10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Mesa, AZ for 2023

Mesa is a city of just over half a million people that regularly appears in the top 10 best places to retire in Arizona. The 2020 Census revealed 16.4% of its residents are aged 65 and older, which is about average for the country. The city’s senior-friendly climate is partly responsible for its reputation as a great place for lovers of the outdoors. There are other reasons, such as the numerous parks suitable for casual walking, hiking and picnicking, while its three lakes and two rivers provide ample opportunities for boating and swimming.

Assisted living facilities can be a good solution for seniors struggling to cope with common tasks because they help residents remain semi-independent. Seniors get the level of support they need and want, such as personal grooming assistance, and are otherwise free to enjoy their time as they wish. Average fees in Mesa are $3,975 per month, which is a little below the norm for Arizona.

This guide reviews the benefits and drawbacks of living in Mesa and considers the costs of other types of senior care. It also lists some of the city’s senior-friendly resources.

The Bureau of Residential Facilities Licensing of the Division of Public Health Licensing Services regulates, monitors and licenses assisted living facilities throughout Arizona. The Bureau only licenses facilities that comply with all health and safety standards relevant to the number of residents. Facilities must also have a fire safety certificate, appropriate insurance and at least the minimum staff-to-resident ratio.

• Mesa’s desert climate means pleasant winters, with temperatures that average 41 degrees Fahrenheit, and hot summers where the dial is frequently around 105 degrees Fahrenheit, so seniors need to make sure they stay hydrated. However, for most of the year, the climate is ideal for outdoor living, and with only 10 inches of rain, Mesa’s climate ensures seniors don’t often face humid heat.
• The city’s environment is better than many. Although air quality is below average, the water quality is better than most, and Mesa’s commitment to the EPA’s Superfund project sees it continue to revitalize contaminated land. Mesa also has shorter commute times than the majority of cities across the country.
• The average cost of living index is 104.2, which is higher than the state and national indices, although the difference isn’t great. The index takes into account many costs, not all of which apply to seniors in assisted living, such as housing. When comparing the costs that do apply, such as health care, Mesa’s cost index is below the state and national averages.
• Violent crime and property crime statistics in Mesa are slightly below the U.S. averages, which themselves are lower than Arizona’s averages. So, statistically, a resident of Mesa is less likely to be a victim of crime than their peers across the state and the country. 
• Mesa’s proximity to Phoenix allows its seniors to choose from a large number of highly regarded hospitals, in addition to those within the city. The Banner Baywood Medical Center is considered among the top 10 in the state, while the Chandler Regional Medical Center is also a high performer. Only 30 minutes away, the Mayo Clinic-Phoenix is nationally recognized for many treatments, including cancer care and heart surgery. 
• RideChoice is an ADA paratransit service managed by Valley Metro to help Mesa residents aged 65 and older get around the East Valley with as little fuss as possible. Seniors don’t need to book ahead for their trips. Fares are $3 for the first 8 miles and $2 for every subsequent mile.

The average fee for an assisted living placement in Mesa is $3,975 per month. This is slightly more affordable than the state median of $4,000 and considerably below the national average of $4,500. Consequently, seniors relocating from elsewhere in Arizona may not notice much difference, but some seniors coming from other states could make significant savings.

The nearest cities to Mesa are usually more expensive, such as Tucson, where costs average $4,050, and Prescott Valley, at $4,500. However, Yuma is a more affordable $3,800, which is the lowest average fee in the state.

Mesa’s average assisted living fee of $3,975 is more budget-friendly than either homemaker or home health aide services, both of which average $5,958 per month. Adult day care is the most affordable, at $2,167. However, as with the home care services, seniors will need to factor home maintenance costs into their calculations. Nursing homes offer the highest levels of care, which is reflected in their fees of approximately $6,418 for a semiprivate room and $7,908 for a private one.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage
  
  

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Arizona page.