How Assisted Living Works in Arizona

The Arizona Department of Health Services regulates assisted living facilities in the state.

Arizona recognizes both assisted living homes, with 10 or fewer residents, and assisted living centers, with 11 or more. But size is only part of the picture.

Arizona also recognizes three levels of care

Supervisory Care — general supervision, awareness of a resident's functioning and needs, crisis intervention when necessary, and assistance with self-administered medication.

Personal Care — help with activities of daily living that do not require professional medical training. Arizona's definition can also include coordination of intermittent nursing services and certain medication administration.

Directed Care — intended for someone who may be unable to:

• Recognize danger
• Summon assistance
• Express a need
• Make basic care decisions

This category often becomes especially important for families dealing with significant cognitive impairment.

Why does the level matter?

Because two places that both call themselves “assisted living” may be equipped and licensed to care for very different residents. When evaluating a facility, ask what levels of care they're licensed to provide — then ask what happens if your family member's condition changes.