Assisted Living in Tucson, Arizona: Search Near You, How to Pay, Licensing, Local Resources, and Questions to Ask
Residential assisted living in Tucson, Arizona, provides seniors with a supportive environment where they can receive help with daily activities while maintaining their independence. With Arizona ranked 21st in the nation for assisted living, Tucson offers a variety of high-quality assisted living options tailored to individual needs. Experience a vibrant community dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for those aged 55 and older.
Some assisted living facilities are available for private pay, and others for Medicaid-paid residents. Assisted Living provides protective oversight, personal services, social care needed because of impaired capacity to live independently, and regular supervision on a 24-hour basis.
Assisted Living Communities near Tucson, Arizona
Brookdale Santa Catalina
TUCSON, AZ 85718
Via Elegante, Tucson Mountains
Tucson, Arizona 85745
Cottages Of Tucson
Tucson, Arizona 85704
Avista Senior Living Tucson
Tucson, Arizona 85718
Cottages Of Tucson
Tucson, Arizona 85704
Avista Senior Living Tucson
Tucson, Arizona 85718
Splendido At Rancho Vistoso
TUCSON, AZ 85755
Devon Gables Rehabilitation Center
Tucson, Arizona 85712
Woodland Palms
Tucson, Arizona 85711
Watermark At Continental Ranch
Tucson, Arizona 85743
About Assisted Living in Tucson, AZ
In Tucson, Arizona, residential assisted living is defined as a housing option for seniors who need assistance with daily activities but want to maintain as much independence as possible. These facilities offer a range of services, including help with bathing, dressing, medication management, meal preparation, and housekeeping. Additionally, residents benefit from social and recreational activities designed to enhance their engagement and well-being. Tucson’s assisted living communities focus on creating a supportive and vibrant environment, ensuring personalized care that meets each resident’s specific needs and promotes a high quality of life for those aged 55 and older.
Considerations when looking for Senior housing in Tucson, AZ
There are approximately 52 assisted living facilities in Tucson, Arizona. The estimated population of Tucson is 547,239 with 15.2% of that number being those ages 65 and older. In Tucson, the summers are sweltering, the winters are cool and dry, and it is mostly clear year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 42°F to 102°F and is rarely below 33°F or above 107°F.
Cities Near Tucson, AZ
- Oro Valley, AZ – North, approximately 13 miles.
- Marana, AZ – Northwest, about 23 miles.
- Sahuarita, AZ – South, roughly 15 miles.
- Vail, AZ – Southeast, around 24 miles.
- Green Valley, AZ – South, approximately 25 miles.
Pricing and How to Pay for Assisted Living
Paying for senior care depends on several factors. On average, residents can expect to pay $4,575 per month for assisted living services. These fees encompass personalized care, engaging activities, and comfortable accommodations, ensuring a fulfilling retirement experience. Keep in mind these costs may fluctuate depending on factors such as location and facility amenities.
You want to consider your payment options for assisted living, memory care, and care homes. For these services, Medicare is NOT an option for payment.
The most common payment for these services would be out of pocket Private Pay and assessing a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
Medicaid can also be an option, be sure to see if you or a loved one qualifies.
Long-Term Care insurance is also a possible option in cases of chronic conditions, be sure to see if you or a loved one qualifies.
For our Veterans and spouses of veterans, be sure to assess Veteran Aid and your eligibility for these benefits.
Medicare – NO:
- Medicare does NOT pay for Assisted Living.
- People 65 years and older and individuals with end stage renal disease are eligible for Medicare benefits, no matter their income.
- Coverage is meant for people in need of short-term care.
Private pay – YES:
- Many families pay for assisted living with private funds.
- Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
- Family members may contribute funds to pay for assisted living or other senior housing and care.
Medicaid – MAYBE:
- Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans. Eligible participants include: low-income adults, elderly adults and people with disabilities.
- Medicaid is administered by state, according to federal requirements. The program is funded jointly by each state and the federal government.
- Every state has their own individual Medicaid assistance program.
- National guidelines are in place do decipher how states must spend Medicaid money, but with allowances toward the guidelines.
- The state determines what levels of care will be covered by Medicaid, who is eligible, and how much the state will reimburse the care community.
- If you are unsure whether you qualify for Medicaid, you should apply. You may be eligible depending on your household income, family size, age, disability and other factors.
Long-term Care Insurance – MAYBE:
Long term care insurance is a great way to pay for assisted living, and planning ahead is important when considering how to pay for senior housing and care. Nearly 75% of people over the age of 65 will require long-term care and services at some point. Buying into long-term care insurance when a person is in their 50s and 60s is the most common time to do so.
- Long-term care insurance helps cover the costs of chronic medical conditions.
- Individuals and couples with the ability to pay into long-term care insurance have the advantage of a head start in allocating funds for senior care.
Veteran Aid and Assistance – MAYBE:
This benefit is available to some military veterans and surviving spouses who live in an assisted living community and those who have in-home care.
- There are specific guidelines, but a veteran may qualify for as much as $2,050 each month.
- A veteran with a sick spouse may be eligible for $1,600 per month.
- If a veteran has passed, their surviving spouse can qualify for $1,300 per month.
Local Hospital and Healthcare Providers in Tucson, AZ
Banner – University Medical Center Tucson
- Address: 1501 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85724
- Phone Number: (520) 694-0111
St. Joseph’s Hospital
- Address: 350 N Wilmot Rd, Tucson, AZ 85711
- Phone Number: (520) 873-3000
Tucson Medical Center
- Address: 5301 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85712
- Phone Number: (520) 327-5461
Northwest Medical Center
- Address: 6200 N La Cholla Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85741
- Phone Number: (520) 742-9000
Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital
- Address: 1601 W St Mary’s Rd, Tucson, AZ 85745
- Phone Number: (520) 872-3000
Questions to Ask
Finding an assisted living community can be overwhelming. Here are some tips on things to be observant of:
- Make sure the facility is clean and well maintained. You can tell a lot about the operation by noting what is clean and maintained. Are doorknobs loose or damaged? Do you see any frayed carpet or trip hazards?
- Visit during lunch hour to observe what the residents are eating. Ask questions about the nutrition program. Is there diversity in meals, healthy fruits and vegetables served at all meals, drink options?
- Speak to residents and/or family members to learn their perspective.
- Ask about staff and resident engagement. Get a feel for how staff interact with residents.
- Ask about the life enrichment programs. Activities are crucial when it comes to quality of life and play a key role in care for older adults.
- And finally (along with a plethora of more things to consider), get to know the leadership in the building. If you feel good around the Executive Director, Head Nurse, Lead Activities Director and even the Chef or Janitor, it is a good sign you can trust them with the care of your loved one.
Resources and Links – Arizona
Area Agency on Aging Region One– Serves adults 60 and older, family caregivers of older adults, adults with disabilities and long-term care needs, adults diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, and victims of late-life domestic violence, elder abuse, and sexual assault.
Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc., Area Agency on Aging – American Indian elders and those that are Title III, VI and VII eligible in Tribal Communities in Arizona. We work with 21 tribes in Arizona.
Adult Protective Services – Arizona Adult Protective Services (APS) is a program within the Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) responsible for investigating allegations of abuse, exploitation and neglect of vulnerable adults.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)– SHIP provides health and long-term care insurance information to Medicare eligible Arizonans, their families and caregivers. The purpose of this program is to ensure Arizonans receive the benefits to which they are entitled.
Office of Arizona State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – The LTCOP will make every reasonable effort to assist, advocate, and intervene on behalf of the resident. When investigating complaints, the program will respect the resident, maintain their confidentiality, and will focus complaint resolution on the resident’s wishes
Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings
Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.