Your Guide To Assisted Living In Chandler, Arizona in 2023 Table of Contents
Thanks to myriad parks, art galleries and excellent health care facilities, Chandler, Arizona, is a popular Phoenix suburb for older adults. With 12% of Chandler’s population at least 65 years old, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, a variety of assisted living communities accommodate the city’s aging population.
To help you find the best assisted living option for yourself or a loved one, we compiled a selection of top-ranked assisted living facilities in Chandler. Read on for helpful guidance and resources to make the assisted living transition easier.
Assisted Living in Chandler, Arizona
Arizona is home to over 330 assisted living communities. While it’s unclear how many of these communities are in Chandler specifically, Dustin Baker, a senior living advisor based in Chandler, estimates that there are about 200 assisted living communities in the Phoenix suburb. In fact, Chandler has a larger percentage of older adults than the Phoenix metropolitan area and surrounding suburbs, such as Gilbert and Tempe, Arizona.
Assisted Living Regulations and Records in Chandler, Arizona
An assisted living facility is any residential community that provides rooms and care services for at least 11 residents, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. Three types of care must be provided in these facilities:
Supervisory care services, which include regular monitoring of residents’ needs and activities by staff Personal care services, which include treatment of injuries and illnesses and providing sufficient food and water Directed care services, which include caregiver services in the case that a resident can’t take care of themselves due to an emergency or injury
In addition to offering these three types of care, assisted living facilities must follow specific rules and regulations, including:
All services are supervised and administered by care managers, assisted care managers and primary care providers who may or may not be employees of the assisted living community. Additionally, all services are supervised by a facility manager who coordinates staff shifts and residential services throughout the community. A facility must maintain all medical records for every resident. Assisted living communities must provide regular meals and snacks, as well as post menus of what will be provided ahead of time. Before and after transporting a resident to a health care facility or doctor’s appointment, a facility must conduct a health evaluation of the individual.
If memory care or other advanced services are needed, an older adult or their family may want to search for facilities that provide the full spectrum of care, including memory care, assisted living and independent living.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Chandler, Arizona
The median monthly cost of assisted living in Chandler in 2023 is $4,217, which is slightly below the state median of $4,244 per month, according to the Genworth Cost of Care survey. Meanwhile, the national median monthly cost of assisted living in 2023 is $4,774.
Additional costs may be associated with assisted living beyond the monthly fee, including:
A one-time community fee A fee for advanced levels of care required by the resident A medication management fee Pet deposits Scooter rental Second person fees for those who choose to live with a spouse or companion Waitlist deposits How to Pay for Assisted Living in Chandler, Arizona
Assisted living costs vary significantly from one locale to another, but regardless of where you live, it’s best to plan ahead for the expense. Medicare only helps pay for the medical costs a person incurs while living in an assisted living community, which leaves room, board and personal care costs to the individual. Private health insurance providers often have similar limitations.
However, long-term care insurance can help cover the daunting costs associated with assisted living. Specific benefits vary depending on the policy and policyholder, so if you already have long-term care insurance, review your benefits carefully before attempting to apply them to assisted living costs. If you don’t already have a plan, compare how coverage differs from one provider to another as you shop around.
Veterans should connect with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to see if they’re eligible for Aid & Attendance (A&A) benefits. This monthly stipend can be used toward the cost of a long-term care or assisted living facility.
For those who qualify, Medicaid can also help cover some costs associated with residing in an assisted living community
Top Assisted Living Communities in Chandler, Arizona
Not sure where to start your search? Here are five facilities in the Chandler area to consider.
Note: This snapshot is just a starting point and by no means represents all options worth considering in Chandler. Anyone interested in exploring assisted living options should also call and visit the facilities to get the best feel for which would fit your needs and preferences.
What Experts Say
While every suburb of Phoenix has its own strengths, Chandler’s perks create the perfect mix for older adults, says Baker.
“Chandler stands out for its blend of a peaceful suburban environment coupled with a robust health care infrastructure,” he says. “We’re proud to boast some top-notch assisted living communities that are equipped with modern amenities, a variety of care levels and staff that truly treat residents like family.”
Because the suburb maintains so many high-quality assisted living facilities, Baker recommends older adults and their families consider their lifestyle and community preferences when choosing their next home. “Make sure the community fits not just the care needs, but also the personality and lifestyle of your loved one,” he advises.
The best way to get a sense for a community and its quality of care is often to visit each assisted living facility you’re considering. Working with an independent senior care advisor who understands the Chandler area may also help, says Baker.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Chandler, Arizona
For those living in or planning to relocate to Chandler, Arizona, a number of free resources are available to assist one’s search and budget for an assisted living community.
How to Find the Best Assisted Living in Chandler, Arizona
There are several ways to find the best assisted living community to meet your needs, but most experts suggest prioritizing high-quality care, budget limitations, accessible community design and engaging community life. Assess these elements personally and directly by scheduling in-person tours or visits. Some communities allow for brief overnight stays as well to help prospective residents determine if a community is a good fit for them.
During such visits, ask lots of questions to residents, visiting family members and staffers alike. Dig into the extent of medical care the community offers onsite, as it can vary significantly across the industry. Check out the amenities of the rented rooms or suites, as well as those present in common areas. Get a feel for how easy it is to navigate the community physically and what challenges might arise should you choose to live there. Speak with current residents to learn about how they like their home and what struggles they face.
No place or space is perfect, but it’s always wise to get a clear feel for a community before signing on the dotted line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is assisted living?
Assisted living communities are residences for older adults who want to remain as independent as possible in a home-like setting but require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as eating, bathing, dressing, maintaining good hygiene and navigating the bathroom. Residents typically pay rent monthly for a private apartment or room, plus an additional fee for the level of care they need, and they can enjoy numerous common areas throughout the community and a planned calendar of social activities aimed at supporting physical, mental and emotional well-being.
What is the difference between assisted living and a nursing home?
Assisted living communities help residents maintain an independent way of life while offering support with activities of daily living (ADLs) based on individual needs. Meanwhile, nursing homes provide residents with high-level medical care and monitoring. The main difference between assisted living communities and nursing homes is the level of medical and assistive services provided.
What does assisted living provide?
Generally speaking, an assisted living community provides room and board, up to three prepared meals a day, assistance with personal care needs, help with medications and housekeeping, some transportation services and a calendar of engaging social activities. Most communities maintain onsite staff at all times to meet basic safety and care needs.
