Home Care in Tucson, Arizona: Common Terms, How to pay for Home Care, Licensing and Questions to ask
Nestled in the Sonoran Desert of Southern Arizona, there are many great options for home care in Tuscon. As the second-largest city in the state, Tucson is not only known for its stunning natural beauty but also for its rich Native and Mexican American heritage, as well as its bustling downtown area. Moreover, covering a large geographic area, this city features many distinct neighborhoods, including a historical district. Additionally, located in the Sonoran Desert, the city is surrounded by breathtaking vistas that showcase towering cacti, rugged mountains, and a diverse range of unique flora and fauna. Thus, home care in Tucson presents a vibrant and picturesque environment for both residents and visitors alike.
- Home Care in Tucson, Arizona: Common Terms, How to pay for Home Care, Licensing and Questions to ask
- About Home Care in Tucson
- Considerations when looking for home care in Tucson
- Cities Near Tucson
- Pricing and How to Pay for Home Care in Tuscon and Surrounding Cities
- Local Hospital and Healthcare Providers
- What are the different Home care options?
- How to pay for Home Care
- Questions and inquiries about home care
- Resources and Links – Arizona
- Search other areas for Home Care
What are the different Home care options?
The various care services and options
Personal Care Assistant
- Companionship as well as assistance with activities of daily living, (non-medical personal care) toileting, dressing, grooming, and bathing.
- They can help with grocery shopping and meal preparation.
- A personal care assistant can help with family difficulties. If a family caregiver must leave town or be away from the home overnight the caretaker can stay with the individual and monitor and assist as needed.
- If a spouse is too heavy, a personal assistant can be a great asset in helping the individual move without risk of injury.
- These care assistants cannot perform any medical care.
Companion Care
- These companions spend time with older adults. Providing companionship is especially relevant for people who live alone, or do not leave the house due to cognitive impairments or frailty.
- These companions are there to look after the person, keep a watchful eye, act as an extension of the person to help with mobility and general physic functions.
- They may drive the person to appointments, prepare light meals and snacks. They may even play games or read and listen to music together.
- Companion care is a great way to bring social interaction and assistance to a person who may otherwise spend long periods of time alone.
About Home Care in Tucson
Arizona offers an ideal setting for seniors to enjoy the warm climate, as it features some of the most picturesque landscapes in the country, 300 days of beautiful sunshine each year, and a growing economy. Additionally, the reasonable cost of living makes Arizona especially appealing for retirees and all seniors. When people think of senior care, they often picture nursing homes first; however, this perception does not reflect the truth. In reality, many different types and levels of care exist for individuals aged 65 and older. Typically, seniors prefer to age in place for as long as possible instead of moving into a senior living community. Nevertheless, the challenges of aging can make living at home increasingly difficult. Therefore, home care in Tucson aims to keep people healthy and safe.
Furthermore, nearly 19% of Arizona’s residents are 65 years and older. To accommodate these needs, several cities in Arizona—such as Phoenix, Flagstaff, Prescott, Lake Havasu, Tucson, and Mesa—provide quality healthcare options for our loved ones.
Home care, or in-home care, effectively fits seniors who need only basic assistance at home. Caregivers can easily customize care plans for each individual. Moreover, home aides support activities of daily living (ADLs), which include providing medication reminders and assisting with bathing and eating. Additionally, home care offers an excellent option for family members who must travel or simply need a break from caring for their loved ones. Importantly, home care aides bring a sense of personalization by providing companionship, socialization, and a vital sense of connection.
Considerations when looking for home care in Tucson
543,242 people live in Tucson.
The hottest month of the year in Tucson is July, with an average high of 100°F and low of 77°F. The cool season lasts from November 22 to February 28, with an average daily high temperature below 72°F. The coldest month of the year in Tucson is December, with an average low of 43°F and high of 66°F. Home Care in Tuscon should always be in spaces with active AC units.
Home Care Communities near Tucson, Arizona
Cities Near Tucson
- Three Points – 26 miles west of Tucson
- Summit – 15 miles south of Tucson
- Tanque Verde – 14 miles east of Tucson
- Catalina – 18 miles north of Tucson
Pricing and How to Pay for Home Care in Tuscon and Surrounding Cities
The cost of home care will vary throughout the state of Arizona. Each city has different rates. Here are some average prices in major cities.
- Phoenix: $5,600
- Tucson: $5,350
- Flagstaff: $6,700
- Yuma: $4,300
How to pay for Home Care
Private Funds- YES:
- Many families pay for care with private funds.
- Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
- Family members may contribute funds toward a loved one’s care.
Medicare – NO:
- Medicare does NOT pay for Assisted Living.
- People 65 years and older and individuals with end stage renal disease are eligible for Medicare benefits, no matter their income.
- Coverage is meant for people in need of short-term care.
Medicaid- MAYBE
Medicaid MAY cover home care for seniors who are eligible. Each state has its own Medicaid programs in place. As a result, eligibility and services fluctuate state to state. Funding may also be offered under the Home and Community Based Services Medicaid Waivers.
In-home personal care services (dressing, bathing, eating, etc.) are not federally mandated, and some states do not even regulate these agencies.
Long-term care insurance- MAYBE:
- The purpose of long-term care insurance is to cover senior care, which includes home care. Though, be aware that coverage varies depending on the insurance provider, the specific policy, and other factors.
- It is common that long-term care insurance will only start to cover care when the person with the policy requires assistance with two or more ADLs.
- As a result of the above, individuals who only need companion care may not be covered by their long-term care insurance.
- Typically, purchasing long-term care insurance is not an option if you are at the point where you already need care.
Veteran Aid and Assistance – MAYBE:
This benefit is available to some military veterans and surviving spouses who live in an assisted living community and those who have in-home care.
- There are specific guidelines, but a veteran may qualify for as much as $2,050 each month.
- A veteran with a sick spouse may be eligible for $1,600 per month.
- If a veteran has passed, their surviving spouse can qualify for $1,300 per month.
Private Pay
- Many families pay for care with private funds.
- Family members may contribute funds toward the care of a loved one.
- Private pay may be a combination of personal savings, retirement funds, or pension payments.
Questions and inquiries about home care
Agency Information
- Is the agency RN operated?
- Is the agency a franchise or locally owned and operated?
- Is the agency licensed by WA State Department of Health?
- Is the agency licensed for both home care and home health?
- Does the agency have liability insurance?
- Can the agency respond to you 24/7?
Caregiver Information
- Are employees licensed, bonded & insured? Or are they independent contractors?
- Does the agency test skills, conduct behavioral interviews and verify caregiver credentials?
- Are caregivers required to have current certifications for First Aid, CPR, and TB?
- Are caregivers provided continuing education/training?
- Can authorized individuals monitor care and make requests online in real time?
- Does the agency offer caregiver replacement when the “fit” may not be right?
Documentation and Supervision
- Does an RN/MSW/Care Manager conduct a free home care assessment?
- Does an RN/MSW/Care Manager create a home care plan?
- Does an RN/MSW/Care Manager supervise the caregivers?
- Do caregivers receive client orientation before arriving at a client’s home?
Policies and Cost
- Can services be cancelled with a 4-hour notification?
- Does the agency offer flexible scheduling, custom care plans, and a continuum of care?
- Does the agency have weekly or monthly minimums?
- What is the hourly minimum per shift?
- Does the agency offer home care discounts?
- What is the required deposit?
- Will the agency accept long-term care insurance?
Local Hospital and Healthcare Providers
St. Mary’s Hospital
1601 W St Marys Rd
St. Joseph’s Hospital
350 N Wilmot Rd
Cornerstone Specialty Hospitals Southeast Arizona
7220 E Rosewood St · In Gateway Center
The University of Arizona Medical Center
535 N Wilmot Rd
Resources and Links – Arizona
Area Agency on Aging Region One– Serves adults 60 and older, family caregivers of older adults, adults with disabilities and long-term care needs, adults diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, and victims of late-life domestic violence, elder abuse, and sexual assault.
Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc., Area Agency on Aging – American Indian elders and those that are Title III, VI and VII eligible in Tribal Communities in Arizona. We work with 21 tribes in Arizona.
Adult Protective Services – Arizona Adult Protective Services (APS) is a program within the Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) responsible for investigating allegations of abuse, exploitation and neglect of vulnerable adults.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)– SHIP provides health and long-term care insurance information to Medicare eligible Arizonans, their families and caregivers. The purpose of this program is to ensure Arizonans receive the benefits to which they are entitled.
Office of Arizona State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – The LTCOP will make every reasonable effort to assist, advocate, and intervene on behalf of the resident. When investigating complaints, the program will respect the resident, maintain their confidentiality, and will focus complaint resolution on the resident’s wishes
Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings
Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.
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