Assisted Living Communities in Phoenix, Arizona

With the exception of Lake Havasu City’s monthly costs of $3,650, seniors in Phoenix paying in the region of $3,700 have the most affordable assisted living costs in the state. On average, they pay $200 less than other Arizonans and $600 less than other Americans. In Yuma, typical costs rise to $4,025, while they go up another $50 to $4,075 in Tucson. The least affordable city in the region is Prescott Valley, with costs averaging at $4,450.

Many assisted living facilities accept multiple payment options, including state and veterans’ benefits and cash payments, to promote long-term financial feasibility. When researching local assisted living communities, seniors should consider the cost of care and strategies that may help them cover services.

• Medicaid: Arizona’s Medicaid agency funds the Arizona Long Term Care System, which covers assisted living for qualified seniors in Phoenix who need a nursing home level of care. ALTCS pays for durable medical equipment and supplies, homemaker services, personal care, and nonemergency medical transportation, among other long-term care expenses.
• Medicare: Medicare pays for medically necessary services assisted living residents need, including medication administration, rehabilitative therapies, and skilled nursing. However, it doesn’t cover nonmedical services or room-and-board fees.
• VA Benefits: Veterans receive funds to pay for assisted living through two VA programs, including Aid and Attendance and Housebound. The VA also provides direct care through its veterans’ home in Phoenix.
• Private payments: Private payment options may provide the necessary funding for those who don’t qualify for financial assistance through the state or the VA. These options may include reverse mortgages, annuities, long-term care insurance, monthly income, and retirement savings.

Long-term care costs depend on factors such as the type of care needed, services and programs, facility amenities and staff training and certification. Assisted living runs $5,073 per month in Phoenix. Independent living, which includes fewer support services and is appropriate for those with minimal care needs, costs $2,965. Memory care provides specialized services to support seniors with dementia and therefore is pricier than assisted living, running $6,725 per month.

• Phoenix houses top hospitals such as Mayo Clinic, Banner–University Medical Center Phoenix, and St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. These nationally recognized medical facilities provide inpatient and outpatient services for assisted living residents. 
• According to a cost of living index, Phoenix earns a score of 113, putting local living expenses more than 6% above the state norm and 13% above the national average. Fortunately, seniors in this city benefit from financial assistance programs, such as ALTCS, which covers assisted living expenses for qualified individuals.
• Arizona has a flat income tax rate of 2.5% for all tax filers, including seniors. However, the state exempts Social Security benefits and government pensions, leaving more money in the budget for assisted living expenses.
• While Phoenix’s annual crime rate of 37.36 incidents per 1,000 people exceeds norms in 94% of cities nationwide, it falls below typical rates in similarly sized cities. The city’s north side has several safe neighborhoods for prospective assisted living residents, including Anthem East and Carriage Trails.

• The American Lung Association gives Maricopa County failing marks across all metrics. Many assisted living communities in Phoenix have air purification systems and indoor activities for those sensitive to environmental irritants.