3 Assisted Living Communities in Sun City West, Arizona

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $3,850 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 3 Assisted Living Communities in Sun City West and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Sun City West, AZ

• Assisted Living: $3,850
• Nursing Home Care: $6,540
• In-home Care: $4,767
• Adult Day Health Services: $2,167

At $3,850 per month, the cost for assisted living in Sun City West is comparable to the state median rate of $3,800 and only slightly less than the nationwide average of $4,000. Assisted living prices are also similar in a number of Arizona cities, such as Tucson ($4,044), Sierra Vista ($3,800), Prescott ($3,775) and Yuma ($3,625). Seniors pay $350 less per month in Lake Havasu City and over $1,200 more in Flagstaff ($5,098), which are the lowest and highest assisted living costs in the state.

Note: Cost data for senior care in Sun City West wasn’t available, so data for the metropolitan Phoenix area was used instead.

How much seniors pay for care in Sun City West depends on their care needs and whether they remain at home or move to a residential care facility. Those who stay at home can attend an adult day health services center and pay $2,167 per month if they only require care Monday through Friday. Seniors who choose homemaker or home health aide services pay $4,767 per month. Seniors in assisted living facilities pay an average of $3,850 per month, whereas those with more extensive care needs pay $6,540 for 24-hour skilled nursing home care. It’s worth noting that the rate for in-home care covers service hours only. Seniors are also responsible for food and household operating expenses, which are typically covered by room and board in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

 

The federally regulated and jointly funded Medicaid program ensures access to vital health care services for low-income Americans from coast to coast. In Arizona, the state Medicaid program called the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System covers more than 1.4 million state residents, one-fifth of whom are elderly, blind or disabled.

Those who qualify for the AHCCCS program receive numerous health care services, including primary and specialist care, hospital and emergency room services, lab tests, diagnostic screenings, X-rays and prescription medications.

Qualifying for Arizona Medicaid

Sun City West seniors aged 65 or older and disabled or blind adults aged 64 or younger must be American citizens or legal immigrants to qualify for coverage. Applicants must also meet the program’s income guidelines, which allow a maximum monthly income of $1,041 for single people and $1,409 for married couples who both apply.

Senior residents of Sun City West can apply for AHCCCS medical coverage online or by phone at (800) 565-5465.

Arizona Long-Term Care System

Sun City West residents who are eligible for the AHCCCS program and assessed as needing long-term care may qualify for services through the Arizona Long Term Care System. The program provides comprehensive Medicaid medical coverage and:

• Service coordination
• Case management services
• Hospice care
• Adult day health services
• In-home care
• Assisted living care
• Nursing home care
• $1,000 in dental services per year

To qualify for the ALTCS program, applicants must:

• Be aged 65 or older or blind or disabled if aged 64 or younger
• Be assessed to verify they require a nursing home level of care
• Have no more than $2,313 in monthly income and $2,000 in countable assets if single
• Have no more than $4,626 in monthly income and $4,000 in combined countable assets if married and both spouses are applying

All sources of income count against the limits. However, several assets are excluded, including a principal home valued under $585,000, household furnishings, one vehicle, personal effects and irrevocable burial trusts.

Exceptions to Income and Asset Limits

Arizona Medicaid offers two options that may help seniors qualify for the ALTCS program if they’re over the income or asset limits.

• A married applicant who’s over the limit for income and assets may have them reduced significantly if their spouse isn’t applying for coverage. They may transfer a maximum of $3,160.50 of their monthly income and up to $126,420 in jointly owned assets to their spouse, which may bring their countable amounts down below the required limits. These transfers are living and resource allowances mandated by federal law to deter spousal impoverishment.
• Those who exceed the income limits can set up a Qualified Income Trust. This type of trust is specifically designed for Medicaid applicants who have excessive income but need assistance to pay for long-term care. Any monthly income that’s over the $2,313 limit must be placed in the trust and can only be removed to pay care expenses or medical bills approved by Medicaid.

To apply for long-term care services through the program, seniors and disabled adults can visit the Phoenix ALTCS office located at 801 East Jefferson Street or call (888) 621-6880.

Veterans Aid and Attendance Program

The VA provides top-up benefits for those receiving regular pensions through the Aid and Attendance program. The program is available to senior veterans and their surviving spouses who have extra care needs and costs. Applicants can’t be receiving a VA disability pension and must be experiencing one of the following issues to qualify:

• Confined to bed because of a chronic illness or disability

• Require help completing normal daily living activities, such as eating, bathing and dressing

• Reside in a nursing home due to physical or mental impairment

• Legally blind due to concentric contraction of the visual field or significant loss of visual acuity

Eligibility for A&A benefits is also based on a veteran’s service record. Applicants must have been honorably discharged after at least 90 days of active duty, with a minimum of one day during wartime.

To learn more about the A&A program or for assistance filing an application, senior veterans can contact the Phoenix Regional Veterans Affairs office at (866) 429-8387. 

Reverse Mortgage

Married Sun City West homeowners who need extra cash so one spouse can move to an assisted living facility may consider applying for a reverse mortgage. This kind of mortgage provides eligible homeowners with a monthly check they can use for any purpose. When both spouses have moved out or the property is sold, the mortgage balance must be paid off. Homeowners must be aged 62 or older and have enough equity to qualify.

To learn more about reverse mortgages, seniors can contact Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500.

Sun City West is home to four busy recreational centers that offer residents aged 55 and older an impressive array of amenities to help them stay active and enjoy life. There are swimming pools, tennis, bocce and pickleball courts, bowling, billiards and walking tracks. The centers host more than 100 shared interest clubs, there’s a theater that offers movies, concerts and live performances and a library where seniors can use the computer lab or enjoy books, puzzles and virtual reality games.

Kuentz Recreation Center
14401 R.H. Johnson Blvd., Sun City West, AZ 85375
(623) 544-6580

Beardsley Recreation Center
12755 Beardsley Rd., Sun City West, AZ 85375
(623) 544-6524

Palm Ridge Recreation Center
13800 Deer Valley Dr., Sun City West, AZ 85375
(623) 544-6580

R.H. Johnson Recreation Campus
19803 R.H. Johnson Blvd., Sun City West, AZ 85375
(623) 544-6120

Sun City West seniors can access low-cost or free transportation services through Northwest Valley Connect. The nonprofit organization offers volunteer door-to-door rides, group trip transportation and taxi services. Northwest Valley Connect
9945 N. 99th Ave., Peoria, AZ 85345
(623) 282-9304

The Area Agency on Aging Region One’s 24-hour helpline provides seniors with a single access point for information about aging-related programs and services. The many resources the agency plans, coordinates and delivers include benefits counseling, legal aid, housing options, in-home assistance, nursing care and support groups. Area Agency on Aging Region One
1366 E. Thomas Rd., Ste. 108, Phoenix AZ 85014
(888) 264-2258

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.