Arizona’s senior-friendly climate isn’t the only reason an above-average 18% of its almost 7.3 million residents are in the 65+ age group. The state offers generous property tax credits for seniors with incomes below the minimum thresholds and doesn’t tax Social Security benefits. Arizona also boasts several nationally ranked hospitals, including Mayo Clinic-Phoenix and the Banner Boswell Medical Center in Sun City.
Excellent care isn’t restricted to hospitals. Many agencies help seniors age safely and comfortably at home. The average cost of In-Home Care in Arizona is $5,339. A bit more on average, Home Health Care fees are $5,434 per month. In-Home Care is a non-medical service that typically involves supporting seniors with dressing, bathing and cleaning their homes. Home Health Care is a medical service delivered by skilled nurses and therapists who deal with clinical issues, such as seniors recovering from surgery or managing long-term health issues such as arthritis.
This guide reviews home care costs in and around Arizona and the roles played by Medicaid and Medicare. It also lists some useful resources for homebound seniors and their families.
Figures published in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey show Arizona to be mid-range in cost terms for In-Home Care services. It’s costlier than the national average of $4,957 by around $382 per month, although not as expensive as some neighboring states. For example, a senior in Utah is likely to pay around $5,625 per month for In-Home Care services, while in California, fees rise to $6,101. Nevada is a more affordable alternative to Arizona, with fees averaging $5,148. New Mexico is even more competitive, with a median fee of $4,605.
Arizona
$5339
The United States
$4957
New Mexico
$4605
California
$6101
Nevada
$5148
Location is a factor in fees for In-Home Care services in Arizona. In Yuma, for example, it’s common for agencies to charge around $4,290 per month for their services, while in Flagstaff, it’s $6,673 for generally similar services. Phoenix is at the costlier end of the spectrum too, at $5,958, while in Tucson, fees drop to around $5,434 and in Prescott Valley, $5,053.
Phoenix
$5958
Tucson
$5434
Prescott Valley
$5053
Flagstaff
$6673
In addition to location, the frequency of services provided and the type of care delivered also factor in overall costs. Adult day health care facilities have the lowest expenditure so they offer care for around $2,102. Assisted living facilities provide accommodation and care for approximately $4,000 per month in Arizona. Agencies are more costly at $5,339 for In-Home Care and $5,434 for Home Health Care. At $6,540 per month, nursing home care is the most expensive due to the hospital-level care and narrower staff-to-resident ratios than those found in assisted living facilities.
In-Home Care
$5339
Home Health Care
$5434
Adult Day Health Care
$2102
Assisted Living Facility
$4000
Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)
$6540
Arizona has a Medicaid program officially known as the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), which can help pay home care costs for qualifying Arizona residents. Seniors have access to the AHCCCS through a program called Arizona Long Term Care Services, which is also known as the Elderly and Physical Disability Program.
Arizona Long Term Care Services (ALTCS)
You will often find Arizona Long Term Care Services referred to by its acronym, ALTCS (pronounced ALL-TECS). Its purpose is to pay for long-term care services for seniors who meet the financial eligibility requirements and score 60 points or more on their medical assessments (which are designed to determine the senior’s ability to perform everyday activities without assistance). Although the program can pay for nursing home care, it can also pay for In-Home and Home Health Care services, such as home-delivered meals and skilled nursing. Everyone who satisfies the eligibility criteria qualifies for support.
Successful applicants develop long-term care plans with caseworkers. This approach has some flexibility as the senior can choose what’s known as an ‘Agency of Choice’ or opt for ‘Self-Directed Attendant Care’. The former option lets seniors choose their own caregivers from an authorized agency without needing to be their caregiver’s employer. The latter option effectively makes the senior the employer, with the ability to hire, fire and train their caregiver. A Fiscal Employer Agent is assigned by the Department of Economic Security to help the senior negotiate the complexities of being an employer. The Self-Directed Attendant Care option is popular with seniors as it allows a family member to be the paid caregiver.
To be eligible for ALTCS, the applicant must be aged 65 or older and have a recognized physical or mental disability that would justify nursing home care. The applicant must also have an income no greater than 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate. To apply, seniors can either call (888) 621-6880 or contact their nearest ALTCS office.
As of 2022, a single applicant’s annual income can’t exceed $30,276 in Arizona. If both spouses in a two-person household apply, it’s $60,552. Countable income includes social security pensions, SSI payments, Veterans’ pension and compensation, disability income and immediate annuities. Countable assets include checking and savings accounts, real property (although not the applicant’s current address, unless its value exceeds $603,000), the cash value of insurance policies, stocks and non-exempt vehicles. There is a 60-month look-back period for all assets to determine if the applicant has undersold or gifted assets in anticipation of a future Medicaid claim.
2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Arizona
2022 Basic Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Arizona
| Name | Income limits* | Asset limits |
|---|---|---|
| Single Person | $30,276 | $2,000 |
| Two-Person Household | $60,552 | $3,000 |
*Per year
In addition to income and assets, Arizona’s Medicaid program requires applicants to also satisfy other eligibility requirements. These are:
There are several options that make it easier for seniors to apply for Medicaid in Arizona. They are:
What Information You Will Need
The following list of needed items applies to all applicants, including occasions when more than one person from the household applies.
The most helpful free resource for potential Medicaid applicants in Arizona is AHCCCS. However, some seniors might want to get information elsewhere and others may need legal advice, so we’ve compiled this shortlist of organizations that may be able to assist.
| Program | Contact | AreaServed | Services provided |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Council on Aging | Online Only | Statewide | The American Council on Aging website is a privately-funded resource that provides free information for seniors who want to know more about Arizona's Medicaid prior to submitting an application. Its content is written by experienced Medicaid planning and legibility professionals who cover more than just the basics. However, due to the site's design, it can't provide in-depth detail but is a useful tool for seniors at the start of their research. |
| Arizona Center for Disability Law | Multiple Contact Numbers | Statewide | The Arizona Center for Disability Law is a nonprofit law firm specializing in helping disabled citizens get necessary benefits, which includes seniors who have been denied Medicaid. The firm operates out of 3 offices — Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff. Their attorneys and paralegals inform, educate and advocate for disabled seniors in a range of civil law matters, such as pursuing the right to devices for those denied assistive technologies. |
| AZ Links | Multiple Contact Numbers | Statewide | AZ Links is the Aging and Disability Resource Center for the entire state. Its purpose is to connect seniors and caregivers with the resources they need, including where to get advice and support regarding Medicaid. The AZ Links screening tool is a quick way to identify all the free resources available to seniors in their areas. |
In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of non-medical home care. That being said, there are situations in which Medicare provides some coverage for medical home care, referred to as “Home Healthcare.” There are several eligibility restrictions for coverage, including that individuals must be homebound and have a referral from their doctor specifically for home healthcare services.
Below is an overview of some of the skilled medical professionals whose in-home services are typically covered by Medicare – for more in-depth information, refer to our Guide to Home Healthcare.
As mentioned above, in-home care is distinctly different from home healthcare. But, there can be some overlap in services between the two types of care. So, while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical in-home care, there are in-home care services that may be covered in special circumstances when they’re provided in conjunction with home healthcare (such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing)
While the above programs help many people finance in-home care, they will not cover all costs for everyone. There are other ways to pay for in-home care, including out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance and more. Read Caring.com’s Guide to In-Home Care Costs to learn more about these alternative payment options.
There are many government agencies and nonprofit organizations in Arizona dedicated to helping seniors age safely in place. The agencies listed here can help with transportation, meal deliveries, home repairs and reducing household energy costs.
| Resource | Contact | AreaServed | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weatherization Assistance Program | Multiple Contacts | Statewide | The purpose of the Weatherization Assistance Program is to make homes safer for successful applicants and lower the costs of heating and cooling their homes. The program is open to all state homeowners and renters who meet the financial eligibility criteria and will cover all costs relating to work recommended in the energy audit report. This may mean installing installation throughout the property, tuning up the HVAC system, fitting shades to sun-exposed windows, repairing faults causing air infiltration/leakage and installing features that improve water efficiency. |
| Section 504 Home Repair Program | (602) 280-8701 | Rural Areas Statewide | The Section 504 Home Repair Program provides loans and grants to homeowners on low incomes, enabling them to make their homes safer and more comfortable. To qualify for a loan, the homeowner must occupy the property and be unable to get credit elsewhere. Be advised there are income limits. Loans of up to $40,000 are available on 1% fixed interest terms over periods of up to 20 years. Grant applicants must be 62+ and unable to repay a loan to be eligible for up to $10,000. |
| Low Income Household Water Assistance Program | (833) 453-2142 | Statewide | The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program contributes to the costs of water and wastewater services for homeowners and renters across the state. The program's scope includes helping to restore disconnected water services, assisting with paying bills past their due date and supporting seniors with future water costs. To qualify, applicants must be U.S.citizens (or legal aliens) residing in the state and have gross household incomes not exceeding 60% of Arizona's median income. Although the program is open to all, it prioritizes residents aged 60 and older, those with disabilities as well as people whose water bills absorb more than 5% of their monthly income. |
| Home-Delivered Meals | Multiple Contacts | Statewide | The home-delivery meal program is financed primarily by the Department of Economic Security and administered locally by the Area Agencies on Aging. The program's purpose is to provide nutritious and healthy meals to eligible seniors who may otherwise be unable to afford or access good quality food. |
| ADA Ride Services | Multiple Providers | Maricopa and Pima Counties | The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compels public transportation providers with fixed routes to provide low-cost curb-to-curb or door-to-door paratransit programs. In Arizona, providers of ADA ride services include Valley Metro's Dial-A-Ride, which covers much of Maricopa County, and the Sun Tran and Sun Link services which serve many parts of Pima County. |
The state of Arizona does not license home care agencies. Provided the services offered by agency caregivers is nonmedical in nature, agencies are not subject to direct state oversight. Nonmedical home care agencies in the state may voluntarily seek certification from the Arizona In-Home Care Association (AIHCA), a private industry organization that maintains quality of care standards. In addition to AIHCA requirements, individual caregivers are still subject to state laws for background screening and training.
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Scope of Care | Caregivers in Arizona are permitted to assist seniors with activities of daily living and other routine needs, both inside and outside the home. Caregivers may provide seniors with personal care, companionship, shopping and meal preparation assistance and other nonclinical services with the consent of their client. |
| Care Plan Requirements | Caregivers and home care agencies in Arizona are required to develop a care plan with seniors and responsible family members prior to administering service. Agencies are expected to provide accurate information about care options and likely costs, as well as the identity and availability of the individuals providing care. Seniors have a right to be involved with all care decisions and an expectation that their information will be kept confidential. |
| Medication Management Requirements | Caregivers in Arizona are permitted to assist with the administration of over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs that are indicated for assisted administration. Caregivers are not allowed to initiate medical interventions of their own without medical professional direction. |
| Staff Screening Requirements | Applicants for caregiver certification must be at least 18 years old and able to communicate in English. They must test negative on a pretraining TB test or submit proof of vaccination. Caregivers in Arizona must, prior to accreditation, submit and pass an AZ DPS fingerprint screening and background check. |
| Staff Training Requirements | Caregivers in Arizona must complete 20 hours of online instruction and 42 hours of classroom instruction in an accredited training program. Students must pass all courses with a minimum score of 80%. A passing grade is required on the state exam for permitting. A CPR/AED card is required for new caregivers and must be maintained for as long as certification lasts. Caregivers must also meet the requirements for obtaining an Arizona Food Handlers' card. |
| Medicaid Coverage | The AHCCCS Medicaid program pays for many of the secondary costs of in-home care, such as medication and medical supplies. Direct payments to caregivers are made through either of two state Medicaid programs, Agency With Choice or Self-Directed Attendant Care.. |
| Reporting Abuse | Suspected cases of elder abuse or neglect may be reported to either local law enforcement or Adult Protective Services at 877-767-2385. |
Whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one, finding a quality home care provider can be a stressful process. When you hire an in-home care aide you’re placing a lot of trust in the hands of the person by inviting them into your home, so you’ll want to be diligent in your search. At Caring.com, we’re here to help – we’ve created a helpful checklist below that can help guide you through the process of both determining your needs and finding a home care agency that will provide the best care possible.
To find quality home care providers near you, simply input the zip code or city where you would like to start your search. We have an extensive directory of home care agencies all across the nation that includes in-depth information about each provider and hundreds of thousands of reviews from seniors and their loved ones.
100 Results
17035 North 67th Avenue, Suite 11, Glendale, AZ, 85308
4.7
(76 reviews)
"We used Right at Home Northwest Phoenix for my husband. We've only had someone come once. I've had a happy time with them. I would recommend them. It was the first company that I called. A gentleman came out and explained what they do and what they p..."
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4050 E. Greenway Rd, Suite 2, Phoenix, AZ, 85032
4.4
(91 reviews)
"They help me with light housekeeping, and companionship, if I have a problem that requires immediate attention the caregiver has been there for me which doesn't happen even with neighbors or friends. Believe me, I know. My caregiver has gone out of h..."
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14050 N. 83rd Ave., Suite 290, Peoria, AZ, 85381
5.0
(42 reviews)
"My mother’s caregiver is a huge help. In addition to driving her to appointments and the grocery store, the caregiver provides mental stimulation with conversation while cleaning or just spending time together. The caregiver can update me over the p..."
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250 N Litchfield Rd, Suite 161 A, Goodyear, AZ, 85338
4.9
(23 reviews)
"I would highly recommend Home Instead, KeAvae and Sonia were great to work with. My mother was visiting for 3 months, and we had a care giver in to assist us while working. Sonia was incredible, patient, loving, and kind. She took excellent care o..."
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7925 Jones Branch Dr., Suite LL 140, Mclean, VA, 22102
3.9
(31 reviews)
"I am using HomeCare.com for Mom. They're courteous, on time, knowledgeable on the things they need to do, and very much a caring group of people. They are good at following up. They call ahead and kind of follow up as necessary. They're good for all ..."
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8160 E Butherus Drive, Unit 10, Phoenix, AZ, 85022
4.7
(22 reviews)
"Orlenea has been wonderful doing shopping for me and I really appreciate Right at Home service. Thank you. ..."
READ MORECaring's Family Advisors are here to help you with questions about senior living and care options.
1237 S Val Vista Dr, Mesa, AZ, 85204
5.0
(13 reviews)
"I'm POA for a friend and we hired Tender Heart Home Care and the caregiver providing services is a retired nurse and she is amazing and we couldn't ask for a better situation. I give the caregiver a 5 star and the company. Thanks ..."
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17035 North 67th Avenue, Glendale, AZ, 85308
4.6
(21 reviews)
"My caregiver sweeps and mops, does my laundry and dishes, cleans my bathroom and does whatever else i need. She shows up on time and get things done in a timely manner...."
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5135 E INGRAM ST STE 5, Mesa, AZ, 85205
5.0
(10 reviews)
"To the employees at Living Free Homecare. Thank youfor being so compassionate with our loved ones , you empathize with them and show lots of love. You go out of your way to make them feel loved and adored. You selflessly desire to allow them to keep..."
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13851 W. La Mar Blvd., Suite E101, Goodyear, AZ, 85338
5.0
(9 reviews)
"We used Right at Home in Goodyear for caregivers for my aunt. Dee visited my aunt every weekday for 3 years. She was an exceptional caregiver. She was so caring, helpful, knowledgable and even as my aunt's Dementia progressed she remained that way..."
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3850 E Baseline Rd, Suite 128, Sun Lakes, AZ, 85248
4.8
(11 reviews)
"They were responsive, willing to take on a short term assignment, assisted with my mom’s transition to an assisted living facility and made the regular staff’s job easier. ..."
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10000 N 31st Ave , Phoenix, AZ, 85051
5.0
(6 reviews)
"I have a caregiver from Home Matters Caregiving - West Phoenix, AZ, and Stephanie is wonderful. The other day when she came out, she asked if there was some particular project that I'd want her to take care of that day. I was not feeling well. I'd go..."
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2929 N 44th St, Ste 340, Phoenix, AZ, 85018
4.8
(16 reviews)
"This is a truly catering helpful and supportive team. They made my difficult time of injury palatable and took over the annoying paperwork. Will use them again if needed. ..."
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3320 W Cheryl Dr, Suite B120, Phoenix, AZ, 85051
5.0
(4 reviews)
"We're using Assisting Hands Home Care for my wife. They come out twice a week and they've been great. They would send somebody over and the caregiver would watch my wife so I could sleep. They would clean the apartment if I want them to. They do laun..."
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10105 East Via Linda #103-726, Scottsdale, AZ, 85258
5.0
(4 reviews)
"Amazing care on very short notice. Staff that provided companion care to my mom were attentive, caring, loving, just the best ever! I would rate this company 10 out of 10 for anyone looking for care for a friend or family member...."
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4150 W Peoria Ave, Suite 222, Phoenix, AZ, 85029
5.0
(3 reviews)
"They provided all of needed information & personally brought the caregiver to my home to meet prior to the start of my care..."
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8111 E. Thomas Rd. Ste 112, Scottsdale, AZ, 85251
4.5
(5 reviews)
"My husband's caregiver, Cynthia, has been with us for 2 months, and she has been wonderful. She is very caring, competent and cheerful. She also does light housework and knows what to do without having to be told. It feels like she is part of the ..."
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600 E Baseline Rd Suite A-1,, Tempe, AZ, 85283
4.8
(5 reviews)
"John and his team are amazing. He came in and owned the situation providing the proper caregiver, skill level, and care we needed. My wife has dementia and often repeats stories 100s of times a day. It got to a point where I could ne longer handle it..."
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17100 E Shea Blvd, Suite 530, Fountain Hills, AZ, 85268
5.0
(4 reviews)
"Thank you, Home Instead for being so great!! Our family has been very impressed with the skill level of the caregivers as well as the staff. We've been so thankful to Amanda as a resource...."
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2501 N Hayden Rd, Suite 102, Scottsdale, AZ, 85257
4.4
(7 reviews)
"Great communication! I'm kept up to date on all things related to our care. We couldn't ask for better caregivers - they have all been so kind, caring, and trustworthy. We could never have gotten through this without them!..."
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