10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Tucson, AZ
Tucson, Arizona, is a hidden gem for seniors looking to move to assisted living. With a population of just over 500,000, Tucson is only a third of the size of its cousin, Phoenix. More approachable for seniors accustomed to smaller cities, Tucson’s slow-paced sprawl and Old West nostalgia reminds residents of its country foundations. Tucson has many of the same attractions as Phoenix for seniors looking for assisted living: a warm, dry climate and a reasonable cost of living. Tucson, however, has its own flair.
Home to the University of Arizona, Tucson has a balance of youthful energy and historic prestige. Outdoor activities are a popular local pastime, due to the surrounding juxtaposition of dramatic desert and mountain terrain. Because Tucson is at a higher elevation than other Southwestern cities, it enjoys a gentler summer and more greenery than Phoenix.
Perhaps best of all for seniors looking for assisted living, Tucson maintains an even lower cost of living than other cities with comparable scenery, weather, city amenities, and assisted living options. A Place for Mom partners with 31 assisted living communities in Tucson within a 15-mile radius, a high number for a city of its size. Most seniors find an assisted living option in Tucson that fits their needs and budget.
This guide introduces you to the top-rated assisted living communities in Tucson. According to reviews from people like you, these assisted living communities have the best meals and dining, cost-effectiveness, cleanliness, and more. This guide will also highlight what living in Tucson is like, from how far your dollar will get you to local senior resources and senior-friendly activities.
Tucson Assisted Living Facilities | 633 Reviews
These ratings are based during the COVID pandemic. There are only 6 or 7 residents, and all the residents have some sort of memory cares issue. Saint Anthony's is wonderful. It was heaven sent! We...
This facility feels just like Grandma's house and I immediately felt at home when I walked in. Marla is a gem and all the staff really care about the residents. Small facility with exceptional one-on-one...
Wonderful home. Caring,happy caregivers that have stayed when other homes have lots of turnover. Like a big family. Focused on care. Great place. My mother in law loves the people and the home. I don't think...
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I liked that this community advised that they would accept medicaid if my loved one ever needs to use it. The staff and the residents look happy. They only things she was not happy with was that she only...
the staff at Affirmative Care Home have been treating my sister extremely well. its very nice, and things have been good. they are aware of the level of care she needs, and they are meeting that expectation....
My brother spent the last month of his life at Plum Tree House (one of the Groves 6 houses), and for all of our family, it was by far the most positive experience of the last 6 months of his illness. The...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Tucson community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Tucson community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of assisted living in the Tucson area
- What families are saying about assisted living in Tucson
- How people pay for assisted living in Tucson
- Tucson laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- What assisted living is like in Tucson
- Tucson assisted living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Seniors' guide to the city of Tucson
Costs of assisted living in the Tucson area
Seniors pay a median cost of $4,400 per month for a private one bedroom in an assisted living community in Tucson. This figure includes all amenities and fees, including rent, meals, and extra costs associated with care services and amenities in communities with over 25 residents. This falls below the national median, which is just about $5,000 per month.[02].
Board and care homes make up 31% of the assisted living options in Tucson, and have a median monthly cost of $3,500. Group homes offer a more intimate environment with fewer residents and are usually located in a residential home. While group homes may have fewer amenities than assisted living communities, they provide the same type of care for a lower cost.
The costs listed in the chart below differ somewhat because it portrays the average starting costs, which is a baseline before fees or additional amenities and services are added.
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Tucson, AZ vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Tucson, AZ vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Tucson vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Assisted Living in Tucson, AZ by room type
Average cost of Assisted Living in Tucson over time
What families are saying about assisted living in Tucson
Recent reviews for assisted living in Tucson
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Reviews mention these favorite features of communities
Tucson review score based on 180 family reviews
This proprietary review score is based on 180 reviews of 136 Tucson assisted living communities. All reviews were submitted in the past two years by verified community residents and family members.Tucson review score compared against nearby cities
Review subcategories for Tucson assisted living
When assisted living residents and family members submit a review on our site, they rate each community on categories such as cleanliness, activities, meals, and more. The chart below is based on 180 reviews of 136 Tucson assisted living communities. This chart helps you compare Tucson resident and family assisted living satisfaction rates against national averages. Use it to assess your needs and develop criteria for your own search. If you know that one of these categories is important to you or your loved one, our senior living advisors can help you find communities to match your needs.How people pay for assisted living in Tucson
Seniors and their families usually pay for assisted living with a mix of private and public funds. However, certain care services may be covered by public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, or veterans benefits. Other expenses, such as room and board, are typically paid for out of pocket using private savings and income.
While money from retirement savings is a common method to pay for assisted living expenses, it’s not the only way. Long-term care insurance may cover some care costs and cashing out a life insurance policy is another way to pay for assisted living. Check with your policy provider to see what is covered under your specific plan. Depending on your family’s resources, the following options are other common ways that seniors can pay for assisted living:
Number of veterans 65+ who live in Tucson, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of veterans over 65 in Tucson, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
For seniors who served in the U.S. military and their surviving spouses, there are several resources to help them pay for assisted living offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). For example, the VA Pension and the Aid and Attendance benefit are two programs that may help cover room and board fees and health care costs for veterans who live in assisted living facilities.
There are several VA office locations in the Tucson area, listed in the resources section below, that offer both medical and nonmedical support for veterans. The main locations for these offices include the Tucson VA Medical Center and the Tucson Vet Center.
Veterans services organizations in Tucson
VSOs are veteran-focused organizations that operate at the local, state, and national levels. These organizations provide VA benefits counseling and veteran-specific programming. Examples of official VSOs in Tucson include the Arizona Department of Veterans Services, Veterans of Foreign War (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Vietnam Veterans of America. The resource list below includes listings of several local and national VSOs operating in the Tucson area.
Applying for VA benefits can be complicated, so it’s encouraged that veterans reach out to a VSO. Veteran service counselors are trained and certified by the VA. They can be key to helping veterans avoid delays or denial of benefits due to missed deadlines or application errors.
VSOs in Tucson are located throughout the community and many are housed at the Arizona Department of Veterans Services office. For location and contact information of specific VSOs in Tucson, see the resource section below.
Resources for Tucson veterans
Veteran Benefits Counselors (VBCs)
Phone: 602-535-1215
Kino Veterans’ Workforce Center
2801 E. Ajo Way
Tucson, AZ 85714
Phone: 520-724-2646
Medicaid is a state and federally-run health insurance program for low-income individuals. Arizona’s Medicaid program is called the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS, pronounced “access”) and covers a variety of services including the following:
- Skilled medical services
- Injections and immunizations
- Emergency care
- Prescriptions
- Labs and x-rays
- Dialysis
- Dental, vision, and hearing care
- Hospital care
To be eligible for AHCCCS, the monthly income limit for seniors 65 and older is $1,255 for an individual and $1,704 for a couple.[04]
Choosing a Medicaid plan based on care needs
Seniors in Tucson who want to pay for their assisted living with Medicaid often enroll in the Arizona Long Term Care Systems (ALTCS) plan, which is designed to cover long-term care for seniors. Eligible seniors need to be 65 or older, have a disability, and require skilled nursing care.
This program covers all of the costs for Medicaid-approved assisted living communities that provide skilled nursing care. ALTCS covers rent in a shared room, meals, and care services. Private rooms come with an additional fee.
The income limit to qualify for ALTCS is $2,829 per month for a single person. Seniors whose income exceeds the limit can become eligible by meeting with a local benefits counselor to set up a Special Treatment Trust. However, seniors enrolled in ALTCS may still be asked to pay for some of their senior care. This is called Share of Cost, and it differs for each person depending on their total financial assets and monthly income.[05]
Access Tucson’s Medicaid resources
You can find resources about Arizona’s Medicaid programs below, including contact information for the Arizona Ombudsman. The ombudsman can investigate any complaints you may have about the AHCCCS and may attempt to resolve them. You can contact them directly through the link in the resources section below.
Tucson resident Medicaid resources
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System
801 E. Jefferson St.
Phoenix, AZ 85034
AHCCCS Phone: 602-417-4000
ALTCS Phone: 888-621-6880
Arizona Ombudsman Citizens’ Aide
2020 N. Central Ave., Suite 570
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: 602-277-7292
Medicare is a federally funded health insurance program available to seniors when they turn 65. Some individuals under 65, with a qualifying disability or illness may also be eligible for Medicare. The Medicare website provides information on eligibility and Medicare-covered services.
Many seniors receiving Social Security benefits are automatically enrolled in Medicare. For those who need to complete a Medicare application, they can find it on the Social Security website.
Medicare coverage
Medicare doesn’t cover the long-term room and board expenses at skilled nursing facilities, but it will cover short term stays for qualified individuals recovering from an illness or injury. It will also cover many medical treatment costs, including some services received in an assisted living or a memory care facility.
The three primary parts of Medicare are organized by the different types of care they cover:[06]
Hospital insurance is covered by Part A and will pay for skilled nursing facility care, inpatient hospital care, and home health care.
Medical insurance, or Part B, pays for outpatient services such as doctor’s visits, x-rays, lab work, or minor procedures performed in a clinical setting.
Drug insurance is also known as Part D and pays for the cost of medications, such as vaccines and those prescribed by a doctor.
Depending on the specific coverage an individual has, Medicare will pay for care that includes the following:[07]
- Short-term skilled nursing or inpatient hospital care
- Doctors’ appointments
- Clinical care services
- Medical supplies
- Prescription medications
Assistance with Medicare costs
The Help for Paying Medicare Costs Only program may help eligible Arizona residents pay for Medicare premiums, copayments, and deductibles. Seniors with a monthly income below $1,255 qualify to have financial support with Medicaid Parts A and B. For those with an income higher than $1,255 but below $1,695 qualify for financial help with Medicare Part B.[08]
Tucson’s social services for Medicare recipients
The Pima Council on Aging is Tucson’s local resource for seniors with questions about Medicare. The Council also provides information about Medicaid and other senior services. Volunteers at the Arizona Ombudsman Citizen’s Aide can be another resource for families. They can field complaints and advocate on behalf of individuals living in long-term care facilities.
Tucson resident Medicare resources
Arizona Ombudsman Citizens’ Aide
2020 N. Central Ave., Suite 570
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: 602-277-7292
Tucson laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
The Arizona Department of Health Services provides licensure and oversight for all of Tucson’s assisted living facilities. Licensure is granted to assisted living communities that meet state requirements during an initial inspection, and is renewed the following year during an unannounced inspection. Inspection results are publicly available on the Residential Facilities Provider Search Form. You can search for facilities by name or address.
Assisted living communities with 20+ residents are licensed as assisted living centers, and board and care homes with fewer than 10 residents are licensed as assisted living homes. Both types of facilities undergo the same licensing procedures and yearly inspections in Arizona. Some of the regulations and requirements for Tucson, Arizona, assisted living communities include the following:
- Facilities must have a written care plan outlining each resident’s current health and level of care.
- Facilities must provide daily meals to residents.
- Facilities must be maintained up to state building codes.
- Facilities must provide residents with access to hot and cold water at all times.
- Facilities are kept clean and hygienic.
Resident rights in Arizona assisted living communities
In Arizona, the Department of Health Services outlines specific rights for residents of assisted living communities, which include the following:[09]
- Residents must be treated with respect and dignity.
- Residents must be told about all care services they will receive.
- Residents must be told about any changes in the cost of their room, meals, and care.
- Residents must be able to choose their own health care providers.
- Residents must have access to a caregiver or manager in the community at all times.
Caregiver training in Arizona assisted living facilities
In Arizona, caregivers in assisted living communities must meet certain requirements. In 2022, Arizona strengthened its background check requirements for workers in assisted living communities. Workers with felonies due to violence or financial fraud are now unable to work in any assisted living community in Arizona. Some of the other requirements for caregivers include the following:
- Caregivers must be 18 years or older.
- Caregivers must pass a state-approved, caregiver training program.
- Caregivers must be up-to-date on tuberculosis immunizations.
- Caregivers must complete first-aid and CPR training.
COVID-19 regulations for Tucson assisted living facilities
According to the federal guidelines from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), visitors are allowed in Tucson’s assisted living communities regardless of their vaccination status. Some more of Tucson’s COVID-19 policies for assisted living communities include those outlined below.
For more information regarding Arizona’s regulations and licensing of assisted living communities, explore our Overview of Assisted Living in Arizona.
Vaccinations. Staff members and residents are encouraged, but not required, to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and to receive booster shots.
Masking. Staff members must mask when in assisted living facilities and visitors are encouraged to mask as well.
Quarantining. If a resident develops COVID-19, they should move to a pre-established COVID-19 wing of the facility until they have recovered. Unvaccinated residents who were exposed should quarantine, while vaccinated residents do not need to quarantine.
What assisted living is like in Tucson
Tucson has senior-friendly weather
The weather is one of the reasons seniors are drawn to Tucson. With a higher altitude than Phoenix, the average temperatures in Tucson are considerably mild throughout the year. It can even snow in the winter.
While many cities have one or two types of assisted living communities, Tucson has a fairly even division among three types of assisted living. These community types include facilities that only offer assisted living services, comprehensive Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), and smaller board and care homes.
Traditional assisted living communities
Traditional assisted living communities in Tucson tend to have more than 25 residents. Many have on-site physicians and nurses, and provide amenities like arts and crafts rooms or libraries. Outings to local botanical gardens, performances, or other events are fairly common. In these traditional assisted living communities, residents live in a private or shared room and usually eat their meals in a restaurant-style dining area with other residents.
About half of Tucson’s assisted living communities include at least one other type of senior care, like memory care or independent living.[02] Often, these multi-care communities are on large campuses, and each care type has its own building or wing.
The cost for multi-care communities is typically higher than other assisted living options. These communities provide residents the comfort of staying on the same campus as their care needs change. The senior may need to relocate to a different unit within the same community but will be able to stay in the same community.
Like traditional assisted living communities, multi-care type communities usually combine all expenses into one monthly fee. The monthly cost for a resident increases as their care needs increase, and many traditional assisted living communities offer some skilled nursing services for an additional fee.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) are similar to multi-care communities in Tucson, but they typically have a different payment structure. CCRCs are often more expensive than other assisted living options and most require an admission fee.
The higher costs and admission fees at CCRCs may help to cover a higher level of care in the future such as skilled nursing. CCRCs also tend to have more lavish amenities — like pools and bars — and an array of personalized health and wellness services.
Board and care homes
Board and care homes are common in Tucson. These are residential homes that are converted into small assisted living communities. While licensed and regulated in the same ways as traditional assisted living communities, these often come at a lower price and provide a more intimate, personalized experience. Seniors in board and care homes in Tucson often share a room with one other resident and have access to the common areas of the house.
Amenities may include a backyard or patio, a dining room, and a living room. Caregivers at board and care homes often live alongside residents and are available 24/7. Board and care homes don’t usually offer on-site skilled nursing but many partner with home health care agencies to help residents get the care they need.
Tucson assisted living services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Tucson assisted living
Availability of select dementia care services in Tucson assisted living
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Tucson assisted living
Availability of select dining options in Tucson assisted living
Availability of select programs and activities in Tucson assisted living
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Seniors' guide to the city of Tucson
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Tucson, Arizona, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within Tucson’s population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Median annual income for Tucson seniors 65 and older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Best hospitals for seniors in Tucson
Tucson, Arizona, has an excellent health care system, with several top-rated hospitals.
Banner – University Medical Center Tucson
Banner – University Medical Center Tucson is rated the best hospital in Tucson according to according to U.S. News and World Report. This teaching hospital is a private, nonprofit institution located on the University of Arizona campus.
Tucson Medical Center Healthcare – Tucson
TMC Healthcare – Tucson is a general medical and surgical center and is high performing in the following areas: colon cancer surgery, cardiology and heart surgery, and geriatrics.
Northwest Medical Center – Tucson
Located north of downtown Tucson, the Northwest Medical Center is the second best hospital in Tucson, according to U.S. News and World Report. As a 300-bed hospital, it’s considered high-performing for seven different procedures, including prostate cancer surgery, heart attack care, and kidney failure.
Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital
This private, for-profit hospital has 449 beds and is an acute-care hospital in Tucson. Its sister hospital in Tucson is called St. Mary’s. St. Joseph’s specializes in neurology, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, as well as maternity and neonatal care, among others.
- 350 N. Wilmont Road
Tucson, AZ 85711
Phone: 520-873-3000
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Transportation for seniors in Tucson
Most people in Tucson use a car as their primary mode of transportation. For residents who no longer drive, our partner assisted living facilities provide on-site transportation services — a safe and convenient alternative to public transportation. For those who still drive, nearly 60% of A Place for Mom’s partner communities offer parking for residents with cars.
For visiting loved ones, Sun Tran, Tucson’s public transportation system is a reliable and affordable way to get around. It includes the Sun Link street car, Sun Vans, Sun on Demand, and the Sun Shuttle. Tucson has worked to make the Sun Tran particularly accessible for seniors by providing a few senior-specific services. These perks include the following:
- Trip planning services through their customer service representatives
- Reduced fares
- Senior-designated seats behind the driver
- Lifts for easy boarding
- A class designed for seniors to learn how to use the Sun Tran system
Information about the class and the Sun Tran system in general can be found on the senior page of their website or by calling 520-206-8881.
Tucson’s walkability, bikeability, and public transportation options are rated on a scale of 0-100 by Walk Score, with 100 being the best. Tucson received the following scores:
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Things to do in Tucson for seniors and their families
Whether you’re on an evening hike among towering Saguaro cacti or sitting on a back porch with a margarita, it’s likely you’ll enjoy a stunning sunset above the purple hues of the surrounding mountain ranges. And with a dry, temperate climate, being outside in Tucson is comfortable for almost 365 days a year.
Explore the Sonoran Desert
Many of the local assisted living communities offer residents an outing to the Sonoran Desert Museum, but it’s a must-see for visiting family members as well. The museum is accessible and includes a zoo and a botanical garden. Learn about unique animals — like the javelina, scorpion, and Gila monster — and admire the local cacti, some of which are over 100 years old.
The Saguaro National Park is perhaps the most famous site in the Tucson area, as the park surrounds two sides of the city. Named for the massive Saguaro cacti that grow throughout the park, visitors can enjoy the park on foot or by car. The Cactus Forest Drive is a loop that provides stunning views of the park’s most scenic areas. Adventurous hikers can find petroglyphs from the ancient Hohokam people on the Signal Hill Trail.
Because of Tucson’s clear skies, the Steward Observatory on the University of Arizona’s campus is home to one of the premier astronomy departments in the nation. Students and visitors can look through the telescope in the observatory.
A larger telescope is located just outside the city at the Kitt Peak National Observatory which has a visitor center that offers nighttime stargazing events.
Discover Tucson’s rich culture
Tucson has plenty of cultural activities too. One of the most popular for seniors — particularly veterans — is the Pima Air and Space Museum. The museum has over 400 aircrafts and some of the rarest aircrafts in the world including WWII planes, presidential aircrafts, and a flight simulator. Plus, seniors get discounted admissions. Tram Tours offers are available daily to take visitors through the acres of planes and helicopters.
The Mission San Xavier del Bac is a piece of history that has persisted through occupations by Spain, Mexico, and the Confederacy. It now sits on land owned by the Tohono O’odham Nation. Built in the 1700s, the Mission’s ornate Spanish colonial architecture and gilded interior are worth the suggested donation fee.
Set in an old-timey saloon, the Gaslight Theater puts on nightly performances of their family-friendly plays. Visitors can enjoy a full meal and free popcorn with their tickets. Seniors don’t get discounted tickets, but it’s affordable enough to go regularly.
Enjoy a celebrated food scene
Tucson was the first City of Gastronomy in the United States. It got its title because there’s an unusually high number of exceptional restaurants in Tucson for a city of its size. Tucson also gained recognition because these restaurants honor traditional recipes from Mexico and the indigenous tribes who began farming in the Saguaro Desert over 4,000 years ago. The official Tucson City of Gastronomy website has information about food tours, cooking classes, and certified City of Gastronomy restaurants.
Learn from local guides
Tucson’s visitor’s website is visittucson.org, which offers some excellent up-to-date information about local activities. They cover outdoor fun, health and wellness, shopping, and history experiences that are appropriate for all ages. The site also has updated information about local events, like Gem Shows, the Senior Olympic Festival, and musical performances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arroyo Gardens, Sierra del Sol and Woodland Palms Memory Care Community are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Tucson, AZ. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Tucson is $3,711 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population estimates (V2021): Tucson city [Data set]. Quick Facts.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Tucson city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Arizona Health Care Containment System. (2024, February 1). Health insurance for individuals who are 65 or older (and do not need a nursing home level of care).
Arizona Health Care Containment System. (2023, December). Filing an application for the Arizona long-term care system (ALTCS).
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Parts of Medicare.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. What Medicare Covers.
Arizona Health Care Containment System. (2024, February 1). Help with paying Medicare costs only.
Arizona Department of Health Services. (2019, November 5). Health care institutions: Licensing article 8. Assisted living facilities.
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