Scottsdale Memory Care
This is Scottsdale Arizona Memory Care. I was invited to tour this and other facilities while visiting in Phoenix for the ALFA Assisted Living Federation conference. Arizona is a leading state in senior care with so many retirees there. Before I traveled to Arizona for the conference, I was asked if I wanted to visit some assisted living facilities. My answer was no thank you, I've visited enough in NY.
For a little history, I've already visited many assisted living in NYC and each one was more disgusting than the other. I've written freely that I welcome death before living there. The final one I visited in Riverdale was surrounded by million dollar brownstones. Inside the stench of urine was overpowering. Lumpy mattresses, bicycle cable locks securing residents belongings from thievery. One of my friends from "Memory Club" said to me during the tour, "this is a place to die, not to live". They did take Medicaid though. Whoopee.
My friends always joke with me that when I check in to one of these places they would have a, "Dress up Howard Day" and take the kids/grandkids to visit me. They'd dress me up in elaborate costumes and makeup while I vegetize. Dorothy from Wizard of Oz, Alfred Hitchcock, etc. One visit to one of these house of horrors and no one would return.
It was arranged for me to visit some sites in Arizona with me being told it was different. Rita, my lovely persistent guide, wouldn't take no for an answer. What I found is shown in the pics above. A beautiful facility run by caring, loving people. Peggy and Dawn met me and showed me around. The people that worked there were experienced long term workers that cared. This was also the first assisted living facility I've been to that has experience with FTD'ers. They've had 3 FTD residents. Not one in NY did. Not only did they have experience, they really were interested in giving the best possible care and were asking me questions. Unbelievable, people actually acting like people should. We also discussed a possible small wing being dedicated to FTD. Just the fact we were discussing it was a miracle to me. Every place I've been to up to know not only didn't know what FTD was, they didn't want to know. Couldn't give a shit. Just interested in selling there services.
The residents at Scottsdale Mem. Care were actually happy. Felt like I was in a wing of the Raddison resort I was staying at. I want to thank Dawn and Peggy for the time they spent with me, showing me what assisted living could and should be like. Hopefully one day I'll be checking into that or similar resort. Oh, Scottsdale Memory Care takes Medicaid, Whoopee :-) BTW - I don't have Medicaid, but many FTD'ers out there do. There should be a rush of FTD'ers now looking to relocate. Anyone in FTD World knows the nightmare assisted living is for us.
For more information, brochure etc. go to Scottsdale Memory Care or call Dawn Romayo at 480-656-4084
BTW - I wouldn't be me if I didn't do due diligence and checked into complaints for them and the owning corporation: "Encore Senior Living". Couldn't find any complaints. Seems like this just happens to be a well run organization. Imagine that. Encore Senior Living has assisted living facilities in: Arizona, Oregon, Utah, Florida and Illinois.
Well, I'm still in NYC and don't know if I can remain. Arizona has just moved into my confusing FTD life of where I can and possibly want to live. My children Myles 15 and Chelsea 19 are in Seattle which is 2:30 hr flight from Phoenix. It would be nice to be closer to them. Arizona has always been on my short list with me loving the Sedona, Tucson and Phoenix areas. Heat - Big deal, lived in Israel.
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My friends have set up a site to help me since I've run into unforeseen difficulties. Please visit the site below for a further explanation and to help. Thank you.
Howard
Howard,
ReplyDeleteSounds like you need to consider this seriously. What a beautiful place.
Oregon... I will be checking that out also!!
Have a good week.
Lorrie in Oregon!
Hi Lorrie,
DeleteJust got home from blogging and answering a zillion correspondents. Feel like checking in somewhere. Almost didn't get off the subway at my stop I was so tired. 1/2 block walk. Guess what? Life goes on and onward we go.
All the best to you.
Howard
That is wonderful news Howard! So glad you got to have a good experience. It gives one hope!
ReplyDeleteOh, and you might find that you CAN qualify for medicaid in one of these states. You have great connections there now to sort it all out for you. Don't put off fiinding out...while you can still have a say in what becomes of you, please.
ReplyDeleteHoward,
ReplyDeleteNot sure where Encore Sr. Living is in Oregon, but it is closest place to Seattle and your kids.
Plus, as Lorrie says, it is a beautiful state. Closer to the Ocean is usually cooler and rainier, whereas the eastern side is more dry and warm.
A long time ago, I used to live in Seattle and had to make trips to Pasadena, CA. I drove a number of times through western Oregon, and it was fantastic!
Phil
Hi Phil,
DeleteUsed to live in Seattle and travel to work in Oregon. Was there every month. Beautiful state."Encore's" Pacifica Senior Living is in Portland, but I prefer the warm, sunny weather of Arizona. I also don't expect to be checking into an assisted living resort for quite a few years :-)
Thanks again,
Howard
Its really nice post which you have posted. Writing on Assisted Living is really great and appreciated work. Thanks for sharing with me. Keep me more updates.
ReplyDeleteUnlimited Posibilities Family Care Home
Nice place! Today, most seniors prefer independent living and many want to live alone in their homes. However. they should not be left isolated. I would suggest senior care homes and assisted living facilities. The place would be great for them which is more like a home. There, they will get a good company with similar age groups and also they will be given better care.
ReplyDeleteMy mother and I have been looking into a long list of different senior living communities- this one looks excellent! She is not opposed to moving out of state to live in the right type of community either. I will have to send her this link. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHailey,
DeleteThe contact at Scottsdale Memory Care is Dawn Romayo. Her number is 480-204-2935. It's a wonderful place. I know I will going there when it is time for me.
Howard
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