Tucson, AZ Assisted Living: Search Near You, How to Pay, Licensing, Local Resources, and Questions to Ask
Tucson is a beautiful location for those looking at assisted living services. Ranked as one of the best places to live in Arizona, Tucson attracts innovation, outdoor enthusiasts, and retirees. Assisted living facilities in Tucson could accept State Medicaid, private payers, and long-term care insurance which helps to relieve the financial burden of senior care, and could be more cost effective than home care.

About Assisted Living in Tucson, AZ
For an individual who requires physical or cognitive care, providing home care can be difficult and costly. Assisted living communities do an incredible job filling that need. In Arizona, the department of Health and Human Services licenses assisted living facilities based on the required needs of the residents. There are three types of licensed assisted living facilities which provide a range of physical and mental healthcare. Levels of senior care range from minimal, such as providing meals and housing, to advanced care, such as mobility assistance and medication administration. Assisted living facilities provide individualized health management in a comfortable setting and focus on maintaining independence, privacy, and dignity. Adult care homes relieve the burden of home caregivers and offer seniors a more enriching quality of life.

Considerations When Looking for Senior Care in Tucson, AZ
Tucson is the second-largest city in Arizona after Phoenix, with a population of 542,629. Covering a large geographic area, Tucson has many distinct neighborhoods including a historical district. The warm climate and natural beauty attract year-round visitors and residents from a variety of cultures. These features and more have led to Tucson becoming a preferred location for senior citizens to retire, so the need for senior care in Tucson is significant.
Assisted Living Communities near Tucson, Arizona
Villa Maria Post Acute And Rehabilitation
Tucson, Arizona 85712
Splendido At Rancho Vistoso
Oro Valley, Arizona 85755
Brookdale Santa Catalina
Tucson, Arizona 85718
Devon Gables Rehabilitation Center
Tucson, Arizona 85712
Woodland Palms
Tucson, Arizona 85711
Watermark At Continental Ranch
Tucson, Arizona 85743
Waverly House Adult Care Home
Tucson, Arizona 85719
Villa Tampico
Tucson, Arizona 85711
Villa De Hope
Tucson, Arizona 85704
Villa Hermosa
Tucson, Arizona 85710
Cities Near Tucson, AZ
- Flowing Wells, AZ.
- Catalina Foothills, AZ.
- Drexel Heights, AZ.
- Casas Adobes, AZ.
- Oro Valley, AZ.
- Marana, AZ.
- Green Valley, AZ.
- Eloy, AZ.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Tucson, AZ
The average monthly cost in Arizona for assisted living is approximately $3,750 which is less expensive than the national average of $4,000. Costs will vary because of the level of care a resident requires, and additional amenities, as well as the city in which you find a community or facility. Benefits of assisted living are being able to provide health services to those who may need assistance with the activities of daily living. Demand is on the rise, and so too is the cost of assisted living facilities. Accordingly, costs have risen an average of 4.65% since 2020, and the national average for a private, one-bedroom with round the clock care was reported to be $54,000 annually in 2021.

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
St. Mary’s Hospital
1601 W St Marys Rd
Medicare/Medicaid accepted
St. Joseph’s Hospital
350 N Wilmot Rd
Medicare/Medicaid accepted
Tucson ER & Hospital
4575 E Broadway Blvd
Banner – University Medical Center Tucson
1625 N Campbell Ave
Medicare/Medicaid accepted
Cornerstone Specialty Hospitals Southeast Arizona
7220 E Rosewood St · In Gateway Center
Medicare/Medicaid accepted
Select Specialty Hospital – Tucson Northwest
2025 W Orange Grove Rd 2nd Floor
Medicare accepted
The University of Arizona Medical Center
4.0(1) · Medical Center
535 N Wilmot Rd
Local Resources and Links- Arizona
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.