Assisted Living in Arizona

Get ready to fall in love with the Valentine State when you explore assisted living services and options in Arizona. This beautiful region gained its nickname when it joined the Union and became a state on Valentine’s Day, 1912, but the breathtaking vistas of the state sure do live up to it. Say goodbye to shoveling snow and hello to desert living. Whether you choose a cozy assisted-living casita or luxury accommodations in a major metropolitan area, there’s something for everyone who chooses Arizona for their assisted living services search.

Cost of assisted living in Arizona vs. nearby states

Cost of assisted living in a selection of Arizona cities

We noticed people seem to be searching for assisted living in these Arizona cities more frequently than others: Phoenix, Prescott, Scottsdale, and Tucson. We've provided their pricing here.

The cost of assisted living in Arizona

Seniorly 2021 data shows that the average cost of assisted living in Arizona is $3,529 per month. The national average monthly cost is $4,057. The average Arizona cost may be less than the national average, but keep in mind as you start your senior living search that some areas (particularly those where the cost of living is high) will be more expensive than others. Explore our assisted living listings to start comparing properties, or get in touch with one of our local advisors to get expert advice on what you can afford in the areas in which you’re interested.

Assisted living communities can provide the peace of mind that comes from not worrying about home maintenance, chores, or errands, as well as help with personal care like grooming, eating, and other activities of daily living seniors might have trouble with. However, if your loved one requires nursing care, or has diagnosed Alzheimer's or dementia that has progressed to a certain point, they might need a skilled nursing facility/home health care, or memory care community instead. These types of care providers (and for that matter, in-home care) might cost more in Arizona than assisted living facilities, but the important thing is that your loved one’s needs are cared for in order to provide them with the best quality of life.

If your loved one currently lives in a retirement community, ask whether it is a Continuing Care Retirement Community: these senior living properties are generally designed for residents to age in place. Seniors can get the different levels of care they need, from independent living to memory care, without having to move to a different community altogether.

Overall cost of living in Arizona

Arizona is below average when it comes to cost of living. Behind Wisconsin and Florida, Arizona’s cost of living index is 97, where the US national average is 104.63. Interestingly, though, housing and utilities costs in Arizona are higher than the national average.

Financial assistance for assisted living in Arizona

Medicaid options for Arizona seniors

According to benefits.gov, to be eligible for Arizona Medicaid, you must be a resident of the state of Arizona, a U.S. national, citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien, in need of health care/insurance assistance, whose financial situation would be characterized as low income or very low income. You must also be one of the following:

• Pregnant, or
• Be responsible for a child 18 years of age or younger, or
• Blind, or
• Have a disability or a family member in your household with a disability, or
• Be 65 years of age or older.

Arizona's Medicaid health care program is called Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (written as AHCCCS and pronounced “access”). It pays for medical care for children and adults with limited income and resources and is supported by State and Federal funding. This version of the state’s Medicaid program was founded in 1982.

Several AHCCCS programs can help Arizona seniors get the care options they need, such as the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS, pronounced ALL-Tecs), which provides coverage for and access to long-term care facilities for those who need them. There is also help available for paying Medicare costs.

Non-Medicaid State assistance programs

There are a few non-Medicaid assistance programs in Arizona, some of which are administered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security. These include nutrition support, chronic illness care management, and home- and community-based care services and resources. For more ways to find assisted living help, check the “Free assisted living resources in Arizona” section below.

More ways to finance assisted living in Arizona

There are several options available to finance assisted living for yourself or a loved one. Long-term care can be financed several ways:

• Life insurance - Some life insurance policies have a provision for long-term care benefits.
• Long-term care insurance - This type of insurance is intended to cover long-term health care needs by covering costs for assisted living or long-term care communities.
• Pensions, 401K, and IRA - If you have a pension, 401k, or an IRA to fall back upon this would be a great benefit in paying for assisted living costs.
• Real Estate - Having a home is a great source of income. When it is time to move into assisted living the sale proceeds from your home can cover the costs.
• Veteran’s benefits - While the VA will not directly cover the costs of assisted living, you can obtain help from the VA under the Veterans Aid & Attendance benefits. The Aid & Attendance benefits helps eligible veterans and their surviving spouses to pay for assistance for assistance of daily living (ADLs) activities. Aid & Attendance benefits are often referred to by other names such as “improved pension,” “VA assisted living benefit,” or “veterans elder care benefits.”

Free assisted living resources in Arizona

Arizona residents can explore state resources that can help answer your questions about eligibility for certain types of benefits and how they might apply to assisted living.

Find your local Area Agency on Aging. There are multiple agencies per state, enter your ZIP code or city to find the one closest to you.

The Arizona Department of Veterans' Services may be able to help you determine if your loved one is eligible for VA benefits.

Find Arizona Social Security offices where you can understand your benefits and get answers to your questions about claims.

Assisted living communities by Arizona city

Top Advisors in Arizona