When looking for an assisted living facility for yourself or your parents, it is important to consider all of your options and locations. For example, some seniors enjoy the warm tropical climate of Florida, while others prefer the drier desert climate of Arizona. By carefully comparing the benefits of assisted living in Arizona’s climate, you can determine if assisted living facilities in the state and Arizona’s climate benefits are right for you and your needs.
Contact Haven Health to learn more about our Arizona assisted living facilities.
What Is Assisted Living and How Does It Differ From Other Senior Care Options?
Assisted living facilities provide assistance with different tasks and activities seniors need help with, such as dressing, cleaning, and cooking. Assisted living facilities can provide different levels of care based on the individual’s needs. Usually, people live in their own apartments and have the freedom and flexibility to go about their daily activities as they see fit. However, when they require help with tasks, skilled nurses and other professionals are onsite to provide assistance.
It differs from other options for senior care in Arizona because it provides more independent living compared to nursing homes. It also differs from home care because the staff is onsite 24/7 at an assisted living center. So, help is available anytime it is required.
Overview of Arizona’s Climate and Its Impact on Seniors
Arizona’s climate ranges from semi-arid to arid, depending on where you reside in the state. Rainfall ranges from about 3 inches in Yuma in the southwest to around 40 inches in the White Mountains in east-central Arizona, according to the Arizona State Climate Office.
The southwest is a desert and can get quite hot in the summer and cold in the winter. In the mountainous regions of the state, temperatures average in the 80s during the summer and can be as cold as the 20s in winter.
The biggest impact on seniors is heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration. According to the EPA, heat-related illnesses cause more deaths annually than weather-related deaths in Arizona. 34% of heat-related deaths in the state are seniors 65 and older.
Related: How Desert Climate Impacts Health and Aging in Seniors
Health Benefits of Living in Arizona for Seniors
The Arizona climate benefits seniors such as:
- It’s better for arthritis: Humidity, rain, snow, and cold weather can all irritate arthritis. Arizona’s drier climate is better for the joints and can improve the mobility and overall quality of life for seniors.
- It reduces the risk of heart disease: Since there are many activities to do outdoors and no humidity, it can help improve and reduce health risks related to heart disease.
- It offers more vitamin D: Thanks to the abundant sunny days and outdoor activities, seniors get more vitamin D, which boosts the immune system and reduces the risks of anxiety, SAD, and depression. Additionally, vitamin D keeps the joints and bones stronger.
- It helps lower blood pressure: Since people are more active, they are healthier and tend to lose weight, which is a contributor to high blood pressure.
How Does Arizona’s Dry Climate Affect Respiratory Health in Seniors?
For people with respiratory problems, such as asthma, humid and cold weather can irritate these conditions. Thanks to Arizona’s arid and warm desert climate, people with respiratory health issues find it easier to breathe and have fewer and less intense flare-ups.
Activities and Amenities Available in Arizona Assisted Living Communities
The range of activities and amenities available in assisted living communities in Arizona include:
- Salons
- Fitness and exercise centers
- Personal trainers
- Nutritionists
- Pools
- Spas
- Libraries and reading rooms
- Computer and business centers
- Community rooms
- Movie theaters
- Outdoor walking trails and picnic areas
- Transportation assistance
- Pet-friendly communities
- In-house dining rooms and prepared meals
- Housekeeping services
- Laundry services
- Rehabilitative care
- Personal care
- Medication management
Related: Guide to Moving a Family Member From Home Care to Assisted Living
How Arizona’s Climate Influences Outdoor Activities for Seniors
Arizona’s climate can make it more difficult to enjoy outdoor activities for seniors in the middle of summer. However, there are plenty of activities to participate in indoors, such as hobby clubs, fitness classes, and exercise centers.
Many assisted living facilities have covered and cooled pools when they are outdoors or have an indoor pool. Seniors can also take advantage of enjoying outdoor activities early in the morning before it gets too hot outside or later in the evenings after it cools off.
Tips for Seniors To Stay Hydrated in Arizona’s Dry Climate
Some tips to help seniors stay hydrated in Arizona’s dry climate include:
- Drinking plenty of water throughout the day. You can add lemon, cucumber, or other flavors to the water.
- Bringing along a big water bottle whenever leaving home. You should bring extra water with you no matter where you go to help remain hydrated, especially on hot days.
- Incorporating fruits and vegetables with a high water content into your diet, such as watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, tomatoes, cucumbers, and spinach.
- Limiting your time outdoors on hot days to about an hour of direct exposure.
- Wearing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to help protect your body and keep you cooler.
The Importance of Socialization and Community in Assisted Living
Regular socialization and a sense of community in assisted living facilities are important for seniors. It helps them to remain physically active, get regular exercise, get better nutrition, strengthen their immune systems, and reduce anxiety and stress levels. It also provides improved overall physical and mental health and well-being.
Comparing Costs of Assisted Living in Arizona Versus Other States
The costs for assisted living in Arizona versus other states will vary based on several factors, including:
- Base rates
- Level of care
- Accommodations
- Add-on services
- Location
Contact Haven Health today to discuss your financial options.
How Arizona Assisted Living Facilities Handle Extreme Weather Conditions
Arizona assisted living facilities take special steps during extreme weather conditions to protect residents, including:
- Issuing and alerting residents to the extreme weather conditions
- Ensuring heating and cooling systems are functioning correctly
- Encouraging residents to remain indoors and enjoy indoor activities
- Monitoring and checking in with residents to ensure their safety and well-being
- Moving residents to a safer location when necessary
What Makes Haven Health a Top Choice for Skilled Nursing in Arizona?
Haven Health is a top choice for skilled nursing facilities in Arizona because of these qualities:
- Personalized patient-centric care
- Experienced, caring, and compassionate staff
- Quality care for the best possible outcomes
- Commitment to maintaining a safe and clean environment
- 24-hour access to healthcare staff
- On-site doctor’s visits or transportation to appointments
- Dedicated to helping people recover through rehabilitation to maintain their independence
Related: Arizona-Grown Seasonal Foods for Diabetes Diets
Discover the Benefits of Assisted Living at Haven Health in Arizona Today
Haven Health is committed to providing personalized care and services to seniors in Arizona. Our assisted living facilities allow our residents to maintain their independence while having assistance available whenever they need it. We also offer numerous amenities, activities, and socialization opportunities to help seniors remain active and lead healthy lifestyles.
Sources:
Climate of Arizona. (2024).