Memory Care in Arizona

Reviewed by BoomersHub Senior Living AdvisorsUpdated

Compare communities across 70 cities and 9 counties. Arizona averages $7,813 per month for memory care — $2,749 more than the national average, and BoomersHub advisors help you shortlist, confirm pricing, and book tours for free.

Why families choose Arizona

Arizona has a dry, sunny climate and draws retirees for a well-established retiree community, active-adult neighbourhoods, and top-ranked medical hubs in the Valley. Communities cluster across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, and Mesa, from small residential care homes to full-campus senior-living properties. This guide walks through what memory care in Arizona costs, how families pay for it, the state's licensing rules, and how to shortlist communities without doing the legwork alone.

Arizona costs more than the states around it

The average cost of memory care in Arizona is $7,813 per month, above the national average of $5,064. Your actual rate depends on the city, apartment size, and level of care, which is what our advisors confirm for you before you tour.

Average monthly cost of memory care

  • National average$5,064
  • Arizona$7,813
  • California$5,618
  • Colorado$5,362
  • New Mexico$5,477
  • Utah$4,261

State averages. Individual community rates vary by city, floor plan, and care level.

How memory care compares to other senior care

Average monthly cost in Arizona by care type. Tap any card to explore that care type across the state.

Arizona state averages. Bars are scaled to the highest cost shown.

How to pay for memory care in Arizona

Most Arizona families combine two or three of these. An advisor walks through which apply to your situation.

  • Option 1

    Private pay

    Many families pay for care with private funds: personal savings, pension payments, retirement accounts, or a combination of these and family contributions.

  • Option 2

    Selling your home

    Selling a parent's home can help finance memory care, especially once the home is no longer occupied. Proceeds often fund several years of care.

  • Option 3

    Reverse mortgage

    Homeowners aged 62+ can convert part of their home equity into cash while retaining ownership, with no loan payments due while living in the home. A spouse may remain in the home while proceeds help pay for a partner's care.

  • Option 4

    Long-term care insurance

    LTC policies typically begin paying out when the policyholder needs help with two or more activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, or eating. Check the policy's elimination period and daily benefit before counting on it.

  • Option 5

    Veteran's programs

    Veterans with at least 90 days of active duty (including one day during wartime) may qualify for VA benefits such as Aid & Attendance, which can add a monthly amount on top of a VA pension.

  • State program

    Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) — Arizona Medicaid

    Arizona Medicaid can help eligible lower-income seniors offset memory care costs through the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) (HCBS). The program does not pay room and board, and not every Arizona community participates — confirm before you tour.

    Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) details

Memory care regulations in Arizona

Every memory care community in Arizona is licensed and inspected by Arizona Department of Health Services — Assisted Living Facilities. Arizona licenses 3 settings — see the cards below for what each covers. Communities must meet standards for staffing, caregiver training, medication administration, and building safety, with managers and staff completing continuing in-service training each year.

Licensed by Arizona Department of Health Services — Assisted Living FacilitiesWritten service plan for every resident3 license types
  • 01

    Assisted Living Home

    Small residential setting licensed for up to 10 residents, often in a single-family-style home.

  • 02

    Assisted Living Center

    Larger apartment-style community licensed for 11 or more residents, with campus amenities and clinical staffing.

  • 03

    Assisted Living Facility (Directed Care)

    Higher-acuity licence for residents who need more supervision and hands-on daily care, including cognitive support.

Free memory care resources in Arizona

What you should know about Arizona

The Arizona median for memory care sits near the national average, driven by steady population growth, dense competition in metro Phoenix, and an experienced senior-care workforce. Where a state lands depends on labour costs, cost of living, and the mix of urban vs rural communities. Your actual rate depends on the city, apartment size, and level of care — an advisor confirms current pricing for any community you're considering, free.

A Arizona expert in your corner, at no cost

Searching Arizona alone is overwhelming. Our advisors know the memory care communities, the real pricing, and the availability across Arizona, and they do the legwork for you.

  • A shortlist matched to your care needs, budget, and preferred Arizona cities
  • Confirmed pricing and availability before you ever tour
  • Tours scheduled and move-in arrangements handled with your family
(877) 409-0666
  • 79Arizona cities and counties covered on BoomersHub
  • 1,000+Families guided to the right community since 2019
  • $0Cost to you. Our service is completely free for families

Important resources about memory care

Guides written for families starting the search, from first conversations to moving day.

FAQs related to memory care

How can I get my parents into Memory Care in Arizona?

Start with an honest family conversation and a needs assessment from their physician. Tour two or three Arizona communities together, ask about care levels and pricing, then complete the community's health assessment and residency agreement. A BoomersHub advisor can shortlist communities, confirm pricing, and schedule tours for free.

What is pet-friendly Memory Care?

Pet-friendly Memory Care communities welcome residents' cats, small dogs, or other companion animals, usually with size limits, a pet deposit, and the expectation that the resident or family can care for the pet. Ask each Arizona community for its written pet policy before move-in.

What is the total number of Memory Care facilities in the US?

Over 30,000 licensed Memory Care communities across the United States, housing more than 800,000 residents (AHCA / NCAL industry data). Ranges from large resort-style campuses to small residential care homes.

Which states have the highest number of Memory Care facilities?

Large states lead the count: California, Florida, and Texas consistently rank among the top states for the number of licensed Memory Care communities.

What are the cheapest states to live in as a senior?

Southern and Midwestern states consistently rank among the most affordable for Memory Care — Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota all sit well below the national median. New England, the West Coast, and Alaska are the expensive end.

What is the average age of a Memory Care resident?

The average Memory Care resident is in their mid-80s. A typical resident needs help with 2 or 3 daily activities — bathing, dressing, medication management. Many move in after living alone became difficult rather than after a single medical event.

Can you keep pets in Memory Care facilities?

Many Arizona communities allow pets — most commonly cats and small dogs, subject to the community's pet policy. Expect size or breed limits, a pet deposit, and a check that the resident or family can handle daily pet care.

Do the total costs of Memory Care include medical care?

Usually not. The base monthly rate typically covers housing, meals, housekeeping, activities, and help with daily activities. Medical services (doctor visits, therapy, medications) are billed separately, often through Medicare or private insurance. Ask each community exactly where its rate ends and medical billing begins.

Do Memory Care communities allow visitors?

Yes. Family and friends are welcome at Arizona Memory Care communities, subject to reasonable visiting hours and sign-in policies. Many communities also host family dinners, holiday events, and overnight guest options.

Does Arizona Medicaid pay for Memory Care?

Partially. Arizona Medicaid programs (HCBS waivers) can cover personal-care services in participating Memory Care facilities for eligible lower-income seniors. Waivers do not pay for room and board, and not every community participates, so confirm before touring.

What families say about Arizona

This place is simply amazing. Before I moved my mother in, I had read some of the reviews and was concerned. The place was beautiful and I fell in love when I visited it. Staff and residents are friendly. It smells amazing. It's delicious and the staff at the dietary department are wonderful. Rose Court has made great changes in staffing and management. This place is a great choice and I recommend it to everyone who listens.

Joshua · Rose Court Senior Living · Phoenix

Beautiful home. They care so well about my mother-in law. It was very comfortable, clean, and enjoyable. Every time I visit, I'm impressed by how Mom is taken care of.

Thomas · A Caring Manor I · Queen Creek

Granite Gate was home to my relatives for six years. They started in Assisted Living, then moved to Memory Care. The staff was wonderful and always took care of my loved ones. We appreciated the constant communication from the staff, even though we are not close to the facility. After Di'Anna left Memory Care, her team continued to provide excellent, loving, and life-enhancing care. We couldn't be happier!

Asher · Granite Gate Senior Living · Prescott

Merrill Gardens at Anthem was a wonderful choice for my parents. Beautiful views of the mountains surround this facility. It is hard to believe the amazing staff, de'cors and amenities. Our Family is reassured that they are safe, happy and loved by the staff as well as the residents. It is a comfort to know that we are neighbors now, just minutes away from one another. HIGHLY recommend Merrill Gardens Anthem, particularly their warm-hearted GM.

Lucas S · Merrill Gardens At Anthem · Phoenix

During the pandemic, we were fortunate to have Legacy Pewaukee care for a family member who needed assisted living care. Legacy took the greatest care and precautions and should be commended for their coordinated actions, while a significant chunk of Waukesha Co./Lake Country disregarded Covid-19 precautions. A skilled administration and personnel helped transform a period of concern into one of optimism.

Linda · Legacy Assisted Living Home · Surprise

Although it was difficult for my mother to move out of her home, the staff and residents made it a more pleasant experience. It is obvious that the staff care deeply about residents and protect them, which I appreciate greatly. Brookdale Peoria was always welcoming and clean when I visited. My mom is happy that she lives there and has many friends.

Judy · Brookdale Peoria · Peoria

Explore memory care in nearby states

Find the right Arizona community, without the guesswork

Tell us what matters to your family. A local advisor sends a matched shortlist with confirmed pricing, free.

(877) 409-0666