10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Mesa, AZ

Most people pay for assisted living using a mix of personal savings and public aid. Medicaid, Medicare, and veterans benefits may cover some or all of your loved one’s assisted living costs. Private methods, such as a reverse mortgage or cashing out a life insurance policy, can also help keep the perfect assisted living facility within reach.

Assisted living facilities in Mesa are licensed and regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services. Residential board and care homes and their larger facility counterparts are both licensed as assisted living facilities.

Once licensed, assisted living facilities go through annual inspections. You can find inspection results for each community using the Residential Facilities Provider Search Form.

Mesa’s assisted living facilities follow Arizona’s assisted living regulations in order to keep their licensure, such as:

• Having a written care plan for each resident
• Maintaining clean living conditions
• Providing daily meals
• Staying up to date on all building codes

While all staff members are required to know CPR and first aid, caregivers have additional qualifications to meet before working with residents. Caregiver must complete the following:

• Pass a background check
• Complete a state-approved caregiver training program
• Be current on their tuberculosis immunizations
• Have at least three months of health-related experience

The Arizona Department of Health Services outlines residents’ rights in long-term care facilities. While these rights pertain to the senior, they may also pertain to a family member acting as the senior’s power of attorney. These rights include the following:

• Residents must be treated with respect and dignity and can expect a reasonable amount of privacy.
• Residents must not receive any retaliation for submitting a complaint.
• Residents’ possessions remain their own and can’t be removed without their permission.
• Residents can choose their own health care providers.
• Residents must be informed of all care services they receive.
• Residents must be informed about all changes to the cost of their care.

Arizona Department of Health contact information

150 N. 18th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Phone: 602-542-1025

COVID-19 regulations for Mesa assisted living facilities

Assisted living facilities in Mesa do their best to protect residents and staff members from COVID-19 by following federal and state recommendations. Arizona’s state government doesn’t mandate special precautions for assisted living facilities, but facilities can choose to implement preventative measures, such as asking visitors to mask.

Mesa, Arizona, is the third-largest city in Arizona, with a population of just over half a million people. Nearly 18% of Mesa’s residents are over 65, and this number is growing by the year as seniors are drawn to Mesa’s warm, quiet suburbs.

While Mesa is only about 30 minutes from Phoenix, it may feel more peaceful to some. Made up mostly of families and seniors, Mesa enjoys a low crime rate, friendly neighborhoods, and the beautiful backdrop of the Superstition Mountains.

What you need to know about assisted living in Mesa

Mesa is an exceptional place to retire, and the residents of Mesa’s assisted living facilities are both Arizona natives and from other states. Since board and care homes are licensed in the same way as larger assisted living facilities, care will be similar regardless of location.

Traditional assisted living facilities in Mesa often hire an activities coordinator who designs daily events and classes for the residents. Board and care homes will also plan activities for residents to enjoy. Here are some of the most common activities in Mesa’s assisted living facilities:

• Chair yoga or tai chi
• Social hours
• Visiting musicians
• Movie nights
• Bridge club
• Garden club
• Arts and crafts workshops

Board and care homes

About half of Mesa’s assisted living facilities are smaller board and care homes. Most board and care homes in Mesa cost about $1,000 less per month than traditional assisted living facilities. They’re also smaller and are typically in residential homes. Seniors can expect to share a bedroom, eat in a dining room with other residents, and spend time in the home’s living room. Board and care homes have live-in caregivers who can assist with care, plan activities, and prepare meals.

Assisted living facilities

Mesa’s assisted living facilities typically have more than 50 residents. These traditional assisted living facilities are more expensive than board and care homes.

When comparing costs, it’s important to realize that residents generally have access to more amenities and services than they would at a board and care home. Residents can expect amenities such as a gym, library, game room, and a theater. There’s also a larger staff, including caregivers, cooks, activity coordinators, and housekeepers.

Health care for seniors in Mesa

Transportation for seniors in Mesa

Seniors living in Mesa’s assisted living facilities won’t need to worry about transportation because 86% of A Place for Mom’s partnering communities offer complimentary transportation or transportation for a small fee. Visiting family and friends should be aware that a car is the most common way to get around Mesa.

Seniors without the ability to access transportation can use RideChoice, Mesa’s public transportation option for seniors. RideChoice is a pick-up and drop-off service for anyone with disabilities or for those 65 years and older.

Although Mesa is mostly car dependent, visiting family members can find some bikeable areas. The following scores can give you an idea of how easy it is to use various transportations throughout Mesa. Scores are calculated out of 100 points with a higher score indicating a greater ease in that transportation type.

Things to do in Mesa for seniors and their families

Mesa may be quiet, but it has plenty of attractions and activities to keep seniors and visitors busy. The nearby mountain range, golf courses, fine dining, museums, and theaters keep Mesa interesting.

Explore Mesa’s museums

Many of Mesa’s museums are wheelchair-accessible and offer an enjoyable afternoon for seniors. Here are three of the best museums in Mesa for seniors:

• Arizona Museum of Natural History. This museum features ancient civilizations, dinosaurs, and more. Seniors can also receive discounted admissions.
• Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Museum. This museum is perfect for 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 is the local theater. It has rotating live performances of contemporary musical numbers, classical pieces, and comedians. Find information about the season’s lineup on the website. The center accommodates people with low vision, individuals who have difficulty hearing, and those with mobility impairments.

Get outside on Mesa’s hiking trails

With a range of hiking trails for all abilities, Mesa’s natural beauty can be experienced by anyone. Here are some of the more accessible walking trails for seniors in Mesa:

• Merkle Trail. This is a one-mile loop, ideal for seniors who want to enjoy the sunset or sunrise.
• Hawes Ridge Loop. At only two miles long, this loop is a great way to see saguaro cactus groves.

Phoenix’s attractions are accessible from Mesa

Phoenix is only 30 minutes away from Mesa, making it an accessible and reasonable day trip for seniors and loved ones who want something a little different. Here are some of the best activities in Phoenix for seniors:

• Papago Golf Course. Papago Golf Course is one of the best golf courses in a city known for its golf courses. Enjoy a morning of golf set against a scenic view and eat lunch at Lou’s Bar & Grill.
• Taliesin West. Taliesin West was Frank Lloyd Wright’s personal home, designed by the famed architect himself. You can schedule tours on the website.
• Desert Botanical Garden. The Desert Botanical Garden is the best way to explore the local desert flora. You can request tours and wheelchairs on the website.