Mesa, Arizona, offers seniors all the perks of retiring in a bustling metropolis but in a quieter city. Located just 30 minutes from Phoenix, Mesa enjoys the same warm weather and low cost of living that’s made Phoenix popular among retirees. You or your loved one can find the best assisted living facility in Mesa to suit your budget and needs.
This guide includes helpful information and statistics about assisted living in Mesa. We share information about our partner communities, over 1,000 community reviews, cost information and ways to pay for care, plus fun activities seniors and their families can enjoy in the Valley of the Sun.
10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Mesa, AZ
Mesa, Arizona, offers seniors all the perks of retiring in a bustling metropolis but in a quieter city. Located just 30 minutes from Phoenix, Mesa enjoys the same warm weather and low cost of living that’s made Phoenix popular among retirees. You or your loved one can find the best assisted living facility in Mesa to suit your budget and needs.Read more
This guide includes helpful information and statistics about assisted living in Mesa. We share information about our partner communities, over 1,000 community reviews, cost information and ways to pay for care, plus fun activities seniors and their families can enjoy in the Valley of the Sun.
Mesa Assisted Living Facilities | 1754 Reviews
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We are very happy with Pleasant Living. The care he is receiving is very good. They used to have a lot of activities and entertainment for the residents, but covid had put a stop to that, they should be...
My step father has been in this home for 3 1/2 years as my mother could no longer care for him. My mother and/or I visit a couple days a week and the home is always ultra clean! The workers are friendly and...
Living a thousand miles away from our dear Aunt and not knowing where we could put her for the care she needed. We thank "A Place for Mom" in finding us a place that she could have excellent care in her...
- What families are saying about assisted living in Mesa
- Costs of assisted living in the Mesa area
- How people pay for assisted living in Mesa
- Mesa laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- Fast facts about assisted living in Mesa
- What assisted living is like in Mesa
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Seniors’ guide to the city Mesa
What families are saying about assisted living in Mesa
Recent reviews for assisted living in Mesa
The Palazzo in Phoenix, AZ
Robson Reserve at Sun Lakes
The Auberge at Scottsdale
Costs of assisted living in the Mesa area
A Place for Mom’s partnering assisted living facilities in Mesa cost around $5,200 a month on average.[01] This reflects the actual costs that families paid, including add-on services.
Board and care homes in Mesa are more affordable
In Mesa, 48% of assisted living facilities are smaller board and care homes.[01] Board and care homes offer the same types of services, meals, and care as traditional assisted living facilities, but in a more intimate setting.
Because board and care homes have smaller overhead costs and fewer amenities, they are often more affordable than traditional assisted living facilities. In Mesa, board and care homes cost around $3,800 a month on average.[01] This price reflects the actual amounts paid by families, and may include add-on services.
Arizona has senior-friendly tax laws
Arizona has a relatively low income tax rate of 2.5%. The Grand Canyon state also doesn’t tax Social Security benefits or veterans benefits. Plus, seniors don’t have to pay an inheritance or estate tax in Arizona.
Baseline costs
The following figures are the average baseline costs for assisted living in Mesa and neighboring communities. These figures are best read as a comparison between Mesa and nearby towns.
The average monthly cost of assisted living facilities tends to include the following:
- Rent for a private or shared room
- Daily meals and snacks
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Access to amenities, such as classes, gyms, and walking trails
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Mesa, AZ vs. nearby cities
Mesa, AZ
How people pay for assisted living in Mesa
Most people pay for assisted living using a mix of personal savings and public aid. Medicaid, Medicare, and veterans benefits may cover some or all of your loved one’s assisted living costs. Private methods, such as a reverse mortgage or cashing out a life insurance policy, can also help keep the perfect assisted living facility within reach.
While a retirement account is a common payment method, it’s not the only way to cover the costs of assisted living. For example, some seniors choose to cash out a life insurance policy, sell a house, or take out a reverse mortgage. The following articles include details for these common private options.
Approximate number of veterans aged 65+ living in Mesa, Arizona as of 2021.
About 22% of Mesa veterans are 65+.
If you or your spouse is a veteran, you may be able to cover some or all of your assisted living costs in Mesa, Arizona, using veterans benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers an array of benefits, and some of these are available for veterans whose disabilities developed from their service. Consider exploring the list of service-connected disabilities to see if your loved one may be eligible for these benefits.
Veterans benefits have multiple eligibility factors, so you may want to speak with a benefits counselor.
Veterans benefits can cover some or all of your assisted living costs
Eligible veterans may be able to cover some or all of their assisted living expenses using veterans benefits. For example, the Aid and Attendance benefit, in addition to a VA Pension, can be used to pay for anything that improves a veteran’s quality of life, including all assisted living expenses. Other veterans benefits exist as well. However, some veterans benefits can only be used to pay for care services. These can help cover the cost of care in assisted living even if they don’t cover the cost of rent or meals.
Find a veterans benefits counselor in Mesa, Arizona
You may find it helpful to speak with a benefits counselor who can help you understand your loved one’s eligibility and help them apply. Veterans services organizations (VSOs) offer benefits counseling to veterans and their families throughout the United States. Below are government resources and VSOs in Mesa, Arizona:
- Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services. The Arizona Department of Veterans Services offers benefits counseling through their veterans benefits counselors (VBCs). All VBCs through the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services are VA-vetted and can give expert advice on your loved one’s benefits.
- Mesa Vets Connect. Mesa provides Mesa Vets Connect, which is a web page with useful resources for veterans. The web page includes paperwork to help you apply for veterans benefits and information about housing and food assistance.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV). The local chapters of the VFW and DAV offer benefits counseling to veterans and their families, in addition to housing assistance, volunteering, and job opportunities.
Resources for Mesa veterans
Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services
3839 N. Third St.
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: 928-228-1214
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
VFW Dode Morris Post 1760
65 S. MacDonald St.
Mesa, AZ 85210
Phone: 480-964-9937
DAV East Valley Chapter 8
655 N. Gilbert Road
Mesa, AZ 85203
Phone: 480-890-2424
Medicaid is a state-run health insurance program for low-income individuals. Arizona’s Medicaid program is called the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).
The AHCCCS is considered one of the most generous and robust Medicaid programs in the country and is one of the reasons many seniors consider retiring in the Valley of the Sun.
The AHCCCS program won’t cover any long-term care services, but it will cover some health care costs, such as a hospital stay, dialysis, and prescriptions. However, the subprogram called the Arizona Long Term Care Systems (ALTCS) will cover long-term care costs. The ALTCS covers long-term care services, including all fees related to assisted living.
The ALTCS may cover the following at an assisted living facility:
- Rent
- Meals
- Care services
Eligibility for Arizona Long Term Care Systems (ALTCS)
Eligibility requirements for ALTCS include the following:
- Seniors must be over 65 years of age.
- Seniors must require skilled nursing care (which includes nonmedical personal care administered by assisted living facilities).
- Seniors must make at most $2,829 a month in pre-tax income. If an older adult makes over the income limit, they may be able to set up a Special Treatment Trust. Seniors can speak with an elder law attorney if they’ like to set up a Special Treatment Trust in Arizona.
Older adults may be asked to pay some of the remaining costs of their senior care. This is called Share of Cost, and the amount differs depending on the senior’s financial situation.
Seniors in Mesa should apply to Arizona Long Term Care Systems (ALTCS)
Because ALTCS covers more services for more people than AHCCCS, including assisted living care, seniors should apply even if they’re unsure about their eligibility. Consider speaking with a Medicaid benefits counselor if you would like advice about applying to ALTCS. Direct any complaints about your Medicaid coverage to the Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens’ Aide. Maricopa’s Area Agency on Aging office in Phoenix can also provide counseling and additional resources.
Mesa Medicaid resources
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
801 E. Jefferson St.
Phoenix, AZ 85034
AHCCCS Phone: 602-417-4000
ALTCS Phone: 888-621-6880
Area Agency on Aging, Region One
1366 E. Thomas Road, Suite 108
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Phone: 602-264-2255
24-hour senior help line: 602-264-4357
Email: info@aaaphx.org
Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens’ Aide
2020 N. Central Ave., Suite 570
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: 602-277-7292
Medicare doesn’t cover rent, meals, or housekeeping costs related to assisted living. As a federal health care program, Medicare only covers medically necessary and short-term health care costs for people 65 years and older.
Medicare covers short-term and medically-necessary health care
Unlike Medicaid, Medicare only covers health care expenses and does not cover personal care, rent, or meals in a long-term care facility. Some examples of what Medicare may cover include the following:
- A hospital or rehabilitation facility stay of 20 days or less
- Prescription medications
- A walker or walking aid
- Emergency procedures, such as an appendectomy
Seniors can use Medicare assistance programs to pay Medicare premiums
Local Medicare Savings Programs can help seniors in Mesa pay their Medicare premiums. Arizona’s Division of Aging and Adult Services outlines the state’s Medicare assistance programs that can help seniors pay their Medicare premiums, including Medicare Advantage Plans.
Eligible seniors can apply for the drug assistance program
Mesa seniors who’ve been diagnosed with AIDS or HIV can apply for the state’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). It offers copay assistance to help seniors get necessary prescriptions from participating pharmacies.
Consider speaking with a Medicare counselor in Mesa
Medicare coverage can be confusing. In Mesa, seniors can access a few different benefits counselors who are experts in Medicare and can help with applications.
These are some of the best Medicare resources for seniors in Mesa:
- The Maricopa County Area Agency on Aging. This agency serves all cities in Maricopa County, including Mesa and Phoenix. You can contact the agency with your questions about Medicare eligibility and applications. The agency also partners with the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to give expert Medicare advice.
- Local Medicaid and Social Security offices. Local offices can answer your questions or direct you to other agencies who can.
- The Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens’ Aide. This local office can take all your complaints about Medicare coverage and will help rectify the issue or mediate.
Mesa resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration office — Mesa
702 W. Jerome Ave.
Mesa, AZ 85210-5992
Phone: 800-772-1213
Maricopa County Area Agency on Aging
1377 E. Thomas Road, Suite 108
Phoenix AZ, 85014
Phone: 602-264-2255
Email: info@aaaphx.org
Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens’ Aide
2020 N. Central Ave., Suite 570
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: 602-277-7292
Mesa laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
Assisted living facilities in Mesa are licensed and regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services. Residential board and care homes and their larger facility counterparts are both licensed as assisted living facilities.
Once licensed, assisted living facilities go through annual inspections. You can find inspection results for each community using the Residential Facilities Provider Search Form.
Mesa’s assisted living facilities follow Arizona’s assisted living regulations in order to keep their licensure, such as:[03]
- Having a written care plan for each resident
- Maintaining clean living conditions
- Providing daily meals
- Staying up to date on all building codes
While all staff members are required to know CPR and first aid, caregivers have additional qualifications to meet before working with residents. Caregiver must complete the following:[03]
- Pass a background check
- Complete a state-approved caregiver training program
- Be current on their tuberculosis immunizations
- Have at least three months of health-related experience
The Arizona Department of Health Services outlines residents’ rights in long-term care facilities. While these rights pertain to the senior, they may also pertain to a family member acting as the senior’s power of attorney. These rights include the following:[03]
- Residents must be treated with respect and dignity and can expect a reasonable amount of privacy.
- Residents must not receive any retaliation for submitting a complaint.
- Residents’ possessions remain their own and can’t be removed without their permission.
- Residents can choose their own health care providers.
- Residents must be informed of all care services they receive.
- Residents must be informed about all changes to the cost of their care.
Arizona Department of Health contact information
150 N. 18th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-542-1025
COVID-19 regulations for Mesa assisted living facilities
Assisted living facilities in Mesa do their best to protect residents and staff members from COVID-19 by following federal and state recommendations. Arizona’s state government doesn’t mandate special precautions for assisted living facilities, but facilities can choose to implement preventative measures, such as asking visitors to mask.
Vaccinations.
There are no vaccination recommendations. Visitors are allowed into any long-term care facility regardless of vaccination status.
Facility cleanliness.
Facilities are regularly cleaned and common areas are disinfected.
Quarantining.
Each assisted living facility may have a COVID-19 quarantine wing to protect vulnerable residents from infection.
CDC guidelines.
Assisted living facilities in Mesa follow CDC guidelines.
Fast facts about assisted living in Mesa
Approximate number of people we referred to assisted living facilities in Mesa from 2022-2023
Average age of residents we referred to assisted living facilities in Mesa
The Mesa assisted living market is comprised of 48% board and care homes and 52% traditional assisted living facilities.
What assisted living is like in Mesa
Mesa, Arizona, is the third-largest city in Arizona, with a population of just over half a million people. Nearly 18% of Mesa’s residents are over 65, and this number is growing by the year as seniors are drawn to Mesa’s warm, quiet suburbs.[04]
While Mesa is only about 30 minutes from Phoenix, it may feel more peaceful to some. Made up mostly of families and seniors, Mesa enjoys a low crime rate, friendly neighborhoods, and the beautiful backdrop of the Superstition Mountains.
What you need to know about assisted living in Mesa
Mesa is an exceptional place to retire, and the residents of Mesa’s assisted living facilities are both Arizona natives and from other states. Since board and care homes are licensed in the same way as larger assisted living facilities, care will be similar regardless of location.
Traditional assisted living facilities in Mesa often hire an activities coordinator who designs daily events and classes for the residents. Board and care homes will also plan activities for residents to enjoy. Here are some of the most common activities in Mesa’s assisted living facilities:
- Chair yoga or tai chi
- Social hours
- Visiting musicians
- Movie nights
- Bridge club
- Garden club
- Arts and crafts workshops
Board and care homes
About half of Mesa’s assisted living facilities are smaller board and care homes. Most board and care homes in Mesa cost about $1,000 less per month than traditional assisted living facilities.[01] They’re also smaller and are typically in residential homes. Seniors can expect to share a bedroom, eat in a dining room with other residents, and spend time in the home’s living room. Board and care homes have live-in caregivers who can assist with care, plan activities, and prepare meals.
Assisted living facilities
Mesa’s assisted living facilities typically have more than 50 residents. These traditional assisted living facilities are more expensive than board and care homes.
When comparing costs, it’s important to realize that residents generally have access to more amenities and services than they would at a board and care home. Residents can expect amenities such as a gym, library, game room, and a theater. There’s also a larger staff, including caregivers, cooks, activity coordinators, and housekeepers.
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Seniors’ guide to the city Mesa
There are roughly 85,024 seniors over the age of 65 living in Mesa as of 2021.
Seniors 65 and older make up nearly 17% of Mesa’s population.
The average January high temperature in Mesa is 66 degrees Fahrenheit
Health care for seniors in Mesa
Banner Baywood Medical Center
Located on the eastern side of Mesa, Banner Baywood Medical Center is ranked highly by U.S. News and World Report in three areas: stroke, hip replacement, and knee replacement.
6644 E. Baywood Ave.
Mesa, AZ 85202
Phone: 480-321-2000
Banner Desert Medical Center
U.S. News and World Report ranks this hospital as high performing in several areas that may be important to seniors. These include colon cancer surgery, heart attack, heart failure, diabetic care, kidney failure, and stroke. It’s located on the western side of Mesa, close to neighboring Tempe.
1400 S. Dobson Road
Mesa, AZ 85202
Phone: 480-412-3000
Mayo Clinic – Phoenix
The Mayo Clinic in Phoenix provides care for all of Maricopa County. It offers world-class health care and research throughout the East Valley, including emergency room services, inpatient care, testing, and more. U.S. News and World Reports indicate that it’s nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties.
5777 E. Mayo Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85054
Phone: 480-342-2000
Transportation for seniors in Mesa
Seniors living in Mesa’s assisted living facilities won’t need to worry about transportation because 86% of A Place for Mom’s partnering communities offer complimentary transportation or transportation for a small fee.[01] Visiting family and friends should be aware that a car is the most common way to get around Mesa.
Seniors without the ability to access transportation can use RideChoice, Mesa’s public transportation option for seniors. RideChoice is a pick-up and drop-off service for anyone with disabilities or for those 65 years and older.
Although Mesa is mostly car dependent, visiting family members can find some bikeable areas. The following scores can give you an idea of how easy it is to use various transportations throughout Mesa. Scores are calculated out of 100 points with a higher score indicating a greater ease in that transportation type.[07]
Bike Score
Walk Score
Transit Score
Things to do in Mesa for seniors and their families
Mesa may be quiet, but it has plenty of attractions and activities to keep seniors and visitors busy. The nearby mountain range, golf courses, fine dining, museums, and theaters keep Mesa interesting.
Explore Mesa’s museums
Many of Mesa’s museums are wheelchair-accessible and offer an enjoyable afternoon for seniors. Here are three of the best museums in Mesa for seniors:
- Arizona Museum of Natural History. This museum features ancient civilizations, dinosaurs, and more. Seniors can also receive discounted admissions.
- Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Museum. This museum is perfect for veterans or anyone interested in air travel. The Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Museum has planes from over 100 years of American Air Force history.
- Mesa Arts Center. The Mesa Arts Center is the local theater. It has rotating live performances of contemporary musical numbers, classical pieces, and comedians. Find information about the season’s lineup on the website. The center accommodates people with low vision, individuals who have difficulty hearing, and those with mobility impairments.
Get outside on Mesa’s hiking trails
With a range of hiking trails for all abilities, Mesa’s natural beauty can be experienced by anyone. Here are some of the more accessible walking trails for seniors in Mesa:
- Merkle Trail. This is a one-mile loop, ideal for seniors who want to enjoy the sunset or sunrise.
- Hawes Ridge Loop. At only two miles long, this loop is a great way to see saguaro cactus groves.
Phoenix’s attractions are accessible from Mesa
Phoenix is only 30 minutes away from Mesa, making it an accessible and reasonable day trip for seniors and loved ones who want something a little different. Here are some of the best activities in Phoenix for seniors:
- Papago Golf Course. Papago Golf Course is one of the best golf courses in a city known for its golf courses. Enjoy a morning of golf set against a scenic view and eat lunch at Lou’s Bar & Grill.
- Taliesin West. Taliesin West was Frank Lloyd Wright’s personal home, designed by the famed architect himself. You can schedule tours on the website.
- Desert Botanical Garden. The Desert Botanical Garden is the best way to explore the local desert flora. You can request tours and wheelchairs on the website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Glecy Infinity Care Assisted Living LLC, Marigold Assisted Living and North Scottsdale Retreat are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Mesa, AZ. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Mesa is 3841.11 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Mesa city. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Arizona Administrative Code. (2022, December 31). Title 9. Health Services. Chapter 10. Department of Health Services – Health Care Institutions: Licensing.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101): Mesa city. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
US Climate Data. (2024). Climate and Weather averages – Mesa Arizona.
U.S. News and World Report. (2024). Hospitals in Mesa, AZ.
WalkScore. (2023). Living in Mesa.
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