Discover Home Care in Arizona

Home Care in Arizona - Cost Comparison

Seniors may need home care for a variety of different situations and conditions. It could be that an individual is recovering from a surgery, an illness, or requires assistance due to dementia and Alzheimer’s related needs. Your costs will vary whether a licensed medical professional or a non-medical paraprofessional is required.

Although these two classifications can in many cases overlap, the main differences are in each caretaker’s ability to administer medical attention and their formal licensing. Understanding an individual’s need for assistance is the first step to determining what type of home health care aide is more appropriate for the situation. 

There are a number of cities throughout AZ that have senior home care agencies but the median monthly costs range from:

• Highest cost: Tucson $4,004
• Lowest cost: Sierra Vista Area $3,432

Recreation & Attractions in Arizona

There are so many incredible experiences to be had in Arizona such as a trip to the Grand Canyon, Glen Canyon, or the Hoover Dam just to name a few. Glen Canyon was constructed to block the Colorado River and create Lake Powell, a display of beautiful blue water among a desert landscape with stone walls lining the edges. Havasu Falls is another beautiful place to see -- one waterfall has split into two cascading down to form small pools at the basin with a bluish green hue to the water. The result is simply magical! Monument Valley and the Desert Botanical Gardens are also popular destinations for residents and visitors alike. 

Arizona's Climate, Geography & Culture 

Deserts and mountains occupy much of Arizona so the climate and weather changes depending on where in the state you are. The mountainous areas are much colder than average, especially during the winter. The average temperatures can reach a high of 81 degrees in the summer and the low around 40 degrees during the winter. The desert areas have a significant temperature range throughout the day with them being hot and sunny during the day and cold and clear during the night. Lightweight clothing during the day is recommended during the summer and light layers for evenings and winters. AZ has 286 days of sunshine during the year. There is significantly less rainfall in the desert climates when compared to the mountain climates. The state averages 11 inches of rain and 7 inches of snow over 41 precipitation days over the course of the year.

Arizona’s culture is influenced by its neighboring states, Western ideals, and Mexico. It is known for its desert and unique natural landscapes and landmarks. The food is also influenced by a combination of Western and Mexican flavors creating a cuisine called Tex-Mex. There is a large tourism industry and culture influenced by the many interesting landmarks and the warm, sunny climate.

Crime & Safety in Arizona

Sperling’s Best Places ranked Arizona 46 on a scale of 100 (1 being the lowest crime) for violent crime and 48 for property crime; the United States overall ranked 41 for violent crime and 44 for property crime.  Arizona Crime Prevention Association is an organization that aims to prevent crime, focus on more local, state and regional issues and any problems related to crime.

(source: safewise.com)

Arizona's Home Care Regulations & Laws

Home health agencies that are Medicare-certified are required to employ health aides who have undergone the approved training and evaluative measures according to federal legislation (42 CFR 484.36). A standard 75 hours of training, along with 16 hours of supervised clinical training and an additional 12 hours of continuing education every 12 months is needed to maintain a home care certification.

Each state-approved training and evaluation program has federal oversight in order to ensure the quality of each license issued and the individual’s level of competency. 

Payment Options for Arizona Home Care

Paying for home care in Arizona can be achieved in several ways, each based on what can work the best for your unique situation. 

First off, seniors may look to Medicare to receive coverage for their copayment and deductibles for medical home care through the Medicare Supplemental Insurances program. However, keep in mind that Medicare does not cover non-medical home care whatsoever. If this is an issue, it may be necessary to look to the other remaining methods of payment. 

For veterans of the U.S., the Improved Pension and Homebound and Aid & Attendance Pension may be used to help pay for or cover the entire costs of home care. To learn whether you or a loved one qualifies for these benefits, contact your local Veterans’ Association or Area Agency on Aging. 

Most of the time, seniors will choose to pay for their home care privately using their own savings, assets, or pensions. If these options are unavailable to you, it may be reasonable to consider paying through a reverse mortgage, by opening a home equity line of credit, or by converting your life insurance policy to cash. 

Finally, Medicaid is a joint federal and state insurance program for low-income seniors and their families that in most cases can be used to cover the costs of home care if it is deemed medically necessary. Each state has its own rules, requirements for eligibility, and specific benefits that will vary depending on where you go in the United States. Medicaid refers to these services as Home and Community Based Services (HCBS).

Senior & Elderly Rights for Home Care in Arizona 

Seniors receiving home care from a Medicare-approved home health agency retain a series of guaranteed rights and protections with the intention of keeping your needs met. Before receiving home care in any form, it is required that the home health care agency provides you with information detailing your rights. You’ll be informed that you reserve the right to choose your own home care agency (pending a managed care plan if applicable), and to decide what services (medical or non-medical) you want to participate in. Your personal privacy and property are to be respected at all times in circumstances that it does not interfere with necessary medical attention. 

There may come a time when you will lack the ability to make reasonable or informed decisions about your home health care. If that becomes the case, you can appoint a family member or legal guardian to act on your behalf. Remember, you still retain your rights as a United States citizen as afforded to you by the Constitution and Bill of Rights. In the case of these rights are violated, contact an elder law professional to help you and your family understand the proper legal actions to take. 

Arizona Home Care: Medical Records Rules & Regulations

While receiving home care or any other medical service in Arizona, your rights to obtain written or digital copies of your medical records is possible via written request. It is a common misconception that this information cannot be released to you due to privacy laws, however this is simply not true. While some cases warrant the denial releasing your information, your healthcare provider must respect your requests and respond within 30 days, or as many as 60 days later including a statement addressing the delay. 

Details of your mental and physical health are included in your protected health information which includes medical records, billing records, claims adjudication records, and other private documents. By reviewing your information you’ll always be able to make any corrections needed with the supervision of your healthcare provider and ensure the overall accuracy of these records.