Arizona continuing care retirement communities (CCRC)

Find CCRCs In Arizona

Continuing care retirement communities are retirement communities with accommodations for independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care, offering residents a continuum of care. The communities ensure a dignified place for your or your senior to stay. Since there is no overarching federal agency that regulates retirement communities, the private non-profit organization CARF-CCAC provides a voluntary process for individual CCRCs to become accredited.

Recreation and Attractions In Arizona

Arizona is a state full of unique landscapes and experiences fit for any interest. Locations like Monument Valley within the Navajo Tribal Park or the magnificent Grand Canyon leave visitors and residents in awe of surreal, sandy landscapes unlike anywhere else. Generally, Arizona is a state with low humidity and a warm arid environment, however, more northern regions can experience enough snow for skiing. No matter your level of mobility, Arizona CCRCs are sure to provide residents with plenty of activities and host a wide range of community events.

Arizona's Climate, Geography, and Culture

Arizona is typically dry and the desert regions can reach 120 degrees, but in the mountainous regions it can be wet and receive 25-30 inches of precipitation. The average temperature in Arizona is 75 degrees, with a high temperature of 87 degrees, and a low temperature of 63 degrees. Influenced by Latin America, Arizona is filled with a variety of heritage and culture that's worth checking out. Those who want to join the melting pot state are surely welcome.

Crime and Safety In Arizona

Arizona’s crime rates are on par with the national average in terms of violent and property crimes committed per square mile. Major cities like Phoenix or Tucson may find greater rates just based on the size of their populations. Finding a safe location to invest in a CCRC in Arizona should be the main consideration when planning your long-term care future.

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Gilbert	.87	14.52
Sahuarita	.33	14.27
Florence	1.19	5.61

Arizona's Continued Care Home Regulations and Laws

Continuing care homes in Arizona are subject to a list of rules, regulations, and laws. These regulations include extensive employee background checks and strict health codes to ensure that you're getting the best care possible.

Payment and Costs for CCRCs in Arizona

The payment plans will differ at each CCRC, however, large entrance fees are to be expected and can range anywhere from $30,000 to $500,000 and even up to $1 million at a single time depending on your contract and location.

The national average cost of an entrance fee based on the most recent data is $248,000, and this price is expected to continue to fluctuate based on local housing prices.

The difference in prices is largely a result of the type of contract residents enter into, as well as their individual health care costs and Medicare or Medicaid coverage.

Extensive Contracts – Guarantee a lifetime of housing and care at any and all levels provided by the community. This also includes monthly fees in exchange for a wide range of services. Because there is a relatively lower degree of risk, the upfront costs are much higher.
1. Entry Fee: $160,000 - $600,000
2. Monthly Fee: $2,500 - $5,400
Modified Contracts – Modified contracts are only extended to a set number of days. After exceeding this limit, services are paid for out of pocket by the resident. Monthly fees are also still charged at an ongoing rate.
1. Entry Fee: $80,000 - $750,000
2. Monthly Fee: $1,500 - $2,500
Fee-For-Service Contracts – Residents only pay for the services they currently use, however, are not safeguarded from any future changes in pricing or service availability. Most of the financial burden is put on the resident, depending on Medicare or Medicaid eligibility. These are considered to be the contracts with the highest risk, even though their upfront costs are typically the lowest.
1. Entry Fee: $100,000 - $500,000
2. Monthly Fee: $1,300 - $4,300
Rental Agreements – Allow residents the ability to rent a housing unit on a monthly or annual basis. This type of contract does not guarantee access to health care on a fee-for-service basis, unlike other agreements.
1. Entry Fee: $1,800 - $30,000
2. Monthly Fee: $900 - $10,700
Equity Agreements – Shares of the community or association are afforded to individuals by the transferal of actual home, condominium, or townhome ownership within the CCRC. Healthcare services can still be purchased for additional fees. Through an equity agreement, the property’s appreciation benefits the individual or their estate as specified by the terms of the contract. This type of agreement relies heavily on the fluctuations of real estate in the area.

This information was gathered from a Report by The U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Senior and Elderly Rights for Continued Care in Arizona

All services provided and a description of your rights within each particular CCRC are to be displayed and understood upon entering into your continuing care contract. If these rights are violated, don’t hesitate to contact a legal advisor familiar with senior law.

Although CCRCs are the most expensive senior care option available, they are ideal for people who would like to continue living an independent lifestyle. Coupled with Arizona’s intense and sprawling natural beauty, your move to a CCRC can be the perfect chance to retire comfortably.

AZ Continued Care: Medical Record Rules and Regulations

Since the goal of CCRCs is to aid residents in living independently, most communities will require a health screening in order for individuals to be admitted. Many times an applicant’s health records are required with a physical examination given by a physician selected by the CCRC.

Residents receiving any type of medical attention in Arizona are entitled to a comprehensive and accurate record of their diagnosis and treatment. State and federal laws provide that residents have access to their records and health information, as well as the right to know when disclosures have been made. Otherwise, these records are to remain confidential for up to 7 years and can be accessed by submitting a request and providing a small fee.