10 Assisted Living Communities in Sun City, 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 10 Assisted Living Communities in Sun City and several in surrounding areas.

 

• Assisted living: $3,850
• Nursing home semiprivate room: $6,540
• In-home care: $4,767
• Adult day health services: $2,167

 

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, Sun City’s average monthly cost for assisted living is under the national average at $3,850 and just over the state average of $3,800. Assisted living costs in Sun City are significantly lower than the cities of Flagstaff ($5,098) and Tucson ($4,044) and about the same as smaller cities in Arizona such as Prescott ($3,775) and Sierra Vista Area ($3,800).

The cost of senior care services vary widely by type. Nursing home care in Sun City costs three times as much as adult day health care services, while assisted living costs are a little over half the cost of nursing home care. In-home care, such as homemaker services and home health aides, is almost $1000 more per month than assisted living. The cost of assisted living potentially includes expenses like rent and upkeep, while home care does not. It is important to take these factors into account when considering what type of care is best. Assisted living expenses in Sun City are lower than in-home care, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious seniors. Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,850

• Homemaker services: $4,767

• Home health aide: $4,767

• Adult day health: $2,167

• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $6,540

 

Medical assistance is available for low-income residents in Sun City through a section 1115 demonstration waiver called The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System. The program offers health insurance for seniors 65 and older who don’t need nursing home care and contracts with other programs to provide long-term care services such as assisted living. 

There are no monthly premiums for those who qualify. To be eligible, seniors must:
 

• Be an Arizona resident
• Have a social security number or have applied for one
• Be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
• Not exceed the income limit, which is $16,040 a year for an individual and $21,599 for a couple

 

The AHCCCS has a special division for elderly and disabled residents called the Arizona Long Term Care System. This program provides long-term care at home, in adult foster care, in assisted living facilities and in nursing homes. It’s an entitlement program, so there are no enrollment caps; anyone who qualifies will receive service.

Applicants need to be 65 or older and have a qualifying disability or require assistance equivalent to nursing home care. There are asset resource caps for the program ($3000 for couples and $2000 for individuals). The applicant’s primary home is exempt from the resource cap as long as long as it’s valued under $572,000, as is their vehicle. There are also monthly income caps, but they vary depending on marital status, if the applicant’s spouse has applied for Medicaid and whether they live independently. Medicaid recipients who are accepted into ALTCS will work with a caseworker to develop a plan for long-term care that best suits their needs.

For residents who need assisted living or nursing home facilities, ALTCS will pay for medical and care related services, but not room and board because they are not considered medical services. Qualified participants will be responsible for paying these costs.

To sign up for AHCCCS you can apply online or call (866) 495-6738.

 

Assisted Living Bridge Loans

Seniors in need of immediate funding for assisted living costs can get loans through Elderlife Financial. These loans are designed to allow seniors and their families to pay assisted living costs while waiting for the sale of a home or awaiting approval for benefit programs.

Bridge loans are structured like a line of credit; a loan is approved for a total amount, but individuals can take out more funds as needed and pay interest on what they’ve borrowed. Multiple people can cosign for a single loan, lessening the importance of individual credit scores, and the approval time can be within 24 hours. For more information on applying for a bridge loan, contact Elderlife Financial or call (888) 228-4500.

Veterans Aid and Attendance Program

The VA Aid and Attendance program is a supplemental cash program that is available to veterans over 65 who need assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, medication management and meal prep. Applicants are required to submit documentation of their active, wartime service. The financial requirements for eligibility are complex so applicants are encouraged to contact their local VA benefits office for help in applying to the program. For more information, please call (800) 827-1000.

Community assistance agencies in Sun City provide resources and support to elderly residents. These groups can help guide seniors and their families through the complexities of the senior service programs available to them.

Sun City Community Assistance Network
10195 W Coggins Drive, Sun City, AZ 85351
(623) 933-0394

Arizona Age-Friendly Network
302 North 1st Avenue, Suite 300, Phoenix, AZ  85003
(602) 452-5074

Area Agency on Aging, Region One
1366 E Thomas Rd., Ste. 108, Phoenix AZ, 85014
(602) 264-4357

The Phoenix VA Health Care System offers various services, including support, referrals and health care to veterans. Seniors can apply for benefits at the Arizona Department of Veterans Services.

Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center
650 East Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012-1839
(602) 277-5551

Arizona Department of Veterans Services
3839 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 255-3373

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