10 Best Nursing Homes in Mesa, AZ
Nursing homes in Mesa, Arizona, offer seniors the chance to age gracefully in a quiet city just outside Phoenix. Warm weather all year, excellent senior care, and a generous state Medicaid program make Mesa a popular choice for seniors looking for a skilled nursing facility. A Place for Mom partners with 57 assisted living and memory care facilities with skilled nursing care within a 10-mile radius of Mesa’s city center.
The term “nursing home” is sometimes used as a general name for all senior living facilities. In fact, nursing homes are distinct from other senior living facilities, differing from assisted living and memory care communities. Nursing homes provide skilled nursing care, which is a level of care just below that of a hospital. Seniors who reside in nursing homes generally need round-the-clock medical attention for significant physical or mental health conditions. Some seniors live in a nursing home for a short period to recover from a procedure or an illness, while others live in a nursing home permanently.
If your loved one doesn’t need the specialized medical care of a nursing home, consider Mesa’s assisted living or memory care facilities instead. These communities help seniors with daily tasks and medication management. In Mesa, memory care facilities are considered a type of assisted living facility, but they specialize in offering therapeutic support to people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
This guide has everything you need to know about the best senior care communities in Mesa, Arizona. Learn how much they cost, how to pay, and more.
Nursing Homes Facilities near Mesa, AZ
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- Costs of nursing homes in the Mesa area
- What families are saying about nursing homes in Mesa
- How people pay for a nursing home in Mesa
- Understand Arizona laws and regulations for nursing homes
- What to expect from nursing homes in Mesa
- Mesa nursing homes services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Mesa? Highlights for seniors
Costs of nursing homes in the Mesa area
A private room in one of Mesa’s nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities costs $7,908 a month, according to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey.[02] Skilled nursing is among the costlier types of senior care because it requires a higher level of training and round-the-clock supervision.
The monthly fee for a skilled nursing facility in Mesa often includes the following services:
- Rent for a shared or private room
- Daily meals and snacks
- 24/7 skilled nursing care
- Personal care support
- Housekeeping
- Activities
- Security
Assisted living and memory care costs in Mesa
Assisted living costs $4,596 a month, and memory care costs $4,907 a month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] Assisted living and memory care communities tend to be more affordable because residents don’t require as high a level of care.
The monthly fee for assisted living and memory care tends to include the following services:
- Rent for a shared or private room
- Daily meals and snacks
- Personal care support
- Medication management
- Activities and amenities
- Housekeeping
- Security
Board and care homes are a more affordable option in Mesa
Board and care homes in Mesa tend to cost about $500 less a month than traditional assisted living or memory care facilities.[01] In Mesa, about one-third of assisted living and memory care facilities are board and care homes. Board and care homes offer the same services as traditional assisted living and memory care facilities but are set in residential houses and have up to 10 residents. Their smaller size makes them more affordable.
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Mesa, AZ vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Mesa, AZ vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Mesa vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Nursing Homes in Mesa, AZ by room type
Average cost of Nursing Homes in Mesa over time
What families are saying about nursing homes in Mesa
Recent reviews for nursing homes in Mesa
Robson Reserve at Sun Lakes
The Auberge at Scottsdale
Brookdale North Gilbert
How people pay for a nursing home in Mesa
No two families pay for their loved one’s senior care in exactly the same way, but most families use a mix of personal income and public assistance. We cover strategic ways to use your personal savings and income, how to leverage Medicaid and Medicare, and how to utilize veterans benefits. Read on to learn how to fit the right senior care facility in your budget.
Private savings, income, and other financial assets are usually the first options families look to when considering how to fund senior care. Most people use their personal income and other private assets such as retirement accounts, investments, and pensions to pay for care. Learn more ways to pay for senior care by reading the articles below.
30,924 veterans live in Mesa, Arizona as of 2021.
About 51% of Mesa veterans are age 65+.
Veterans and their spouses may be eligible to pay for some or all of their long-term senior care costs using veterans benefits. There are many different benefits available to veterans, so seniors and their families may want to speak with a veterans benefits counselor to help determine which benefits they’re eligible for. For example, the VA Aid and Attendance benefit is a generous benefit that can cover anything that improves a veteran’s quality of life. This includes all skilled nursing services and rent at a senior care facility.
Veterans may be eligible for benefits based on their “presumptive” service-connected disabilities. Some veterans may still be eligible for benefits even if their disability isn’t mentioned on this list.
Benefits counselors for veterans in Mesa, Arizona
Veterans service organizations (VSOs) offer benefits counseling to veterans and their families. These experts can help military-connected individuals understand their veterans benefits and provide support during the application process. Some can also help appeal benefits decisions. Below are local VSOs and a few other veterans benefits counselors based in and around Mesa, Arizona:
- Arizona Department of Veterans Services. This department provides benefits counseling to in-state veterans and their families. Veterans Benefits Counselors are VA-vetted employees of the department.
- Mesa Vets Connect. Veterans and family members in Mesa can use Mesa Vets Connect to find information about veterans benefits. Run by the City of Mesa, Mesa Vets Connect is an informational web page with veterans benefits application materials and information about housing and food assistance.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Both the VFW and DAV have local chapters in Mesa and Phoenix. These organizations provide benefits counseling to veterans and their families and advocate for veterans throughout the entire application process.
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.
Benefits page
Veterans of Foreign Wars Dode Morris Post 1760
65 S. MacDonald St.
Mesa, AZ 85210
Phone: 480-964-9937
Disabled American Veterans East Valley Chapter 8
655 N. Gilbert Road
Mesa, AZ 85203
Phone: 480-890-2424
Medicaid is a federal- and state-run health insurance program for low-income individuals. In Arizona, the Medicaid program is called the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Compared to other Medicaid programs, AHCCCS is one of the most generous in the country, covering more services for more people. Arizona’s Medicaid program will cover the cost of skilled nursing care.
AHCCCS covers health care expenses
Coverage under AHCCCS typically includes health care expenses, including skilled nursing services. AHCCCS doesn’t cover rent or meals in a skilled nursing facility. Services often covered under AHCCCS include the following:
- Hospital care
- Specialist care
- Injections and immunizations
- Prescriptions
- Emergency room care
- Labs and X-Rays
The subprogram ALTCS may cover rent and meals in a nursing home
The Arizona Long Term Care Systems (ALTCS) is a subprogram of AHCCCS designed specifically for people in long-term care facilities such as assisted living facilities, memory care communities, and nursing homes. Unlike the main AHCCCS Medicaid program which only covers health care expenses, ALTCS covers both health care expenses and the cost of living in a long-term care facility.
Seniors covered under ALTCS may still be asked to pay some amount towards their care. This is called Share of Cost, and the amount the senior is asked to pay varies depending on total financial assets and monthly income.
ALTCS also has a higher income cut-off than AHCCCS. Seniors enrolled in AHCCCS can make no more than $1,215 a month. Seniors enrolled in ALTCS enjoy a higher income limit, and can still enroll in ALTCS if they make up to $2,741 a month.
The following services and expenses are often covered under ALTCS:
- Rent and meals in a long-term care facility, including a nursing home
- Personal care services, like housekeeping and medication management
- Amenity fees
Understanding eligibility for ALTCS
Seniors are eligible for ALTCS if they are over 65 years of age and require skilled nursing care. AHCCCS determines what qualifies seniors as being in need of skilled nursing care and doesn’t limit this need to medical care. Seniors in need of assisted living and memory care services can also qualify for ALTCS.
Like AHCCCS, ALTCS has an income cutoff for eligibility. However, if a senior makes over the income limit, they may still be eligible if they set up a Special Treatment Trust. To explore this option further, we suggest speaking with a Medicaid advisor or an Arizona-based elder law attorney.
You can direct your questions and concerns about your loved one’s Medicaid coverage to the Mesa Medicaid office, the Maricopa County Area Agency on Aging, or the Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens’ Aide.
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
Apply for AHCCCS and ALTCS
Mesa Medicaid office
1619 E Main St.
Mesa, AZ 85203
Phone: 480-834-4066
Maricopa County Area Agency on Aging
1377 E. Thomas Road, Suite 108
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Phone: 602-264-2255
Email: info@aaaphx.org
Medicare is a federally-run health insurance program for seniors over the age of 65. Seniors may be able to pay for some or all of their skilled nursing care using Medicare, as long as the care is provided on a short-term basis or is under twenty days. An example of when this would be the case is if a senior stays in a rehabilitation facility after a procedure or an illness for two weeks. In general, Medicare covers medically necessary resources and services for short-term care.
Here’s an overview of what Medicare covers, or you can explore specific services on the Medicare coverage search tool.
- Medicare Part A. Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care, hospice, and rehabilitation. It may cover some home health care services.
- Medicare Part B. Medicare Part B covers some physician appointments, outpatient care, and preventative services.
- Medicare Part D. Medicare Part D covers some vaccines and prescription medications.
Medicare benefits counseling
Everyone’s situation is unique, so you may need more help understanding your loved one’s Medicare coverage. Families can reach out to these organizations to help explore their loved one’s Medicare options.
- The Maricopa County Area Agency on Aging. This local agency can help answer questions about Medicare or can draw on their network to connect families with a different benefits advisor. The Maricopa County Area Agency on Aging also partners with the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
- Local Social Security offices. Social Security offices can give straightforward advice and information, or they can direct you toward other agencies who can better assist.
- The Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens’ Aide. This local officer takes all complaints and concerns about Medicare and can either resolve or mediate the problem.
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
Understand Arizona laws and regulations for nursing homes
Nursing homes and other senior care facilities in Arizona follow state and federal regulations to ensure quality of life for residents. In Arizona, caregivers in nursing homes go through certified training programs, and facilities go through annual inspections. Passing these inspections is required to keep licensure. You can find a public report card for every nursing home in Arizona through Medicare.gov.
In 2022, Arizona increased its requirements for caregivers at skilled nursing facilities. People with felonies due to violence or fraud are no longer permitted to work as caregivers at skilled nursing homes or any other long-term care facility. Caregivers must be over 18, and all workers must pass a background check.
Federal regulations for nursing homes focus on quality of life
Unlike other senior care facilities like assisted living or memory care, nursing homes are regulated by the federal government. Federal programs like Medicare often cover services at nursing homes, so the federal government takes increased interest in these facilities versus other senior care communities. The Code of Federal Regulations for Long-Term Care Facilities outlines the requirements for skilled nursing units, including the following:
- Skilled nursing facilities must prevent any kind of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
- Facilities should provide residents with a high quality of life and care by providing expert care, housekeeping and laundry services, and meals.
- Facilities should allow residents to keep their personal belongings in their rooms.
- Residents and families should be informed of all care services and of any changes in their fees or services.
Arizona state regulations for nursing homes ensure ethical and accessible care
In Arizona, the Bureau of Long-Term Care Licensing regulates nursing homes. The Bureau outlines the rights of nursing home residents in its Consumer’s Guide to Nursing Homes. This guide highlights the following rights:
- Skilled nursing home residents have a right to privacy and confidentiality.
- All residents and family members have the right to submit complaints without fear of retaliation.
- Residents are permitted to engage in religious and social activities at their discretion.
- Couples who live in the same facility should be allowed to live in the same room.
- Residents should be allowed to choose their own health care providers.
- Residents cannot be given any restraints, chemical or physical, for nonmedical purposes.
Other senior care facilities are licensed differently than nursing homes
The Bureau of Residential Licensing regulates and licenses assisted living and memory care facilities in Arizona. These senior care facilities go through annual inspections, and all inspection results are available publicly on the AZDHS Provider Search Form. You can search for facilities by name or ZIP code.
In Arizona’s assisted living and memory care facilities, caregivers must be 18 years or older and pass a state-approved training program that includes CPR training. Learn more about the laws and regulations for Mesa’s assisted living and memory care facilities by visiting their webpages.
Article 8: Assisted Living Facilities by the Department of Health Services outlines resident rights in assisted living and memory care facilities in Arizona, including the following:
- Residents should be free from any kind of abuse.
- Residents and family members should be informed of all changes in care.
- Residents and families should have access to their medical records during normal business hours.
- Assisted living residents can request to move to a different room.
- Residents should have access to a reasonable amount of privacy.
- Residents should be able to choose their own health care providers and pharmacies.
Arizona Department of Health contact information
150 N. 18th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-542-1025
COVID-19 regulations for Mesa nursing homes
Mesa’s nursing homes follow the guidelines developed by the Arizona Together program to protect residents, staff members, and visitors from COVID-19. This program suggests that residents mask when sick and test if exposed to COVID-19. It also recommends that facilities have a COVID-19 quarantine wing to further protect residents and staff members.
Vaccinations. Arizona doesn’t mandate any vaccine requirements. Visitors are allowed into Mesa’s nursing homes regardless of their vaccination status.
Facility cleanliness. Nursing homes are to be kept clean and hygienic. High-use areas are regularly disinfected.
Quarantining. Nursing homes typically have a quarantine wing to protect vulnerable residents and staff members from COVID-19.
What to expect from nursing homes in Mesa
Mesa, Arizona, is a sunny city 30 minutes outside of Phoenix. While Mesa has a reputation for being quiet, it’s the third-largest city in Arizona. With beautiful outdoor recreation sites and access to some of the best health care in the nation, Mesa is an ideal place to retire. Seniors looking for skilled nursing care, assisted living, and memory care will find options to meet their budgets and needs.
While some people use the term “nursing home” to refer to all senior care facilities, nursing homes are actually distinct from assisted living and memory care facilities. Unlike other senior care facilities, nursing homes offer skilled nursing care and are reserved for seniors with significant physical or mental health conditions, or for older adults recovering from a procedure or an illness. Nursing homes offer round-the-clock medical care at a level just below that of a hospital.
If your loved one doesn’t need this type of intensive medical care, consider Mesa’s assisted living or memory care facilities instead. A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with facilities that only offer skilled nursing care, but we do partner with 57 assisted living and memory care facilities that may have skilled nursing wings.[01]
Mesa’s nursing homes and senior care facilities offer compassionate help
Seniors residing in Mesa’s nursing homes or other senior care facilities can expect highly trained caregivers and top-notch services. Most facilities offer shared or private rooms and a variety of amenities. Gyms, personal development classes, and interest clubs are common offerings. Caregivers undergo strict training requirements from Arizona’s state licensing agency, and facilities themselves must maintain building and safety codes.
Most senior care facilities in Mesa design care plans for each resident. These are available to residents and family members upon request, and change as a resident’s needs evolve. Residents can expect daily meals and snacks that fit their dietary requirements.
Board and care homes in Mesa
Approximately 37% of Mesa’s assisted living and memory care facilities are smaller board and care homes.[01] These are set in residential homes and house up to 10 residents at a time, often in shared rooms. While smaller than traditional assisted living and memory care facilities, board and care homes offer the same services and are licensed in the same way as traditional facilities. Caregivers tend to live in the home with the residents, and residents spend their days in the home’s common areas and eat meals in the shared dining room.
Many seniors appreciate the added attention and community in these smaller settings. Families often appreciate the smaller price tag, too, as board and care homes tend to be about $500 less expensive each month than traditional assisted living or memory care facilities.
Traditional assisted living and memory care facilities in Mesa
Most of Mesa’s assisted living and memory care facilities are larger traditional complexes. These can have hundreds of residents. Because of their size, they offer more amenities and daily activities. Some employ an activities coordinator who plans daily classes and games for residents. These larger facilities often have assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing wings in the same building or on a shared campus. This allows seniors to transition seamlessly into added care as needed.
Mesa nursing homes services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Mesa nursing homes
Availability of select dementia care services in Mesa nursing homes
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Mesa nursing homes
Availability of select dining options in Mesa nursing homes
Availability of select programs and activities in Mesa nursing homes
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Unfamiliar with Mesa? Highlights for seniors
Health care for seniors in Mesa
Mesa’s seniors have access to excellent health care facilities both in Mesa and in nearby Phoenix. Most local nursing homes offer medical care, but for specialist care and procedures, seniors can go to any of these hospitals or medical facilities.
Dignity Health – Mesa
Dignity Health – Mesa provides care across medical specialties and offers in-patient hospital care and emergency medicine. This hospital is open 24/7 and serves the entire East Valley area.
9130 Elliot Road.
Mesa, Arizona 85212
Phone: 480-410-4500
Find a provider
Banner Heart Hospital
The Banner Heart Hospital specializes in cardiac care, including surgery, rehabilitation, lab work, and palliative care.
6750 E. Baywood Ave.
Mesa, Arizona 85206
Phone: 480-854-5000
Find a provider
Mayo Clinic – Phoenix
The Mayo Clinic in Phoenix is an exceptional health care facility serving all of Maricopa County, including Phoenix and Mesa. It offers care across most specialties, in-patient hospital services, and emergency care.
5777 E. Mayo Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85054
Phone: 480-342-2000
Request an appointment
Transportation for seniors in Mesa
Most people get around Mesa by car. But seniors without a vehicle still have transportation options to get to appointments and activities. About 86% of Mesa’s partnering assisted living facilities offer transportation services, either complimentary or at cost, so seniors won’t need to worry about getting around.
For other seniors, RideChoice can be a useful resource. RideChoice is Mesa’s public transportation system for seniors or people with disabilities. It serves most of Maricopa County, making it a convenient option. Here’s what you need to know about using RideChoice:
- It costs $3 for the first eight miles and $2 for each additional mile
- While it doesn’t require reservations, riders need to sign up by calling 602-716-2111
- It offers wheelchair-accessible vehicles
Senior activities in Mesa
Mesa is a beautiful, quiet city on the outskirts of Phoenix with plenty of outdoor and indoor activities for seniors. Accessible walks in the nearby mountain range and a full calendar of cultural activities keep seniors entertained all year.
Mesa’s senior care facilities offer personalized activities
Most of Mesa’s assisted living and memory care facilities employ an activities coordinator. This individual plans and organizes daily classes, games, and outings to keep residents busy and having fun. Some of the most common activities in Mesa’s senior care facilities including the following:
- Arts and crafts workshops
- Garden club
- Social hours
- Chair yoga
- Movie nights
- Game nights
- Outings to local attractions
Mesa’s senior centers provide community
In Mesa, the local senior centers are run by Aster Senior Centers. These facilities are sprinkled throughout the city and provide daily community events and activities. Members also have access to the senior centers’ amenities, such as a kitchen, computer room and printer, garden, and game rooms. Some of the regular activities organized by the Aster Senior Centers include the following:
- Daily lunch (view the current menu)
- Exercise, dance, and art courses
- Games, live music, and movie nights
- Exclusive parties
Indoor Mesa attractions for seniors
Mesa is in the desert, and while this means it has perfect walking weather most of the year, some seniors would prefer to be inside during the hottest days. Here are some of the best indoor Mesa activities for seniors:
- Superstition Springs Center. This indoor mall has enough entertainment, shopping, and dining options to keep you busy all day, including a movie theater.
- Arizona Museum of Natural History. Seniors receive discounted admissions to the Arizona Museum of Natural History. Explore exhibits about local dinosaurs and ancient civilizations in Maricopa County. The museum is in Mesa.
- Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Museum. Ideal for senior 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 has rotating live performances of contemporary musical numbers, classical pieces, and comedians. You can find information about the season’s lineup on the website. The center accommodates people with low vision, the hard of hearing, and those with mobility impairments.
- Cactus League. Mesa is home to the Cactus League, which means for a few months each year Major League Baseball teams come to Mesa for Spring Training. You can find schedules and ticketing information on their website.
Outdoor Mesa attractions for seniors
Mesa is near the Superstition Mountain Range and is one of the most beautiful desert landscapes in the nation. Seniors can take in Mesa’s natural beauty while enjoying any of these activities:
- Merkle Trail. This is a 1-mile loop, ideal for seniors who want to enjoy the sunset or sunrise.
- Hawes Ridge Loop. At only 2 miles long, this loop is a great way to see saguaro cactus groves.
- Papago Golf Course. Papago Golf Course is a legendary golf course in Phoenix. You can enjoy a morning of golf set against a scenic view of the Papago Bluffs and eat lunch at Lou’s Bar & Grill.
- Taliesin West. Taliesin West was Frank Lloyd Wright’s self-designed personal home. You can schedule tours of the home and the sprawling grounds on the website.
- Desert Botanical Garden. The Desert Botanical Garden is an exceptional way to explore the local desert flora. It has both an indoor and an outdoor portion. You can request tours and wheelchairs on the website.
Frequently Asked Questions
McDowell Village, Sunrise of Scottsdale and Acoya Troon by Cogir are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Mesa, AZ. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Mesa is $4,748 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.
Genworth. (2021). Cost of Care Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Mesa city profile. American Community Survey.
U.S. Climate Data. (2023). Climate Mesa Arizona.
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