Memory Care in Mesa, AZ
Find Your Mesa, AZ Care Advisor
Find the Best Memory Care Near Mesa, AZ
Memory care properties are long-term care, residential homes specifically designed to address the needs of people with cognitive declines, such as those with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia in Mesa, AZ. These secure communities are staffed around-the-clock with caregivers trained to provide redirection and reminders for residents or de-escalate situations. In Mesa, AZ, some memory care facilities are separate wings of an assisted living community, for residents to transition as needed, while others are separate, stand-alone properties.
Types of Memory Care
Many families may not realize that dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease are different types of memory conditions, although they share similar characteristics. Memory care communities are equipped to care for residents in early, middle, and late-stage cognitive decline, with unique care plans for each individual, including the diagnosis of their condition.
Memory care residents include individuals with one of these common progressive cognitive decline conditions:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Lewy body dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Mixed dementia
Some memory care facilities may also be equipped to care for people who have medical conditions linked to dementia, such as:
- Huntington’s disease
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
- Parkinson’s disease
The physical property is designed to reduce confusion and disorientation for resident safety. Layouts are simple, and may have open spaces instead of confusing hallways. Lighting and background noise are often unobtrusive to minimize disorientation. Outside access, and access to storage closets, kitchens, and other places, like a pool, are locked or alarmed to protect wandering residents.
Many memory care facilities have a low staff-to-resident ratio and intensive therapies to help slow cognitive decline, such as occupational or physical therapy. Some facilities may offer programs intended to help with memory associations, like art therapy or music therapy, while others seek to boost the overall quality of resident life through pet therapy or aromatherapy, and other sensory stimulation.
Finding Your Memory Care Advisor in Mesa, AZ
Rijan and Sarah Shrestha | 602-234-9190
Areas Covered:
Serving Phoenix, Laveen, Goodyear, Avondale, Ahwautukee, Arcadia, Tempe, Litchfield Park, and Pebble Creek Communities
Lori Sears | 623-703-5326
Areas Covered:
Serving Arizona’s West Valley including Peoria, Glendale, Sun City, Sun City West and Surprise
Dustin Baker | 480-530-8330
Areas Covered:
Serving the East Valley of Phoenix, AZ (East Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, San Tan Valley, Queen Creek, Apache Junction & Gold Canyon)
Rachel Wasserstrom | 480-454-5611
Areas Covered:
Servicing Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley, Cave Creek, and Carefree AZ
Chad Kinney | 602-774-4342
Areas Covered:
Servicing the northern Phoenix Metropolitan Area, New River, Deer Valley, Anthem and Norterra
What is the Cost of Memory Care in Mesa, AZ?
In Mesa, AZ, the average costs for memory care accommodations are $5,068, although different communities will have their own pricing structure. Memory care facilities, due to the higher level of care and staff training, often are more expensive than assisted living facilities. Families with a loved one already in an assisted living facility who moves to that community’s memory care wing can expect to see their monthly payments change as their loved one’s needs change.
Memory care communities are all-inclusive residential facilities where seniors are provided with meals and a private or shared room, plus plenty of personalized attention from trained staff. Many residents may require mobility assistance or escorts to meals and activities, plus help with the activities of daily living (ADLs).
Common needs of memory care residents include:
- Bathing, grooming, and getting dressed appropriately
- Redirection and reminders
- Eating and ensuring proper nutrition
- Mobility assistance, including lifts and transfers
- Escorts to meals, activities, or doctor’s appointments
- Medication management and supervision
Each memory care resident has a personal care plan and is closely supervised so their plan can be adjusted as their condition changes. If an individual needs to visit a doctor or specialty care physician, transportation and an escorting staff member are provided. Although residents are encouraged to be as independent as possible, staff members are nearby 24-7 to assist as needed.
What Should Every Senior Know About Living in Mesa, AZ?
Mesa is a suburb of Phoenix, located in the eastern part of the metro area. It’s close enough to the city center for memory care residents to access downtown amenities easily but far enough from the tourist destinations to allow for a slower pace and quieter environment. The area has plenty of hotels for family members who wish to visit their loved ones in memory care.
Mesa Weather & Climate
Mesa is warm and sunny year-round, with over 300 days of sunshine each year and no snow. Although winter temperatures are mild, with January lows in the low 40s, summers can get quite hot, and July high temperatures can reach an average high of 105 degrees.
Local Hospitals & Notable Medical Care
Seniors in Mesa have plenty of options for health care, such as Banner Desert Medical Center, which provides a range of specialty services and operates Urgent Care clinics throughout the area. Or, for emergency treatment, Dignity Health Arizona General Hospital and Abrazo Mesa Hospital are booths open 24-7, and each one offers online telemedicine care.
Transportation
Mesa residents receive public transportation services through Valley Metro, the light rail and fixed-route bus system of Phoenix. The service also offers para transit services for those who are eligible.
Arts, Culture & Recreation
Families visiting a loved one in Mesa memory care may wish to escort their loved one to the Museum of Natural History, which features exhibits of dinosaurs and other prehistoric fossils discovered in the state. Or the Mesa Arts Center presents different theater, musicals, and contemporary art exhibits and programs.
How Do I Pay for Memory Care in Mesa, AZ?
Memory care can be expensive for many families, and often, their loved one’s may not be able to manage their own finances. Finding ways to offset out-of-pocket costs is important, and a local memory care advisor in Mesa can help you and your family find benefits for which your loved one may be eligible.
Veteran's Benefits
Military veterans and their surviving spouses may be eligible for the Improved Pension Program, which can cover long-term care costs, or the Aid and Attendance Benefit, which provides funds for veterans who need help with everyday activities (ADLs). Veterans living in a long-term care facility are often eligible for this benefit. To learn more, inquire at a local Mesa, AZ, VA Center.
Spend Down
If an individual or married couple has a monthly income higher than the Medicaid eligibility threshold in their state (in Arizona, the maximum monthly income is $5,046 / month for couples or $2,523 / month per spouse), then they may be eligible for a “spend down” program, in which their excess monthly income can be spent on medical bills each month in order to qualify them to receive Medicaid. Your local Mesa senior care advocate can explain this program to you more.
Home Equity
Mesa homeowners may have built up home equity, which can be used to pay for their memory care fees. If your loved one has paid off their mortgage, or most of it, ask your local Mesa senior care advocate for advice on using home equity for memory care accommodations.
Medicare
Although Traditional Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) does not cover the costs of memory care accommodations, some Medicare gaps or Supplemental Medicare plans may cover some services provided by memory care communities, such as occupational therapy or other corollary health care services. Check your loved one’s coverage to see if they’re enrolled in any additional Medicare plans.
Medicaid
Arizona Medicaid, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), has a program specifically to address the needs of the elderly and disabled in the state, the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS), also referred to as the Elderly & Physical Disability (E/PD) Program. Under this program, individuals who qualify for state Medicaid may receive specific services for their needs, whether in a home-based setting on in a long-term care facility, like memory care properties.
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FAQ About Memory Care in Mesa, AZ
Yes! Virtual tours can be arranged by your local senior care advisor and may help families who don’t live in the area or seniors who have a hard time traveling evaluate their options.
If your loved one’s assisted living facility notes signs of cognitive decline, it may be time to consider transitioning into a memory care facility. If your loved one’s caregivers are unable to manage dementia symptoms, such as wandering, aggression, or agitation, or if you’re unable to provide the level of care and safety they require in your home, then a local senior care advisor can help you find a memory care property that can meet your loved one’s needs.
When choosing a memory care facility, safety, security, and the qualifications and training of the memory care property’s care workers are the most important things to consider. Your local Mesa senior care advocate can help you evaluate the features of each property.
