By offering a mix of high-quality medical institutions, a healthy variety of care communities for seniors, a plethora of activities around town, luxury lifestyle offerings, and sunny weather year-round, Scottsdale, Arizona, has quickly become one of the top three retirement venues in the country.
In fact, seniors who are living with memory loss conditions such as dementia can find a pleasant and engaging home at one of Scottsdale’s many memory care facilities. These communities offer highly specialized living arrangements for seniors experiencing Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and similar conditions. Within these memory care facilities, seniors with memory loss can relax in a safe and secure environment staffed with trained professionals who can meet their nuanced needs.
In this guide to memory care facilities in Scottsdale, we’ll cover the ins and outs of 36 A Place for Mom-partnered memory care communities — all of which are located within 10 miles of the downtown area. We’ll outline information about average monthly living fees at these communities, payment methods, and pertinent laws and regulations. We’ll also give you a broad overview of what you can expect from the area’s memory care market as well as transport options and activities around town that seniors and their families can enjoy.
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...
I really can't say enough about the staff. They are immensely kind and helpful. Acoya has experienced some turnover but they have always managed to recruit the right staff. The facility is absolutely...
What we like the most about Sunrise of Scottsdale is the friendly staff, and various activities and other residents. I trust that she is being looked after. The transportation service on Tuesdays and...
Nice and clean place. Good, qualified and friendly staff. Fresh baked cookies daily which the residents love. Administrative and nursing g personnel easily available for questions and or concerns. Front desk...
[name removed] gave us A very thorough tour. She not only answered all of our questions, she gave us a lot of beneficial information to help with the transition. She went above and beyond to help my...
[name removed] was there on a respite stay for 1 month. However during that time I was very happy with her stay. The food was good, and the staff responded fairly fast when she needed help.
We have found everyone very friendly. They all take three jobs very seriously. Everything is very clean. The dining room is comfortable, the food is hot and appealing. Easy to reach our parent by caregiver...
I’m very happy that my husband and I decided to live at Acoya Shea. The apartment is modern and stylish and the common areas are beautiful and comfortable. In addition to much needed help from caregivers,...
Friendship among residents and looking out for reach other is the main plus. Hourly workers are very caring and look after our needs. We would like to see more communication between staff concerning changes...
The staff took our needs to heart. Though my loved one needs memory care but didn't want to be there "jailed" she has appreciated that the staff realize her needs are not so strong & she & a few other...
Dining Room and kitchen has serious management issues as well as poor variety of food options. Where I was before all three meals were included as was a life alert button that was water proof. The food...
My dad passed away in [date removed]. The people at truewood are amazing. Everyone was cheerful and always helping without being asked. I would highly recommend them.
My loved one is currently a resident at The Ranch Estates at Scottsdale and everything has been great. The staff is excellent to my mother. Housekeeping does a nice job. The move in process went without a...
Superb personalized care. They made my mom happy & feel like she was home. She passed way but we felt she received the best care possible.
Everyone we met at the facility went out of their way to help in any way they could to get my mom who has dementia into the facility. They were kind to my mom and made sure at every step of the way that her...
Community relations director gave me a thorough tour. During which I had the opportunity to meet several staff members and observe residents participating in activities. A very friendly and caring...
The entire facility is brand new one the inside. New furniture, floors and paint. The rooms are very nice and the staff is so friendly. Activities every day for varying level of mobility. Since they have...
My mom passed in July but was at the facility for 2 1/2 years. Very happy with the care. The Activity Director made it the best possible experience for us but she has since left.
My husband had wonderful time at Pacifica. The personnel were very attentive. I was kept in the loop when issued occurred I also liked that I that I didn't have to bring med meds and the doctors needing...
Staff is great always welcoming. I've met and liked to many friendly people only two things. I'd like to see improved updated showers future and light above dining area.
The nurse and administrative staff are great. The facilities guy is great. The older front desk lady is not very helpful. As far as the activities go, they did not seem to have many activities geared...
Living at Fountain View Village has been a great choice for us. We are getting the best of everything: facitilities, location, good food, and super great service. We have great experiences from the front...
All are a 5. My loved one is quite happy there and participates in many activities as there is such a variety. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would absolutely recommend Sagewood Desert Willow...
I would recommend to others. Also, management and staff are dedicated to compassionate care and proactively communicate well with family.Very earnest qualified management and support staff are very much...
Clearwater is excellent. The staff is highly trained and they provide caring service. Really caring service. The whole facility is bright and modern. It has a comfortable atmosphere throughout. All the...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Scottsdale 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
On average, residents at Scottsdale’s memory care facilities that partner with A Place for Mom pay $5,414 per month for their stays.[02] This pricing comes from A Place for Mom’s proprietary data and reflects varying floor plans and amenities. Likewise, it also includes access to tailored in-house health care, including full medication management, on-site nursing, and visiting health professionals. Because this cost is an average, however, your loved one’s individual memory care costs may vary depending on a facility’s location as well as their care requirements and chosen floor plan, layout, and add-on services.
The following costs represent average baseline costs for assisted living in the area without any add-on fees.
When it comes to paying for a memory care stay in Scottsdale, families have a few options at their disposal. Many residents and families prefer paying via private income sources, but others opt to use additional benefits to cover their fees.
In this section, we’ll provide more information about the payment methods available to families: private payment, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare.
In Scottsdale, many seniors and their loved ones rely on at least some private funding to pay for their memory care stays. This could include funds from savings accounts, Social Security benefits, pensions, returns on retirement or investment accounts, and inheritances. However, you can also consider the following resources:
Number of veterans who live in Scottsdale, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
About 44% of Scottsdale veterans are 75 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Is your loved one a veteran? If so, they may be eligible for benefits provided by the VA that could help defray their memory care costs. However, you should be sure to reach out to a dedicated veterans services officer before applying for these benefits. These VA-vetted individuals are there to help families navigate the complex world of VA benefits, and chatting with them is critical to ensuring your loved one receives all of the aid they’re qualified for.
Here, A Place for Mom will share more information about VA programs that could help you cover a loved one’s memory care fees. We’ll also cover local organizations who are there to help vets and their families when it comes to understanding the benefits they’re entitled to.
If your loved one receives a VA Pension already, it’s worth looking into the VA’s Aid and Attendance benefit. Aid and Attendance can help cover senior care costs by increasing payments made to VA Pensions, and this extra funding can then be spent on in-home care services that improve the vet’s quality of life in a memory care community.
The Grand Canyon State also offers veterans useful tax benefits that could grant them the savings needed to stay in a memory care facility: Arizona doesn’t tax military retirement payments, and Maricopa County allows personal tax exemptions for vets living with a disability who received an honorable discharge.
Arizona’s veterans services officers are called Veteran Benefits Counselors (VBCs). There are more than 50 of these individuals statewide who are there to assist vets and their families with navigating the VA benefits system. Because they can help uncover VA benefits a vet might qualify for that they might not otherwise be aware of, we highly recommend reaching out to a local VBC.
Phoenix, located just a 12-mile drive from Scottsdale, has a dedicated Veterans Administration Regional Benefit Office that can help vets and their families with any benefits-related concerns. It can also put vets in touch with the right expert to answer their questions, if needed.
Of course, seniors also have access to a host of veterans organizations in Scottsdale that aren’t government affiliated. Besides offering a sense of community, Scottsdale’s American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapters can help answer questions or concerns surrounding VA benefits.
Resources for Scottsdale veterans
Veterans Benefits Administration Regional Office
3333 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services (VBCs)
3839 N. Third St.
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: 602-535-1215
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
American Legion Sipe-Peterson Post 44
7145 E. Second St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Phone: 480-941-0130
VFW Stanley A Crews Post 3513
7220 E. Wilshire Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
Phone: 480-941-9849
DAV Department of Arizona
38 W. Dunlap Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85021
Phone: 602-678-0333
Email: admin@az-dav.org
Seniors or their loved ones who are looking into Scottsdale’s memory care facilities have Medicaid as a potential payment option. This health insurance program is for low-income seniors who meet certain income restrictions, and Arizona’s Medicaid program is known as the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).
Although Medicaid will cover some memory care costs, the AHCCCS won’t pay for custodial costs within memory care facilities (like room and board), but it does use the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs to cover in-home health services designated as medically necessary.
AHCCCS eligibility requirements for individuals — including income limits — are available either on this page or in this guide. Seniors who need to apply for Medicaid in Arizona can use the Health-e-Arizona website or fill out and send in a paper application.
If you need help understanding whether your loved one might qualify for Medicaid or how to best take advantage of their current Medicaid coverage, it’s best to contact the local AHCCCS office. Likewise, the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) can address your Medicaid questions and tell you about other relevant programs a loved one could qualify for. Lastly, the dedicated Medicaid ombudsman may be useful to reach out to for guidance.
Scottsdale resident Medicaid resources
AHCCCS
801 E. Jefferson St.
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Phone: 602-417-4000
AAA Region 1, Incorporated
1366 E. Thomas Road, Suite 108
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Phone: 602-264-2255
Email: info@aaaphx.org
Joanne MacDonnell (Medicaid ombudsman)
2020 N. Central Ave., Suite 570
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: 602-277-7292
Email: ombuds@azoca.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Medicare is a health insurance program for individuals 65 and older that’s offered through the federal government, and it’s another potential way to pay for memory care stays. Although Medicare doesn’t cover custodial costs in these communities such as room and board, it can pay for medically necessary in-home care needs.
Individuals living with dementia may also qualify for Medicare’s Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) Model. This is meant to ensure patients experiencing chronic conditions receive additional support, such as cost-sharing and special Medicare Advantage plans.
If you’d like to learn more about Medicare, the program has this helpful portal, which includes information on qualifications and the application process. Those who are interested in applying for Medicare can do so in person at a local Security Administration (SSA) office or fill out an online application.
Medicare has two major components: Part A, its hospital insurance, and Part B, the plan’s medical insurance. The former will cover services such as inpatient care in hospitals, psychiatric treatment, in-home care, and care at skilled nursing facilities, and the latter will pay for services such as outpatient care, diagnostic radiology, and some preventive services. Through these parts of Medicare, recipients can generally get diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and care planning for any stage of Alzheimer’s and other memory care conditions.[05]
More comprehensive information on other services Medicare will cover through its separate parts is available here.
Arizona has many state and local resources available to help seniors and their families apply for and understand Medicare. This includes services from the Arizona Department of Economic Security’s (DES) Division of Aging and Adult Services, which is responsible for Arizona’s State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). SHIP offers state residents free counseling on Medicare concerns. The SMP exists to help families and caregivers prevent and recognize Medicare fraud. Similarly, Health-e-Arizona is another state resource that can help residents understand the Medicare benefits they might qualify for.
If you’re more interested in receiving payment relief, however, Arizona’s Medicare Savings Program is your best bet. If they’re having trouble paying their Medicare bills, seniors may be able to receive assistance covering co-payments, premiums, and deductibles. The Medicare Savings Program’s eligibility requirements are available online.
Phoenix is home to an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) — another great resource for understanding Medicare eligibility and coverage that can also address other aging-related concerns. Maricopa County also has a Medicare booklet with more information on specific plans available to its residents.
Arizonans can reach out to Medicare ombudsmen by contacting the Arizona Ombudsman Citizens’ Aide. These individuals help seniors and their families with questions about Medicare.
Scottsdale resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration Office
16241 N. Tatum Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Phone: 800-772-1213
Email: SF.RPA@ssa.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Arizona Department of Economic Security SHIP
Phone (confidential SHIP assistance helpline): 1-800-432-4040
Phone (Maricopa County lines): 602-280-1059 OR 800-432-4040
Arizona Department of Economic Security SMP
Phone: 800-432-4040
Health-e-Arizona
Phone: 855-432-7587
Email: SF.RPA@ssa.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
AHCCCS
801 E. Jefferson St.
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Phone: 602-417-4000
AAA Region 1, Incorporated
1366 E. Thomas Road, Suite 108
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Phone: 602-264-2255
Email: info@aaaphx.org
Arizona Ombudsman Citizens’ Aide
2020 N. Central Ave., Suite 570
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: 602-277-7292
Fax: 602-277-7312
E-mail: ombuds@azoca.gov
Memory care communities in Arizona are both licensed and regulated by the state’s Department of Health Services (DHS) — and more specifically, by its Bureau of Residential Facilities Licensing. This is because Arizona’s memory care facilities are grouped under the “residential care institutions” umbrella.
The DHS’s Division of Licensing Services is also responsible for inspecting memory care facilities to make sure they align with Arizona’s regulations. Inspections generally happen once every two years. However, the Division of Licensing Services may increase this frequency if it receives complaints about a facility or believes that it’s not compliant.
When inspecting a memory care facility, DHS surveyors will consider factors such as:
Additionally, inspectors can also opt to carry out interviews with staffers and facility residents, examine related records and documents, and gauge the quality of provided care.
If the DHS finds that a facility is deficient or noncompliant with state regulations, it’s required to take corrective action and address any issues. Failure to comply can result in additional enforcement actions or penalties. Licensing and inspection records for Arizona’s memory care communities can be found on this DHS page.
Arizona does have regulations that are specific to its memory care facilities that these communities must adhere to:
Arizona Department of Health Services contact information
150 N. 18th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-542-1025
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Arizona’s memory care facilities do not have strict COVID-19 regulations they must follow. However, Arizona’s DHS does have official guidance for long-term care facilities on controlling the spread of COVID-19 and preventing outbreaks. Additionally, the city of Scottsdale has its own set of safety guidelines, and the DHS offers residents this guidance on COVID-19 best practices and keeps up to date with new information from the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.
Given its world-class health care options, lovely scenery and weather, and laid-back lifestyle, it’s no wonder why Scottsdale is home to many senior care — and memory care — communities. With an abundance of options, you’re sure to find an offering well-suited for your senior. In this section, we’ll share a bit more about what you can expect from Scottsdale’s memory care facilities.
Scottsdale’s memory care facilities have a few different floor plans you can choose from depending on your senior’s individual needs and preferences. While some facilities offer cost-effective semi-private rooms great for social butterflies, seniors might be able to stay in studio apartments or even opt for one- or two-bedroom arrangements if they’d like a little more space.[02]
Scottsdale’s memory care communities are home to a variety of amenities meant to engage seniors with memory loss conditions: think opportunities to socialize and exercise their cognitive skills to common areas where they can relax and recharge. Specific amenities and offerings vary depending on the facility a senior is in, but some examples are below:[02]
If you’re concerned about a senior’s care needs changing and increasing, you’ll be happy to know that the vast majority of the city’s memory care facilities that partner with A Place for Mom offer a combination of care types under one roof.
Two facilities are standalone memory care communities, but these are other options you might consider:[02]
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Scottsdale, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Median annual income for Scottsdale seniors 65 and older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Scottsdale has no shortage of high-quality health care options. We’ll share more details about the area’s best hospitals below.
HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center
HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center is the eighth-best hospital in the state and a high performer across seven adult procedures and health conditions. This includes care it provides for prostate cancer, heart failure, and kidney failure.
Scottsdale residents also have close access to one of the best medical institutions in the country: the Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic’s location in Phoenix is both the city’s and Arizona’s top hospital and ranks nationally for 10 adult specialties. These include geriatrics, oncology, and orthopedics.
Carl T. Hayden Veterans’ Administration Medical Center
The Carl T. Hayden Veterans’ Administration Medical Center offers both primary and specialty care to veterans residing in the Scottsdale area.
Many memory care facilities in the Scottsdale area provide transportation for seniors for medical appointments or supervised group outings. In fact, out of A Place for Mom’s 36 partner memory care communities in Scottsdale, 60% offer at-cost transportation services while 57% provide transportation to seniors as a complimentary perk.[02]
However, there are other transport options in the Scottsdale area that seniors and their families should know about. Please note that individuals with memory loss conditions should be accompanied by a caregiver when using the below services.
The Valley Metro system serves the Phoenix metro area, including the city of Scottsdale. Besides operating a fleet of buses, a light rail system, streetcars, and vanpools, it offers accessible bus and rail services as well as door-to-door and curb-to-curb Paratransit service for qualifying individuals with disabilities. One-way rides are $4, and trips must be scheduled at least one day in advance.
Thanks to Valley Metro’s RideChoice, qualifying passengers can receive 20 eight-mile travel vouchers that renew monthly for ADA- and wheelchair-compliant vehicles. An eight-mile ride is $3, but participants must pay excess fees if their trip exceeds this distance.
Envoy, which has a hub in Scottsdale, is a service that specializes in senior transport. It hires companions who undergo rigorous training on transporting seniors and providing the assistance necessary to safely transition individuals into and out of vehicles. The Dementia Society of America has also awarded Envoy a Dementia SMART Gold Award.
Scottsdale, Arizona, is known for its picturesque views of the Sonoran Desert, luxury lifestyle offerings, and vibrant arts and culture scene, but it’s also home to plenty of calming activities seniors with memory care conditions and their caregivers can enjoy.
If your senior loved one has always enjoyed the great outdoors, why not bring them for a visit to Cactus Park? This local favorite features 17 acres of greenery where visitors can take in nature and relax, but it also features bench seating and three ramadas for picnics and outings, two of which are reservable. The park is open from sunrise until 10:30 p.m.
If viewing wildlife is more up their alley, however, Butterfly Wonderland is a stellar choice for seniors with memory care conditions. Besides being the largest butterfly conservatory in the country, it’s also a designated Pal Place — meaning it’s taken special steps to accommodate guests with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Visitors to Butterfly Wonderland can watch thousands of butterflies from up to 70 different species mingle, learn all about honeybees, check out the conservatory’s friendly reptiles and amphibians, and more.
As a premier cultural hub, Scottsdale is also home to plenty of museums. Consider taking your senior on a tour to Taliesin West, famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter residence as well as a UNESCO World Heritage site and National Historic Landmark. Although many visitors to Taliesin West opt for a guided tour, audio-only tours are also available. Guests with special needs or requests with questions about accommodations can contact Taliesin West’s tour department by phone at (480) 627-5375 or via email at dyeaw@franklloydwright.org.
Scottsdale’s Smithsonian-affiliated Western Spirit can provide more great learning moments. Self-guided audio tours are available at this museum, which covers Western history and Indigenous culture.
Looking for something a bit more social? Oakwood Creative Care’s Dementia Hub hosts a Memory Café in nearby Mesa, Arizona. This is a hybrid engagement opportunity for people living with dementia (and other memory care conditions) and support group for their dedicated caregivers. At each Memory Café event, attendees can enjoy a coffee and pastry and socialize with other participants before breaking off into either a caregiver support group or class for people with dementia. Memory Café is held on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and is free for all.
McDowell Village, Acoya Troon by Cogir and Sunrise of Scottsdale are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Scottsdale, 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 Scottsdale is $4,527 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
KTAR News. (2021, September 9). Scottsdale ranked as one of best US cities for retirement, WalletHub says.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (n.d.). HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center.
U.S. News and World Report. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic-Phoenix.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
KTAR News. (2021, September 9). Scottsdale ranked as one of best US cities for retirement, WalletHub says.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (n.d.). HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center.
U.S. News and World Report. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic-Phoenix.