Assisted living is a type of residential care providing daily living assistance and social activities for mostly independent older adults. These communities offer more assistance than independent living but lack the 24-hour skilled medical care of nursing homes. In Tucson, assisted living costs about $4,263 per month. This is lower than the national median of $4,459 and Arizona's statewide average of $4,420, making Tucson an affordable city for seniors.
AssistedLiving.org spent dozens of hours researching the top assisted living communities in the Tucson area to allow seniors and their families to find the community that’s right for them. Click through the facilities listed below to read in-depth reviews, what residents are saying, and details such as base pricing, room types, and more.
Atria Campana Del Rio provides exquisite assisted living services in the sprawling foothills of the Santa Catalina…
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In order to find the top assisted living communities in the Tucson area, our team of researchers:
Sorted through 103 communities using our unique methodology
Spent over 30 hours researching assisted living communities in Tucson
Read more than 820 reviews left by residents and their family members
After filtering out facilities that didn’t meet our high standards, we were left with 20 assisted living communities that earned our seal of approval. Through this process we discovered that the average cost of assisted living in the city of Tucson is $4,050, which is slightly higher than the state average of $4,000 and lower than the national average of $4,500.
Christina Drumm-Boyd
Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and Geriatric Care Manager (GCM)
Christina Drumm-Boyd
Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and Geriatric Care Manager (GCM)
Christina is a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and Geriatric Care Manager (GCM) who is passionate about seniors and their families. Along with her staff, Christina works hands-on with each client to find the best solutions for the challenges that often come with aging.
Read on for in-depth information about the top assisted living facilities in Tucson, a brief dive into our methodology for determining the best assisted living communities, and a searchable directory of 103 communities in the Tucson area.
How to Pay for Assisted Living in Tucson, AZ
Determining how to finance assisted living often starts with the question, “What’s the cost?” In today’s economy, where inflation plays a significant role, having current data is crucial for senior living financial planning. AssistedLiving.org has gathered cost information from its expansive network of over 75,000 senior living providers. This data offers a glimpse into the average expenses for assisted living in Tucson and 22 additional cities within Arizona.
How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Assisted Living in Tucson, AZ
Between 2022 and 2023, inflation increased assisted living prices throughout Arizona’s top cities. In Tucson, prices rose by 10%, which is equivalent to the national average’s cost increase to $4,459. Arizona’s statewide average also increased, bringing prices to $4,420. Monthly costs in Phoenix jumped by 10%, while Glendale’s and Flagstaff’s prices rose to $5,365 and $5,978, respectively.
Based on current trends, prices are expected to increase again in 2024, making it crucial to plan ahead financially. Tucson’s costs are projected to rise another 8%, while Arizona’s statewide average is estimated to increase to $4,962.
Location
2022 Cost (Historical)
2023 Cost (Current)
2024 Cost (Estimated)
Tucson
$3,891
$4,263
$4,591
U.S. Average
$4,070
$4,459
$4,802
Arizona
$4,008
$4,420
$4,962
Phoenix
$4,630
$5,073
$5,463
Glendale
$4,897
$5,365
$5,778
Flagstaff
$5,456
$5,978
$6,438
Assisted Living vs. Other Types of Care in Tucson, AZ
In Tucson, prices fluctuate depending on the senior living option and services offered, a factor to consider when seeking care. Assisted living, which offers daily living assistance, costs about $4,263 per month, while memory care communities provide specialized care for those with dementia and are priced at $4,181. For active seniors seeking social opportunities and a maintenance-free lifestyle, independent living is the most affordable care option at $3,591.
Care Type
Cost
Assisted Living
$4,263
Memory Care
$4,181
Independent Living
$3,591
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Tucson, AZ
Other Ways to Pay for Assisted Living in Tuscon, AZ
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
Veterans Benefits
Life Insurance Policy
Long-Term Care Insurance
Reverse Mortgage
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Arizona.
Free and Low-Cost Assisted Living Resources for Seniors in Tucson, AZ
Numerous resources are available in Tucson, AZ to support seniors during their retirement. AssistedLiving.org has gathered data on local groups, initiatives, and agencies, and organized them according to care categories for convenient access.
For details about resources across the state and in neighboring cities, please visit the Arizona state page on assistedliving.org.
Area Agency on Aging
Your local Tucson Area Agency on Aging is a valuable resource for retirees, offering guidance on financial aid, in-home care, and long-term care planning. They also link seniors and caregivers to community resources.
Arizona’s Area Agencies on Aging offer support and advocacy for older residents, helping them stay in their homes. With remote and statewide locations, they connect seniors, families, and caregivers to various services. These include home-delivered meals and assistance with managing chronic health conditions. A 24-hour senior helpline is also available at (888)-783-7500.
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Seniors in Tucson, whether residing independently or in a senior living facility, have access to various local financial aid options. These entities assist in offsetting certain in-home or long-term care expenses and link them to beneficial community resources.
The Arizona Long Term Care System provides a wide range of supportive services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. It includes coverage for nursing home care and community-based options, allowing you to stay in your preferred residential setting. Services covered include in-home care, personal care attendants, assisted living, adult day health care, and more.
Food Assistance Programs
In Tucson, various local initiatives are dedicated to promoting senior health through balanced nutrition. They offer services like meal delivery, communal dining, and food banks, ensuring elderly residents have access to affordable, nutritious food.
The Community Food Bank and Food Pantry, located at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Tucson, Arizona, operates in partnership with the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. Its mission is to provide top-quality food assistance to seniors and other community members in need. Open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., it ensures that those facing food insecurity have access to the support they require.
The Tucson branch of Community Food Banks of Southern Arizona operates from the Gabrielle Giffords Resource Center, offering a range of community services and serving as a food distribution point. Seniors can visit the GGRC food bank on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (8 a.m. – 1 p.m.), Thursdays (8 a.m. – 6 p.m.), and the 4th Saturday of every month (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.).
The Southern Arizona Catalina Food Bank provides monthly grocery and toiletry distributions to seniors and low-income residents in Tucson, AZ. Participants can visit the food bank to receive a USDA food parcel at any time during the month. Additionally, they can access daily supplies of bread and recently expired items as they become available. Seniors can apply for access online, and eligibility is determined based on income and assets, with the entire household income being assessed by food bank staff.
Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona provides meal delivery services to seniors who are housebound or disabled in the Tucson, AZ, area. Meal prices are determined based on participants’ income, with free meals offered to low-income and indigent seniors. Special dietary menus, including kosher options, are available upon request. Seniors can sign up online or by calling the program office, providing their contact information, address, and optional medical and personal details for pricing purposes.
Pima Meals on Wheels, based in Tucson, Arizona, is dedicated to providing delicious and nutritious meals to disabled residents and homebound seniors aged 60+ in Pima County. Eligibility for the program requires an in-home evaluation and the inability to participate in the Senior Center Congregate Meal Program. Meals are delivered by Catholic Community Services or Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest.
ReSources Vail Food Bank offers food assistance to residents in Vail, Corona de Tucson, Rita Ranch, and Southeast Tucson. They provide emergency food bags to families and meals to homebound residents, including low-income seniors. Food distribution occurs on select days throughout the week and some Saturdays. Registered families receive a monthly allotment of basic food staples and additional food when it’s available.
The Amphi Corp (Prince) Food Pantry, operated by The Salvation Army in Tucson, AZ, aims to alleviate food insecurity for seniors and low-income individuals and families. The pantry is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a lunch break closure from noon to 1 p.m. It offers a variety of fresh produce, canned goods, and nonperishable items to those in need. Volunteers play a crucial role in running this food assistance program.
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program in Tucson, AZ offers ten $5 vouchers to eligible individuals aged 60 and above. These vouchers can be used at designated farmers’ markets to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The program aims to support older adults in maintaining a healthy diet by providing access to nutritious food. Income eligibility is based on the annual poverty income guidelines (185% or below).
The Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation Community Food Bank in Tucson, AZ, offers free monthly food bags to seniors and individuals facing food insecurity. The food pantry is open Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is run by dedicated volunteers.
The Tucson Indian Center Food Boxes program, in collaboration with Community Food Bank and Midwest Food Bank, provides assistance to seniors. It is regulated by the State of Arizona and requires eligible individuals to show proof of residency with a current utility bill and state-issued ID card. The program operates Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Home Repair and Modifications
In Tucson, numerous programs are available to aid seniors and individuals with disabilities in financing home modifications and repairs. These programs, offering grants or loans, have diverse eligibility requirements specifically designed for retirees.
Pima County’s Home Repair program enhances the safety and livability of low-income residents’ homes. Eligible seniors can receive free improvements, such as accessibility upgrades, roofing repairs, septic replacement, and weatherization. To qualify, homeowners must have owned their residence for at least 1 year and maintain ownership for a year after the work is completed. This program is available to Pima County residents, excluding the City of Tucson, who meet income limit guidelines.
Senior Centers
In Tucson, senior centers serve as a hub for older adults, providing recreational activities, events, and valuable resources. These centers also offer wellness programs, nutritional guidance, and assistance with senior-related concerns.
The Armory Park Senior Center in Tucson offers a range of social and fitness activities for older residents. With bocce and shuffleboard courts, billiards tables, and horseshoe pits, there’s something for everyone. Seniors can also enjoy tai chi, chair yoga, and ballroom dance classes, as well as monthly group field trips. The center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Primavera Foundation Emergency Services in Tucson, AZ offers shelter for individuals, families, and seniors. Rent and Utility Assistance is available based on funding availability and eligibility requirements for seniors. Homeless seniors can also participate in the Rapid Re-Housing program. Other programs include temporary financial assistance for veterans, emergency shelter programs, and the Men’s Shelter.
Social Security Offices
In Tucson, Social Security offices provide essential services to seniors and individuals with disabilities. They offer guidance on retirement benefits, disability allowances, and Supplemental Security Income.
Social Security provides income for retirees and individuals unable to work due to disability. Funding is derived from payroll taxes paid by employers, employees, and self-employed individuals. Upon retirement, monthly payments are determined by previous earnings.
Tax Assistance
Numerous tax aid resources are available in Tucson for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. These include potential exemptions on medical costs, property tax reductions, and other tax relief initiatives.
The Pima County Assessor’s Office offers a program for seniors to freeze their property value, helping them manage tax debt and save money. To qualify, seniors must be at least 65 years old and provide a birth certificate with their application. The property must be their primary residence for at least two years and meet size limits. New applicants must also meet household income limits.
Veteran’s Services
Veteran services in Tucson offer invaluable assistance to retired military personnel. These local entities guide veterans in utilizing their rightful benefits and provide counsel on diverse matters.
The Tucson Vet Center offers comprehensive support for Arizona veterans, their caregivers, and families. Services include individual and group counseling, alcohol and drug referral and rehabilitation, and suicide prevention support. The center’s dedicated staff helps veterans enhance their quality of life through community engagement and workshops, in addition to counseling. It also provides transitional job and career training programs through its partnership with Arizona@work. Telehealth and remote appointments are available for added convenience.
Esperanza en Escalante Supportive Housing for Veterans offers transitional and permanent supportive housing for veterans and their families. Eligible senior veterans can receive housing support based on income requirements. The community provides separate areas for men, women, families, and disabled residents. It also offers social rehabilitation programs to promote self-sufficiency and provides clothing and household goods to aid in the transition out of the facility.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Tucson, AZ
Assisted Living Communities in Tucson are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined by the state. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
Our Methodology
It’s not what we research, but the way we research that makes AssistedLiving.org stand out. We start by identifying problems and challenges in the senior care industry by gaining insight from conversations with industry professionals, older adults, and those that care for them. Next, our research team led by industry experts apply our data-driven research techniques to understand the magnitude of the challenge and how to overcome it. Finally, we present our findings in easy-to-understand guides and studies and share our actionable results with influencers and caregivers, as well as the general public.
Facility Features (40%)
Facility Health Services Graded on health services provided on the facility including, but not limited to, on-site nursing, pharmacy, skilled nursing, medicine administration, etc
Facility Amenities Graded on the available amenities.
Affordability Financial assistance acceptance and overall costs and value.
Residential Quality (40%)
Resident Satisfaction Polling & survey of overall facility satisfaction.
Facility Complaint and Violations Number of complaints and violations the facility had. Taking into account improvement over time.
Location-Based Benefits Including, but not limited to, proximity to hospitals, ambulance response times, senior resources available, and state and city financial assistance.
Location Quality Local crime rates, incidents against older adults, air quality, climate.
