Nursing Homes near Scottsdale, AZ

Nursing Homes in Scottsdale, Arizona

Making the decision to move a beloved member of the family to a nursing home is an emotional one. There are many factors that go into the decision, but the bottom line is about finding the right care for aging parents and grandparents. Once the family makes the decision to place a loved one in a nursing home, there are four principles to keep in mind. First, the ideal nursing home should be conveniently located to as many family members as possible. Second, it should provide the highest possible care for all medical conditions. Third, it provides seniors with a welcoming, supportive environment. And fourth, the cost is manageable and accepts payments from insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and savings.

Living in Scottsdale

Scottsdale has often been described as "the desert version of Miami's South Beach," as well as "having plenty of late night partying and a buzzing hotel scene." Although that may not sound appealing to the elderly and the retired, Scottsdale's party scene is usually localized to the downtown area while everywhere else still hums along at a much more normal speed. However, since tourism is the primary driver of the city's economy, it's not without its sights to see. Scottsdale boasts the highest number of destination spas per capita of any city in the U.S., and it's tied with Atlanta for fourth as having the most AAA Five-Diamond hotels and resorts in the U.S. Scottsdale features year round sunshine and warm weather, which makes it a haven during the winter months. Additionally, the famed Mayo Clinic has a branch in Scottsdale, which, coupled with the warm weather, is one of the reasons it's popular with retirees. Nursing homes in the area often provide upscale amenities for those residents willing to pay them, and with the Mayo Clinic in the area, the residents receiving medical care have access to some of the best men and women in the medical field.

Picking the Right Nursing Home

Scottsdale is a large city, and there are many options for those who wish to reside in the area. Research the available information online to create a list of viable options. From there, visit each of the homes on the list and ask the questions that really matter. Find out about the facility's policies. Are residents allowed to smoke? Are there restricted visiting hours? Can residents have individual rooms, or does the facility require roommates? If roommates are required, can the seniors pick their own roommates? Asking the hard questions gives you an idea of what the facility is like, and how management reacts to those questions is even more telling. You should also pay attention to how the residents react to the staff, and the manner in which the staff interacts with the residents. You also want to ensure the facility is clean and in good standing with state inspectors. Finally, looking into the food options available to residents. It should be tasty, and there should be fresh options with easy access to drinking water.

Paying for Nursing Home Care

It is important for families to have a realistic idea of what nursing home care costs. The average annual cost is $50,000, and rising, depending on location, amenities, and other choices the family makes. However, Scottsdale is not a cheap city to live in, and with the attraction of luxurious hotels, restaurants, and shops, the prices have also increased in the area. That means nursing home costs in the area average more, and it's likely closer to $75,000 or more depending on amenities. That is an overwhelming amount of money for many families, especially those who haven't planned for it. Families with aging parents and grandparents should look into long-term care insurance, which often covers the cost of nursing homes. Those who attempt to pay out-of-pocket tend to burn through their savings within six months of entering the nursing home, which means the senior must move out. Eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid varies by state, so that's another option families should look into, as well.

Assuming that the financial end of the arrangement is all worked out, finding the right nursing home can be a good thing for everyone involved. It gives aging seniors the care and stability they need, and provides family members with peace of mind about the comfort of their loved ones. Although most people would like to be able to care for their parents or grandparents themselves, they also have to think about their lives and what's feasible. Nursing homes can be a great option, but families need to do their research ahead of time.