Adult Day Programs and Caregiver Respite in Phoenix

Adult day programs and caregiver respite in Phoenix usually start with one call to the Area Agency on Aging, Region One Senior HELP Line at 602-264-4357. From there, families look at adult day programs such as Benevilla in the West Valley and statewide help from the Arizona Caregiver Coalition.

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Why I keep this list handy

I am a REALTOR, not a care manager. Still, many clients shopping for a Greater Phoenix 55+ home are also caring for a spouse or parent, and they ask me who to call first. I point them to the official agencies and providers below, then keep the home search on its own track. Related reading: my West Valley senior services guide and East Valley senior services guide.

This is general information only and is not medical or legal advice. Programs, eligibility and openings change, so confirm details directly with each program.

Start with the Area Agency on Aging, Region One

The Family Caregiver Support Program at the Area Agency on Aging, Region One supports family members caring for loved ones. The Agency lists four parts: respite, case management, community education and support groups.

The Agency describes three respite options:

• In-home respite provided through a contracted home care agency.
• Consumer-directed respite (the Friends and Neighbors model), where the caregiver chooses a worker and the Agency reimburses that worker.
• Adult day health care, where a center provides supervision and supervised recreation.

The Agency also offers web-based caregiver education and training through its Trualta portal. To ask about any of these services, call the 24-hour Senior HELP Line at 602-264-HELP (4357), toll free at 888-783-7500, or text 520-775-1899. The general office line is 602-264-2255. Ask about eligibility and any wait list before you count on a specific option.

Benevilla adult day programs in the West Valley

Benevilla runs three Life Enrichment adult day programs, and it says all three provide respite for family caregivers:

• Lucy Anne's Place, 16752 N. Greasewood Street, Surprise. Benevilla describes it for people with mild cognitive impairment or early to mid-stage dementia, along with people living with Parkinson's, stroke survivors and people recovering from fall-related injuries.
• Mary's Place, 14601 Del Webb Blvd., Sun City. Benevilla describes it for people with moderate to advanced Alzheimer's and other dementias, plus the same other groups.
• West Valley, 8133 W. Cactus Road, Peoria. Benevilla says it serves residents of Peoria, Glendale and West Phoenix, including adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

To ask about a tour, call Benevilla at 623-584-4999 or use the request form on its site. Benevilla does not list hours on that page, so confirm schedules, enrollment steps and fit for your loved one with the program staff.

Caregiver support groups with free respite

Benevilla hosts free, in-person caregiver support groups at its Caregiver Education Center in the Bovard Building, 14601 N Del Webb Blvd, Sun City. Groups it lists include a dementia caregiver group, a general caregiving group and two groups on grief and loss. Check the page for current days and times. Contact SupportGroups@benevilla.org or 623-526-4404.

Benevilla's free respite page says respite may be available at its Life Enrichment Programs during support groups or educational workshops, depending on space. It asks families to call or submit the form at least 24 hours ahead, and first-time visitors meet with the program director first.

Arizona Caregiver Coalition

The Arizona Caregiver Coalition is a statewide nonprofit. It says it connects caregivers to respite through a partner network (in-home care, emergency respite, adult day health centers and overnight support), helps with respite funding, and points to support groups, workshops and classes. Its toll-free line is 888-737-7494, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

City of Phoenix senior centers

The City of Phoenix Human Services Department senior programs page lists 15 senior centers, weekday lunches, a shuttle to the nearest center and home-delivered meals for eligible residents. The city sends families to the Senior HELP Line (602-264-4357) to enroll in home-delivered meals. The page does not describe an adult day program, so treat senior centers as social and meal options, not supervised care. If you live in Mesa, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise or another city, check that city's own senior services page for current offerings.

ALTCS, in general terms

The Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) is the long term care program within AHCCCS, Arizona's Medicaid agency. AHCCCS lists adult day health services among ALTCS covered services, and each member is assigned a case manager. Eligibility has its own rules. Ask AHCCCS or the Senior HELP Line whether ALTCS applies to your situation, and talk with a qualified professional about your specific case.

How this ties to a home search

When an adult day program is already part of the routine, I suggest starting with the program's address and then looking at homes in that part of the Valley. Home features that often come up are single-level floor plans, a second bedroom and bath for a visiting family caregiver, and an easy entry. In age-restricted (55+) communities, rules on guests and occupancy are in the CC&Rs, so read them before planning a live-in caregiver arrangement. My Arizona 55+ living hub and 55+ community finder are good places to compare areas.

Questions buyers ask

Who should I call first about caregiver respite in Phoenix?
Many families start with the Area Agency on Aging, Region One 24-hour Senior HELP Line at 602-264-4357. It can explain the Family Caregiver Support Program and other services.

Does Benevilla have adult day programs?
Yes. Benevilla lists Life Enrichment adult day programs in Surprise, Sun City and Peoria. Call 623-584-4999 to ask about a tour.

Are caregiver support groups free?
Benevilla says its in-person caregiver support groups in Sun City are free, and free respite may be available during the group when space allows.

Does ALTCS cover adult day health care?
AHCCCS lists adult day health services among ALTCS covered services for people who qualify. Confirm eligibility with AHCCCS.

Do you list prices for adult day programs?
No. Costs and funding change, so ask each provider or agency directly.