Life Care Center of Paradise Valley is a 210 room senior housing community located in the Paradise Valley neighborhood of Phoenix, Arizona. The facility is in a predominantly middle income area, with an average per-family income of $51,731. ...
Nursing Homes in Arizona
- SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Homes in Arizona
- Nursing Care Directory for Arizona
- Nursing Care Costs in Arizona
- Financial Assistance for Nursing Homes in Arizona
- Arizona Nursing Care Rules and Regulations
- Free Nursing Care Resources in Arizona
Boasting majestic natural wonders and the most amount of sunshine nationwide, Arizona effortlessly attracts a large number of retirees and snowbirds from all over the country. It’s no surprise that the Grand Canyon State is home to one of America’s first planned active retirement communities and that 18% or over 1.31 million Arizonans are 65 and older. By 2030, the number of seniors 60 and older in the state is expected to equal the number of children below 17. To support a growing older population, the state and local agencies that form the Aging Network in Arizona take a collaborative approach in serving their needs. Health care is also a major industry in the state, making clinical services easily accessible to seniors.
Many long-term care options are available to older Arizonans, and there are at least 148 nursing homes that accommodate those who require 24-hour skilled care. Nursing home care doesn’t have to be a permanent living option, especially to those who only need post-hospital care, short-term rehabilitation or respite care. This guide gives seniors a better understanding of nursing home care costs, related financing programs and facility regulations, and free resources for seniors who may require a nursing facility level of care.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Home Care in Arizona
The Grand Canyon State gets a high overall SeniorScore of 74, exceeding the national average of 72. This livability rating is substantiated by over 100 data points from private and government sources, making up four general categories that summarize key factors to consider when retiring in the state.
Scoring the highest at 77, the General Quality of Life in Arizona is largely favorable due to the state’s comfortable desert climate. The mild winters and large number of sunny days make Arizona the top choice for retirees relocating in the Southwest. Health and Safety scores second highest at 66 for the abundance of senior care facilities and Medicare-accredited health care providers. Arizona is the home state of Banner Health and several high-performing hospitals, such as the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. The state’s life expectancy of approximately 80 years is also above the national average.
Recreation and Leisure has a SeniorScore of 63 for the sufficient number of recreational facilities that are accessible to seniors. Many of Arizona’s over 20 national parks have ADA-compliant trails, and there are plenty of local parks, churches, resorts and other leisure amenities for different interests. Despite a low SeniorScore of 58, Finances in Arizona are generally favorable to seniors due to the state’s average cost of living, senior tax exemptions and affordable senior care costs.
Top Nursing Care in Arizona
Sun Grove Village Care Center is located at 20625 North Lake Pleasant Rd in Peoria, Arizona. It is a 128 unit senior care community. With approximately 41,000 individuals living in the 85382 zip code, the encompassing area is ...
Life Care Center of South Mountain is a 124 bed senior housing facility located in the South Mountain area of Phoenix, Arizona. With approximately 30,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 85040, the neighboring area has a dense ...
Life Care Center of Scottsdale is a 132 unit senior care community situated in Scottsdale, Arizona. The community is in a largely wealthier area, with a median family income of $84,168. With roughly 37,000 people residing in the ...
Choice Rehab Care is located at 14002 West Meeker Blvd in Sun City West, Arizona. It is a 140 room skilled nursing facility. The neighboring area has a dense population, with roughly 29,000 individuals living in the zip ...
Montecito Post Acute Care and Rehabilitation is located within the Camino del Rey area of Mesa, Arizona. It is a 222 unit skilled nursing facility. With around 34,000 people residing in the 85206 zip code, the neighboring area ...
Located in the North Mountain area of Phoenix, Arizona, Coronado Healthcare Center is a 191 room skilled nursing facility. The facility is in a primarily middle class area, with an average per-family income of $44,852. It has a ...
Desert Terrace Healthcare Center is a 108 bed skilled nursing facility. It is situated around the Encanto area of Phoenix, Arizona. The facility is in a mostly working class area, with a median household income of $28,761. ...
Archstone Care Center is a 120 bed senior community. It is situated in the Blakeman Ranch neighborhood of Chandler, Arizona. The facility is in a generally middle income area, with a median family income of $64,746. With ...
Sunview Health and Rehabilitation Center is a 127 unit nursing home facility. It is located at 12207 North 113th Ave in Youngtown, Arizona. With an average per-family income of $41,982, the community is in a largely middle income ...
La Estancia Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is situated close to the Chandler Crossing area of Phoenix, Arizona. It is a 192 bed nursing care facility. With around 34,000 poeple living in the 85048 zip code, the neighboring area ...
Mi Casa Nursing Center is a 180 room nursing facility located in the Leisure World neighborhood of Mesa, Arizona. The community is in a predominantly middle income area, with a median family income of $49,456. With roughly 34,000 ...
Located in the Encanto area of the city, Wellsprings Therapy Center Of Phoenix is a senior housing facility in Phoenix, Arizona. With a median family income of $56,276, the facility is in a primarily middle income area. It ...
Sante of Chandler is a 70 unit senior care community. It is located in the Blakeman Ranch neighborhood of Chandler, Arizona. The community is in a generally middle class area, with an average household income of $64,746. ...
Mission Palms of Mesa Health and Rehabilitation Ce is a 100 bed nursing home facility located within the Leisure World neighborhood of Mesa, Arizona. The community is in a primarily middle income area, with an average family income of ...
Bella Vita Health and Rehabilitation Center is located near by the Maryvale area of Glendale, Arizona. It is a 186 bed skilled nursing facility. The surrounding area has a dense population, with around 61,000 individuals residing in the ...
Located close to the Encanto neighborhood of Phoenix, Arizona, Camelback Post Acute and Rehabilitation is a 107 unit skilled nursing facility. With an average per-household income of $43,555, the facility is in a primarily middle income area. It ...
Sante of Surprise is a 70 room senior care facility situated in Surprise, Arizona. With around 48,000 individuals living in the 85374 zip code, the encompassing area has a dense population. It is a largely middle income area, ...
Heritage Court Post Acute of Scottsdale is located within the South Scottsdale neighborhood of Scottsdale, Arizona. It is a 106 bed nursing facility. The encompassing area has a dense population, with roughly 35,000 individuals living in the zip ...
Life Care Center of Tucson is located near the Casas Adobes area of Tucson, Arizona. It is a 162 bed senior care facility. The facility is in a largely middle income area, with a median household income of ...
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Arizona
Arizona is among the most affordable states for nursing home care in the Southwest, with an average cost of $6,844 per month. It’s about $900 less than the U.S. average of $7,756, as shown in Genworth Financial’s Cost of Care Survey for 2020. Utah is the most affordable neighboring state at $6,388, cheaper than Arizona by over $450. New Mexico costs over $550 more but is relatively midrange at $7,406. Nevada and California are the most expensive bordering states, with comparable costs at over $9,200, costing seniors over $2,400 more.
- Arizona: $6,844
- United States: $7,756
- California: $9,247
- Nevada: $9,262
- Utah: $6,388
- New Mexico: $7,406
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Arizona’s Top Cities
State capital Phoenix is Arizona’s most expensive option for nursing home care at $9,247 per month. Tucson, the state’s second-largest city, is significantly more affordable at $6,565. The Prescott Valley area is also affordable at $6,844, while the cheapest location is further north in Flagstaff at $5,627. Western Arizona’s Lake Havasu City and Yuma have higher costs over $7,000, while Sierra Vista in the southeast is just under that price.
- Phoenix Area: $9,247
- Tucson: $6,565
- Yuma: $7,118
- Flagstaff: $5,627
- Lake Havasu City Area: $7,437
- Prescott Valley Area: $6,844
- Sierra Vista Area: $6,920
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Arizona
Although nursing home care is considered affordable in Arizona at $6,844 per month, it’s still the most expensive senior care option. Adult day care is the cheapest at $1,842. Home health care provides skilled nursing services for a limited number of hours per day and costs an average of $4,957. This estimate is comparable to nonmedical home care at $4,934. Community-based residential facilities may be more cost-effective, with assisted living at $3,900 and memory care at $4,875.
- Memory Care: $4,875
- Assisted Living: $3,900
- In-Home Care: $4,934
- Home Health Care: $4,957
- Adult Day Care: $1,842
- Nursing Home Care: $6,844
Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in Arizona
As you can see above, Nursing Home Care is often the most expensive senior care option – sometimes even 2-3 times the cost of other types of senior living. The primary reason for this is the 24/7 skilled nursing and other medical services that are provided. Thankfully, most people aren't forced to pay for skilled nursing care entirely out-of-pocket. Rather, many qualify for financial assistance programs to help cover the cost of nursing care.
Medicaid is the most comprehensive financial assistance program – but, not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid. And because each state operates its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines, eligibility and benefits vary from state to state. Below, we provide more information on Medicaid in Arizona.
Medicaid in Arizona
The Arizona Long Term Care System (“ALL-Tecs”) is Arizona’s Medicaid program for low-income seniors who are qualified to receive nursing home or community-based services. It may also cover room-and-board costs for select facilities. The aggregate enrollment for Medicaid in Arizona had increased by approximately 62% since the program's coverage expansion in 2013. A large majority of Arizona’s 148 nursing homes are Medicaid-certified, providing coverage to more than 10,000 or roughly 60% of nursing home residents. As of May 2021, over 2.2 million Arizonians or more than 30% of the state's population are enrolled in AHCCCS, and approximately 63,000 of them are AHCCCS-ALTCS members.
Medicaid Eligibility in Arizona
The general criteria for receiving ALTCS nursing home coverage are as follows:
- As of January 1, 2021, the maximum income for unmarried applicants is $2,382 per month. For those with community spouses, this amount is compared to the half portion of a married couple’s combined incomes or only to the married applicant’s income, whichever is lower. Applicants earning above this limit may still qualify through an Income-Only Trust if they earn below the average private pay rate for nursing home care.
- The resource limit for single applicants is $2,000, which only refers to countable assets. Select personal property is excluded. For married applicants, a spouse may be qualified to retain half of the couple’s joint resources, to be compared against the minimum and maximum Community Spouse Resource Deduction amounts. As of July 2020, the CSRD range is $26,076 to $130,389.
- Financially eligible ALTCS recipients may qualify for deductions such as personal needs, community spouse and family/dependent allowances, medical insurance premiums and non-covered medical expenses. Home maintenance allowances are granted to those determined to require nursing home care for only up to six months.
- The Long-Term Care Partnership Program may exclude some countable assets when determining financial eligibility for applicants with existing long-term care insurance policies.
- Applicants must have a Social Security number and apply for all available cash benefits (for example, pensions, VA benefits) they may be entitled to.
- Medical eligibility is determined by a registered nurse or social worker through face-to-face interviews. Applicants must require a nursing facility level of care and be at immediate risk of institutionalization.
- ALTCS enrollees are exempted from Medicaid co-payments.
To apply for ALTCS, an applicant must complete the application form, which may be submitted via mail, fax or email to the main AHCCCS office or by submitting a completed form to a local ALTCS office. Seniors or their representatives may call (888) 621-6880 for application assistance and other related inquiries.
Additional Financial Assistance Options
- Medicare: For the first 20 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will cover the entire cost of care, and a portion of the costs up until day 100. After 100 days, Medicare won't cover any of the costs. Importantly, seniors must also have a "qualifying hospital stay" that lasts 3 days prior to their admission to a nursing home in order to qualify for Medicare coverage.
- Aid and Attendance: Aid and Attendance may be available to veterans who receive a VA pension. This benefit is a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. It is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used to pay for skilled nursing care.
- Reverse Mortgages: For those who own a home, reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. It's often a good fit for married couples when only one partner needs nursing care, as the other residents of the home may continue living there. Keep in mind that reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid (with interest), typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: For seniors who already have long-term care insurance, the cost of skilled nursing care may be covered. Most policies cover at least a portion of the costs, but it depends on the specific policy terms. It's important to note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not be eligible to sign up for a long-term care insurance policy.
Arizona Nursing Home Care Rules and Regulations
Nursing homes in the Grand Canyon State are referred to as nursing care institutions and regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of Long Term Care Facilities Licensing. Since October 2019, the perpetual licensing on these facilities and other health care and residential care institutions is in effect unless a subsequent license revocation or suspension by ADHS takes place. The administrative rules for nursing homes are summarized below.
Scope of Care | Nursing care institution services shall include skilled nursing, medical, behavioral care and other necessary health-related and ancillary services, as well as social and environmental services. A nursing home administrator shall appoint a full-time director of nursing who is a registered nurse. There shall also be an appointed medical director and designated individuals to provide social services and recreational activities. Authorization should be obtained for in-house behavioral health, clinical laboratory, dialysis, radiology and diagnostic imaging services. |
Care Planning | A comprehensive assessment, to be conducted and coordinated by a registered nurse in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team, must be completed within 14 calendar days after a resident’s admission and shall be updated at least annually or as the resident experiences significant changes. A nursing home resident’s care plan shall be developed within seven calendar days after completion of the resident’s comprehensive assessment. It must include services that address the resident’s medical condition and behavioral health issues as determined in the assessment in a way that helps the resident maintain the highest practicable well-being. Care plans shall be reviewed and revised based on any changes in the residents’ assessments. |
Pharmacy Services | A resident’s medication must be reviewed at least once every three months by a pharmacist. The reviewing pharmacist shall submit documentation on potential medication issues to the resident’s attending physician and the facility’s director of nursing. For nursing facilities with in-house pharmaceutical services, such services shall be under the direction of a licensed pharmacist. Medications must be administered to a resident only as prescribed, and verbal orders may only be taken by a nurse. Refusals to take prescribed medications shall be documented in the residents’ medical records. |
Staff Screening | In compliance with A.R.S. § 36-411, a nursing home shall verify the fingerprint clearance card status of a potential employee, volunteer or contracted provider. Before commencing work, any personnel who’s expected to have direct interaction with a resident for more than eight hours weekly must provide proof of being cleared from tuberculosis. |
Staff Training | Orientation and in-service education shall be specific to the duties of the receiving nursing home personnel. Special orientation must be completed by certain individuals before they provide physical health or behavioral health services. CPR and first aid training must be provided to authorized personnel. Nursing homes that offer feeding and nutrition assistant training programs shall comply with the DHS requirements for operating such programs. |
Medicaid Coverage | ALTCS is the state’s Medicaid program that pays for nursing home care. Subject to financial eligibility, ALTCS members may retain personal needs or home maintenance allowances. |
Reporting Abuse | Alleged cases of abuse, neglect or exploitation toward nursing home residents must be immediately reported to a peace officer or the Adult Protective Services Central Intake Unit. APS reports may be done online or by phone at (877) 767-2385. |
Free Nursing Home Resources in Arizona
Managed by Wildfire (formerly Arizona Community Action Association), Arizona Self Help is an online prescreening service that is free for all and helps determine a person’s eligibility for over 40 social programs, including ALTCS and various financial benefits for seniors. The website also provides application forms for select programs, a general list of required documents for benefit applications and a directory of agencies that may be contacted directly regarding specific social programs.
A project of the Arizona Bar Foundation, Law For Seniors provides free legal resources on topics concerning the state’s older population. Topic categories include state and federal social programs, health care, elder abuse, finances and planning ahead. The website also directs seniors to AZLawHelp.org which provides an online platform for prequalification and applications for free or low-cost legal assistance.
Arizona Agencies
Division of Aging and Adult Services
Address: 1789 W Jefferson Street, Mail Drop 6288, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone Number: (602) 542-4446
Website: des.az.gov/services/older-adults
Operating under the Department of Economic Security, DAAS is Arizona’s state unit on aging that manages state and federal funding for senior-focused programs and services. It works with Area Agencies on Aging that locally administer a comprehensive range of home and community-based services. It also manages programs such as the Legal Services Assistance Program, Senior Medicare Patrol and State Health Insurance Assistance Program, which provides free, unbiased benefits counseling to Medicare recipients. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and Adult Protective Services program aim to uphold the rights of nursing home residents and other vulnerable adults.
AZLinks.gov
Address: 1789 W Jefferson Street, Mail Drop 6288, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone Number: Contact a local office or partner agency
Website: www.azlinks.gov/
Maintained by DES-DAAS and part of the Aging and Disability Resource Consortium, AZ Links connects seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, caregivers and families to appropriate services, programs and agencies that address their long-term care needs. Its self-guided Options Counselor program presents comprehensive information on topics such as long-term care arrangements, financial planning, caregiving and legal questions. The AZ Links screening tool gets seniors and disabled adults started with initial online needs assessments that are forwarded to Information and Referral specialists and reviewed with confidentiality. A directory of local AZ Links partner agencies is also available for personal inquiries.
Arizona Healthy Aging
Address: 150 N 18th Avenue, Suite 310, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone Number: (602) 364-0824
Website: www.azdhs.gov/prevention/tobacco-chronic-disease/healthy-aging/index.php
A-HA is an initiative of the Department of Health Services that aims to promote optimal wellness and accessible, quality health care among Arizonians aged 50 and older. It provides free resources under general topics such as health care, elder safety, health insurance and veterans’ needs. The Healthy Aging Communication Network focuses on falls prevention, chronic disease prevention and management, and Alzheimer’s disease. Together with DAAS, AAAs, the Governor’s Advisory Council of Aging and other senior-focused agencies, A-HA is part of Arizona’s Aging Network, which aims to support the state’s growing older population.
Arizona Attorney General’s Office - Senior Services
Address: 2005 N Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone Number: (602) 542-2124
Website: www.azag.gov/seniors
Also part of Arizona’s Aging Network, AG’s Task Force Against Senior Abuse functions as an advisory board on matters concerning the welfare of older adults. It advocates life-care planning through advance directives, providing information packets and official forms that are available for download. TASA’s legislative accomplishments include a law that allows first responders and health care providers to access advance directives and other vital health information during emergencies. Other senior-centered advocacy efforts include health and safety, financial exploitation and public awareness.
Area Agencies on Aging in Arizona
The Canyon State’s eight AAAs consist of three government councils, three nonprofit organizations and two regional agencies for federally recognized tribes. These agencies coordinate a comprehensive range of senior services in partnership with local providers, senior centers, community-based organizations and local governments. In addition to providing information and assistance in accessing home and community-based services, these agencies also facilitate case management, Medicare assistance programs and LTCOP for residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
Veteran Affairs Office in Arizona
The Arizona Department of Veterans Services has 30 VA-accredited Veterans Benefits Counselors who can assist vets in navigating and obtaining their due benefits. VBCs are qualified to educate clients on eligibility requirements, process benefits applications, appeal VA decisions and represent claimants at VA hearings. ADVS has a useful document checklist that helps prepare vets for appointments with VBCs. The Department also operates two Veteran Homes, located in Tucson and Phoenix, that accommodate vets who require skilled nursing care.
Social Security Offices in Arizona
Arizonans who receive Social Security Income automatically qualify for AHCCCS medical services and may receive other forms of cash assistance. However, Arizona doesn’t issue state supplemental payments to SSI recipients. Low-income seniors aged 65 and older may apply for SSI online or through local SSA offices under Social Security San Francisco Region. SSA also has the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool, which helps applicants determine if they’re qualified for other Social Security benefits.
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