Private funds
Many families start by paying out of pocket, using savings, retirement income, a pension, or the proceeds from selling a home. We help you understand the real monthly cost of each option so your plan is built on accurate numbers.
Paying for senior care
How to pay for senior care in Arizona
Senior care is one of the biggest costs a family faces, and it is rarely as simple as a single bill. This is a plain-language guide to the ways Arizona families pay, including ALTCS, the state's Medicaid program for long-term care. When you want help, our guidance is always free.
The real cost of care comes first
Before you can plan how to pay, you need honest numbers. The cost of assisted living, a group home, or memory care is driven by your loved one's level of care, the setting, and location. We walk every family through realistic figures for their situation, so the plan is built on facts rather than guesswork.
Four common paths
Ways Arizona families pay for care
Most families use a combination of these. Part of our job is helping you see which ones may apply to your situation.
Long-term care insurance
If your loved one has a long-term care policy, it may cover part of the cost of assisted living, memory care, or in-home care. Benefits vary widely by policy, so we help you read the fine print and put it to work.
ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System)
ALTCS is Arizona's Medicaid program for long-term care. For those who qualify, it can help pay for assisted living, memory care, or nursing care, and many members receive care at home or in assisted living, not only in nursing homes.
Veterans benefits
VA Aid and Attendance is a monthly pension benefit that can be put toward the cost of care for a wartime veteran or surviving spouse. We explain whether it may help and point you to an accredited VA benefits resource.
A closer look
Understanding ALTCS
ALTCS is Arizona's Medicaid program for long-term care, run by AHCCCS. For those who qualify, it can help pay for assisted living, memory care, or nursing care at little to no cost. Qualifying rests on two pillars:
- A medical and functional assessment A nurse or social worker reviews whether your loved one needs a nursing-facility level of care. This is the Preadmission Screening, and it looks at daily needs, not just a diagnosis.
- Financial limits on income and resources ALTCS sets limits on monthly income and countable assets. These figures change each year, and rules for married couples, asset transfers, and the family home are nuanced, so we connect you with a benefits counselor or elder-law attorney.
Income and asset limits change every year, and the rules for married couples and the family home are detailed. We do not give legal or benefits advice, but we help you understand the process and connect you with a benefits counselor or elder-law attorney. You can verify current figures at azahcccs.gov.
You are not on your own
How we help with the financial side
Paying for care is one of the hardest parts of this journey. Here is how we help families think it through, at no cost.
We map the real cost of care
Before any decisions are rushed, we walk through what each level of care actually costs in the Phoenix area, so your budget is grounded in real numbers.
We review how you might pay
We ask about long-term care policies, monthly income, assets, ALTCS, and veterans benefits, then lay out the options in plain language.
We connect you with the right experts
When you need a benefits counselor or elder-law attorney for ALTCS or estate questions, we point you to trusted resources. We do not charge families for any of this.
We match care to your budget
We only recommend communities that fit your loved one's care needs and your budget, and we negotiate on your behalf at no cost to you.
A wartime veteran or surviving spouse may also qualify for VA Aid and Attendance. See our guide to VA Aid and Attendance, or learn more at one of our free senior-care webinars.
Common questions about paying for care
Honest answers about cost, ALTCS, and how we help. For more, see our full FAQ.
What does senior care actually cost in Arizona?
Cost depends on the level of care, the setting, and location. Assisted living, group homes, and memory care each price differently, and level-of-care needs drive the monthly rate. We walk every family through realistic numbers for their situation before any decisions are made, so there are no surprises.
What is ALTCS and who is it for?
ALTCS is the Arizona Long Term Care System, the state's Medicaid program for long-term care, run by AHCCCS. For those who qualify, it can help pay for assisted living, memory care, or nursing care, and many members receive care at home or in assisted living rather than only in a nursing home.
How do you qualify for ALTCS?
Qualifying involves two parts: a medical and functional assessment showing a nursing-facility level of care, and financial limits on income and resources that change each year. Rules for married couples, asset transfers, and the family home are nuanced, so we help families understand the process and connect with a benefits counselor or elder-law attorney. You can verify current eligibility figures at azahcccs.gov.
Can ALTCS pay for assisted living, not just a nursing home?
Yes. ALTCS covers care in multiple settings, including the home, assisted living with community services, and memory-care-level care, not only skilled nursing facilities.
What if my parent is being discharged from the hospital or rehab soon?
Medicare's skilled rehab coverage is time-limited and is not designed for long-term care. When a parent is being discharged and needs placement quickly, we help families find the right assisted living or memory care fast, and plan for how ongoing care will be paid for, including ALTCS and veterans benefits where they apply.
Does Integrity charge for help with the financial side?
No. Our placement and guidance are always free to families. We are compensated by the communities we partner with, and the price we negotiate does not affect what you pay. Arizona requires us to give every client a disclosure explaining how we are paid.
When you are ready
Let's build a plan that fits your family.
Tell us about your loved one and your budget. We will help you understand the real cost of care and the ways you can pay for it, free and with no obligation.