can You Use Medicare to Pay for Memory Care in Arizona?
• More Ways to Pay for Memory Care in Arizona
• Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Arizona
• Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Arizona
• Arizona COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care Facilities

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When figuring out how to pay for memory care, you first need to understand how much it will cost for your loved one to move to a quality community. As costs continue to rise, it's vital to have the latest details when planning for elderly care costs. In order to shed light on the impact of inflation on senior living costs, MemoryCare.com has gathered cost information from its network of over 75,000 senior living communities. These prices are based on the cost of Memory Care in Arizona and 19 other cities in Arizona.

How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Memory Care in Arizona

Senior care costs in Arizona have increased due to inflation. Between 2022 and 2023, memory care costs rose by 15% in the state, which is higher than the 10.5% cost increase seen on a national level. Looking at nearby states, Nevada's rates increased by 4.5% and California's average costs rose by just 3.5% during this time. In Utah, costs actually decreased by 4%, dropping to $4,425 from $4,595.

For 2024, costs in Arizona are projected to be $6,209—affordable compared to California's estimated rate of $6,453. These rising numbers highlight the importance of planning ahead for senior care.

Memory Care Costs in Arizona's Top Cities

Memory care costs vary across Arizona cities. On average, Scottsdale is one of the more expensive cities in the state at $7,250, followed by Phoenix at $6,725. Tucson offers more affordable memory care at $4,181. Mesa's rates are slightly higher at $4,407, though it's still around $1,000 less expensive than the state median ($5,401). Keep in mind that costs can fluctuate between facilities based on factors such as amenities, services and location within each city. 

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living

Senior care costs often vary between different types of care. Independent living is the most affordable option, averaging $3,009 per month, while assisted living comes in a little higher at $4,420, as it provides more assistance with daily tasks. For those requiring specialized care, memory care costs $5,401 due to its tailored support for individuals with cognitive conditions. Considering a senior's personal needs and financial resources is crucial when selecting the most suitable care option. 

The Medicaid program in Arizona is known as the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System. Seniors who qualify for Medicaid may be eligible to receive support with the cost of memory care through the Arizona Long-Term Care System. This is the branch of Medicaid that supports elderly and disabled individuals living in nursing homes, memory care facilities and other types of long-term care arrangements.

• Who Is Eligible: ALTCS is an entitlement program with no enrolment caps. Seniors must be aged 65 or over, U.S. citizens or qualified immigrants and residents of Arizona to qualify. They must also meet income and asset requirements, which vary depending on whether the applicant is an individual or part of a couple.
• How to Apply: To apply for the ALTCS, seniors should contact the nearest ALTCS office. Alternatively, applicants can call 888-621-6880 to discuss their eligibility.

Medicaid Eligibility for Seniors in Arizona

To qualify for Medicaid, Arizona seniors must meet certain income and asset requirements. These requirements vary depending on whether the applicant is single or part of a couple. Sole applicants are allowed an income of $30,276 per year and are expected to spend most of their income on health care. When a married person applies by themselves, the spouse's income is ignored, and there's an allowance of between $27,480 and $137,400 for the spouse's community assets. In the case of dual applicants, the income allowance is $30,276 per year per person, with a combined asset limit of $3,000.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Arizona

To receive help with the costs of long-term care, seniors must have been assessed as having a medical need for that care. In addition to the income and asset requirements, seniors must also meet other eligibility criteria, including:

• Be a U.S. citizen or have a residency permit
• Be aged 65 or over
• Have a qualifying medical condition
• Reside in Arizona

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid in Arizona

Seniors who require assistance with the Medicaid application process or are unsure if they qualify for Medicaid can seek advice from the following organizations, including helplines, resource websites and portals.

Unfortunately, Medicare does not generally cover the cost of Memory Care. Most Memory Care Facilities are considered to be "social settings," so Medicare does not cover the cost incurred in these facilities. The only exception to that is if you are receiving memory care services in a Nursing Home. While this situation is much less common, Medicare would sometimes cover the cost, depending on a number of circumstances.

That being said, Medicare does still cover qualified doctor visits, medications, etc., as it would if you were still at home, but it will not cover the cost of care received at the Memory Care Facility.

In addition to the state programs mentioned above, those looking for resources to finance memory care may consider:

• Long-Term Care Insurance: Depending on the policy details, long-term care insurance may be used to pay for memory care services. It's best to sign up for a policy early, as coverage will likely be denied if one already has long-term care needs. More information about the intricacies of long-term care insurance can be found at longtermcare.acl.gov.
• Reverse Mortgages: Reverse mortgages allow some homeowners to take out a loan as an advance from the eventual sale of their primary residence. This can be a good way to fund memory care in the short-term, but the loans will need to be paid back after the sale of the home. The most commonly used type of reverse mortgages for seniors is the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, which is the only reverse mortgage insured by the federal government.
• Veterans Benefits: The Department of Veterans Affairs offers several programs that veterans and their spouses may use to cover health care needs such as memory care. More information about these programs can be found on the VA website.

Memory Care Regulation

In Arizona, all assisted living facilities, including those that provide memory care services, are licensed by the Division of Public Health Licensing Services, Bureau of Residential Facilities Licensing. To provide behavioral health services, these facilities are required to submit supplemental applications for approval. All facilities are inspected prior to licensing and are subject to annual renewal inspections. In cases where inspections do not uncover deficiencies, facilities may be able to renew licensing for a period of two years.

Facility Scope of Care

Assisted living and memory care facilities may provide supervisory care, personal care, directed care, behavioral health services, and ancillary services. Each facility is required to provide a detailed outline of the services it offers when applying for licensing. In addition to personal care, assisted living and memory care facilities are required to provide three healthy meals each day as well as snacks. These meals must meet the dietary needs of each resident.

Admissions Requirements

The table below provides details about who may or may not be admitted to memory care programs in Arizona.

Residents Who May Be Admitted

Older adults and people with:

• Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia
• Physical or developmental disabilities
• A hospice or private duty nurse providing supplemental care

Residents Who May NOT Be Admitted

Those who:

• Are bedbound
• Are unable to direct self-care
• Require continuous nursing care
• Require continuous physical or chemical restraints, including bed rails
• Have stage III or IV pressure sores
• Require services that the facility is unable to provide
• Pose an immediate threat to their own health and safety or the health and safety of other individuals

Care Plan Requirements

All assisted living facilities in Arizona are required to provide a written service plan for each resident within 14 days of acceptance. This care plan must outline the resident's medical conditions, including cognitive, physical, behavioral, or functional impairments, as well as their need for medication assistance and administration. Additionally, the written service plan must provide a detailed description of the services the resident will receive.

In any case where nursing services or medication administration are provided to a resident, a nurse or other medical practitioner is required to review and sign off on the service plan. These plans must be updated as follows:

• Every three months for residents receiving directed care services
• Every six months for residents receiving personal care services
• Every 12 months for residents receiving supervisory care services

Medication Management Requirements

Assisted living facilities in Arizona are permitted to provide medication administration, as well as assistance or monitoring of self-administration and medication procurement. However, all medication administration must be carried out by a licensed nurse, while medication assistance may be carried out by a trained caregiver or certified assisted living manager. Facilities that provide administration assistance are required to store medications on behalf of residents.

Facility Requirements

In Arizona, memory care and assisted living residents may be provided with either single- or double-occupancy bedrooms. Each residential unit must be equipped with a keyed entry, as well as a resident-controlled thermostat, a bathroom and kitchen area.

In assisted living and memory care facilities with 10 residents or less, sleeping areas must be situated on the ground floor, and each facility must have at least one toilet, sink and shower per every eight residents.

Staffing Requirements

All staff members providing care in a memory care or assisted living facility in Arizona must be capable of providing all services that the facility offers. While there is no minimum staff-to-resident ratio, there must be sufficient staff on duty at all times to provide services as needed by the facility's residents. Additionally, at least one manager or trained caregiver must be awake and on duty at all times when residents are on the premises.

All staff who are responsible for providing care in a memory care or assisted living facility are required to undergo an orientation and in-service education, which must be provided by the facility manager. This training must be specific to the duties that they are expected to perform. All staff must also have first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training.

Medicaid Policy

Arizona's Medicaid plan, the Arizona Health Care Costs Containment System, does not cover the cost of room and board in memory care facilities. However, financial assistance may be available to cover the cost of memory care services under the Arizona Long-Term Care System.

Reporting Abuse

Arizona's Long-Term Care Ombudsman investigates claims regarding the quality of care or treatment of residents in long-term care facilities throughout the state. Complaints and concerns can be reported to county offices or can be made by calling the state office at 602-542-6454.

In Arizona, there is an abundance of resources designed to assist seniors throughout their retirement. MemoryCare.com has compiled information on a range of local organizations, programs, and agencies, categorizing them based on the care services they offer for easy browsing.

Area Agency on Aging

The Area Agency on Aging in is a crucial asset for retired individuals, providing advice on financial assistance, home-based care, and planning for extended care. It also connects seniors and their caregivers with local resources.

Cash Assistance Programs

Financial assistance initiatives exist in Arizona to help seniors with low income sustain their home living. These initiatives provide tax reductions, discounts on crucial services, and aid for home temperature regulation costs.

Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living

Elderly individuals in Arizona, living independently or in elderly care homes, can avail of numerous local financial support opportunities. These aid options help reduce in-home or long-term care costs and connect them to valuable community resources.

Food Assistance Programs

In Arizona, numerous community programs focus on enhancing the health of seniors via proper diet. These initiatives provide meal delivery, shared meals, and food bank services, guaranteeing that older citizens can obtain reasonably priced, healthy food.

Free Used Medical Equipment

In Arizona, several organizations are tackling the high cost of new medical devices. They collect lightly used equipment such as wheelchairs, ramps, and walkers, distributing them to local elderly and those requiring assistance.

Home Repair and Modifications

In Arizona, a variety of programs exist to support seniors and those with disabilities in funding home improvements and repairs. These initiatives, providing grants or loans, feature different eligibility criteria tailored for retired individuals.

Legal Resources

In Arizona, there are several organizations offering cost-effective or free legal aid to senior citizens. They provide advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills, and power of attorney. Some also champion the rights of the elderly in long-term care establishments.

Senior Centers

In Arizona, elderly individuals find a community hub in senior centers, offering a range of recreational pursuits, events, and essential resources. These centers also provide health programs, dietary advice, and support for issues related to senior living.

Social Security Offices

In Arizona, Social Security offices are crucial resources for the elderly and those with disabilities. They provide advice on retirement perks, disability benefits, and additional security income.

Tax Assistance

In Arizona, a variety of tax assistance options exist for seniors and people with disabilities. These encompass possible medical cost exemptions, property tax cuts, and other tax alleviation measures.

Utility & Energy Bill Assistance

In Arizona, there are establishments ready to assist seniors with limited income facing challenges with home upkeep expenses, such as energy and utility bills. Emergency financial support might be available for individuals threatened with utility disconnection due to outstanding payments.

Veteran's Services

In Arizona, retired military personnel can find essential support through local veteran services. These organizations help veterans access their deserved benefits and offer advice on a variety of issues.

Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/2/2022. Since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, be sure to contact your Memory Care Facility or local Area Agency on Aging for the most up-to-date information.