Seniors exploring Scottsdale, Arizona, for assisted living will find an array of living options that range from luxurious to serene. The city’s motto, “The West’s Most Western Town” offers a glimpse into Scottsdale’s charm and cinematic views. Seniors will also appreciate the warm and dry climate combined with world-renowned medical care, countless leisure opportunities, and arts and culture.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the details of what it’s like to live in Scottsdale’s varied assisted living communities. This includes smaller group homes, which make up nearly 61% of our partner assisted living communities in Scottsdale. You will also find information about costs and how seniors in Scottsdale pay for assisted living. This guide also summarizes Arizona’s assisted living regulations and laws. It also provides an overview of the health care choices available to Scottsdale residents, transportation options, and exciting things to do around town.
10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Scottsdale, AZ
Seniors exploring Scottsdale, Arizona, for assisted living will find an array of living options that range from luxurious to serene. The city’s motto, “The West’s Most Western Town” offers a glimpse into Scottsdale’s charm and cinematic views. Seniors will also appreciate the warm and dry climate combined with world-renowned medical care, countless leisure opportunities, and arts and culture.Read more
In this guide, we’ll highlight the details of what it’s like to live in Scottsdale’s varied assisted living communities. This includes smaller group homes, which make up nearly 61% of our partner assisted living communities in Scottsdale. You will also find information about costs and how seniors in Scottsdale pay for assisted living. This guide also summarizes Arizona’s assisted living regulations and laws. It also provides an overview of the health care choices available to Scottsdale residents, transportation options, and exciting things to do around town.
Scottsdale Assisted Living Facilities | 1152 Reviews
My mom is having a wonderful experience at Miramonte ALH. The staff is kind, respectful and follows through on all detail. The meals are healthy and made with great care. The facility is always very clean....
Beautiful and clean house with everything in infrastructure structured around seniors. They have non slip floorings and bumpers on the corners, wide doors, walk in showers, fresh cooked food all the time and...
We really liked the Christian music they would play and the community just seemed really peaceful. The staff were friendly.
The Maravilla is a lovely place and they have plenty to keep the residents busy. The rooms are spacious and well kept. Their only problem in Memory care where my Mom resides seems to be keeping enough...
Dixileta A.C.H. was referred to me by 2 of my trustworthy friends. The owners take pride in their home and provide excellent service along with taking care of the residents in the group home. The home is...
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- What families are saying about assisted living in Scottsdale
- Costs of assisted living in the Scottsdale area
- How people pay for assisted living in Scottsdale
- Scottsdale laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- Fast facts about assisted living in Scottsdale
- What assisted living is like in Scottsdale
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Seniors’ guide to the city of Scottsdale
What families are saying about assisted living in Scottsdale
Recent reviews for assisted living in Scottsdale
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Costs of assisted living in the Scottsdale area
The average cost of a Scottsdale assisted living community, or assisted living center as they are referred to by the state of Arizona, is $4,958 per month.[01] This type of community accommodates over 25 residents and the cost includes all amenities and fees like rent, meals, and extras associated with care services at our partner communities.
Assisted living homes, also known as group homes, cost an average of $5,230, each month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data. These communities are smaller with space for up to 10 residents and are typically located in residential neighborhoods. They offer similar care services to assisted living centers but tend to trade larger amenities for a more personalized and quiet setting.
The prices below represent average starting costs without add-on fees in the surrounding area, which could help compare general pricing across the greater area.
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Scottsdale, AZ vs. nearby cities
Scottsdale, AZ
How people pay for assisted living in Scottsdale
Assisted living is usually paid for using a combination of payment types. Families often pay for costs like room and board using private funds from savings or retirement savings. However many of the care services provided at assisted living communities are covered by insurance such as Medicare or Medicaid or veterans benefits if a senior qualifies. In this section, we explore various payment options to help determine the financial approach that’s right for you or your loved one.
Private pay most commonly includes funds from personal savings accounts, returns from investment portfolios, pensions, or Social Security benefits. Many families may use the sale of a house or a reverse mortgage to pay for assisted living. Depending on your family’s resources, the following are other common ways seniors pay for assisted living:
Number of veterans who live in Scottsdale, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
About 62% of Scottsdale veterans are 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Using VA benefits to pay for assisted living in Scottsdale
If your loved one served in the military, they may qualify for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA benefits can help them and their spouse cover the costs of assisted living in Scottsdale. Funds from a VA Pension and the Aid and Attendance benefit are two examples of programs that can help veterans pay for room and board or other services not covered by private insurance at an assisted living community.
The state of Arizona also offers helpful tax benefits for veterans. Military retirement payments aren’t taxed by the state, and Maricopa County also offers personal tax exemptions if veterans have a disability and were honorably discharged.
The VA offices nearest Scottsdale are the Northeast Phoenix VA Clinic and the Phoenix Vet Center. There are several VA office locations in the Scottsdale area, listed in the resources section below, that offer both medical and nonmedical support for veterans.
Assistance navigating veteran’s benefits in Scottsdale
Determining VA benefit eligibility and completing an application can be complicated and time-consuming. Veteran benefits counselors (known as VBCs in Arizona) are trained to help veterans and their spouses navigate VA benefits. VBCs can help find benefits for veterans even when the veteran doesn’t believe they’re eligible. They can also guide veterans through the application process. Veterans are encouraged to utilize the services of VBCs because mistakes or missed deadlines can often lead to delays or a denial of benefits.
Contact details for area VBCs are listed in the resources section below.
Local veterans services organizations for Scottsdale veterans
Veteran service organizations (VSOs) are located throughout the community and include government and non-government organizations. The Maricopa County Veterans Resources Department offers several veteran-focused services and support for families. The Arizona Department of Veterans Services office also offers services and is home to several non-government VSOs such as Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
For location and contact information of specific VSOs in Scottsdale, see the resource section below.
Resources for Scottsdale veterans
Veterans Benefits Administration Regional Office
3333 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services (VBCs)
3839 N. Third St.
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: 602-535-1215
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
American Legion Sipe-Peterson Post 44
7145 E. Second St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Phone: 480-941-0130
VFW Stanley A Crews Post 3513
7220 E. Wilshire Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
Phone: 480-941-9849
DAV Department of Arizona
38 W. Dunlap Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85021
Phone: 602-678-0333
Email: admin@az-dav.org
Medicaid is a federal health insurance program for low-income individuals cooperatively run by the federal government and individual states. Arizona’s Medicaid program is called Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS, pronounced “access”), and seniors 65 and older can qualify if their monthly income falls below $1,255. The eligibility threshold for couples is set at $1,704 per month.[03]
Arizona Medicaid plans that help seniors pay for assisted living
The cost of assisted living can be prohibitive and while the general AHCCCS plan doesn’t cover room and board in an assisted living community, it can help seniors pay for some services and care, including the following:[04]
- Skilled nursing care
- Medication administration such as injections and immunizations
- Emergency care
- Labs and X-rays
- Dialysis
- Dental, vision, and hearing care
- Hospital care
Arizona Long Term Care Systems (ALTCS, pronounced “ALL-tecs”) is designed to cover long-term care for seniors in a Medicaid-approved assisted living community. ALTCS also covers rent in a shared room, meals, and care services.
To qualify, Arizona residents must meet the following age, income, and care requirements:[05]
- Seniors must be 65 or older.
- An individual’s income may not exceed $2,829 per month.
- Eligible seniors must require skilled nursing care.
For seniors who don’t meet income requirements, setting up a Special Treatment Trust with a local benefits counselor may be one way for them to qualify for assistance through the ALTCS plan. However, depending on their income, seniors who qualify in this way may be required to pay for a share of their care costs.[05]
Medicaid support in Scottsdale
Individuals in Scottsdale who need help understanding Medicaid eligibility and the application process can reach out to the Phoenix AHCCCS office. The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) in Phoenix can also provide guidance for seniors seeking information on Medicaid eligibility and programs. The Arizona Ombudsman Citizens’ Aide office offers unbiased support for seniors and their families. They can help solve disputes with state offices such as Medicaid.
Scottsdale resident Medicaid resources
AHCCCS
801 E. Jefferson St.
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Phone: 602-417-4000
AAA Region 1, Incorporated
1366 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
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals 65 and older. Some individuals under 65, with a qualifying disability or illness may also be eligible for Medicare. Medicare doesn’t cover room and board at assisted living facilities, but it does cover some short-term medically necessary care services including the following:[06]
- Skilled nursing
- Physical, occupational, or speech therapy
- Medical supplies
How does Medicare cover health care costs?
Regardless of where seniors live, they can enroll in and use Medicare to help offset medical costs. There are three parts of Medicare and each addresses specific health care needs.
Part A is also known as hospital insurance and will pay for skilled nursing facility care, inpatient hospital care, and home health care.
Part B or medical insurance pays for doctor’s visits, x-rays, lab work, minor procedures, and other outpatient services performed in a clinic setting.
Part D, drug insurance, pays for prescriptions, vaccines, and the cost of other medications prescribed by a doctor.
Medicare Part C is called Medicare Advantage and is Medicare-approved health care provided by private insurance companies.
Medicare payment assistance
For some Arizona seniors, paying Medicare premiums, copayments, and deductibles can be a financial strain. The Help for Paying Medicare Costs Only program provides tiered assistance for seniors who meet income requirements. If a senior makes more than $1,255 per month but less than $1,695 they can receive help paying for Medicaid part B. Assistance is available for parts A and B if a senior’s monthly income is less than $1,255.[07]
Medicare resources for information and application assistance
Medicare enrollment is usually automatic for seniors who are already receiving Social Security benefits. The Medicare application can be found on the Social Security website for seniors who need to complete the application. The Medicare website provides additional information about eligibility and Medicare-covered services.
There are also several state and local resources for seniors needing help understanding benefits or requiring guidance with the Medicare application process.
Arizona’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides complimentary counseling on Medicare benefits, including payments, prescription drug costs, and doctor or hospital visits. The Phoenix Area Agency on Aging offers support to seniors on many aging-related issues, including help with Medicare and Medicaid. The Arizona Ombudsman Citizen’s Aide is another helpful resource for seniors and their families. Volunteers are unbiased and can help address individual concerns with Medicare and Medicaid issues.
Contact information can be found in the following resources section.
Scottsdale resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration Office
16241 N. Tatum Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Phone (confidential SHIP assistance helpline): 800-432-4040
Phone (Maricopa County lines): 602-280-1059 or 800-432-4040
Arizona Ombudsman — Citizens’ Aide
2020 N Central Ave., Suite 570
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: 602-277-7292
Scottsdale laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
Scottsdale assisted living facilities are licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). The smaller group homes with a capacity of up to 10 residents are licensed as assisted living homes. Larger facilities that accommodate over 20 residents are called assisted living centers by ADHS.
Facility licenses are renewed every 12 months pending an unannounced annual inspection. Facilities are evaluated in several categories including quality of care, caregiver background and training, and resident rights. Examples of the criteria surveyors use to evaluate facilities include the following: [09]
- Residents must be treated with respect and dignity.
- Facilities must have a written care plan outlining each resident’s current health and level of care.
- Caregivers must complete first-aid and CPR training.
- Facilities must provide daily meals to residents.
- Residents must be told about any changes in the cost of their room, meals, and care.
- Caregivers must pass a state-approved, caregiver training program.
- Facilities must be maintained and adhere to state building codes.
- Residents must be told about all care services they will receive.
- Caregivers must be 18 years or older.
Arizona strengthened its background check requirements in 2022 for workers in assisted living communities. The new law restricts felons convicted of violent crimes and financial fraud from holding positions in Arizona assisted living communities.
The Inspection results can be found for facilities on the Residential Facilities Provider Search Form.
COVID-19 regulations for Scottsdale assisted living facilities
Arizona has no specific COVID-19 regulations for assisted living facilities. However, the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS) has published COVID-19 guidance for long-term care communities.
For more information regarding Arizona’s regulations and licensing of assisted living communities, explore our Overview of Assisted Living in Arizona.
Vaccinations. Long-term care facilities should encourage their staff and residents to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Masking. Visitors and residents should be encouraged to wear masks during visitations when the county’s transmission level is high. Additionally, staff are encouraged to wear masks upon entering the facility.
Facility cleanliness. Facilities should have a schedule for disinfecting high-touch surfaces.
Staff safety. Long-term care facilities should have established protocols for when staffers test positive with COVID-19.
Social distancing. Visitors and residents should be encouraged to practice social distancing when the county’s transmission level is high.
Quarantining. Residents who aren’t vaccinated or up to date with their boosters and have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 should quarantine, even if they test negative. New admissions and readmissions to the facility who aren’t vaccinated or up to date with boosters should complete a 10-day quarantine.
Fast facts about assisted living in Scottsdale
Number of seniors we’ve referred to partner communities in Scottsdale
Average age of residents referred to partner communities in Scottsdale
Assisted living community type: 61% of our partner communities in Scottsdale are smaller board and care homes.
What assisted living is like in Scottsdale
Scottsdale’s warm, dry weather has long been a draw for seniors, but it also offers a unique combination of urban convenience, exciting activities, and easy access to desert solitude and the rugged McDowell Mountains. Scottsdale seniors benefit from a variety of assisted living community choices from the intimate board and care homes to larger assisted living facilities with their range of activities and luxury options.
Scottsdale assisted living communities offer multiple care types on one campus
Seniors who want the convenience of living in one facility regardless of future care needs will find that Scottsdale offers several multi-care communities to choose from. A Place for Mom’s partner communities include the following options:[01]
- Eight facilities combine assisted living and memory care facilities.
- Nine facilities offer assisted living, independent living, and memory care.
- Residential group homes are most common, with 35 in the local area.
Board and care homes
Board and care homes are common in Scottsdale and often cost less than larger assisted living communities. Offering a more a personalized experience, these facilities are typically located in residential neighborhoods and many are converted from single-family homes. Residents of board and care homes usually share a room with one other resident and have access to all the common areas of the house.
Personal care services offered at board and care homes are similar to larger assisted living communities and are available 24/7. And, while there may be fewer amenities, these communities usually offer peaceful outdoor common spaces, like a backyard or patio, a dining room, and a living room. Board and care homes typically offer on-site skilled nursing through partnerships with home health care agencies to provide residents with the advanced care they need, so they can age in place.
Worry-free accommodations and individualized care
Scottsdale assisted living facilities are designed with seniors’ overall well-being in mind, providing ample opportunities for intellectual stimulation, physical activity, and socializing. They also provide extra help with activities of daily living which may include assistance with the following tasks:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Using the bathroom
- Mobility
- Eating
- Medication management
- Transportation
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Meal preparation
Luxurious amenities
Scottsdale has a reputation for luxury living which extends to assisted living communities. Residents will find several communities that offer resort-style amenities including:
- Spacious floor plans
- Pools
- Gardens and patios
- Spas
- On-site cafés, pubs, and coffee shops
These communities also have calendars full of engaging activities that seniors of all ability levels can take part in. Examples include barbecues or picnics, holiday and birthday parties, religious services, educational lectures, book clubs, yoga, gardening, and Tai Chi. Off-site group trips are also popular, like trips to the nearby Vegas-style casino.
Multilingual communities
Scottsdale is home to many assisted living communities with multilingual staff. More than half of our partner communities have Spanish-speaking staff, and 12% have staff that speak Filipino.[01] This helps ensure multilingual seniors can fully communicate their care needs in their preferred language. This also helps residents feel content and comfortable in their new surroundings.
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Seniors’ guide to the city of Scottsdale
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Scottsdale, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Scottsdale population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Median annual income for Scottsdale seniors 65 and older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Best hospitals for seniors in Scottsdale
Scottsdale is home to many high-quality health care facilities. Read on for a few local options.
HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center
HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center offers highly rated adult care for heart failure and colon cancer surgery.
At the Phoenix Mayo Clinic, seniors can receive care at one of Arizona’s best hospitals. This particular facility is nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties, including gastroenterology, geriatrics, and urology.
Carl T. Hayden Veterans’ Administration Medical Center
Veterans in the Scottsdale area who need either primary or specialty care can receive these services at the Carl T. Hayden Veterans’ Administration Medical Center.
Transportation for seniors in Scottsdale
While a majority of people in Scottsdale rely on their cars to get around town, all of our partner assisted living facilities provide transportation services for residents. This makes trips to the doctor, social outings, or running errands easy and safe. For seniors who prefer to drive, over 50% of our partner communities provide on-site parking.[01]
While public transportation isn’t the most efficient or safe mode of transportation for seniors in Scottsdale, there are a few options available. Scottsdale’s free trolley system operates limited services during the week.
The Valley Metro system operates buses, a light rail system, streetcars, and also has paratransit options in Scottsdale and the surrounding Phoenix metro area. Buses and light rail systems are accessible for individuals with disabilities, and seniors can ride for $2.
Scottsdale’s walkability, bikeability, and public transportation options are rated on a scale of 0-100 by Walk Score, with 100 being the best. Scottsdale received the following scores:
Walk Score
Bike Score
Transit Score
Senior activities in Scottsdale
With sunny weather year-round, upscale lifestyle offerings, and beautiful natural sights, Scottsdale has a host of both indoor and outdoor activities for residents and visitors.
Scottsdale outside
The stunning desert views at McDowell Sonoran Preserve can be enjoyed by everyone on the variety of accessible trails. Gather the family for a picnic at the 17-acre Cactus Park. Seniors working on their golf game have numerous local public, private, and semi-private courses to choose from. The fascinating views of Pinnacle Peak from the greens of the semi-private Troon North Golf Club should not be missed.
Dining in Scottsdale
Scottsdale Fashion Square is one of Scottsdale’s outdoor shopping and dining destinations that has everything from elegant to simple. Old Town Scottsdale embodies the city’s Old West past with plenty of local restaurants and shops.
Scottsdale museums
Scottsdale has many unique, world-class museums for lovers of art, history, and car racing.
- Architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s historic Taliesin West offers both guided and audio tours.
- Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is an artsy destination housing contemporary and design works, as well as architectural pieces.
- The Western Spirit is a Smithsonian affiliate dedicated to the Old West as well as Indigenous history and art.
- The Penske Racing Museum is filled to the brim with race cars and intriguing memorabilia. Tours are self-paced so everyone is free to take their time.
Family fun
For seniors seeking an experience with visiting family or friends, Scottsdale has several fun options that give everyone from grandkids to adult kids the chance to explore.
- Butterfly Wonderland is the largest butterfly conservancy in the United States and offers a rainforest experience that is a considerable contrast to Scottsdale’s desert surroundings.
- The OdySea Aquarium is home to hundreds of aquatic animals. It features seating throughout the exhibits, so it may be the perfect spot for seniors to have a seat and take it all in.
- The Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center provides another fascinating animal adventure but on a smaller scale: It offers appointment-only tours of the wildlife rehabilitation sanctuary.
- The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a family-friendly attraction that combines amusement park fun with railroad history.
- Scottsdale Stadium is the spring training home of the San Francisco Giants.
Performing arts and live entertainment
As a premier arts and culture destination, Scottsdale also has a few performing arts options enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. At the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, you can catch everything from Grammy-winning musicians to music festivals. Additionally, the Desert Stages Theatre offers a more intimate space for fans of plays and musicals.
Frequently Asked Questions
North Scottsdale Retreat, Golden Touch One Adult Care Home and MorningStar of Fountain Hills are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Scottsdale, 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 Scottsdale is 3881.75 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Scottsdale city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Arizona Health Care Containment System. (2024, February 1). Health insurance for individuals who are 65 or older (and do not need a nursing home level of care).
Arizona Health Care Containment System. (2024). Covered medical services.
Arizona Health Care Containment System. (2023, December). Filing an application for the Arizona long term care system (ALTCS).
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. What Medicare covers.
Arizona Health Care Containment System. (2024, February 1). Help with paying Medicare costs only.
Arizona Department of Health Services. (2019, November 5). Health care institutions: Licensing article 8. Assisted living facilities.
U.S. News and World Report. (2024). Hospitals in Scottsdale, AZ.
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