Placement Options
Independent-Living Communities
Independent Living Communities offer an apartment-style setting that caters to seniors who are more independent and do not need significant assistance with activities of daily living (“ADL’s”). They are generally larger (100+ apartments) and may be stand-alone communities or part of a larger community that might include Assisted-Living and/or Memory-Care options as well.Independent-Living Communities charge a monthly base rate based on the size of the apartment desired. Studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom options are typical. Security, transportation, some meal plans and services, and utilities are generally covered by the monthly base rate. A monthly 2nd-person fee often applies (usually much less than the base rate) for a couple living together in one apartment. Much like in a regular apartment setting, initial lease terms of 6-12 months are typical.Life in these communities is much like what someone would experience living in a regular apartment, except that you have the benefit of being around others in a similar situation. Age restrictions apply and residents are free to come and go as you please. Most of the residents drive, go out to dinner and spend time with each other in activity centers, etc. These are usually pet friendly, within a certain size of pet.Although the idea of Independent-Living is that the residents NOT need any care, many of these communities DO offer some sort of ala carte service to basic care needs via third-party non-medical providers.
- Assisted-Living Communities
Assisted-Living Communities offer services a step above Independent-Living for seniors that need more help with their activities of daily living (“ADL’s”), however, they cater to those that are more social and want to interact with others in the community. These are generally larger and resemble Independent-Living Communities in size. They are sometimes stand-alone communities and other times part of a larger community that might include Independent-Living and/or Memory-Care options as well. The main thing differentiating Independent-Living from Assisted-Living is that residents in Assisted-Living require varying degrees of help with their ADL’s, such as dressing, bathing, cleaning, laundry services, meal preparation, transportation, medication management, etc.Assisted-Living Communities charge a monthly base rate based on the size of the apartment desired AND a monthly rate based on the Level of Care for the occupants of that apartment. Often, a couple can live together where only one of them needs assisted-living care. Studios & 1-bedroom options are typical and sometimes 2-bedroom options are also available. All meals, security, transportation, hands-on care, med management, utilities, etc, are provided within the rate determined at the time of admission. Lease terms are usually month-to-month. An initial, one-time Move-in or “Community Fee” is typical of most of these options. A monthly 2nd-person fee (usually much less than the base rate) applies for a couple living together in one apartment.All meals are provided in a centralized, restaurant-style setting as part of Assisted-Living and apartments do not have their own kitchens (although they might have a microwave and small refrigerator). A community bus/car is available to take residents to and from appointments within a certain radius. An Activities Director helps engage the residents and coordinate events and outings, both on and off-site.Life in these communities is meant to be as independent as possible, with the understanding that many of the residents require daily help with some of their ADL’s. Caregiver to Resident ratios are about 1:12-15, so those requiring a LOT of care probably will NOT be a good fit for this type of community. Age restrictions apply and most of the residents no longer drive. Small pets are often allowed.
- Assisted-Living Care Homes / Residential Care Facilities / Board and Cares
Assisted-Living Care Homes are a home-based setting that cater to those requiring higher-level care, or, simply to those that prefer a setting that feels more like a home. These are locations where a smaller number of residents live and receive 24/7 care by on-site caregivers, following state guidelines for training and oversight. They are usually single-family homes that have been “converted” into assisted-living homes and licensed by the state in which they are located. They are usually licensed for between 6-10 residents and generally offer either shared room or private room options. Some rooms come with bathrooms. A Master Bedroom might be available as a larger option, which can be ideal for a couple or just someone wanting more personal space. Group Home, Family Care Home, Board and Care, Care Home, etc. are all terms used by different states to describe these homes. The requirements for ownership/management of these vary from state to state.The rate is generally an all-inclusive monthly rate (with minor exclusions) that includes room and board, all care needed, medication management, cooking, cleaning, laundry, and utilities. It normally does NOT include co-pays for doctors visits and prescriptions, transportation costs and any specialty items, like adult incontinence supplies and any special dietary needs. As an example, a Care Home might quote you $3,500 per month for a private room without a private bathroom for a client that requires moderate assistance with their Activities of Daily Living (“ADL’s”) with some dementia. That same Care Home might quite $3,000 per month for that same person if they were to go into a shared room with another resident OR perhaps quote you $3,900 for a private bedroom with it’s own private bathroom. Price varies by area, type of room, the homes itself and level of care and services provided.Like a regular home, meals are prepared in the kitchen by the caregiving staff. There is also a family room, backyard, dining room (where most residents eat), etc. Some states require that caregivers aid in bathing, med management, meal prep, etc.Life in a Care Home is generally less social than what you would find in a larger community. However, the level of hands-on care that is available in a Care Home is higher than what is available in a community. Caregiver to Resident ratios are about 1:3-5, making Care Homes the choice for those requiring more physical care or simply more re-direction due to cognitive impairment (ie dementia). Residents are usually a little older and they are no longer driving or able to go places without being taken by a caregiver or loved one. Sometimes, people choose to live in Care Homes simply because they prefer the family-type atmosphere and smaller setting. Basically, this is the home of the resident that just happens to also provide 24/7 care.
- Memory/Dementia Care Communities
Memory Care Communities are similar to Assisted-Living Communities except that they are considered secure or “locked-down” and cater to residents that have been diagnosed with some form of dementia (ie Alzheimers, Louie-Body, Vascular, Frontal Lobe, etc). They can be stand-alone buildings or a seperate part of an Assisted-Living Community. Residents generally require or can greatly benefit from memory-specific programming by staff and caregivers that have been trained for such.Residents in Memory Care Communities can be at all different levels of the disease process. Because of this, most Memory Care Communities charge an all-inclusive monthly rate, which includes ALL care needed. Sometimes there will be a few different levels, based on the needs of the resident. Private Studio and shared Studio options are typical. All meals, security, transportation, hands-on care, med management, utilities, etc, are provided within the rate determined at the time of admission. Lease terms are usually month-to-month. An initial, one-time Move-in or “Community Fee” is typical of most of these options.Life in a Memory Care Community is fairly structured for the residents. Entry and exit are controlled. Caregiver to Resident ratios are about 1:7-9. Those that might be exit-seeking or flight-risks are often good matches for these communities.
- Behavioral Group Homes & Communities
Behavioral Group Homes & Communities are for those that require a higher-level of care where medications and other treatment options have not sufficiently resolved any behavioral issues created by illness, accident, cognitive decline, etc. This type of care is specialized and the options vary from place to place. Often, residents of Behavioral settings are required to be there by doctors/court order.Pricing for Behavioral care can vary greatly and is often fairly expensive, comparatively speaking. Those requiring Behavioral care will often seek acceptance onto their state Medicaid programs when they qualify.Life in Behavioral settings is very structured for the residents. Caregivers are specially trained for those with behaviors and some with more aggressive behaviors might require special state institutions.
- Other Specialty Care Homes (TBI, Developmentally Disabled, etc).
Care Homes and Communities for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and developmental disabilities also exist and vary from state to state. These locations tend to residential care homes that specialize and have licensing specific to the specialty desired.Pricing for Specialty Care Homes can vary greatly and is often fairly expensive, comparatively speaking. Those requiring Specialty Care will often seek acceptance onto their state Medicaid programs when they qualify.
- Respite Care
Families often find themselves in transitional times and Save havens is equipped to help you find the right options for this as well. Respite care is generally considered anything less than 6 months, but can include care for as little as a few days to a few weeks. Depending upon the length of a desired stay, rates will often be adjusted to per day or per week parameters.If respite care is desired in a larger community, the Community Fee is generally waived. Negotiations are handled by your experienced Placement Specialist, with an emphasis on achieving the most favorable terms for you and your loved ones.
- Placement Options for those on Hospice or Palliative Care
Placement options for those on Hospice or Palliative care vary from state to state, but, as a general rule, Hospice and Palliative care are services rather than actual locations. This is the case in Arizona.In these cases, Placement occurs as normal, with considerable consideration given to the many factors, including the reasons for Hospice admission and the services that Hospice will provide that individual at their assisted-living location.Hospice care the right choice for so many people in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Is it right for you or your loved one? And if so, how can you know which hospice service is best? Integrity Senior Save Havnes is the most trusted hospice placement provider in Maricopa County. We have coordinated inpatient and in-home hospice care in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, and beyond. David, our compassionate Placement specialist, understands how difficult this time is for you and your family, and will help you find the best hospice care for your loved one.
- Complex Cases
Individuals needing care that are considered “complex” (Ventilators, Trachs, Wound-care, etc) also have options in many communities other than typical medical facilities, such as rehab centers and skilled nursing facilities. Your Placement Specialist can guide you through the process of vetting such options.Many times, communities will have specific homes and communities that have been designated by state officials as appropriate for individuals with specific complex situations, much like they generally do for behavioral and other specialty cases.