What is assisted living?
Housing with help for daily activities (bathing, dressing, medication, meals) for older adults who do not need full-time medical care.
How to choose senior care in your area
The marketing looks the same everywhere. The record does not. Here is what actually separates a good community from a risky one, by care type.
Assisted living & memory care
These are state-licensed, not federally rated, so the burden is on you. Confirm the state license is active, ask the staff-to-resident ratio during the day and overnight, and ask how they handle a fall or a medical change at 2 a.m. For memory care, confirm the unit is secured and ask about staff dementia training. Tour more than once, including unannounced.
How assisted living is paid for
- Assisted living is usually paid privately (out of pocket or with long-term care insurance).
- Medicare does not cover assisted living room and board.
- Some states help cover services (not rent) through a Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services waiver; availability and waitlists vary by state.
- Veterans may qualify for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit toward care costs.
Find assisted living communities by city
- Assisted living in Mesa, AZ (16)
- Assisted living in Phoenix, AZ (14)
- Assisted living in Scottsdale, AZ (8)
Frequently asked questions
What is assisted living?
Housing with help for daily activities (bathing, dressing, medication, meals) for older adults who do not need full-time medical care.
How is assisted living paid for?
Assisted living is usually paid privately (out of pocket or with long-term care insurance). Medicare does not cover assisted living room and board. Some states help cover services (not rent) through a Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services waiver; availability and waitlists vary by state. Veterans may qualify for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit toward care costs.
How is assisted living different from the other types of senior care?
Senior care ranges from independent living and assisted living to memory care, nursing homes, home health, and hospice. Assisted living sits in that spectrum: Housing with help for daily activities (bathing, dressing, medication, meals) for older adults who do not need full-time medical care.