Dementia, and specifically Alzheimer’s, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Scottsdale’s senior population continues to grow (19.7% growth between 2013 and 2017), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Scottsdale, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 12.4% between 2013 and 2017, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (6.67% in Scottsdale vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
In order to help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's find the support and care that their loved ones need, we've compiled information below about the cost of Memory Care, how to get financial assistance to help make care more affordable, free resources, etc. Also included are reviews of the best memory care facilities in the area, which cover pricing, types of care provided, residents' reviews, and more.
Note: Memory care is typically provided in communities licensed as assisted living facilities and in general costs 20%-30% more than standard assisted living services. No authoritative cost data is available for this type of care, so we estimated memory care rates by adding 25% to assisted living fees in the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey.
Scottsdale's memory care costs average $4,969 per month, which is $31 less than Arizona's median and $656 below the national average.
Data shows that Scottsdale has some of the lowest memory care costs in the state. On the Mexican border, 195 miles southwest of Scottsdale, Yuma offers Arizona's lowest memory care costs of $4,750. Likewise, Sierra Vista, approximately 35 miles north of Mexico, boasts a median cost of $5,188. Lake Havasu City, 200 miles northwest of Scottsdale, reports one of the state's highest monthly averages of $5,875. Bordering the Colorado Plateau in northern Arizona, Flagstaff's $6,250 monthly costs significantly surpass both the state and national averages.
Seniors in Scottsdale pay $6,418 per month for nursing home care, one of the costliest types of senior care. At the same time, both in-home care and home health care average $5,958 a month in the Scottsdale area, which is a significant $989 more than memory care. Adult day health care is the most affordable at $2,167, followed by $3,975 for assisted living.
Note: Data for Scottsdale was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Phoenix, was used instead.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for memory care out-of-pocket, it's important to find alternative methods to help make memory care more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Memory Care in Scottsdale.
The programs included here provide seniors living with memory loss, such as Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, access to local support and financial resources. In some instances, individuals and their families may receive guidance on available memory care facilities and insight on how to pay for care.
resource | contact | description | location |
---|---|---|---|
City of Scottsdale Senior Services | 480-312-1735 | The City of Scottsdale Senior Social Services offers a wide range of services and resources to seniors and their families or caretakers, including those with memory care concerns. Social workers are available to evaluate the level of need required and provide case management, home assessments, delivered meals, benefit consultations and referrals to brokerage agencies free of charge. | Scottsdale, AZ |
Alzheimer's Association, Chapter Office & Central Arizona Region | 602-528-0545 | The Alzheimer's Association promotes continued research, treatment, prevention and a cure for Alzheimer's disease worldwide. Its 24/7 helpline offers support and reliable information for individuals with memory loss, their caregivers and professionals. The association advocates for the rights of individuals diagnosed with the disease. It also offers local support groups and educational programs that provide information on warning signs, diagnosis, communication and caregiving techniques. | Phoenix, AZ |
Ombudsman Arizona Charter Northeast | 602-485-9872 | Ombudsmen advocate for seniors' rights in Scottsdale's memory care facilities. These officials counsel seniors with Alzheimer's and their families about the area's available long-term care communities and associated costs. Ombudsmen investigate complaints about facilities filed by seniors or their family members. They correct issues through ongoing educational opportunities, such as in-service educational training. | Tempe, AZ |
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 83% of all caregivers are unpaid family members, relatives, or other friends, and nearly half of all care is for older adults with some form of dementia. Caregiving, especially when it involves Alzheimer’s or dementia, is extremely exhausting and time consuming, leading many caregivers to feel isolated and overwhelmed.
As a loved one continues to progress through the stages of dementia and his or her cognitive abilities continue to decline, behavioral problems, safety, and general care often become more than one caregiver can handle. This is when it’s important to find extra help, and residential facilities that have specialized memory care programs are often the best solution.
In addition to providing a safe environment, memory care programs seek to delay or halt cognitive decline while providing the opportunity for a social, independent lifestyle.
To choose the best memory care facilities in Scottsdale, our team of researchers started by using our unique methodology to develop a list of contenders. We further refined the list in the next phase of our process by completing hands-on research for each one of the companies that we developed. Finally, we compiled online reviews from residents and families and wrote summaries of each facility that made it through our selection process.
Overall, our team:
The Palazzo is a luxurious continuing care retirement community located in the north end of Phoenix. Some of the communitys numerous on-site amenities include a heated pool, movie theater and gift shop. Memory care activities are based on the Montessori method and emphasize each residents abilities and interests. Music therapy and perfume and soap making are some of the many activity options. The Jewish Family and Childrens Services Center for Senior Enrichment is located on-site. Residents of any religion can stop by this senior center to participate in discussion groups, wellness programs and other activities. Memory care residents receive weekly housekeeping and laundry services, and all utilities, including Wi-Fi and basic cable, are included.
Residents love the facility's varied activities. "They have everything here. They have games, movies, crafts, excursions and outings, one resident says. Reviewers speak highly of The Palazzos food. "The food looked appetizing and smelled great, says one reviewer. Reviewers appreciate that special diets, such as pureed foods, are available.
Thoughtfully designed in partnership with the Center for Applied Research in Dementia, Auberge at Scottsdale is a senior living community that nurtures a sense of inclusion and purpose. Residents are encouraged to participate in weekly resident committees, learning opportunities and community service projects. Healthy living is promoted through the abundance of activities, including brisk walks along picturesque paths and group exercise and yoga classes in the well-equipped fitness center. Lifelong learning activities such as craft projects, painting programs and lectures enhance mind stimulation. Through the facilitys award-winning Spark lifestyle program, residents are provided with opportunities to explore their skills and develop new ones. The program celebrates residents life stories through biography boards and memory boxes. These innovative programs are provided along with basic comprehensive services that include health care and medication assistance, regular assessments and assistance with dining, mobility and self-image enhancements.
The facility is described in online reviews as a loving, caring community with a bright, family-like atmosphere. Families and visitors observe that the residents seem happy. "There are cutting edge programs to enhance and enrich the lives of the residents, and nothing is spared to ensure residents feel a part of the community family, mentioned one reviewer.
Located just minutes away from HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center, Barton House provides memory care in a homelike setting. Each private bedroom has unique decor and a curio cabinet outside the door to help residents identify their own room. Residents are encouraged to participate in structured activities from the time they wake up until they go to sleep. These activities, which include exercise classes, board games and music therapy, are designed to improve residents cognition. Outdoors, residents can sit on the patio, wander through the secured, manicured grounds or tend to plants in the vegetable and herb gardens. The communitys dementia-friendly menu includes high calorie, easy-to-chew options, and residents who require special diets, such as no sugar, can be accommodated. Barton House has a community dog, and seniors can bring their own pets.
Visitors appreciate Barton Houses atmosphere. "Its not institutional its still a big place and beautiful, but its homelike, one visitor says. The community receives praise for its varied menu and its friendly staff who anticipate residents needs. "All of them are trained extensively to handle Alzheimers and dementia, says a relative.
eatitudes Campus is a continuing care retirement community in Phoenix. It has many luxury amenities, including a heated swimming pool, putting green and fitness center. Residents also have access to an art studio, woodworking shop and walking paths. There is a secure outdoor space, Pattys Garden, for memory care residents and their guests. These residents live in private or shared suites in the secure Virginia G. Piper Residences. The communitys signature Comfort Matters program is designed to encourage residents independence; residents have the freedom to set their own schedules and pursue activities that interest them. The faith-based community offers Catholic Mass, Rosary and Communion as well as weekly nondenominational and Jewish services.
Visitors are pleased with the food at Beatitudes Campus. "The food was wonderful, home-cooked and delicious, one reviewer raves. The community is also praised for its faith-based environment. "They have a very nice church, and they actually have several different services during the week, says a reviewer.
Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care is located right beside Phoenix Mountains Preserve, and residents enjoy direct access to the trails. They can also explore the communitys manicured grounds, as memory care residents have their own secure courtyard with a gazebo and pond. Other amenities include the library, computer center and country kitchen. Many services are available on-site, including salon services, podiatry and spiritual care. Memory care residents participate in activities that are designed to maintain their cognitive abilities, such as art therapy and pet therapy. Theyre encouraged to participate in familiar activities, such as baking cookies or making a bed. Other activities focus on fitness and balance and help seniors remain physically active.
Reviewers are impressed with the communitys friendly staff, who they say are always smiling. "The staff has a low turnover which is important to me, a reviewer notes. Other reviewers speak highly of the spacious rooms and clean facilities. "The residents that I encountered and talked to seemed very happy, a visitor states.
Emerald Groves Central memory care is located in Mesa, Arizona, home to the Mesa Arts Center, a mecca for theater lovers, and the Arizona Museum of Natural History. These attractions make great day trips when family and friends visit. There's also plenty to do in Emerald Groves Central, from socializing with friends on movie nights to taking part in craft projects or even getting a new hairdo at the on-site salon. When the weather's warm, the outdoor barbecue area and walking paths provide an opportunity for residents to spend time with friends and enjoy nature. Seniors are treated to top-notch cuisine prepared by a professional cook, and compassionate caregivers help residents with the tasks of daily living, as well as providing appropriate memory care activities to stimulate cognitive development. The staff understands the importance of flexible scheduling to meet the changing needs of memory care residents.
One relative with two parents at Emerald Groves Central had this to say about the friendly staff and clean environment: "It is nice and clean. It seemed that they keep them occupied. There is therapy, movie nights, and crafts that they can do. Everything seems to be quite nice."
The Grand Court Senior Living is an independent living, assisted living and memory care community in Mesa. Its large swimming pool, courtyard and other outdoor areas let active residents enjoy the Arizona sunshine. The facility also has many indoor amenities, including a convenience store, beauty salon and library. Three meals are served restaurant-style each day, and guests are invited to join residents at mealtimes. For seniors who arent able to visit the dining room, room service is available. The communitys activities department assesses each resident's interests and activity level and encourages them to participate in appropriate activities. Memory care residents can enjoy creative crafts and exercise and educational programs.
The Grand Court Senior Living receives many compliments for its professional, knowledgeable staff, and reviewers appreciate the staffing levels in the memory care unit. Reviewers also note the many activities available to residents. "They have bingo, movies, piano, singing, church services you name it and they pretty much have it.
Hazelwood Manor is an intimate assisted living facility located between two beautiful parks in the Cameldale neighborhood of Scottsdale. This community offers a cozy and comfortable homelike atmosphere where all maintenance and daily needs are handled by trained and dedicated staff. The all-inclusive pricing for Hazelwood includes meals and snacks, medical management, personal laundry and access to an outdoor patio and walking path, where residents can enjoy the warm desert weather. Management at this facility understands the security concerns of many families, so they provide individual call assistance for each resident and video monitoring. Every room at Hazelwood includes a recliner, flat-screen television with basic cable and a private bathroom. Public transportation is located just a block north of the facility.
The family member of one of the residents says, "Hazelwood Manor is a warm inviting home. The caregivers have a passion for caring for the elderly. You can see it in the time and care they take with each resident. Our family drops in at any time, and we are always welcomed. I could not have picked a better place."
Legacy Village of Salt River is a large senior living facility that provides independent living, assisted living and memory care services. It opened in late 2019 and is the third Legacy Village facility in Arizona. The memory care section is called The Cottage, and the caregivers are professionally trained in providing specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Residents enjoy spacious private apartments that are designed with personal mementos for a familiar, homelike environment. Indoors, there are comfortable common areas, including a library, activity room and game room, and the outdoor areas, with furnished patios and walking paths, are fully secured. Caregivers provide assistance as needed with daily tasks, and a 24-hour emergency call system helps provide family members with peace of mind. Thoughtfully designed rooms and carefully planned activities are arranged to help meet the special needs of memory care residents at this facility.
Open since early 2019, LivGenerations Pinnacle Peak is a state-of-the-art senior living community in North Scottsdale. Spacious apartment-style accommodations come in a variety of floor plans and include washers and dryers in each room. Dogs and cats are welcome in resident rooms as well. Free from the hassles of home maintenance, residents can pursue a host of stimulating socialization opportunities, such as tea parties, wine tastings, musical entertainment and outings to nearby events. Fitness and art classes, guest lectures, dancing and non-denominational worship services help keep bodies, minds and spirits active and refreshed. A professional chef prepares nutritious and delicious meals for residents and visitors, and food service is always available. LivGenerations Pinnacle Peak is conveniently close to shops, restaurants, hotels, golf courses and Pinnacle Peak Country Club.
Nestled above Sonoran Hills Park and Pinnacle Peak Country Club in Scottsdale, Arizona, North Scottsdale Retreat provides memory care and assisted living in a homelike environment. By maintaining a five to one ratio of caregivers to residents, the staff ensures that each resident receives the personalized care they need. The community encourages residents to stimulate their minds, stay active and socialize by participating in a variety of planned activities including art, cooking, dance and yoga classes. Residents can also go on escorted trips to visit loved ones. Seniors who like pampering may enjoy visiting the on-site salon services or getting a massage from a visiting therapist.
People appreciate the dedicated staff at North Scottsdale Retreat. According to one residents family member, "The entire staff is focused on the residents and their care. They are always checking to see if residents have a need, a wish or a want to make their lives a little brighter.
Located on a quiet street in Phoenix, Rose Court Senior Living offers assisted living and memory care. The communitys many amenities include a dining room, computer room and library. For residents who enjoy spending time outdoors, there is a secure outdoor courtyard with walking paths and resident-tended gardens. Residents are encouraged to participate in an activity program that is customized based on their interests and abilities; art classes, ice cream socials and music appreciation are some of the options. The staff organizes individual activities for residents who arent able to participate in group events. Church services for several different denominations are offered throughout the week. The all-inclusive rent includes Wi-Fi, basic cable and housekeeping services.
Visitors appreciate the secure memory care units decor. "The memory care walls [have] very beautiful murals, one visitor notes. Rose Court Senior Living receives praise for its full activity calendar and its professional staff. "I love the staff. Theyre communicative; theyre friendly, and they help whenever I need it, a reviewer says.
Located in the north end of Phoenix, Sunshine Village provides a homelike environment for its memory care residents. The facility has seven cottage-style homes, each with approximately 12 residents of similar ability levels. Each home has access to the communitys secure gardens, courtyard and walking paths. In each home, activities are tailored to residents interests and abilities; these activities may include yoga, art classes and religious services. Residents have access to a clubhouse where they can play cards with their neighbors or entertain their friends or family members. The dining areas are designed to encourage conversation, and residents enjoy familiar dementia-friendly meals. Between meals, snacks are provided.
Visitors consistently praise Sunshine Village for its caring staff. "The staff is amazingly loving and dedicated to each and every resident, a reviewer says. "The staff deeply care for the residents and treat them all like they were family, another reviewer agrees. The community also receives praise for its well-maintained grounds and clean rooms.
Families looking for an intimate family-like setting where daily needs are met with compassion and attention to detail will appreciate The Plaza Assisted Living of Scottsdale. Located in a quiet neighborhood that's just a few minutes from the 101 Freeway, this facility offers the comforts of home in a secure environment. The Plaza was remodeled in 2017 with a variety of updated features, including roll-in showers and a covered outdoor living room, that make life more comfortable for residents and visiting family members. Card games, arts and crafts and other activities keep residents engaged and social. Assistance from trained staff is available around-the-clock for residents with a wide range of physical and cognitive impairments. The Plaza has an all-inclusive pricing model so that residents know exactly what they're getting month to month.
A close family member of a resident had the following to say: "It was so hard to make the decision to put our mom in a memory care center/home but we know she is in great hands We could not be happier with the arrangement and know that our mom is safe and sound and as happy as she can be!!!"
i at Grayhawk, a Vi and Plaza Companies Community, is situated next to HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. This facility offers assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing in a picturesque location, where residents can take a stroll along paved walking paths or play a round of golf on the 18-hole putting green. Residents may enjoy participating in an instructor-led fitness class or unwinding in the heated indoor swimming pool at the on-site fitness center. They can also choose between dining in the upscale Desert Vista dining room or at The Cafe, a more informal eatery. The community also schedules an array of entertaining activities, such as dance hours, movie nights and knitting circles.
Vi at Grayhawk gets high marks for its helpful staff and attractive accommodations. "The people at Vi at Grayhawk are wonderful, knowledgeable and straightforward in everything. The apartments are beautiful, and it is one of the best I have seen anywhere, expresses one reviewer.
Vi at Silverstone is a Continuing Care Retirement Community, meaning residents can age in place if more intense levels of care are needed, such as assisted living, memory and skilled nursing care. Vi has been serving seniors in Scottsdale for more than thirty years. Residents enjoy an array of amenities, including a fitness center, golf course, swimming pool, private theater and a beauty salon as well as chef-prepared meals that are healthy and seasonal. Memory care seniors live in residential suites at the Vi Care Center, and they receive a personalized service plan based on an initial evaluation. The staff provides assistance with daily tasks, dining, regularly planned activities, the coordination of medical appointments and other health-related needs. Hotel-like rooms are available for overnight guests to rent, making it easy for friends or family members to visit.
Residents and their loved ones praise the staff, food and amenities at Vi at Silverstone. One family member says: "My grandmother has lived in Vi for almost 5 years now and loves everything about it. So easy to entertain guests here, and we always gain weight when we visit; the food is so good. The staff and amenities are just the best."
Tucked in secluded Paradise Valley, Windsor Luxury Assisted Living is an upscale community of up to 10 residents offering resort-style senior living. In this exclusive environment, residents receive dignified and compassionate attention and care, whether they are independent or in need of assistance with daily activities. The entire staff is certified in memory care and trained to provide excellent care around the clock. Each spacious private room has its own bathroom and full-sized closet as well as touch-screen computers for selecting services. Residents have many opportunities to remain as active as they desire with life enrichment programs, daily exercise, an in-home theater, exquisitely furnished common areas and transportation to nearby entertainment and shopping venues.
Family members of residents praise Windsor Luxury Assisted Living for its professionalism with a genuinely personal touch. One relative commented: "Excellent patient care, amazingly delicious nutritional meals and beautiful surroundings. The staff consistently go out of their way to accommodate the patient (and family!). We always felt welcome when we would pop in for daily visits."