Assisted Living in Surprise, AZ

Assisted Living Costs in Surprise

In Surpise, assisted living costs are similar to the state average of $3,800 and slightly lower than the national average of $4,000 based on data from Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study. 

Assisted living costs in Surprise are similar to other cities in Arizona, such as Sierra Vista ($3,800) and Prescott ($3,775), while prices are close to $300 higher in Tuscon and approximately $1,250 higher in Flagstaff, which has the highest prices for assisted living in the state.  

Note: Senior care costs weren’t available for Surprise, so data from the nearest city, Phoenix, was used here. 

• Surprise/Phoenix: $3,850
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $3,800
• Tuscon: $4,044
• Sierra Vista: $3,800
• Flagstaff: $5,098
• Lake Havasu City: $3,500
• Yuma: $3,625
• Prescott: $3,775

Care Cost Comparison

Senior care costs in Surprise vary in price, with adult day health services being the least expensive and nursing home care being the most expensive. Assisted living costs are over $900 a month cheaper than in-home care from a homemaker or home health aide. The wide range of pricing is due to the major differences in the type of care, the staff-to-senior ratio and whether services are provided on an hourly basis or around-the-clock. 

When comparing the total monthly costs of different types of senior care, keep in mind that with residential services, such as nursing home care and assisted living, room and board is included in the monthly fees. 

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,850
• Homemaker services: $4,767
• Home health aide: $4,767
• Adult day health: $2,167
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $6,540

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Surprise

Medicaid in Arizona

Medicaid, the nationwide health insurance program for low-income Americans, was launched in 1965 by the federal government. Arizona was the last state to adopt it’s own version of the joint federal-state program when the state government established the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) in October, 1982. Prior to 1988, Medicaid in the state was limited, and there were no long-term care services for seniors. 

Today approximately 21 percent of Arizona residents are covered under Medicaid. Although the elderly and disabled only make up 19 percent of all Medicaid enrollees in the state, half of the total annual expenditures go towards care and services for seniors and people who are permanently disabled.  

In Arizona, low-income seniors seeking Medicaid coverage who also need a nursing home level of care need to apply to the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS), a program operated by the AHCCCS that specifically deals with adults who are 65 and older and people with disabilities.

The ALTCS provides medical coverage and long-term care using a managed care model rather than Medicaid waivers, which ensures that all eligible seniors who need services, such as assisted living placement, are covered. Seniors who are deemed to be eligible for ALTCS services will be assisted a case manager who will assign services, which may include placement in an assisted living facility supplemented by additional care from a homemaker, personal care aid or registered nurse.

Residents of Surprise, AZ who are covered under the ALTCS can choose from one of three acute health plans available in Maricopa County. Plan members have the option to change their acute health plan provider every 12 months upon providing at least 60 days notice to the current provider. 

Coverage for both Medicaid and the ALTCS is available for seniors who: 

• Are permanent residents of Arizona
• Are either a U.S. citizen or a qualified immigrant
• Have a valid Social Security number 
• Income limit is under $2,313 a month as an individual, or have a combined income of $4,626 or less when applying with a spouse
• Countable asset limits are $2,000 (individual) or $4,000 (couple) per month

If Medicaid applicants gave away or sold any assets below fair market value during the 60 month period immediately preceding their request for Medicaid coverage, they may be levied a penalty in the form of a Medicaid ineligibility period. 

Seniors in Arizona who are excluded from Medicaid/ALTCS coverage due to excess income have the option of establishing a non-revocable Miller Trust, naming the State of Arizona as the beneficiary. All excess monthly income, minus a personal needs allowance up to 15 percent of the maximum federal SSI benefit, must be diverted to the trust for use towards the seniors’ care. Upon death, the balance of the trust becomes property of the state. 

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Assisted Living Bridge Loans

Seniors who need access to funds in order to facilitate a move into an assisted living facility may qualify for an assisted living bridge loan from Elderlife Financial. This loan, which is funded as a 12 month line of credit, can be used to pay move in fees, cover monthly costs and pay for care while seniors wait for benefits, such as a VA pension, to become active or for their home to sell. 

The Elderlife Financial Bridge Loan is open to applications from seniors who are moving into an assisted living facility, and up to six people can apply on the loan for the senior to help share the costs between family and friends. Monthly payments are interest only for the length of the loan, and the balance can be paid in full at any time without penalty. Funds from the loan are sent directly to the assisted living facility, and the amount sent can vary from month-to-month upon request. 

Applications can be processed over the phone, and seniors can expect a response from the lender within 24 hours. 

To learn more about the Elderlife Bridge Loan for assisted living, call Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500. 

Assisted Living Resources in Surprise

Senior Centers in Surprise

The Surprise Senior Center is a city-run community center, which is open to seniors 50 and older and adults with disabilities. For an annual $12 membership fee, seniors can participate in exercise classes, card games, crafting workshops and bingo games every weekday from 8am to 4pm. 

Surprise Senior Center
15832 North Hollyhock Street, Surprise, AZ 85378
(632) 222-1500

Community Aid Agencies

Seniors in Surprise who need help enrolling in Medicaid, assistance finding senior care services or access to affordable legal advice can contact the Senior and Adult Services Division of Maricopa County.

Maricopa County Senior and Adult Services Division
234 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 506-5911

Resources for Veterans

Primary health care, blood work and specialty services, including urology, cardiology, gerontology and psychiatry, are available at the Northwest Veterans Affairs Health Care Clinic. Veterans who need information about benefits or help with their VA pension can contact the VA West Valley Vet Center, and there are two veterans service clubs in Surprise — the VFW Post 285 and American Legion Surprise Post 96. 

Northwest Veterans Affairs Health Care Clinic
13985 West Grand Avenue, Suite 101, Surprise, AZ 85374-3626
(623) 251-2884

VA West Valley Vet Center
14050 North 83rd Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85381
(623) 398-8854

Arizona Department of Veterans’ Service
3839 North 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 255-3373