Assisted Living in Prescott, AZ

Assisted Living Costs in Prescott

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care survey, Prescott is among the most affordable major cities for assisted living within the state. The total monthly cost for assisted living in Prescott is about $25 below the state median and $225 below the national median.

Seniors may find more affordable care about 200 miles away in cities such as Yuma, where monthly costs average a little over $3,600, or in Lake Havasu, which has assisted living at $3,500. The most expensive services in the state are found in Flagstaff, where seniors may expect this level of care to cost nearly $5,100 per month.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

In addition to senior care costs varying by geographic region, they also vary widely by the level of care provided. In Prescott, assisted living is more affordable compared to other types of care. Only adult day health care is a more modest option with average monthly costs coming in at just over $1,700. Seniors in Prescott may expect to pay more for in-home care, including homemaker and home health aide services, and nursing home care.

As seniors and families are evaluating the costs associated with different types of senior care, it’s important to note what’s covered by the monthly costs. Seniors who utilize adult day health care or in-home care services generally have rent or mortgage and grocery expenses in addition to the cost of their care. These costs are usually built into the monthly cost of care for those residing in assisted living facilities or nursing homes.

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Prescott

Medicaid in Arizona

Low-income seniors in Prescott may qualify to receive health coverage at little to no cost through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, which is the state’s Medicaid program. This federally-funded program covers services received in a nursing home setting, as well as some personal care services received in the home. Assisted living services in Prescott, as well as the rest of the state, are covered through a Medicaid 1115 Demonstration Project waiver, which is outlined below.  

AHCCCS is an entitlement program, meaning that all Arizonans who qualify for the program can receive services. To qualify, seniors must: 

• Be a legal resident of the United States or a qualified immigrant 
• Be permanent residents of Arizona 
• Have a Social Security number 
• Apply for potential income, such as unemployment, disability, pensions or Social Security 
• Meet income limits ($1,041 for a single applicant, $1,410 for married applicants) 
• Meet asset limits ($2,000 for a single applicant, $3,000 for married applicants)

Those whose income exceeds AHCCCS’s limits may still qualify for the program through Qualified Income Trusts. To use this program, the portion of a senior’s income that exceeds the Medicaid limit is directly deposited into a trust. A trustee is named and given legal control over the money, and the money can only be used for specific purposes, such as covering the program participant’s care services and medical expenses.  

Seniors whose assets exceed the limit may spend down their countable assets by completing home modifications, such as wheelchair ramps or walk-in tubs, prepaying for funeral and burial expenses or paying down debt. 

Medicaid planning may also assist those who don’t meet income and/or asset guidelines but are unable to afford the cost of their care. 

Arizona Long-Term Care System Program

While standard Medicaid coverage doesn’t pay for services received in an assisted living facility, these services are covered through the Arizona Long-Term Care System program, which operates under a Medicaid 1115 demonstration waiver. Some services that may be covered by this program include transportation assistance, personal care, community transition services, housekeeping and meal preparation and delivery. 

To qualify for this program, seniors must be U.S. citizens or qualified immigrants and Arizona residents. Single applicants may have an income of up to $2,313 per month and up to $2,000 in assets, and married applicants may have an income of up to $4,626 per month and up to $4,000 in countable assets. Additionally, it must be determined that they need nursing home level of care and reside in an approved living situation, such as in their home or in an AHCCCS-certified assisted living facility. Unlike most waiver programs, the ALTCS waiver is an entitlement, meaning all who qualify are guaranteed services. 

To apply for AHCCCS, seniors can apply online or contact the Arizona Department of Economic Security at (855) 432-7587. To apply for ALTCS, seniors should contact the local ALTCS office at (928) 778-3968.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance Program

Veterans who are eligible for a VA pension and their surviving spouses may be qualified to receive additional financial assistance toward an assisted living facility through the Aid and Attendance Program.

To be eligible for this program, veterans must meet one of the following conditions:

• Need assistance with the activities of daily living
• Be bedridden with a disability that results in confinement to a bed outside of prescribed therapy or treatment
• Have central vision of 5/200 or less in both eyes, even with corrective eyewear, or a vision field of 5 degrees or less
• Reside in a nursing home facility due to mental or physical disabilities

To apply for assistance, veterans can contact their local Veterans Affairs office at (928) 778-3469

Elderlife Bridge Loan

For Prescott seniors and families who experience a gap in funding for assisted living expenses, an Elderlife bridge loan provides a flexible short-term solution. Loan money is available within as little as 24 hours and can be used toward up-front entrance and move-in fees, room and board and care expenses until other benefits kick in. There are no up-front costs or application fees, and interest-only payments are available. Acceptance into this program may be contingent on the applicant’s credit score. To find out more about an Elderlife Bridge Loan, seniors can contact Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500.

Assisted Living Resources in Prescott

Senior Centers in Prescott

The local senior center in Prescott is a nonprofit organization that has a wide variety of educational, recreational and social opportunities for seniors. The center is open seven days a week and offers activities, including dance classes, arts and crafts and billiards.

Adult Center of Prescott
1280 E. Rosser Street, Suite B, Prescott, AZ 86301
(928) 778-3000

Veterans Services

Prescott veterans may receive medical care at the Prescott VA Medical Center, which is part of the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System. The local Department of Veterans Services office provides access to resources including the Aid and Attendance Program, and the U.S. Vets provides comprehensive services to at-risk veterans.

Arizona Department of Veterans Services
600 E Gurley Street, Suite D, Prescott, AZ 86301
(928) 443-0167

Prescott VA Medical Center 
500 Hwy 89N, Prescott, AZ 86313
(928) 445-4860

U.S. Vets – Prescott
917 E. Gurley Street, Prescott, AZ 86301
(928) 583-7204

Community Aid Agencies

Seniors in Prescott have access to low-cost services that may otherwise be an out-of-pocket expense, including home weatherization, transportation and meal delivery services and dining sites.

Prescott Meals on Wheels
1280 E Rosser Street, Prescott, AZ 86301
(928) 445-7630

Prescott Valley Area Agency on Aging
3130 Robert Road, Suite 1, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
(928) 774-1895