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With its proximity to top-rated hospitals, a modest cost of living and an abundance of recreational and cultural amenities, it isn’t surprising that Mesa is recognized as one of the top retirement destinations in the country. The city is home to about 500,000 people, making it the third-most populous city in the state. It has a large senior community that makes up over 16% of the population. To accommodate seniors who want the benefits of assisted living, the city has over 130 assisted living facilities.
Mesa is located within the Phoenix metropolitan area and has a similar cost of living. While assisted living cost data isn’t available for Mesa proper, its costs are likely comparable to those of Phoenix. On average, seniors pay $3,500 per month for assisted living expenses in this region, which is about 7% lower than the statewide average of $3,750 and 15% lower than the national average.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
According to Genworth Financial’s 2019 Cost of Care Survey, Arizona is an affordable state for assisted living. In this state, assisted living costs $3,750 per month, on average, which is about $300 cheaper than the national monthly average of $4,051. It’s also comparatively less expensive than most of its bordering states. In California, which is located to the west, assisted living is considerably more expensive at $4,500 per month. Care is also comparatively costly in Colorado ($4,095) and New Mexico ($4,100). In Nevada and Utah, assisted living is $350 less, on average, at $3,400 per month.
The Mesa region is the second-most affordable in the state for assisted living at $3,500 per month, which is $250 lower than the statewide average of $3,750. Only Yuma, which is located nearly 200 miles to the southwest of Mesa, has slightly lower assisted living costs at $3,475. Seniors pay more for care in the Lake Havasu City area ($4,000), Tucson ($4,695) and Prescott ($3,790). The costliest city in Arizona for assisted living is Flagstaff at $5,000 per month.
In Mesa, assisted living services may be covered for eligible seniors under the Arizona Long-Term Care System. This program operates under a Medicaid 1115 demonstration waiver, and unlike most Medicaid waiver programs, it’s an entitlement program. This means that everyone who qualifies for this program is guaranteed to receive services. Rates and coverage for services are negotiated with each facility and may vary by location. For more information about the ALTCS program and its eligibility requirements, visit our Assisted Living in Arizona page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Area Agency on Aging, Region One | (888) 264-2258 | Mesa seniors can receive a variety of services through Area Agency on Aging, Region One. This organization is a central information and resource center for finding relevant local, state and federal programs for seniors. Some services provided by AAA include transportation to and from medical appointments, congregate meals and meal delivery, healthy living classes and legal assistance. |
| Long-Term Care Ombudsman | (602) 264-2255 | The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates on behalf of those residing in assisted living facilities. Along with identifying, investigating and resolving complaints filed by seniors or their family members, the office educates the community about long-term care, promotes resident rights and helps assisted living residents obtain the services they need. |
| VA Phoenix Regional Benefits Office | 1-800-827-1000 | The VA Phoenix Regional Benefits Office is located about 20 miles from Mesa and provides an array of services to eligible veterans and their family members. At this location, veterans can apply for disability compensation, pension benefits, survivor benefits and Aid and Attendance, which can be used toward assisted living expenses. The office also provides beneficiary financial counseling and helps veterans connect with the federal and local programs that they’re eligible for. |
| East Valley RSVP | (480) 775-1466 | East Valley RSVP connects Mesa adults aged 55 and over with community volunteer opportunities that fit their skills, experience and interest. Volunteers serve in area hospitals, schools, senior centers and thrift stores. Some opportunities that may be available include reading to school-aged children, teaching classes in senior centers or distributing food at a local food bank. In exchange for serving, volunteers are eligible for benefits like partial mileage reimbursement, supplemental auto insurance while driving to and from volunteer assignments and an invitation to the annual RSVP volunteer recognition luncheon. |
| Aster Aging | (480) 964-9014 | Aster Aging is a nonprofit organization that provides a variety of services and supports to area seniors to promote engagement and quality of life. Through its two senior centers, both of which are located in Mesa, it provides congregate midday meals on weekdays, social activities and wellness classes. Some activities and programs for members include dance classes, live music, health and wellness programs and games. |
In Mesa, as in all of Arizona, assisted living facilities are licensed by the Division of Public Health Licensing Services. To maintain licensing, facilities are required to abide by laws and regulations, which are enforced through random inspections. These laws pertain to care planning, admission and retention, staffing requirements and provisions for residential units. To learn more about these regulations, visit our Assisted Living in Arizona page.