10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Mesa, AZ
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.
Mesa Memory Care Facilities | 1606 Reviews
This place has alot of Caring people. Granny is a home person an is only happy at home. When she needed a place, we found Visions. They have alot of activities, an the girls are have alot of fun. I was...
It's a very friendly community, even though I don't participate in a lot. There's a great camaraderie in the place if you want it. The staff are nice and joke around . They've been wonderful. They'll...
Copper Village is an AMAZING facility! I can't praise it enough. My mom had Alzheimer's and lived here for the last year of her life. She was in Cottage 4, where the women were still active, but close to...
I was very appreciative of the sincere efforts [name removed] and Silver Creek Inn made to assist in facilitating emergency memory care for my wife [name removed]. During this time of transition, the staff...
My mom has recently moved into this community and I am happy with how things are going so far. I have had a peace of mind since she made the move and am comfortable with the care they are providing her. I...
Where do I begin , [name removed] was the one who got everything taken care of when I was anxious about my husband coming there, she made it easier and less stressful for me because where he was staying was...
Canyon Winds is truly one of a kind. My mom has been a resident for 4 years now. We couldn't be happier. The staff feels like family. They keep her busy with fun activities. The facility feels more like a...
My parents have recently made the move into this community and so far we have been pleased with how things have been going for them. They have said they are very comfortable in there apartment and they feel...
The place is clean, the staff is friendly and I believe that my wife is well cared for. They have lots of activities for the residents and they encourage residents to interact. They are willing to to take...
First hand experience with this organization has proven to me and my family they know how to care for complex medical conditions and behavioral issues. The staff is very friendly, courteous and...
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The Summit is a clean, uplifting and beautifully designed facility with a caring and attentive staff. My mother lived there for nearly 7 months before her passing. I am grateful that she lived her last...
The residence is very friendly and always speaks to you and it easy to make friends here. The community is pet-friendly and has a dog park. The staff is very friendly and nice and the community is well kept...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Mesa community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Mesa community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of memory care in the Mesa area
- What families are saying about memory care in Mesa
- How people pay for memory care in Mesa
- Understand Arizona laws and regulations for memory care facilities
- What to expect from memory care living in Mesa
- Mesa memory care services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Mesa? Highlights for seniors
Costs of memory care in the Mesa area
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:
- Rent for a private or shared room
- Meals
- Specialized care services
- Security
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Maintenance and landscaping services
- Amenities and activities
- Complimentary transportation
- Medication management
Cost of residential care homes
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]
Cost of memory care in Mesa versus nearby areas
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.
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Mesa, AZ vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Mesa, AZ vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Mesa vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Memory Care in Mesa, AZ by room type
Average cost of Memory Care in Mesa over time
What families are saying about memory care in Mesa
Recent reviews for memory care in Mesa
Brookdale North Mesa
Belmont Village Scottsdale
The Auberge at Scottsdale
Mesa review score based on 298 family reviews
This proprietary review score is based on 298 reviews of 65 Mesa memory care communities. All reviews were submitted in the past two years by verified community residents and family members.Mesa review score compared against nearby cities
Review subcategories for Mesa memory care
When memory care residents and family members submit a review on our site, they rate each community on categories such as cleanliness, activities, meals, and more. The chart below is based on 298 reviews of 65 Mesa memory care communities. This chart helps you compare Mesa resident and family memory care satisfaction rates against national averages. Use it to assess your needs and develop criteria for your own search. If you know that one of these categories is important to you or your loved one, our senior living advisors can help you find communities to match your needs.How people pay for memory care in Mesa
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.
Check your loved one’s eligibility for veterans benefits
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.
Veterans service organizations (VSOs)
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:
- Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services. The Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services offers VA-vetted benefits counseling to local veterans and their families through their veterans benefits counselors (VBCs).
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Both local chapters of VFW and DAV offer benefits counseling to veterans and their families.
- Mesa Vets Connect. The City of Mesa compiles valuable information for local veterans, including benefits application paperwork.
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 is a health care insurance program
AHCCCS functions like other health insurance plans and covers only health care costs, including the following:
- Hospital care
- Specialist care
- Injections and immunizations
- Emergency room care
- Chiropractic care
- Prescriptions
- Labs and X-rays
- Dental, vision, and hearing care
Using AHCCCS to cover memory care services
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:
- Rent and meals at a long-term care facility
- Personal care services, such as grooming and housekeeping
- Medication management
- Amenity fees
Your loved one may be eligible for ALTCS
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:
- Medicare Part A. Medicare Part A primarily covers inpatient hospital care, hospice, and rehabilitation. It may cover some home health care.
- Medicare Part B. Medicare Part B covers some physician appointments, outpatient care, and preventative services.
- Medicare Part D. Medicare Part D covers some vaccines and prescription medications.
Medicare benefits counseling
If you need help understanding your loved one’s Medicare coverage, reach out to these resources:
- The Maricopa County Area Agency on Aging. You can contact this agency with questions regarding your loved one’s Medicare eligibility and applications. They can help families navigate Medicare benefits. The Maricopa County Area Agency on Aging also partners with the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to give the best advice possible.
- Local Social Security offices. Local Social Security offices can answer questions about a senior’s Medicare coverage, or they can direct you to other agencies that can. You can call the offices directly.
- The Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens’ Aide. This office can take complaints and concerns about Medicare and will attempt to resolve or mediate the issue.
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
Understand Arizona laws and regulations for memory care facilities
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.
Mesa memory care communities follow state regulations for safety
In Mesa, memory care communities follow these state regulations:
- Facilities should be kept clean and hygienic at all times, and all areas of the building should meet health and safety codes.
- Memory care facilities should have egress controls, secure outdoor areas, and monitored entrances and exits.
- Facilities must write a care plan for each resident, including updated health concerns and all care services they receive.
- Facilities must provide residents with daily meals accommodating dietary needs and restrictions.
Residents of Mesa’s memory care communities retain their rights
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:
- Residents must be treated with respect and dignity.
- Residents should have access to a caregiver in the building at all times, including nighttime hours.
- Residents should never receive abuse of any kind.
- Residents should be given a reasonable amount of privacy.
- Residents should be able to keep their personal belongings in their rooms.
- Residents should be able to submit a complaint without any fear of retaliation.
- Residents should be fully informed of all changes in the cost of their room, meals, or care.
- Residents should be able to select their own health care providers.
Caregivers undergo special training for Mesa’s memory care facilities
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 contact information
Arizona Department of Health Services
150 N. 18th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-542-1025
COVID-19 regulations for Mesa memory care facilities
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.
Vaccinations.
Arizona has no vaccination requirements. All visitors are allowed into Mesa’s memory care facilities regardless of whether or not they’re vaccinated.
Facility cleanliness.
Common areas are regularly disinfected in Mesa’s memory care facilities.
Quarantining.
Most memory care facilities in Mesa have a quarantine wing to protect other residents and staff members.
What to expect from memory care living in Mesa
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.
Mesa’s memory care facilities offer safety and comfort
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.
A third of Mesa’s memory care facilities are board and care homes
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.
Two-thirds of Mesa’s memory care facilities are paired with assisted living
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]
Mesa memory care services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Mesa memory care
Availability of select dementia care services in Mesa memory care
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Mesa memory care
Availability of select dining options in Mesa memory care
Availability of select programs and activities in Mesa memory care
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Unfamiliar with Mesa? Highlights for seniors
About 150,000 Arizona seniors live with Alzheimer’s disease.[05]
The average high temperature in Mesa in January is 66 degrees Fahrenheit.[07]
Health care for seniors in Mesa
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
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
Mayo Clinic — Phoenix
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
Banner Alzheimer’s Institute
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
Transportation for seniors in Mesa
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.
Senior activities in Mesa
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.
Activities in Mesa’s memory care facilities
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:
- Reminiscence activities, such as listening to music from the past
- Social hours
- Arts and crafts workshops
- Movie nights
- Chair yoga
- Walking club
- Pet therapy
Mesa’s senior centers offer community involvement
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:
- Daily lunch (view a current menu)
- Games, music, and movies
- Members-only parties
- Exercise, art, and dance classes
Mesa’s museums can help seniors reminisce
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.
- The Arizona Museum of Natural History. This museum features ancient civilizations and dinosaurs from Arizona. Seniors can get discounted admissions.
- Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Museum. Senior veterans may especially enjoy this museum, as it has aircraft from over 100 years of Air Force history.
- Mesa Arts Center. The local theater has rotating live events, including classical musical performances, comedians, and contemporary musicians. You can find information about the season on the website. The Mesa Arts Center also accommodates people with low vision, those hard of hearing, and those with mobility impairments.
Outdoor activities can benefit seniors’ mental and physical health
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.
- Merkle Trail. At only 1 mile, this loop is an excellent place to watch a sunset or sunrise over the desert landscape.
- Hawes Ridge Loop. This 2-mile loop takes hikers through local saguaro cactus groves.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 $4,729 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
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.
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