Paying for Senior Living
How much does senior living cost in Tucson?
Navigating the wide range of senior living options can be challenging. Determining how to pay for senior living can make the search overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. We have created this page as a resource to help you determine which option will best fit your or your loved one’s needs and budget.
Cost Factors & Services Included in Retirement Communities
Several components shape the cost of senior living; some include the community’s geographic location (neighborhood, city, or state), service packages, apartment size, and level of care needed.
The meal plans, housekeeping, and transportation are all physical amenities we can see and touch; they are relatively easy to calculate when considering your budget. However, what makes senior living so unique are the intangible benefits. Those benefits are more difficult to calculate - sharing a meal with others, polishing an old hobby with new friends - the value of being part of a community.
Learn more about the costs associated with each level of senior living care by clicking on the headers below.
In Independent Living, the apartment size is one of the key cost factors. However, it is important to remember that what sets senior living apart from living at home or in a ‘regular’ apartment is the package of services and amenities included in the monthly fee. Meal plans, scheduled transportation, security, fitness programs, and social events are a few examples.
In the Tucson metro area, Independent Living monthly rents range from approximately $1,100 per month for a studio to $3,000 or more for a two bedroom/2 bath. In some cases, there may be a premium for apartments with a desirable view, selected upgrades, or a particular location within the community.
Learn More: Independent Living at Fellowship Square Tucson
According to Genworth's annual Cost of Care Study, the average monthly cost for Assisted Living in Tucson is just over $4,800/month*. By contrast, in-home care (44 hours/week) is approximately $6,400 per month.
While pricing structures can vary from one community to the next, the monthly fee is typically based on the level of care a resident receives.
Some Assisted Living communities utilize a 'point system' to calculate the monthly fee, while others have a flat monthly rate for each level of care. For example, at The Oasis Assisted Living, the monthly rate is determined by the apartment style chosen, plus a flat rate for the level of care received. We provide two levels of Assisted Living services: Supervisory Care and Personal Care.
*Data derived from Genworth's Cost of Care Survey tool, adjusted for 2024, and an annual inflation rate of 5%. Download PDF here.
Some Independent Living communities offer home health services that residents can add each month. For example, if a resident needs a little extra help after a hospital stay or surgery, supportive services can help with things like medication reminders, shower assistance, or laundry.
At Fellowship Square Tucson, we offer an extensive menu of Resident Services that can be added on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
Calculating the Cost of Senior Living
Ready to analyze the numbers? Visit our Costs of Senior Living page, where we have created a worksheet that can help you compare the costs of a senior living community to those of your current living situation.
Or, if you prefer, you can download a print-friendly version of our Senior Living Cost Calculator here.
Payor sources & assistance programs for seniors
What does the phrase "private pay" mean?
When seniors pay their monthly rent with their own money (from a retirement account, for example), it is called "paying privately."
Using Long-Term Care Insurance for Assisted Living
For families who have long-term care insurance, their policies may cover a portion, all, or none of their monthly fees. Because each policy is different, we recommend checking with your agent to clarify the benefits of your particular plan.
While communities usually cannot verify benefits on a senior's behalf, they should be able to provide the documentation your insurance carrier requires to confirm the payment of benefits. Typically, carriers ask the facility to complete a questionnaire and give a copy of their state license.
Veterans Aid & Attendance program
For U.S. Veterans and survivors who qualify, the Veteran's Aid and Attendance program provides additional funds to the Veteran's (or survivor's) monthly VA pension payment.
To learn more about the VA Aid and Attendance program, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit the VA’s website by following the link below:
Arizona Long Term Care System
Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) is the State of Arizona’s Medicaid program that provides long-term care services for individuals who are 65 or older, blind or disabled, and need ongoing skilled nursing services. Note: program participants do not have to reside in a nursing home to receive benefits. In fact, many ALTCS participants live in their own homes or assisted living facilities and receive the care they need in their homes.
How to Apply for ALTCS
The ALTCS application process can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months. So, if you think you or your loved one might qualify for ALTCS benefits, we strongly encourage you to review the program requirements sooner rather than later.
Below, you will find resource materials on the ALTCS program, including a list of questions & answers from ALTCS' website, as well as the "Request for Application" in a fillable format.
