What Is the Average Cost of Senior Care in Arizona?

The average cost of senior care in Arizona can vary greatly depending on the type of care needed, location within the state, level of assistance required, and additional services and amenities.

According to a 2021 survey by Genworth Financial, the monthly costs for common types of senior care in Arizona are:

• Assisted living facilities: approximately $4,000 per month for a private one-bedroom unit
• Nursing home care: $6,540 per month for a semi-private room, or $8,030 per month for a private room 
• Home health care: $5,339 per month for a home health aide, and $5,434per month for a homemaker service
• Adult day health care: around $2,102 per month

Type of Care	Average Monthly Cost in Arizona
Home Health Aide	$5,434
Homemaker Services	$5,339
Adult Day Health Care	$2,102
Assisted Living (Private Room)	$4,000
Nursing Home (Semi-Private Room)	$6,540
Nursing Home (Private Room)	$8,030

These costs are based on annual surveys divided by 12 months, and assume a typical level of care required. The costs have been increasing 3-5% annually in recent years.

What Factors Influence the Cost of Senior Care in Arizona?

There are several key factors that affect the overall cost of senior care in Arizona:

1. Type of Care Needed

The type of care needed, such as in-home care, assisted living, or skilled nursing in a facility, is a major cost factor. Assisted living and nursing homesprovide more intensive care and amenities, so they tend to cost significantly more per month than part-time home health care.

2. Location within Arizona

The cost of care can vary dramatically depending on the city or region where care is provided. Areas like Phoenix and Tucson with higher costs of living tend to have higher senior care costs than rural areas. Geographic location is a key cost factor.

3. Level of Assistance Required

Seniors who require extensive physical assistance, constant monitoring, or specialized care like dementia care face much higher monthly costs. The level of care needed directly impacts the price.

4. Duration of Care

Short-term respite care costs much less per month than year-round care. The duration of care needed affects the total expense.

5. Additional Services and Amenities

Upscale amenities at premium assisted living facilities or nursing homes raise the monthly costs. Access to meals, activities, transportation, housekeeping, etc. are factored into the cost of care.

How Does the Cost of Senior Care in Arizona Compare to Other States?

According to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, Arizona has monthly senior care costs fairly close to the national median. Arizona ranks 34th nationwide for assisted living costs, and 26th for nursing home care. So the cost of care in Arizona is moderately affordable compared to other states.

What Are the Different Types of Senior Care Available in Arizona and Their Costs?

There are several main options for senior care in Arizona, each with different monthly costs:

1. In-Home Care

Hiring an in-home caregiver to provide assistance a few hours per day or per week is much less expensive than facility care. The average monthly cost is $5,339 for a home health aide and $5,434 for a homemaker service based on Genworth’s 2021 survey.

2. Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted living facilities provide housing, meals, care, and monitoring. The average monthly cost for a private one-bedroom unit is approximately $4,000in Arizona according to Genworth.

3. Nursing Homes

Nursing homes, also called skilled nursing facilities, provide 24/7 skilled nursing care. Genworth reports an average monthly cost of $6,540 for a semi-private room, and $8,030 for a private room. 

4. Adult Day Health Services

Adult day care centers provide supervised care and activities during the daytime. This costs an average of $2,102 per month in Arizona.

5. Memory Care Facilities

Special secured Alzheimer’s and dementia care units have a higher monthly cost, averaging between $4,500-$6,500.

6. Respite Care Services

Short-term respite care for seniors costs $175-$225 per day for in-home care, and $150-$200 per day for facility-based respite.

How Can You Pay for Senior Care in Arizona?

Paying for senior care in Arizona can be a financial challenge. Some options to cover these costs of care include:

1. Private Pay Options

Many seniors pay privately using retirement savings and investments. Long-term care insurance can also reimburse costs.

2. Long-Term Care Insurance Policies

Long-term care insurance is designed to cover long-term senior care costs. Policies reimburse expenses based on the selected coverage amount.

3. Medicaid Programs

Medicaid offers long-term care coverage for very low-income seniors in Arizona. Benefits are needs-based.

4. Veterans Benefits

The VA Aid and Attendance benefit can help pay for care for eligible veterans or surviving spouses.

5. Non-Profit and Government Assistance Programs

Local non-profits and government agencies may provide financial assistance for senior care based on financial need.

What Are Some Ways to Save on Senior Care Costs in Arizona?

To save on the cost of care for a senior in Arizona, consider these money-saving tips:

• Choose in-home care instead of facility care when possible
• Opt for a shared room instead of a private room
• Look into financial assistance programs 
• Compare costs at different facilities to find the best rate
• Ask about discounts for paying quarterly or annually instead of monthly
• Move to a less expensive facility or region 
• Modify your home for safety so in-home care is viable longer

With prudent planning and research, there are ways to lower the costs of senior care in Arizona. Reach out to local senior living advisors to help evaluate options and find cost-effective solutions tailored to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions