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 Sun City’s senior population continues to grow (23.1% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Sun City, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 11.98% between 2014 and 2019, showing that Alzheimer’s is a serious concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (8.55% in Sun City 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.
Sun City's estimated monthly cost for memory care of $4,969 is just slightly lower than the median price statewide of $5,000.
The estimated average cost for memory care in the United States is $5,625, making Sun City approximately $600 less expensive. However, prices are much higher in the Arizona cities of Flagstaff, at $6,250, and Prescott Valley, at $5,625. Tucson's average price comes in at $5,063; those who live in Yuma enjoy the lowest memory care prices in the state at $4,750.
Seniors looking for cheaper long-term care options in Sun City may take advantage of adult day health care, which costs an average of $2,167 per month, or assisted living at approximately $3,975 per month. Those who prefer to receive their care at home can make use of in-home care or home health care, both of which cost roughly $5,958 per month. Nursing home care is also more expensive than memory care; a semiprivate room in such a community costs an estimated $6,418 per month.
Note: Data for Sun City 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 Sun City.
Older adults living in Sun City may make use of a variety of state and local resources aimed at helping those in various stages of dementia. In addition to financial support that can help offset some costs and legal support that helps defend seniors' rights, these resources can also help seniors find social events and therapy groups for emotional support.
resource | contact | description | location |
---|---|---|---|
Region One Area Agency on Aging | 602-264- 4357 | This AAA acts as a central hub for information regarding senior services in Sun City's Maricopa County. Its numerous services include explanatory seminars on Medicare benefits, an ElderVention program that helps seniors look after their emotional health and a 24/7 helpline that seniors may call for operator assistance in finding these and other resources. | Phoenix, AZ |
Senior Medicare Patrol | 800-432-4040 | This program helps Medicare beneficiaries fight back against health care fraud. In addition to providing simple training on identifying scams regarding unnecessary services, overcharging and illegal marketing, SMP representatives can put beneficiaries in touch with proper investigative authorities. | Phoenix, AZ |
Arizona Senior Citizens Law Project | 602-264-4357 | This program, developed in partnership with Arizona's Region One Area Agency on Aging, gives seniors in the Sun City area access to certain kinds of free legal assistance. While the ASCLP can't provide pro bono support in criminal cases, its attorneys can help seniors review documents and answer questions about their legal situations; the ASCLP can also provide referrals to private lawyers for out-of-scope issues. All discussions are fully confidential. | Sun City, AZ |
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | 602-542-6454 | Representatives of the LTC ombudsman program are tasked with looking into complaints about quality of care in communities such as assisted living and nursing homes. Additionally, ombudsmen work in conjunction with family councils and resident councils to proactively identify and address potential issues in care facilities. | Phoenix, 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 Sun City, 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:
Located near premier medical facilities, Avenir Memory Care at Surprise is a homelike senior living community that provides comprehensive care for those with Alzheimers and other memory-related conditions. Avenirs Cognitive Lifestyle program groups residents into four distinct neighborhoods, each one catering to those with similar cognitive abilities. These neighborhoods are intentionally designed with identical layouts, which minimizes confusion when seniors need to move from one neighborhood to another. The repetitive decor and a secure outdoor area help create a safe, comfortable environment and promote independence. The staff holds a round-table discovery meeting with the family members of each prospective resident, prior to move-in, to lay out the foundation for a personalized care plan. Additionally, families are encouraged to join the community-sponsored support groups where they receive dementia education and counseling and connect with others facing similar challenges.
Visiting family members feel welcome and love that the staff communicates well with their loved ones. "I absolutely love how all of the staff got to know my mom on a one on one basis and truly show how much they care for her. The food is amazing and they never charge for guest meals when I come to visit, says one.
Situated in a quiet, residential area surrounded by golf courses, Avista Sun City West provides memory care in an intimate, homelike environment. The community is organized into three separate and secure cottages that share a large common backyard where residents can walk and enjoy the fresh air. Meals, housekeeping, transportation and concierge services enable a maintenance-free lifestyle. Trained staff is available around the clock to assist with a variety of tasks, and on-site services include dental, podiatry, hearing and X-rays. The community utilizes the innovative Enhance Protocol memory care treatment, which uses a holistic approach to improve cognitive function. Treatment plans, which are customized to each resident, can include interventions in sleep, diet, hormones and exercise. Residents are also encouraged to take part in a wide range of physical and brain exercises.
Family members rave about the caring staff and beautiful facilities. As one reviewer writes, "This is an outstanding memory care community! The staff is attentive, caring and professional. They will go the extra mile for their residents. On top of this, the facility is beautiful. Adds another, "What an amazing facility!.The staff, the food but most importantly the care.
Located in a quiet, residential neighborhood northeast of Sun City, Brookdale Arrowhead Ranch provides memory care and assisted living to seniors 65 and older. The community is conveniently located close to shopping and dining, and there are multiple hospitals within a few miles. On-site indoor amenities include a beauty salon, library and game room. Landscaped grounds featuring a courtyard, gardens and walking paths allow residents to enjoy the outdoors. Meals are provided, along with concierge service, housekeeping and transportation. The community offers the evidence-based Clare Bridge Daily Path program for memory care residents, which helps maintain and improve seniors cognitive abilities and skills. Residents are also encouraged to participate in Brookdale's numerous daily programs and activities, including brain games and exercise classes. Skilled staff provides around-the-clock care, and members are trained in the latest memory care and dementia techniques.
Family members appreciate the quality of care their loved ones receive from the friendly staff. As one reviewer writes, "My Brother has been a resident at Brookdale for almost five months and I haven't seen him this happy in a facility in years. The staff is very friendly and went out of their way to make him feel welcomed. He likes the food and gets the care he needs.
Located in a residential area near several golf courses, Brookdale Camino del Sol offers memory care for seniors aged 65 and older. For medical needs, Del Webb Hospital is located less than 1 mile away. The community uses the Clare Bridge Daily Path program, an evidence-based approach to maintaining and expanding seniors skills and cognitive abilities. Residents can take advantage of at least six daily programs, such as physical fitness programs and brain games. Skilled and caring staff trained in the latest dementia and memory care techniques are available around the clock. On-site amenities include a beauty salon, library, ice cream parlor and life stations with games, puzzles and sensory stimulation. Landscaped grounds and walking paths allow residents to enjoy the fresh air and outdoor recreation. Meals feature dementia-friendly menus and individualized dining assistance in a supportive dining environment.
Residents and family members are impressed by the caring staff and the quality of the food. According to one reviewer, "They treated us like royalty. The staff and aids were so helpful, friendly and supportive. The food is very good. Another reviewer writes that, "Mom is so happy. Love the staff and nurses.
Brookdale North Glendale is a cheerful memory care community dedicated to building deep, genuine relationships between residents and care team members. The communitys exclusive brand of dementia care, Clare Bridge Crossings, engages residents in lightly structured programs designed to maintain their abilities and skills. Guided by care team members, residents can learn to paint, dance, journal or go on excursions. Those experiencing late-stage dementia benefit from extra time dedicated to grooming, aromatherapy and music through Clare Bridge Solace. Care team members remain on-site and available 24-7, and there is a 24-hour security system with keypad entry for added safety. Secure, landscaped grounds feature a courtyard, garden and walking paths. Meals are enjoyed on colorful plates and tablecloths in a private dining room and residents can relax in the fireside living room. Residents can stay connected with loved ones with access to a computer and Wi-Fi is available throughout the community. There's also a library, game room and beauty/barbershop.
People commend the staff for their kind and consistent engagement with residents. One online reviewer says, "I am the granddaughter to a current resident at Brookdale North Glendale. The care that is provided by the care staff all the way to the management team is truly exceptional."
The Glencroft Center for Modern Aging offers specialized memory care services to residents. Surrounded by 40 acres of lush greenery in Glendale, Arizona, this facility allows each resident to find solace in their environment while receiving high-quality care. Each resident belongs to one of six memory care residences that cater to the needs of mild, moderate and advanced dementia patients. To further accommodate each senior, the Glencroft Center has designed the ZoeLife wellness program, a comprehensive memory care program characterized by person-directed care and activities. Seniors benefit from group and individual activities, spiritual services, social services and more. Amenities include a barber shop, beauty and nail salon, massage therapist, chiropractor, regularly scheduled worship services and gourmet dining options.
Upon entering the Glencroft Center for Modern Aging, residents instantly take note of the facilitys warm and welcoming community. One resident recalls, "We met several residents; everyone there is so friendly, smiling all of the time, and always saying, �Hi. The staff is very respectful, friendly and seemed sincere. It has all levels of care and good food.
Hacienda Del Rey consists of nine single-level cottages that create smaller homelike environments within a close-knit community. This MBK Senior Living facility is in the Wigwam Creek South neighborhood of Litchfield Park, a few minutes from Banner Estrella Medical Center and a short drive from Downtown Phoenix. Its pet-friendly campus has a central landscaped outdoor space connecting all cottages, and each cottage has its own central great room, activity room, library and full-service salon. The communitys Home 2 Stay program uses a relationship-based approach to care that helps reduce hospitalizations through care coordination, 24/7 RN consultant services, proactive monitoring and response to changes in a resident's health status. MBKs Connections for Living memory care program delivers individualized care based on the residents life stories. Memory care residents have access to inspiration stations and baskets, stimulating activities, MBKuisine healthy chef-prepared meals and all-day snacks and beverages.
People highly recommend Hacienda Del Rey for its great environment and staff. A memory care residents friend writes, "The houses are very clean, the grounds well maintained and the staff energetic. Our friend moved in at the end of February and loves it! She is more socially engaged and is not as cranky. The food is fresh, delicious and varied.
Just over 9 miles from Phoenix, Inspira Arrowhead aims to seamlessly integrate healthy activity on its 11-acre plot along with a full selection of comfortable amenities. Residents can stroll the gentle walking paths or enjoy relaxing yoga. The Arizona climate makes a swim in the heated outdoor pool ideal, with even an option for a poolside lunch. For something more formal, the restaurant-style dining room has three chef-prepared meals daily. With a beauty spa and salon, residents can look their best, while the art and crafts workshop with tools and tables allows residents to reignite or continue stimulating hobbies. There are always guests ready to participate in a friendly match in the games room, complete with board games, poker, billiards and chess.
One family member commented on the attentive staff and quality of the dining, saying, "Inspira Arrowhead is wonderful, my mother is really enjoying it and the staff have been very helpful. The dining room is more like a restaurant We tried the food before she moved in and it was very good."
Mariposa Point at Algodon Center offers all the comfort and conveniences of home with its luxurious amenities and person-centered approach to care. The communitys Generations neighborhood features spacious living spaces and secure outdoor areas that create a comfortable, nurturing environment for seniors with cognitive conditions. Memory care programming is research-driven, consisting of innovative signature programs that focus on individual strengths and abilities. For instance, the From Our Generation to Yours program offers intergenerational activities that help build productive and meaningful relationships with people of all ages, and Life Story Display celebrates residents experiences and milestones. Additionally, the community provides physical, occupational and speech therapy to improve individual functionalities and abilities, as well as music, art and pet therapy to calm challenging behaviors. Families receive regular updates regarding loved ones status through the Mariposa Point mobile app.
Reviewers praise the staff for promptly making adjustments to accommodate residents needs. An impressed family member writes, "The care-giving staff is fantastic. They have always responded within minutes when called at all times of the day or night with courteous professional help. The chefs are extraordinary, a full varied menu, and the staff is very accommodating for last-minute visitors.
Located in leafy and peaceful surroundings, Mariposa Point of Surprise offers memory care services to Surprise-based residents with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia-related condition. The community uses the Traditions Program that focuses on ensuring residents can have a meaningful life. The staff is specially trained in Alzheimer's care and is available to tend to residents 24/7. They help seniors with the activities of daily living and leisure activities. Speech, occupational and physical therapists are available by appointment. Some activities that residents can enjoy include popcorn socials, UNO card games, bowling, and chair exercise classes. A full-service barber and beauty salon are available for residents to spoil themselves. The outdoor courtyards allow residents to get some sun while socializing and exercising.
A resident's family member wrote, "The staff is kind and considerate and the residents treat each other like family. There are activities for everyone. My mother loves her apartment. The courtyard is a wonderful social gathering place, where residents can watch the birds. If you are looking for a home for a loved one, take a look."
MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead provides assisted living, independent living and memory care services to seniors. Nestled in the quiet, safe community of Glendale, Arizona, the facility provides a peaceful environment for seniors. MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care is divided into neighborhoods that offer various levels of support and care. Life Enrichment Teams enrich the physical, intellectual, social and spiritual well-being of memory care residents through a number of creative activities and clubs. To further support their development, all seniors at this facility have access to on-site Care Managers, who are available 24/7 to ensure that residents are safe and properly taken care of.
The staff at MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead go the extra mile when it comes to caring for patients. As the relative of one resident notes, "Staff are kind, gentle and professional when dealing with residents, treating them like honored and respected family. Concerns, when they arise, are addressed promptly. I sleep better at night knowing my mom is well-treated and safe in a loving and caring environment.
MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge is southeast of Peoria. The community is located close to local amenities, including Peoria Medical Center. There is a special, secure courtyard for memory care residents, as well as a saline swimming pool with a hot tub. For residents with Alzheimer's or dementia, MorningStar offers a personalized care program that aims to support residents and their loved ones through their journey. The team of trained staff is available 24/7 to provide care and assistance with daily tasks and to provide laundry and housekeeping. There is also a life enrichment program with activities that address physical, intellectual, spiritual and social well-being. Residents can enjoy three nutritious meals a day that the trained chefs prepare. The chefs are happy to accommodate residents' dietary preferences and changing needs.
Visitors appreciate the kind staff, with one saying, "The decor is very modern. The food is very good, and they're very responsive to special requests. The staff is very nice, very friendly, very helpful, and responsive. Ive seen them play cards. It's a very nice facility."
Situated in a modern environment with sunny weather, Orchard Pointe at Surprise provides a home for seniors with Alzheimer's and other memory-related conditions. The Montessori-based Portraits program works with seniors to engage their abilities and interests, so their cognitive abilities are used and kept strong. The staff helps residents with the activities of daily living and assist them with other activities. The activities offered by Orchard Pointe are designed to engage the resident's senses and interests. Residents also have numerous opportunities to engage in exercise as there are extensive courtyard spaces, along with walking paths and exercise classes. A whirlpool is also available for use.
Residents enjoy the social atmosphere and rave about the staff, with one family member writing, "The staff is professional, supportive and caring; the activities keep folks involved throughout the day. Susan has helped me tremendously in navigating this new experience for my Dad. The facility is clean and inviting. Dad has not once asked to go home, which to me says it all."
Pacifica Senior Living Peoria is situated in a quiet, residential neighborhood in Peoria, close to shopping centers, restaurants, parks and cultural venues. The cottage-style community offers all of the comforts of home in a secure environment designed for memory care residents. A spacious and enclosed outdoor area allows residents to enjoy the fresh air and leisurely walks in a secure manner. Meals, housekeeping and linen service are all included. Each resident receives a personalized care plan, which utilizes a range of techniques, activities, natural cues and routines. Trained staff is available 24/7 and there are regular visits by speech therapists, physical therapists, dentists, optometrists and podiatrists. A robust calendar of memory care-specific activities and events provides cognitive, social and physical stimulation to residents, and a dedicated activities director ensures that there is something for each resident.
Residents and loved ones appreciate the well-designed community spaces and helpful staff. One resident writes, "The nurses were excellent, the facility was very comfortable, the food was great. A family member adds, "The cottages are great designs. It gives the residents a sense of community with other people. The employees are the best, very caring, and compassionate.
Set in quiet surroundings, Rock Creek at The Park Memory Care Community offers support and a home to Surprise-based seniors living with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other memory-related conditions. The community offers the chance for residents to enjoy their lives while engaging in activities that support memory retention and cognitive abilities. Each senior's care plan is carefully crafted to their health, condition, abilities and interests. Licenses nurses and specially-trained staff are on-site 24/7 to tend to residents' needs. The community contains numerous secure walking paths and courtyards so seniors are safe when exercising or wandering. Residents can relax by watching a film in the movie theatre, or they can socialize during meals in the dining room as well as during social outings.
One resident's family member praised the staff, writing, "They were compassionate and caring to both my dad and my mom and I. The nurses spent a lot of time talking with us. They are caring professionals who take great pride in what they do. I feel that what they do is more a calling than a job."
The Auberge at Peoria is conveniently surrounded by a wide variety of health care facilities, including the Curahealth Hospital Northwest Phoenix. Residents have everything they need within the community, including a beauty salon, a games room and landscaped gardens. The community is specifically for seniors with dementia and is designed to be comfortable, secure and easy to navigate. A memory care program is individualized to each resident, depending on their unique needs and interests. Residents also have access to physical, occupational and speech therapy. The trained staff provides 24/7 support and also takes care of laundry and housekeeping. Residents are encouraged to retain as much autonomy as possible through a wide range of meaningful activities, such as community service projects. The on-site executive chef creates a restaurant-style dining experience for residents with multiple options available for every meal.
Family members appreciate the personalized care, with one reviewer saying, "The facility was clean always. The staff was incredibly caring and gave each resident support, hugs, talks. I was really impressed by how the residents responded. They have activities, monthly events. The cleaning staff, the maintenance men and even the bus driver knew each resident and called them by name."
The Gardens of Sun City, Arizona delivers luxury care for both assisted living and memory care residents. Its extensive services for all residents feature laundry, housekeeping and quality meal delivery. The community's award-winning "Live Intentionally Memory Care" program for Alzheimer's and dementia care keeps residents physically and cognitively engaged. Psychiatric counseling and a nurse whos on staff during business hours add support to the memory care program. Recreational activity programs for cognitive and physical stimulation include gardening courses, lecture discussions, and arts and crafts classes. The Gardens of Sun City community also features a beauty and barber shop, a computer room and a spa. Gardens and patio spaces surround the residence, and parking is available for visitors.
Reviews for The Gardens at Sun City are overwhelmingly positive. As one reviewer happily states, "We like the community for the good care that is received. The staff is nice and friendly and caring. The meals seem to be good and appealing. They offer a lot of activities for participation. We know that the community is clean, and we like that it is maintained. Families might want to tour this community to see if it is what they are looking for.
The Montecito Senior Living is a memory care community that serves the Peoria area. An accredited dementia practitioner manages the Memory Village, which is also staffed with dementia care and behavioral-based ergonomic therapy specialists. Staff work with residents on educational tasks that exercise their brains, including arts and crafts, language learning and science. The senior Silver Sneakers group offers physical exercise to residents. A program coordinator plans all activities to ensure each activity supports residents' health. Raised garden beds and secure patio areas also encourage residents to get outside into the sun.
One current resident praises the community, writing, "The Montecito Is now our new home. We have met wonderful people here and enjoy our new friends very much. We appreciate the staff as they take care of our needs, and best of all, they become friends, too. Best of all for me is a swimming pool that has a beautiful waterfall. We feel very fortunate."
In a modern environment, The Woodmark at Sun City offers memory care services, along with assisted living and independent living services, to seniors across the Sun City region. The Legacies Memory Care program supports those dealing with Alzheimer's disease and similar memory-related conditions. The program helps residents in the earlier stages of dementia live a full life by giving them independence and dignity while ensuring they participate in activities that support their memory retention and cognitive abilities. Staff are on-site 24/7 to attend to residents' needs. Meals are prepared by a chef and focus on healthy choices that support seniors' brain health.
A resident's family member writes, "My mom has lived here for three years, and we couldn't ask for a better place. The surroundings are beautiful, her cute apartment has a balcony, the food is delicious and she can have her cat." Another writes, "My grandmother has lived here for eight years, she has always been treated right and with the most compassionate staff."
Serving the Glendale region, Thunderbird Senior Living offers a community for those dealing with Alzheimer's and other memory-related conditions. The Embrace Memory Care Lifestyle program supports seniors in their journey, while also providing them with enjoyment and dignity. It helps them participate in decision making about their lives, with the help of staff who are on-hand 24/7 to help seniors with the activities of daily living and activities. Secure courtyards allow the seniors to wander while also getting some exercise and sun. Seniors also get the opportunity to visit the local community and engage in socialization. The meals provide nutrients and mental wellness as well as reminding residents of their past.
One family member of a resident wrote, "I cannot say enough greatness about Tbird. The staff are AMAZING and I have personally been eating the food and it is soooo good!!! The management staff are great to work with( and I have not always been the most appropriate) and they were fabulous with me. You can rest at nite if your loved one is at Tbird."