Mesa, Arizona, gives seniors experiencing memory loss the chance to retire in a peaceful, scenic environment. Mesa is the third-largest city in Arizona and sits just 30 minutes away from Phoenix. Like Phoenix, Mesa enjoys consistently warm weather and exceptional outdoor activities, but it is quieter and more suburban.
A Place for Mom partners with 30 memory care facilities in Mesa, Arizona. Memory care facilities are designed to put seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia at ease and keep them safe. In Mesa, about two-thirds of the memory care facilities are larger communities combined with assisted living facilities, and one-third are smaller residential care homes. This means seniors have options. In Mesa, families can find the right memory care facility for their needs and budget.
This guide has everything you need to know about memory care in Mesa, Arizona. We review how much memory care costs, how to pay, and what living in Mesa is like for seniors who need memory care support.
Speak with one of our Senior Living Advisors to help you find the best memory care facility in Mesa.
I personally feel very comfortable here. Everyone including staff and residents are very friendly and helpful. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. I am a vegetarian and have no problem finding a...
I have been a resident for 2 years. I love the fellowship here and all of the activities a participate in. The food is excellent! I am very comfortable in my apartment. Great Place!
I would give 5's across the board, although my Mom is in independent living so hasn't been receiving care. We just started medication reminders and that has gone well so far. Staff seems really good about...
From the minute you walk in the door the staff is friendly and so very helpful. The administrative staff was exceptional. The medical staff extremely informative, and the house staff friendly and...
My mom is doing great at Sky Vista. It is a wonderful place for my mom and I feel so blessed she is in such a great comprehensive facility. She does feel like she is home even though she misses her own. I...
Our family needed a place that would provide a sense of home for mom, but with assistance readily available. Discussing moving to an assisted living community wasn’t an easy one but after thinking about it...
I would rate them all 5. It is a great community. Best decision we've made! Food is great. Not institutional at all. They really take good care of the property. Not like a "old folks home" at all. I'm only...
[name removed] the awesome chef, goes above and beyond what my mom expected, he makes personalized lunches for her. Thank you to all the nurses and awesome front desk team. We are very happy to have our mom...
Everyone at this brookdale facility knows the residents names and makes sure they are acknowledged and gets personal attention from the executive directors down to the care givers and cleaning people. They...
I enjoy living here cause everything is very convenient for me and I enjoy the residents and the activities and the out ings and the care staff here is very nice and helpful and management is always caring...
Overall the experience has been good. Staff are super sweet but sometimes, especially weekends, it can feel like there aren’t enough people on duty and schedules for food and meds run late. Environment is...
You don’t ever want to think about the day that you have to move a parent to assisted-living. They don’t ever want to admit that they need so much help as they become elderly. The decision is emotional and...
Most of the hands on caregivers are recent immigrants. They are super nice people however English is there second language and can cause communication difficulties. I would recommend Arbor Rose to others.
There are so many reasons why I take pride in calling it home. Being part of the choir here has been a joy, and I've made so many friends that I never feel alone. The staff is wonderful. I can truly say that...
We looked at many assisted living communities and when we visited McDowell Village and met [name removed] , we knew we had found the right place for our dad. [name removed]and the team there made us feel...
We were in a hurry and picked them because of the proximity. The meals is an area that I found disappointing I took my mother to eat in the cafeteria once and the meal was really subpar.
Extremely good the staff is very helpful. Food is exceptionally good. The facility is very welcoming. Location of Sunrise Of Gilbert is very ideal. The value of the dollar that you spend for this senior...
We visited the place and was impressed with it, clean, nicely arranged and decorated- felt homey and all the staff was super friendly and welcoming. Definitely would recommend to others, they also have...
The staff are very helpful and attentive. Mom is now in assisted living. The staff is prompt with meeting her needs. The rooms are a good size. We got one for mom that has a balcony. It's a large balcony...
Attentive and caring staff. It's not a perfect situation, but they actively do their best. The food is fairly bland and there are not many options for improvement. Although for an elderly home, they likely...
I like that there's a lot of activities to keep my dad busy and social. However, the dining area needs to hire quality staff for serving and cooking. The chef that was there when my dad first moved there...
What sticks out most about Clearwater Agritopia is the staff. They are very friendly and engaging with residents. The apartment sizes and amenities are just fine.
What we liked the most about Azalea Villa is the staff. The staff did a lot for my father while he was there and based on the experience we had we would absolutely recommend them to other families who may...
What we like most about this community is that it is smaller so you do get to know everyone that is there. Also I am there enough that they even know me when I call over the phone. Based on the experience we...
Friendly, helpful, cheerful staff and environment. We have a Casita. It is perfect for us! The apartment that I visited was perfect size for one single person.
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Mesa community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
Memory care for our partnering facilities in Mesa costs $4,941 a month on average, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] Memory care tends to be more expensive than assisted living because it requires more employee training and 24-hour staffing.
The monthly fee for memory care often includes the following:
In Mesa, about half of the memory care facilities are board and care homes. These smaller facilities are set within residential houses and are often at least $500 less expensive a month than traditional memory care facilities.[01]
The chart below shows the starting costs of memory care in Mesa before adding in amenities or other fees. It’s best read as a comparison between the cost of memory care in Mesa and nearby communities.
This section outlines the various ways to pay for a senior’s memory care. You’ll find information about payment options, including personal savings, investments, veterans benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Personal income or savings are often the first tools families use to pay for a loved one’s memory care. Income from retirement accounts, investments, or Social Security benefits can also be used to pay for memory care. Learn how to take advantage of these methods through the articles below:
About 30,924 veterans currently live in Mesa, Arizona.
About 51% of Mesa veterans are 65+.
Veterans and military-connected family members may be eligible for veterans benefits, and some of these benefits can be used to pay for memory care. The VA Aid and Attendance benefit can cover some or all of the cost of memory care, including rent, meals, and care services at a memory care community.
It’s a good idea to speak with a veterans benefits counselor to understand eligibility requirements and application processes. You may want to check the VA’s list of service-connected disabilities to see if your loved one is eligible for certain veterans benefits.
Even if your loved one is eligible for veterans benefits, the application process can still be challenging. We recommend meeting with a local veterans service officer at a veterans service organization to help. Veterans service officers can help you and your loved one understand the application process.
Consider contacting these veterans resources in Mesa:
Resources for Mesa veterans
Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services
3839 N. Third St.
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: 928-228-1214
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Benefits page
Veterans of Foreign Wars Dode Morris Post 1760
65 S. MacDonald St.
Mesa, AZ 85210
Phone: 480-964-9937
Disabled American Veterans East Valley Chapter 8
655 N. Gilbert Road
Mesa, AZ 85203
Phone: 480-890-2424
Medicaid is a health insurance program designed for low-income individuals, and each state runs their Medicaid program differently. Arizona’s Medicaid program is called the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).
AHCCCS is one of the most generous Medicaid programs in the United States, generally covering more services for more people than other Medicaid programs. Eligible individuals can make no more than $1,215 a month, and couples can make no more than $1,644 a month.[03]
AHCCCS functions like other health insurance plans and covers only health care costs, including the following:
While AHCCCS won’t cover the cost of memory care, the subprogram Arizona Long Term Care Systems (ALTCS, pronounced ALL-tecs) may. This program is part of AHCCCS but covers the cost of long-term care for eligible seniors.
ALTCS covers the same health care expenses as AHCCCS as well as the following long-term care expenses:
Seniors are eligible for ALTCS if they require skilled nursing care, are either 65+, or have a disability. If your loved one is in need of memory care, they may qualify for ALTCS. The AHCCCS determines who qualifies as being in need of skilled nursing care and often includes memory care as a type of skilled nursing care.
ALTCS also has a higher income cut-off than AHCCCS at $2,742 a month.[04] However, if your loved one has a higher monthly income, they may still be eligible for ALTCS if they set up a Special Treatment Trust. Speak with an AHCCCS advisor or an elder law attorney about setting up a Special Treatment Trust as needed. Seniors with ALTCS may still have to pay a portion of their cost of care. This is called Share of Cost, and the amount differs depending on an individual’s financial assets and monthly income.
You can direct questions about AHCCCS and ALTCS to the Mesa Medicaid office, the Maricopa County Area Agency on Aging, or the Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens’ Aide.
Mesa Medicaid resources
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
801 E. Jefferson St.
Phoenix, AZ 85034
AHCCCS Phone: 602-417-4000
ALTCS Phone: 888-621-6880
Apply for AHCCCS and ALTCS
Mesa Medicaid office
1619 E. Main St.
Mesa, AZ 85203
Phone: 480-834-4066
Maricopa County Area Agency on Aging
1377 E. Thomas Road, Suite 108
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Phone: 602-264-2255
Email: info@aaaphx.org
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that covers short-term and medically necessary health care costs. Medicare won’t cover the cost of a memory care community, but it may cover certain health care needs.
You can learn more about what Medicare covers below:
If you need help understanding your loved one’s Medicare coverage, reach out to these resources:
Mesa resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration office — Mesa
702 W. Jerome Ave.
Mesa, AZ 85210-5992
Phone: 800-772-1213
Maricopa County Area Agency on Aging
1377 E. Thomas Road, Suite 108
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Phone: 602-264-2255
Email: info@aaaphx.org
Memory care facilities in Mesa, Arizona offer seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia a safe and compassionate home. The Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) regulates and licenses memory care facilities as a type of assisted living facility to make sure seniors in Arizona are getting high-quality care.
After an initial inspection, memory care facilities are given an annual license to operate. AZDHS conducts one unannounced inspection each year, and inspection results are available for every memory care facility in Arizona on the AZDHS provider search form.
In Mesa, memory care communities follow these state regulations:
The Arizona Department of Health Services outlines the rights of residents in memory care facilities in Article 8: Assisted Living Facilities. All of these rights apply to the resident and may also apply to individuals who act as a loved one’s power of attorney:
All assisted living managers in Arizona should have at least 8 hours of memory care-specific training. While Arizona doesn’t mandate any special training for caregivers at memory care facilities, it’s very likely that caregivers will undergo memory care training to meet the goals of Arizona’s Alzheimer’s State Plan.
This plan is Arizona’s goal to have a strong workforce of caregivers who are capable of caring for people with memory loss. Almost all of A Place for Mom’s partnering memory care facilities in Mesa have a specialized training program for their caregivers.
Arizona Department of Health Services
150 N. 18th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-542-1025
Memory care facilities in Arizona follow state and federal guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to seniors. Arizona doesn’t mandate any specific precautions for memory care facilities, but facilities are free to ask residents, staff members, and visitors to wear a mask upon entry.
Arizona has no vaccination requirements. All visitors are allowed into Mesa’s memory care facilities regardless of whether or not they’re vaccinated.
Common areas are regularly disinfected in Mesa’s memory care facilities.
Most memory care facilities in Mesa have a quarantine wing to protect other residents and staff members.
A Place for Mom partners with 30 memory care facilities in Mesa, Arizona.[01] These communities offer compassionate care and peace of mind for seniors and their families. Mesa sits just 30 minutes outside of Phoenix and is the third-largest city in Arizona. While it has about half a million residents, Mesa is quiet and family-friendly.[03] Most people who live in Mesa are young families or seniors.
Arizona has more seniors with dementia than any other state, and the number of seniors with memory loss is increasing.[05] Because of this, Mesa prides itself on being a dementia-friendly community. The Dementia Friendly Mesa movement offers free 1-hour sessions across the city for anyone interested in learning how best to help those with memory loss. Family members can also find a list of Mesa businesses participating in the Dementia Friendly Designated Businesses program.
The Arizona Department of Health considers memory care facilities to be a type of assisted living facility. Because of this, most memory care facilities in Mesa have their own separate wing but are paired with assisted living facilities.
Caregivers typically undergo specialized training for working with people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, and memory care wings tend to be designed with memory loss in mind. Hallways for wandering, reminiscent decor, and peaceful music are common design features.
Seniors in Mesa benefit from having more memory care options than they would in most other cities. About 30% of Mesa’s memory care facilities are set in board and care homes, which are residential houses transformed into small senior living communities.[01]
Mesa’s board and care homes often have no more than eight residents at a time. Residents live in shared bedrooms, eat meals together in the dining room, and spend their time socializing and relaxing in common areas. Caregivers live in the home with residents and act as the chef, caregiver, and housekeeper.
Board and care homes offer the same memory care services as larger, more traditional options. Common services include daily meals, personal care services, housekeeping, medication management, and activities.
Because of their size, board and care homes tend to cost about $500 less a month than larger memory care options in Mesa.[01] Board and care homes can be an attractive option for seniors who prefer a more intimate environment and can be a lifeline to family members paying for care.
The majority of Mesa’s memory care facilities are technically memory care wings within assisted living facilities. These communities often have more than 50 residents. Seniors live in a private or shared room, eat meals in a restaurant-style dining area, and enjoy a wide scope of amenities and activities.
Activity coordinators plan daily games and events to help seniors stay engaged. Because of their larger size and added amenities, these facilities are about $500 more expensive a month than board and care homes.[01]
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About 150,000 Arizona seniors live with Alzheimer’s disease.[05]
The average high temperature in Mesa in January is 66 degrees Fahrenheit.[07]
Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia living in Mesa, Arizona, have access to some of the best health care facilities in the nation, both in town and in nearby Phoenix.
Dignity Health — Mesa provides a variety of health care services, including emergency medicine, primary and geriatric care, surgery, and specialty services. It’s based in the East Valley and is open 24/7.
9130 Elliot Road
Mesa, Arizona 85212
Phone: 480-410-4500
Find a provider
Phoenix’s Mayo Clinic is 30 minutes away from Mesa and offers exceptional care for all of Maricopa County. World-class research is done at the Mayo Clinic, and it also provides primary care, emergency, and specialty services.
5777 E. Mayo Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85054
Phone: 480-342-2000
Request an appointment
The Banner Health Center in Phoenix is home to the Alzheimer’s Institute. Seniors can receive therapeutic care and recently-developed treatments for memory loss.
901 E. Willetta St.
Phoenix, AZ 85006
Phone: 602-839-6900
Find a provider
Seniors in Mesa’s memory care communities shouldn’t travel on their own. Thankfully, 86% of A Place for Mom’s partnering memory care facilities offer complimentary transportation or transportation for a small fee.
Visiting family and friends will find that Mesa is best maneuvered by car. Mesa does offer a public transportation option for seniors called RideChoice, but we don’t recommend seniors experiencing memory loss use this service alone.
RideChoice is a pick-up and drop-off service for seniors over 65, and it covers most of Maricopa County. It costs only $3 for the first 8 miles and $2 for each additional mile. It doesn’t require reservations, but seniors need to sign up for the service by calling 602-716-2111.
Mesa boasts an abundance of activities for visitors and local seniors. Outdoor activities in the nearby mountain range and local museums are Mesa’s best entertainment. Nearby Phoenix has other activities for the discerning traveler, like casinos and spas.
Whether it’s a board and care home or a traditional memory care facility, Mesa’s memory care communities offer excellent daily activities. Some of the most common activities for seniors in memory care facilities include the following:
Seniors living in memory care facilities probably won’t attend events at Mesa’s senior centers alone, but they may attend with a group from their community or with a family member. Aster Senior Centers run the city’s senior programming. Yearly memberships are $20 and a membership includes the following:
Seniors may especially benefit from museums that showcase their own history. Three of Mesa’s museums offer wheelchair-accessible accommodations for seniors and make for an engaging day trip.
Mesa is home to remarkable natural beauty and plenty of ways to enjoy it. The nearby Superstition Mountain Range offers more challenging hikes, but there are more accessible options for seniors nearby.
McDowell Village, Sunrise of Scottsdale and Acoya Troon by Cogir are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Mesa, AZ. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in Mesa is $4,580 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Mesa city. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System. (2023). Health insurance for individuals who are 65 or older (and do not need a Nursing Home Level of Care). State of Arizona.
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System. (2023). Filing an Application for the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS). State of Arizona.
Arizona Governor’s Office on Aging. (2015, September). Arizona Alzheimer’s state plan: A framework for action
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Mesa city profile. American Community Survey.
Accuweather. (2022). Mesa, January weather.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Mesa city. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System. (2023). Health insurance for individuals who are 65 or older (and do not need a Nursing Home Level of Care). State of Arizona.
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System. (2023). Filing an Application for the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS). State of Arizona.
Arizona Governor’s Office on Aging. (2015, September). Arizona Alzheimer’s state plan: A framework for action
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Mesa city profile. American Community Survey.
Accuweather. (2022). Mesa, January weather.