What is Assisted Living?
The Arizona Assisted Living Federation of America (Arizona ALFA) defines an Assisted Living residence as a special combination of housing, personalized supportive services and health care designed to meet the needs –both scheduled and unscheduled--of those who need help with activities of daily living.

What about costs?
Costs vary with the residence, room size, and the types of services needed by the residents. In Arizona, daily basic fees range from approximately $15 to $200 -- generally less than the cost of home health services and nursing home care. A basic Assisted Living fee may cover all services or there may be additional charges for special services. Assisted Living residences charge a month-to-month rates, or but a few residences require long-term arrangements.

Who pays the bill for an Assisted Living residence?
Residents or their families generally pay the cost of care from their own financial resources. Depending on the nature of an individual’s health insurance program or long-term care insurance policy, costs may be reimbursed. In addition, some residences have their own financial assistance programs. Government payments for Assisted Living residences has been limited. The State of Arizona offer subsidies for rent or services for low income elders called ALTCS.

What types of services are offered in Assisted Living residences?
Services provided in Assisted Living residences usually include:

Three meals a day served in a common dining area Housekeeping services Transportation Assistance with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting and walking Access to health and medical services 24-hour security and staff availability Emergency call systems for each resident’s unit Health promotion and exercise programs Medication management Personal laundry services Social and recreational activities

How is Assisted Living regulated?
The Department of Health Services (DHS) licenses assisted living in the state of Arizona. Each facility is initially inspected DHS and the survey is posted at DHS. These records are available to the public for viewing. There are three levels of licensing: Supervisory, Personal, and Directed Care. Each assisted living provider is required to be licensed accordingly, if they want to provide services. There are educational requirement as well. Caregivers and Mangers must complete a 62-hourtraining class, which covers many topics pertinent to assisted living. Residences must comply with local building codes and fire safety regulations. Arizona ALFA believes the most successful regulations are consumer drive, balancing the safety concerns we all share with the consumers' desires to retain their independence and freedom of choice.

What is the philosophy of Assisted Living?
Arizona ALFA members subscribe to a 10-point philosophy of care:

Offering cost-effective quality care that is personalized for individual needs Fostering independence for each resident Treating each resident with dignity and respect Promoting the individuality of each resident Allowing each resident choice of care and lifestyle Protecting each resident's right to privacy Nurturing the spirit of each resident Involving family and friends, as appropriate, in care planning and implementation Providing a safe, residential environment Making the Assisted Living residence a valuable community asset

How to find an Assisted Living residence?
Call the Arizona ALFA office at 602-322-0100.