DEV | TEST h1 template (view-level fallback) Assisted Living

Assisted living is usually paid for using a combination of payment types. Families often pay for costs like room and board using private funds from savings or retirement savings. However many of the care services provided at assisted living communities are covered by insurance such as Medicare or Medicaid or veterans benefits if a senior qualifies. In this section, we explore various payment options to help determine the financial approach that’s right for you or your loved one.

Scottsdale assisted living facilities are licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). The smaller group homes with a capacity of up to 10 residents are licensed as assisted living homes. Larger facilities that accommodate over 20 residents are called assisted living centers by ADHS.

Facility licenses are renewed every 12 months pending an unannounced annual inspection. Facilities are evaluated in several categories including quality of care, caregiver background and training, and resident rights. Examples of the criteria surveyors use to evaluate facilities include the following:

• Residents must be treated with respect and dignity.
• Facilities must have a written care plan outlining each resident’s current health and level of care.
• Caregivers must complete first-aid and CPR training.
• Facilities must provide daily meals to residents.
• Residents must be told about any changes in the cost of their room, meals, and care.
• Caregivers must pass a state-approved, caregiver training program.
• Facilities must be maintained and adhere to state building codes.
• Residents must be told about all care services they will receive.
• Caregivers must be 18 years or older.

Arizona strengthened its background check requirements in 2022 for workers in assisted living communities. The new law restricts felons convicted of violent crimes and financial fraud from holding positions in Arizona assisted living communities.

The Inspection results can be found for facilities on the Residential Facilities Provider Search Form.

COVID-19 regulations for Scottsdale assisted living facilities

Arizona has no specific COVID-19 regulations for assisted living facilities. However, the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS) has published COVID-19 guidance for long-term care communities.

For more information regarding Arizona’s regulations and licensing of assisted living communities, explore our Overview of Assisted Living in Arizona.

Scottsdale’s warm, dry weather has long been a draw for seniors, but it also offers a unique combination of urban convenience, exciting activities, and easy access to desert solitude and the rugged McDowell Mountains. Scottsdale seniors benefit from a variety of assisted living community choices from the intimate board and care homes to larger assisted living facilities with their range of activities and luxury options.

Scottsdale assisted living communities offer multiple care types on one campus

Seniors who want the convenience of living in one facility regardless of future care needs will find that Scottsdale offers several multi-care communities to choose from. A Place for Mom’s partner communities include the following options:

• Eight facilities combine assisted living and memory care facilities.
• Nine facilities offer assisted living, independent living, and memory care.
• Residential group homes are most common, with 35 in the local area.

Board and care homes

Board and care homes are common in Scottsdale and often cost less than larger assisted living communities. Offering a more a personalized experience, these facilities are typically located in residential neighborhoods and many are converted from single-family homes. Residents of board and care homes usually share a room with one other resident and have access to all the common areas of the house.

Personal care services offered at board and care homes are similar to larger assisted living communities and are available 24/7. And, while there may be fewer amenities, these communities usually offer peaceful outdoor common spaces, like a backyard or patio, a dining room, and a living room. Board and care homes typically offer on-site skilled nursing through partnerships with home health care agencies to provide residents with the advanced care they need, so they can age in place.

Worry-free accommodations and individualized care

Scottsdale assisted living facilities are designed with seniors’ overall well-being in mind, providing ample opportunities for intellectual stimulation, physical activity, and socializing. They also provide extra help with activities of daily living which may include assistance with the following tasks:

• Bathing
• Dressing
• Using the bathroom
• Mobility
• Eating
• Medication management
• Transportation
• Housekeeping and laundry
• Meal preparation

Luxurious amenities

Scottsdale has a reputation for luxury living which extends to assisted living communities. Residents will find several communities that offer resort-style amenities including:

• Spacious floor plans
• Pools
• Gardens and patios
• Spas
• On-site cafés, pubs, and coffee shops

These communities also have calendars full of engaging activities that seniors of all ability levels can take part in. Examples include barbecues or picnics, holiday and birthday parties, religious services, educational lectures, book clubs, yoga, gardening, and Tai Chi. Off-site group trips are also popular, like trips to the nearby Vegas-style casino.

Multilingual communities

Scottsdale is home to many assisted living communities with multilingual staff. More than half of our partner communities have Spanish-speaking staff, and 12% have staff that speak Filipino. This helps ensure multilingual seniors can fully communicate their care needs in their preferred language. This also helps residents feel content and comfortable in their new surroundings.

Best hospitals for seniors in Scottsdale

Scottsdale is home to many high-quality health care facilities. Read on for a few local options.

Transportation for seniors in Scottsdale

While a majority of people in Scottsdale rely on their cars to get around town, all of our partner assisted living facilities provide transportation services for residents. This makes trips to the doctor, social outings, or running errands easy and safe. For seniors who prefer to drive, over 50% of our partner communities provide on-site parking.

While public transportation isn’t the most efficient or safe mode of transportation for seniors in Scottsdale, there are a few options available. Scottsdale’s free trolley system operates limited services during the week.

The Valley Metro system operates buses, a light rail system, streetcars, and also has paratransit options in Scottsdale and the surrounding Phoenix metro area. Buses and light rail systems are accessible for individuals with disabilities, and seniors can ride for $2.

Scottsdale’s walkability, bikeability, and public transportation options are rated on a scale of 0-100 by Walk Score, with 100 being the best. Scottsdale received the following scores:

Senior activities in Scottsdale

With sunny weather year-round, upscale lifestyle offerings, and beautiful natural sights, Scottsdale has a host of both indoor and outdoor activities for residents and visitors.

Scottsdale outside

The stunning desert views at McDowell Sonoran Preserve can be enjoyed by everyone on the variety of accessible trails. Gather the family for a picnic at the 17-acre Cactus Park. Seniors working on their golf game have numerous local public, private, and semi-private courses to choose from. The fascinating views of Pinnacle Peak from the greens of the semi-private Troon North Golf Club should not be missed.

Dining in Scottsdale

Scottsdale Fashion Square is one of Scottsdale’s outdoor shopping and dining destinations that has everything from elegant to simple. Old Town Scottsdale embodies the city’s Old West past with plenty of local restaurants and shops.

Scottsdale museums

Scottsdale has many unique, world-class museums for lovers of art, history, and car racing.

• Architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s historic Taliesin West offers both guided and audio tours.
• Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is an artsy destination housing contemporary and design works, as well as architectural pieces.
• The Western Spirit is a Smithsonian affiliate dedicated to the Old West as well as Indigenous history and art.
• The Penske Racing Museum is filled to the brim with race cars and intriguing memorabilia. Tours are self-paced so everyone is free to take their time.

Family fun

For seniors seeking an experience with visiting family or friends, Scottsdale has several fun options that give everyone from grandkids to adult kids the chance to explore.

• Butterfly Wonderland is the largest butterfly conservancy in the United States and offers a rainforest experience that is a considerable contrast to Scottsdale’s desert surroundings.
• The OdySea Aquarium is home to hundreds of aquatic animals. It features seating throughout the exhibits, so it may be the perfect spot for seniors to have a seat and take it all in.
• The Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center provides another fascinating animal adventure but on a smaller scale: It offers appointment-only tours of the wildlife rehabilitation sanctuary.
• The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a family-friendly attraction that combines amusement park fun with railroad history.
• Scottsdale Stadium is the spring training home of the San Francisco Giants.

Performing arts and live entertainment

As a premier arts and culture destination, Scottsdale also has a few performing arts options enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. At the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, you can catch everything from Grammy-winning musicians to music festivals. Additionally, the Desert Stages Theatre offers a more intimate space for fans of plays and musicals.