Key Takeaways on Assisted Living in Sun City
- The monthly cost of assisted living in Sun City is $3,975. This is less expensive than the Arizona average monthly cost of $4,000
- There are several ways older adults can find help to cover the costs of assisted living in Sun City, including personal savings, long-term care insurance, and Medicare or Medicaid
- Taking the time to tour assisted living facilities in Sun City and asking questions is essential to finding the right fit for you or your loved one.
Assisted Living in Sun City: The Big Picture
Assisted living facilities offer support for older adults who seek social interaction and value their independence, but may need help with some or all activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, or eating. Those who are interested in moving to an assisted living community in Sun City will find they have several options.
The National Center for Assisted Living reported that the state of Arizona has 450 assisted living communities. Throughout the state, 50% of assisted living residents are over the age of 85, and 22% of residents rely on Medicaid for their long-term care.
Cost and Financial Considerations for Assisted Living in Sun City
When you’re choosing an assisted living facility, the most important thing to think about is the quality of care and how comfortable you or your loved one will be. But assisted living can be expensive, so it’s important to talk about the financial side of things too. This article will give you an overview of the costs of assisted living and how to pay for them.
Comparing the Cost of Assisted Living in Sun City
The average monthly cost of assisted living in Sun City is about $3,975, which is less expensive than the average monthly cost of assisted living in Arizona, which is $4,000. Assisted living in Sun City is more expensive than the national average, which is $4,500.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care in Sun City
In assisted living, you get three meals a day that you eat with others, you can participate in activities, and you can get help with medications and some daily tasks. However, most assisted living places don’t have skilled nursing services. It’s important to know that there are different types of senior living and long-term care options. You or your family member might need more or less care than what assisted living offers, and you might prefer to stay at home instead of moving to a community.
In the table below, learn what you can expect to pay for other types of senior care in Arizona. Keep in mind that Medicare can be used to pay for some home health aide services, and Medicaid will often cover the cost of long-term care in a nursing home. In some cases, Medicaid will cover all or part of the cost of assisted living.
Type of Care | Median Monthly Cost |
---|---|
Home Health Aide | $5,434 |
Adult Day Health Care | $2,102 |
Assisted Living Facility | $4,000 |
Nursing Home, Shared Room | $6,540 |
Nursing Home, Private Room | $8,030 |
Source: Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Sun City
Our comprehensive guide to assisted living facilities in Sun City can help you find the ideal community for yourself or a loved one. The purpose of this directory is to make your search easier and help you make informed decisions based on what you need and prefer. After you find the assisted living facilities that suit your needs, make sure to visit each one in person. This way, you can get a better understanding of the care they offer.
Wooddale Village Retirement Apartments
18616 N 99th Ave
Opened in 1985, with bed count up to 199
Sun City Health & Rehab Center
9940 W Union Hills Dr
Opened in 1984, with bed count up to 199
The Palms at Sun City
10101 W Palmeras Dr
Opened in 1996, with bed count up to 200
The Gardens of Sun City
17225 N Boswell Blvd
Opened in 1990, with bed count up to 75
The Woodmark At Sun City
17207 N Boswell Blvd
Opened in 2000, with bed count up to 199
Royal Oaks Life Care Center
10015 W Royal Oak Rd
Opened in 1983, with bed count up to 200
Sun Valley Lodge Retirement Community
12415 N 103rd Ave
Opened in 1965, with bed count up to 199
Paying for Assisted Living in Sun City
Arizona residents pay for assisted living with personal savings, insurance, home equity, or a combination of these payment options. Assisted living in Arizona offers in-depth coverage of Arizona-specific financial assistance programs.
Here’s a list of the resources people use to pay for assisted living:
- Personal savings: You can use pension payments, Social Security benefits, stocks, and IRA or 401(k) accounts to pay for assisted living.
- Long-term care insurance: If you or your loved one has a long-term care insurance policy, it’s possible to be reimbursed for the cost of long-term care. Just be sure to know the details of your policy. In some cases, there’s a 90-day out-of-pocket period before expenses can be reimbursed.
- Medicare or Medicaid: Medicare will not cover the cost of long-term care. In most cases, Medicaid will cover the cost of personal care received when living in an assisted living facility, such as help with ADLs or medication administration, but it will not cover the cost of room and board.
- The value of your home: You can use proceeds from the sale of your home to pay for assisted living expenses. A reverse mortgage, which allows you to borrow money using your home as security for the loan, is also an option for helping to cover costs. Always check with a trusted financial advisor before signing off on this kind of financial agreement.
More Affordable Alternatives to Assisted Living in Sun City
Sometimes, an older person who needs help with daily activities may not be able to pay for assisted living. There are also older adults who can pay for assisted living, but can’t find a place that offers the specific care they need, like a memory care unit. If either of these situations applies to you or someone you know, you can consider aging at home with the support of in-home care. In many cases, Medicaid is more likely to cover the cost of in-home care services than the cost of assisted living.
In-home care includes:
- Personal companions, also called homemakers, provide companionship as well as light housekeeping and some meal preparation.
- Home health aides can help with housekeeping and can also assist you or a loved one with ADLs, such as bathing and dressing.
- In-home nursing services must be administered by a registered nurse (RN). These services are essential for anyone who is aging in place and also needs skilled nursing for wound care or chronic illnesses like diabetes.
- Adult day centers, which provide social activities during the day, are a great way to engage older adults who are aging at home while also offering caregivers a break from caregiver responsibilities.
Free and Low-Cost Assisted Living Resources in Sun City
There are free resources available in Sun City for older adults who are seeking assisted living and other forms of long-term care. Many assisted living resources are state-specific. You can learn more about Arizona resources through our coverage of assisted living in Arizona.
Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
An Area Agency on Aging is a community organization created to serve the needs of all older adults in that region or area. AAA refers to the type of organization, but the names of AAAs will vary by region.
Social Security Offices
Social Security benefits often help older adults pay for the cost of assisted living. You can apply to start receiving your Social Security benefits as early as age 62. Just keep in mind that the longer you wait to start receiving benefits—up to the age of 70—the more your monthly benefit will increase. You can find a local Social Security office or apply to start receiving your Social Security benefits through the Social Security Administration website.
Conclusion
No senior living option is one-size-fits-all. When visiting assisted living facilities in Sun City, ask lots of questions of the administration, and don’t forget to ask residents about their experiences. Make sure the community you choose is a good fit for your personal needs and preferences, and offer a home you’ll be happy to live in.