Independent Living Communities in Arizona

Arizona’s independent living communities consist of individuals who are capable of everyday activities, taking advantage of care only when needed. This option is best for people who want to remain active and live their current lifestyle, all with the added bonus of a community of like-minded peers for support. Independent living in Arizona is a very popular option, especially considering that the state is considered one of the most tax-friendly places for retirees.

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Cost Comparisons of Arizona’s Independent Living 

City Monthly Minimum Monthly Maximum Monthly Median
Chandler $2,365 $3,450 $2,811
Mesa $1,795 $2,625 $2,171
Peoria $1,274 $2,689 $2,079
Phoenix $1,049 $2,700 $1,987
Scottsdale $1,950 $4,558 $3,252

Arizona has 136 independent living communities with an average cost of $2,382 per month.

Every independent living community offers a unique range of amenities and services. You’ll likely find housekeeping and linen services, transportation, meal plans, and fitness centers anywhere you go. Medical services are available but usually come at an extra cost. Independent living is about sustainability when it comes to pricing - here you can compare several cities in Arizona to choose the best option!

Recreation & Attractions in Arizona 

There are so many incredible sights to be seen in Arizona such as the Grand Canyon, Glen Canyon, and the Hoover Dam just to name a few. Glen Canyon was constructed to block the Colorado River and create Lake Powell; it has beautiful blue water among a desert landscape and stone walls lining the edges. Havasu Falls is another beautiful place to see -- one waterfall was split into two cascading down to form small pools at the base with a bluish green hue to the water. The result is simply magical!

Arizona’s Climate, Geography & Culture

Arizona has an average temperature of 75 degrees, a high temperature of 87 degrees and a low temperature of 63 degrees. Winter temperatures are in the 60-70’s, and the summer temperatures can reach over 100 degrees! The spring temperatures are between the 70-90’s and the fall temperatures are in the 70-100 degree range. Arizona has a very interesting climate due to the mountainous region, the deserts and higher elevations. Typically, the high temperatures are in the range of 70 degrees and low temperatures are in the 40’s-50’s in the mountainous region. It is usually dry, but the mountainous areas can receive 25-30 inches of precipitation and the desert regions can reach 120 degrees. 

Arizona is characterized by their southwestern culture, influenced by several different populations, including natives, Latin Americans, and Hispanics. The majestic landscapes and dry heat attracts many types of people and is particularly popular with seniors. More recently, Arizona is an emerging tech hub in the United States, with many major tech companies building their headquarters there.

Arizona Independent Living Regulations and Laws

The Department of Health Services in Arizona regulates the safety and sanitation requirements of all independent living communities across the state. After each annual inspection, these reports are made public upon request. These inspections ensure that any past violations have been dealt with and that the community meets all health and safety standards, including building codes and resident privacy. 

Crime & Safety in Arizona

Arizona Crime Prevention Association is an organization that aims to prevent crime, focus on more local, state and regional issues and any problems related to crime.

The association holds events to discuss ideas and programs to prevent crime. Arizona has many programs created to prevent crimes due to the crime rate and issues with gun violence.  G.A.I.N. is another crime prevention program and it stands for Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods; it is held annually statewide in order to discuss methods to prevent crime. Other ways Arizona tries to prevent crime include neighborhood watches, the police force, and other programs that offer information to citizens on how to prevent or watch for crime.

LocationViolent Crimes Per 1,000 ResidentsProperty Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Florence1.128.68
Clifton1.469.96
Fredonia3.019.03

(source: safewise.com)

Payment Options for Arizona Independent Living

Medicare and Medicaid don’t cover independent living in most situations, so seniors will want to consider how they can pay for this long-term care option. 

To start, Veterans’ Benefits can be used by a single person to receive $1,644 a month, with couples eligible for around $1,949. Surviving spouses of veterans may also be eligible for $1,056 a month. Seniors can also pay for this care option with their pension, savings, or other assets available to them. 

If these things are unavailable, it might be necessary to consider how much money can come from a Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you are blind, have a disability or children, and don’t already receive a sustainable income you may be eligible for to collect SSI. Additionally, you must be older than 65 years of age and be a citizen of the United States of America. 

Finally, you may want to consider opening a senior living line of credit. This will allow the withdrawal of up to $50,000 of unsecured credit to pay for care as needed. The funds are sent to your community directly, so there's a limited hassle. With flexible repayment terms, you can only use the appropriate amount and avoid the need for collateral. 

Senior & Elderly Rights for Independent Living in Arizona

Residents in Arizona independent living communities enjoy exceptional levels of transparency regarding their access to medical records or when expressing complaints. There is actually a searchable database for senior care communities provided by Arizona’s Department of Health Service’s website. All residents retain their rights to live in safe, secure environment with proper care when needed, as well as personal and medical privacy. 

As a resident of an independent living community in Arizona, you have the right to everything afforded by the U.S. constitution. Remember, just because you may need care doesn't mean you have given up your citizenship. If you believe your rights have been violated, it may be in your best interest to contact a lawyer familiar with elder law. 

For assistance in learning about and exercising your rights, you can review the Arizona Ombudsman for more details. 

AZ Independent Living Medical Record Rules & Regulations

Independent living residents in Arizona retain their right to keep medical information private and to participate in the care being provided. According to state laws and federal HIPAA regulations, all resident records and reports shall be maintained, filed, and kept private within the community premises. If a disclosure is to be made, you are required to authorize the sharing of this information. Residents also have the right to request to view this information at any time and retain the right to its ownership.

Finding the perfect senior care community is only part of making your loved one’s senior living transition smooth. At SeniorCaring, we know that it is also equally important to be aware of what other community services and resources are available to your family’s senior. Choose your location and find local resources for your senior.