Assisted Living

Article submitted by Nancy Bender and Jill Dini, owners of Monte Vista Place on Tucson's west side.
For more information, they can be reached at 629-9700.

Assisted Living is the fastest growing segment of the senior housing market. Care can be provided in facilities (large institutions), centers (more than 11 residents), and homes (10 residents or less). All include the availability of 24-hour assistance for dressing, bathing, meals, medication monitoring and transportation. In addition, residents enjoy the freedom from the responsibility of household cooking, cleaning and laundry. The common goal is to allow the resident as much independence as possible in an interdependent setting, and , at the same time, provide appropriate levels of care and safety.

In the United States, the number of families involved in care giving has increase in the past ten years from 7 million to 23 million. Typically the primary caregiver is a married woman employed full time, has children at home, and then spends another 18 hours a week for an aging parent. Referred to as the "sandwich generation", 35% of these women provide care for both an aging relative and a child under the age of 15.

Adult Care Homes, or Assisted Living Homes, are designed to alleviate the pressures from in-home elder care by providing an alternative living arrangement in a family-like setting. They are certified by Arizona Health Services, and are located in residential areas of Tucson. The majority are converted single family houses, and therefore vary greatly in age, floor plan, style and amenities. They also vary as to the levels and types of care offered.

Most homes take in residents of all levels of assistance allowing them to "age in place". Recently, however, some homes are specializing in providing care for one or two levels only. In this setting, residents are able to interact with others at the same level of independence and cognitive ability. This trend promotes an environment that stimulates friendship, encourages activities and personal interests while maintaining care, comfort and safety. Consult the Directory's grid on Assisted Living Facilities for more information.