10 Best Nursing Homes in Scottsdale, AZ
It’s really no wonder why Scottsdale, Arizona, has made a name for itself as one of the best retirement locales in the United States. Scottsdale offers up its residents a host of attractive features: A pleasant, arid climate, panoramic views of the Sonoran Desert, world-class health care institutions, and a vibrant arts and cultural scene. This also means “the West’s Most Western Town” provides plenty of senior-focused offerings, including a wide array of senior care facilities. If you or a loved one is looking to make a move into a nursing home, Scottsdale could provide a great and welcoming option for this next phase.
It’s important to note that individuals looking into Scottsdale’s senior care facilities may use “nursing home” as a catchall phrase for multiple types of care. For example, many people seek out nursing homes but actually find that assisted living facilities or memory care communities are more tailored to their needs. To understand the difference between these senior care facilities, you should first know that nursing homes are sometimes referred to as skilled nursing facilities. These communities provide their residents with more comprehensive nursing as well as long-term care — meaning they offer the highest degree of medical care outside of a dedicated hospital environment and are generally a good option for seniors needing ‘round-the-clock care or rehabilitation services.
On the other hand, memory care facilities offer 24/7 care and supervision for residents living with memory loss, and assisted living provides help to seniors who are active for the most part but might require assistance with activities of daily living. We’ll cover information about all of these different care options on this page.
A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with standalone nursing homes, but we partner with 70 different assisted living and memory care facilities within 10 miles of downtown. In this guide, we’ll share information about our partner senior living facilities, useful information on average facility costs, payment methods, and important regulations; and highlights about Scottsdale, from transport options for seniors to accessible things to enjoy around town.
Nursing Homes Facilities near Scottsdale, AZ
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...
Most of the care staff are very kind, professional, courteous caring and helpful. The executive staff has been responsive when I have had challenges or questions and concerns. They need healthier higher...
Great place and take very good care of our father. Great food and staff and outstanding price for our father that does not have a lot of money. Very clean and communicates with us very well if any issues...
Vi at Silverstone, a Vi and Plaza Companies Community and CCRC
23005 North 74th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
I have been a resident of Vi@ Silverstone for seven plus years; [date removed] The life style at this senior resort resembles sailing on a luxury cruise ship with daily excursions followed by cocktail...
I like this community because it is small and there is a nurse here all of the time. This community is spotless clean and the food is terrific. My mom loves it here. They have activities like art projects,...
If you have a person who need memory care, it is a very good place. They have daily activities all day long to keep the residents engaged. The caregivers are all very nice. We chose this community...
Vi at Grayhawk, a Vi and Plaza Companies Community and CCRC
7501 E Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
It is very superb in many ways. The community is a beautiful place staff are wonderful. It has just been way too long in isolation due to COVID and they need to open back up on a more individualized...
My loved one has been living there for the last 2 years and staff are fantastic. The care is excellent and we are very happy with her there.
The Maravilla is a lovely place and they have plenty to keep the residents busy. The rooms are spacious and well kept. Their only problem in Memory care where my Mom resides seems to be keeping enough...
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Our methodology
How we rank order the Scottsdale community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Scottsdale 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 nursing homes in the Scottsdale area
- What families are saying about nursing homes in Scottsdale
- How people pay for a nursing home in Scottsdale
- Understand Arizona laws and regulations for nursing homes
- What to expect from nursing homes in Scottsdale
- Scottsdale nursing homes services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Scottsdale? Highlights for seniors
Costs of nursing homes in the Scottsdale area
The cost of a private room in a skilled nursing facility in the Phoenix area (which includes Scottsdale) is $7,908 per month.[02] A Place for Mom’s proprietary data shows that Scottsdale residents pay an average actual cost of $5,277 monthly for assisted living and $5,414 monthly for memory care at our partner facilities.[03] These last two numbers also take into account residents’ service fees and add-ons, but specific costs can vary.
With these average actual costs, seniors at our partner memory care and assisted care facilities in Scottsdale receive services such as full medication management, 24-hour staff, an on-call doctor, on-site hospice, and visiting health care professionals (dentists, nurses, physical therapists, etc.). They can also enjoy amenities such as secured communities, complimentary or at-cost transportation, and dining options catered to their individual needs.
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Scottsdale, AZ vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Scottsdale, AZ vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Scottsdale vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Nursing Homes in Scottsdale, AZ by room type
Average cost of Nursing Homes in Scottsdale over time
What families are saying about nursing homes in Scottsdale
Recent reviews for nursing homes in Scottsdale
The Auberge at Scottsdale
Brookdale North Gilbert
MorningStar at Arcadia in Phoenix, AZ
How people pay for a nursing home in Scottsdale
Residents and their families or loved ones have a few ways to pay for monthly costs at a senior living facility. These may include private payments or state/federal perks like U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare. With the resources provided in this section, you can find the payment method that’s best for you or your family.
Many residents in Scottsdale’s senior living facilities rely on private funding to pay for their stays. Private pay is the accumulation of funds that you or a loved one have earned over a lifetime. Funds may come from a variety of sources, but residents and their families often look to retirement accounts, returns on investments, pensions, Social Security benefits, or personal savings when it comes to financing senior care.
You can also rely on other types of private income, including these options:
Number of veterans who live in Scottsdale, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
About 44% of Scottsdale veterans fare 75 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Veterans’ benefits may help pay for senior care in Scottsdale
Senior veterans could qualify for VA-provided benefits that could help ease the costs of senior care. A Place for Mom highly recommends starting by reaching out to Arizona’s veterans services officers before applying for any benefits: These individuals are VA-vetted experts that are there to help families understand what can be a complex system — and speaking with them can be critical in ensuring a senior receives the aid they’re entitled to.
In this veterans-specific section, we’ll share information about the VA programs that could help defray senior care fees for you or a loved one. We’ll also highlight area organizations that can provide clarity surrounding VA benefits.
VA benefits and tax perks for area veterans
If you or a loved one already has a VA Pension, A Place for Mom suggests researching the VA’s Aid and Attendance benefit. This particular benefit can help pay for costs of senior care by increasing VA Pension payments — meaning the extra cash can go toward care services (or anything) that boost their quality of life.
At the same time, Arizona has tax benefits for veterans that could help save additional money for senior care. The state of Arizona doesn’t tax military retirement payments, and Maricopa County offers personal tax exemptions to vets who have a disability and were honorably discharged.
Reaching out to local Veteran Benefits Counselors
In Arizona, veterans service officers are known as Veteran Benefits Counselors (VBCs). The state has more than 50 designated VBCs, and they’re able to help vets and their loved ones in navigating a complex VA benefits system.
Because VBCs can often single out benefits that vets and their family members weren’t familiar with beforehand that they could qualify for, it’s certainly worth reaching out. We’ve provided contact details for Arizona VBCs in the below section. Although they generally provide virtual services, they can talk to vets and their loved ones via phone or email if you’re not set up for videoconferencing.
Local organizations helping Scottsdale’s vets
The Veterans Benefits Administration’s Benefit Office in Phoenix is also there to help vets and their family members who need education surrounding VA benefits. If it’s not able to address a concern, it can also put clients in touch with a wide network of experts who can help.
Seniors are also free to contact veterans organizations in the Scottsdale area that aren’t affiliated with the government. The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapters aren’t only there for social gatherings — they can also help out when vets have benefits-related questions.
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
Medicaid is a federal health insurance program carried out by state governments that’s primarily meant for low-income individuals, including seniors who make under a certain income limit. In Arizona, the Medicaid program is known as the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).
Although the AHCCCS won’t pay for custodial care (room and board) at assisted living or memory care communities, it does cover this same type of care within nursing homes. At the same time, it helps pay for medically necessary in-home care within assisted living or memory care thanks to Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs. Depending on the facility you’re in, covered costs may include things like help with medications, special dietary services, and nursing care/supervision.[03] To get more insight into which HCBS waivers you or a loved one might qualify for, we recommend reaching out to the AHCCCS to speak with a designated representative.
You can see the eligibility requirements for individuals, including designated income limits needed to qualify for Medicaid, on this AHCCCS page or this guide from the AHCCCS. Seniors who still need to apply for Medicaid can do so via the Health-e-Arizona website or fill out an application on paper. For insight into whether you or a family member qualifies for Medicaid or the best ways to use your coverage, it’s best to reach out to the local AHCCCS office in nearby Phoenix.
Phoenix’s Area Agency on Aging (AAA) can also help answer Medicaid-related questions and share more information about relevant health care programs you may be entitled to. Likewise, Arizona provides impartial Medicaid ombudsmen who are there to not only address disputes and ensure the AHCCCS is serving the public fairly, but also provide informal education and guidance on all things Medicaid.
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 federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, and the coverage it provides those in assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing facilities differs.
Although Medicare doesn’t cover custodial costs within assisted living and memory care (such as room and board or rent), it can provide coverage for in-residence care needs deemed medically necessary such as the following:[06]
- Skilled nursing
- Skilled physical, speech, and occupational therapy
- Certain medical supplies and durable medical equipment
- Medical social services
Within memory care communities specifically, people with dementia may also qualify for Medicare’s Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) Model. This program ensures that individuals with chronic conditions can get additional support, including cost-sharing and competitive Medicare Advantage plans.
At nursing homes, Medicare may cover skilled nursing costs on a limited basis. Medicare Part A, or its hospital insurance, will cover skilled nursing services on a limited and short-term basis, and covered services may include semi-private rooms, nutrition, different types of therapy (physical, occupational, etc.), medication management, and medical supplies.[07]
More comprehensive information on other services Medicare will cover through its separate parts is available to review. Additionally, Medicare has published this helpful portal, which gives more insight into qualifications and applications. If you’re interested in filling out a Medicare application, you can do so at your closest Security Administration (SSA) office or through an online application.
Arizona Medicare resources
If you’re looking for an expert’s advice to understand or apply for Medicare, you’re in luck: Arizona is home to plenty of state and local resources that can field Medicare-specific questions.
First, the Arizona Department of Economic Security’s (DES) Division of Aging and Adult Services administers Arizona’s State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). The former program provides free counseling for residents whenever they need assistance with Medicare, and it can even help lower-income seniors cover monthly Medicare premiums, prescription fees, and care visits. On the other hand, the latter educates families and caregivers so they can single out and prevent Medicare fraud. Health-e-Arizona is another resource provided by the state that helps residents understand their Medicare benefits.
For those seeking something more along the lines of financial assistance, Arizona’s Medicare Savings Program is worth looking into. Through this program, seniors who are struggling to cover Medicare bills can receive relief on copayments, premiums, and deductibles. The plan’s eligibility requirements are available online.
Lastly, nearby Phoenix has a dedicated Area Agency on Aging (AAA), which can help seniors and families understand Medicare eligibility and coverage as well as address general concerns around aging. Maricopa County’s Medicare booklet might also be helpful for those wanting to peruse the specific plans it offers residents.
How Medicare ombudsmen can assist
Those who live in Arizona are free to reach out to the state’s Medicare ombudsmen by contacting the Arizona Ombudsman Citizens’ Aide. Medicare ombudsmen are dedicated, impartial individuals who are there to address Medicare claims and ensure the process runs fairly and smoothly. However, they can give informal guidance and education about Medicare as well.
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): 800-432-4040
Phone (Maricopa County lines): 602-280-1059 or 800-432-4040
Senior Medicare Patrol
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
Understand Arizona laws and regulations for nursing homes
In Arizona, nursing homes are referred to as nursing facilities. They’re regulated and licensed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and certified by the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS) in accordance with federal regulations.
The DHS houses a Bureau of Long-Term Care Licensing under its Division of Public Health Services, which is responsible for issuing licenses to nursing homes. As per state law, nursing homes must display their licenses conspicuously, and their administrators must also undergo licensing. Additionally, the Bureau of Long-Term Care Licensing is responsible for ensuring facilities are compliant with both state and federal mandates by carrying out surveys and investigating complaints. Survey questions are influenced by the CMS and evaluate 185 quality and life safety requirements.
All nursing homes are federally required to receive an inspection at least once every 15 months. During these visits, inspectors from the Bureau of Long-Term Care Licensing will ensure nursing homes meet standards meant to protect residents, including:
- Having adequate staff to provide care for residents.
- Ability to manage medications.
- Making sure residents aren’t being physically or mentally abused.
- Proper food preparation and storage.
Additionally, inspectors may gauge quality of life in nursing homes, considering factors such as the quality of care residents receive, interactions between patients and staffers, and the overall physical environment. Inspectors often consider resident records and conduct interviews with residents, loved ones, and staff.
Past inspection reports and licenses for Arizona’s nursing homes are available through AZ Care Check, DHS’s searchable online database.
Other federal requirements for nursing homes
According to federal regulations, nursing homes are required to have a full-time director of nursing on board. For facilities with an average daily occupancy of up to 59 residents, this director of nursing can provide direct care on a regular basis. Additionally, at least one nurse must be on site and responsible for giving care for no more than 64 nursing home residents.
Similarly, the federal government requires that all nursing homes carry out comprehensive and standardized assessments of new residents, repeat these assessments at regular intervals, and map out care plans tailored to residents’ needs.
For more information, Arizona provides this Consumer’s Guide to Nursing Homes.
Understand Arizona laws and regulations for assisted living and memory care
In Arizona, assisted living and memory communities are known as residential care institutions and are also licensed and regulated by the DHS (this time by its Bureau of Residential Facilities Licensing).
The DHS’s Bureau of Residential Facilities Licensing also carries out inspections of these facilities to ensure they’re aligned with state regulations. Inspections are required at least once every two years, but the DHS may choose to increase this frequency at its discretion.
Throughout inspections, DHS surveyors assess elements such as these:
- Staffing practices.
- Quality of resident care.
- Staff’s ability to manage resident medication.
- The quality of nutrition provided.
- Residents’ physical surroundings.
Likewise, surveyors are free to carry out interviews with staff and residents, read through care records and documents, and assess whether facility staffers are providing high-quality care.
If an assisted living or memory facility is found to be deficient in some regard or misaligned with state standards, it’s required to fix the issue. The DHS might also impose penalties or additional enforcement actions if a community doesn’t take corrective action. Licensing information for the state’s assisted living and memory care communities, including deficiencies and enforcement actions, is available through the DHS website’s AZ Care Check.
State regulations for memory care facilities
The state has requirements specific to its memory care facilities, which are responsible for following:
- Staff-to-patient ratio: The state doesn’t have a minimum staff-to-resident ratio requirement; however, enough staff must be present to provide adequate care to residents. Likewise, at least one manager or skilled caregiver should be available and on site at all times.
- Staffing and training regulations: Caregivers within memory care communities don’t need to undergo dementia training. However, administrators must complete this type of training.
- Required activities: It isn’t necessary for residents of memory care communities to undergo screening for cognitive impairments before their move-in date. However, individual facilities may have their own requirements.
Arizona Department of Health contact information
150 N. 18th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-542-1025
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Scottsdale nursing homes
In Arizona, nursing homes do not have stringent COVID-19 regulations — but the state has published a set of official guidelines meant for long-term care facilities that provides advice on slowing COVID-19’s spread and preventing and mitigating outbreaks. Scottsdale itself also has its own COVID-19 best practices for COVID-19-conscious residents and visitors, and Arizona’s DHS has published COVID-19 guidance and stays abreast of new information from the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.
Vaccinations.
Arizona encourages long-term care facilities to promote COVID-19 vaccinations among staff and residents. Likewise, nursing homes must ensure their staffers are vaccinated in order to receive federal Medicare and Medicaid funding.
Masking.
If county transmission levels are substantial or highly elevated, long-term care facilities can ask visitors and residents to wear masks upon entry. Additionally, facility staff must wear appropriate respirators or facemasks while at work.
Facility cleanliness.
Long-term care facilities are recommended to establish a regular schedule for disinfecting frequently touched environmental surfaces.
Staff safety.
Long-term care facilities should develop a specific protocol for handling staff members who test positive for COVID-19. The protocol should include guidelines for determining when it is safe for them to return to work, among other considerations.
Social distancing.
Long-term care facilities should encourage visitors and residents to practice social distancing if county transmission levels are high or substantial.
Quarantining.
Residents who have not received their COVID-19 vaccine and boosters and have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 should enter quarantine, regardless of whether they test negative. Additionally, new admissions and readmissions to a long-term care facility who have not received their COVID-19 vaccine and boosters must complete a 10-day quarantine period.
What to expect from nursing homes in Scottsdale
As one of the top three retirement communities in the country, Scottsdale is home to plenty of senior care offerings tailored to any resident’s needs and interests. Senior care facilities in the area boast beautiful desert and mountain views and kaleidoscope sunsets, and range from resort-like to luxury to retirement community-like to homey.
In this section, we’ll share more about what you can expect from the wider nursing home, assisted living, and memory care market in the Scottsdale area.
Expert medical care, no matter seniors’ needs
Scottsdale-area nursing homes have expert care on staff that are familiar with a wide variety of care needs. Specific care offerings will vary by individual facility, but some nursing homes offer care from physicians, nurses, and other health professionals. This care goes beyond 24-hour nursing, encompassing things like fall prevention, infection management, physical therapy, wound care, IV therapy, social services, and postsurgical care.
Scottsdale’s assisted living and memory care communities offer similarly comprehensive care offerings. For example, certain A Place for Mom partner facilities can provide full medication management; on-call doctors; on-site hospice; visiting dentists, podiatrists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists; and low- or no-sodium dining.
In turn, you can rest assured that you or a loved one will be under the careful watch of experts.
Plenty of activities that keep seniors engaged
Scottsdale’s senior care communities strive to keep residents not only cared for physically, but also mentally stimulated. Around 40% of Scottsdale senior care communities partnered with A Place for Mom offer activities directors who are there to ensure engaging programming for senior residents, including outings to off-site activities in the area. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that these communities offer plenty of chances for seniors to have some fun, including devotional activities, live musical performances, yoga (or chair yoga), barbecues and picnics, birthday parties, and holiday parties.[03]
Combined facility types that ensure care continuity
Of the 70 A Place for Mom-partnered assisted living and memory facilities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Scottsdale, 31 facilities offer standalone care types (assisted living, memory care, or group homes). The rest include a variety of different care combinations:[03]
- Five facilities combine assisted living and independent living.
- Eight facilities combine assisted living and memory care.
- 14 are combination group home and memory care facilities.
- Nine particularly progressive communities offer assisted living, independent living, and memory care.
- Three facilities are combination adult day cares, group homes, and memory care communities.
Seniors who are concerned about needing a different level of care later on in life might opt for combined care facilities — this will ensure they’re accommodated no matter their shifting needs.
Scottsdale nursing homes services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Scottsdale nursing homes
Availability of select dementia care services in Scottsdale nursing homes
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Scottsdale nursing homes
Availability of select dining options in Scottsdale nursing homes
Availability of select programs and activities in Scottsdale nursing homes
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Unfamiliar with Scottsdale? Highlights for seniors
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.
Health care for seniors in Scottsdale
Scottsdale is known for its many quality health care options, which we’ll explore in this section.
HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center
The HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center ranks as the eighth-best hospital in Arizona and has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in seven adult procedures and health conditions. Among these are the treatment of prostate cancer, heart failure, and kidney failure.
Residents of Scottsdale have the advantage of being situated near one of the premier health care facilities in the nation: the Mayo Clinic. Its Phoenix-based location is recognized as the top hospital in both the city and state of Arizona and has received national recognition for excellence in 10 adult specialties, such as geriatrics, oncology, and orthopedics.
Carl T. Hayden Veterans’ Administration Medical Center
Veterans living in Scottsdale can receive primary care as well as specialized medical care from the Carl T. Hayden Veterans’ Administration Medical Center.
Transportation for seniors in Scottsdale
Scottsdale is known as a car-dependent city, and most residents rely on taking their own four wheels when it comes to carrying out errands and traveling to appointments. For seniors in assisted living, memory care, or nursing home facilities, however, driving can be hazardous — if not impossible. Thankfully, many senior living facilities in Scottsdale that partner with A Place for Mom offer transportation. With 61% of these facilities offering complimentary transportation and 52% offering it at cost, residents can get from point A to point B safely.[03]
Additionally, Scottsdale provides other transport options for seniors and their loved ones. With this, please remember that individuals with mobility issues or memory loss conditions should always be accompanied by a caregiver on public transit.
Valley Metro ADA Paratransit
The Valley Metro system, which is Phoenix’s public transportation offering, also serves the city of Scottsdale. It’s known for its fleet of buses, light rail system, streetcars, and vanpools, but Valley Metro also offers accessible bus and rail services as well as door-to-door and curb-to-curb Paratransit service for qualified individuals living with disabilities. One-way trips cost riders $4 and must be scheduled one day or more in advance.
Valley Metro RideChoice and Scottsdale’s Cab Connection
With Valley Metro’s RideChoice program, qualifying passengers earn 20 travel vouchers that renew monthly. They’re good for eight-mile rides in ADA- and wheelchair-compliant vehicles. An eight-mile ride costs $3, but passengers will incur excess fees if their trip goes over this distance. RideChoice services are available 24 hours a day year-round, and passengers can choose their own taxi provider.
If a passenger does not qualify for ADA paratransit service but is 65 or older, they can use Scottsdale’s Cab Connection program (a similar offering). Eligible passengers will get 16 vouchers per month, and the city of Scottsdale pays 80% of the fare (and up to $10).
Senior activities in Scottsdale
When you picture Scottsdale, you’re likely thinking of panoramic views of the Sonoran Desert, luxe lifestyle offerings, and a healthy scene for arts and culture. However, Scottsdale’s senior-friendliness also means it provides plenty of activities suitable to seniors of all abilities and their caregivers.
If your loved one has always had a passion for nature, why not take them on a visit to Cactus Park? This local attraction is a popular spot, spanning over 17 acres of lush greenery where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery. The park also offers bench seating and three ramadas for picnics and gatherings, two of which can be reserved. It is open from sunrise until 10:30 p.m. Besides Cactus Park, Scottsdale also offers up public fishing spots at Chaparral Lake and Eldorado’s North Lake as well as plenty of aquatic centers to take your loved ones to. All of these locations have paved areas to make it easy for people with disabilities to get around.
For seniors who are more interested in viewing wildlife, Butterfly Wonderland is an excellent option. This destination is not only the largest butterfly conservatory in the United States, but it’s also a designated Pal Place that has taken special measures to accommodate guests with intellectual and developmental disabilities (including wheelchair accessibility and hearing assistance devices). Here, visitors can marvel at thousands of butterflies from up to 70 different species, learn about honeybees, interact with the conservatory’s friendly reptiles and amphibians, and more. Home to hundreds of aquatic species, Scottsdale’s OdySea Aquarium provides a different type of nature experience. It is wheelchair accessible and also offers seating within exhibits, so it’s a good choice for seniors who need to rest and recuperate every once in a while.
As a thriving cultural hub, Scottsdale also boasts plenty of museums. A visit to Taliesin West, winter residence of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, comes highly recommended. Taliesin West is a UNESCO World Heritage site and National Historic Landmark, and guided tours are available. Alternatively, audio-only tours can be arranged, and caregivers of guests with special needs or accommodation requests can contact the tour department via phone or email. It has a complex network of pathways and is therefore not recommended for people in wheelchairs, but there are ramps throughout the property.
The Western Spirit museum, affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, is another great destination for you and your loved ones to visit that provides insights into Western history and Indigenous culture. Self-guided audio tours are also available here. Art-loving seniors are also sure to enjoy the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, which houses both contemporary and design pieces as well as architectural works, or the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, where you can catch anything from Grammy-winning musicians to packed festivals. All of these locations are wheelchair accessible
Have a senior in your life who’s more into sports than anything else? Worry not — they’ll love a trip to Scottsdale Stadium, an ADA-accessible sports venue where you can also catch the San Francisco Giants every spring training season, or even the Ziegler Fiesta Bowl Museum, which offers a self-paced tour for those who have a long-time love of college football.
Frequently Asked Questions
McDowell Village, Acoya Troon by Cogir and Sunrise of Scottsdale are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Scottsdale, AZ. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Scottsdale is $4,669 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
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References
KTAR News. (2021, September 9). Scottsdale ranked as one of best US cities for retirement, WalletHub says.
Genworth Financial. (2021). Cost of Care Survey.
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.
Medicare Interactive. (n.d.). Home health covered services. Medicare Rights.
Medicare. (n.d.). Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care. Medicare.gov.
U.S. News and World Report. (n.d.). HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center.
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