I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Mesa, AZ
Arizona has a long history as a retirement destination for seniors seeking a sunny, arid climate renowned for its health benefits, and Mesa lives up to this reputation. The city is home to 518,000 residents, including nearly 85,000 senior citizens. Older adults in Mesa enjoy enviable weather, with more than 300 days of sunshine and just 10 inches of rain annually. Crime rates are average to low, and health care costs are about 8% below the national average.
Mesa is home to a rich array of archaeological and cultural attractions, including the Mesa Arts Center and the Arizona Museum of Natural History, known for its dinosaur displays and ancient Hohokam artifacts. The area has a well-deserved reputation as nature’s playground thanks to its proximity to the Superstition Mountains, Usery Mountain Regional Park and Tonto National Forest. Central Arizona is also a hot spot for golfers. If you enjoy hitting the greens, Mesa has nearly a dozen world-class golf courses, including Las Sendas, Dobson Ranch, Longbow and Sunland Springs. The city also has a robust senior services system that offers recreational activities, volunteer opportunities and community-based supports for older adults and their families and caregivers.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Mesa, AZ
Seniors in Mesa and metro Phoenix pay, on average, $5,148 per month or $27.00 per hour for nonmedical in-home care, including personal assistance, housekeeping and errands. If you need medical care, such as assistance with medications, wound care or durable medical equipment, you can expect to pay $5,243 per month, or about 50 cents more per hour, for a health home aide. All estimates are based on data from Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, which assumes that seniors require 44 hours of weekly assistance.
Note: Data for Mesa was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Phoenix, was used instead.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Home care in Mesa is about 5% more expensive than the state median and 15% more expensive than the national average. As part of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Mesa has home care prices that are among the highest in the state. Folks in Tucson pay $95 less per month. In Flagstaff, prices are very close to the state median, and average rates drop to $4,290 in Yuma, which beats the state average by a margin of $660. Home health care is slightly more expensive in Mesa, although average rates for both services are the same in many areas.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
With an average cost of $5,148 to $5,243 per month, home care is an appealing option for Mesa seniors who want to age in place. Home health agencies charge 44% less than nursing homes, although they provide many of the same services. Assisted living facilities in Mesa cost an average of $3,700 per month, which is $600 lower than the national average. Adult day care is another alternative. With an average cost of $867, these community-based programs cost half as much as the national average. Although home care may seem expensive at first glance, seniors can sign up for as little or as much service as they need for added financial flexibility.
III. How to Find Home Care in Mesa, AZ
Finding a home care provider for yourself or a loved one can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Below, we explain the process of how to find a home care provider in 5 simple steps. Use the infographic below to help guide your search for in-home care in Mesa, AZ.
Remember that there’s not necessarily a right or wrong choice – it comes down to choosing a provider that you feel comfortable with and who’s capable of meeting your specific needs. No matter which provider you choose, you should always have a formal arrangement with your expectations and the payment rate in writing. Doing so will prevent confusion or potential disagreements down the line so that the focus remains on helping the person receiving care.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Mesa, AZ
Area Agency on Aging, Region One
What You Should Know
Part of a federally designated service network, the Area Agency on Aging, Region One, is a comprehensive resource for seniors who want more information about Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care, in-home support and community-based services that promote healthy aging. The agency coordinates the state’s Senior Adult Independent Living program, which covers the cost of in-home care, personal assistance, skilled nursing and minor home repairs. It also publishes a resource guide and connects qualifying residents with community organizations and partners that provide free- and low-cost services.
Who Is Eligible?
Area Agency on Aging, Region One, serves family caregivers, disabled adults and seniors who are 60 or older and live in Mesa or Maricopa County.
How to Get Started
If you’re ready to get started, call the Senior Helpline at (602) 264-4357. Assistance is available 24 hours a day.
Aster Senior Centers
What You Should Know
Founded in 1979, Aster Aging is a local nonprofit that provides in-home care and operates two senior centers in Mesa, including a downtown location on North Macdonald and a second location on East Adobe Street in the Red Mountain neighborhood. For a $20 annual fee, members enjoy a wide variety of social and recreational programming, including games, bingo tournaments, wellness seminars, art workshops, dance classes and live entertainment. Aster Aging also offers low-cost congregate lunches and Meals on Wheels deliveries for seniors who live at home and need help meeting their nutritional needs. Aster’s Neighbors program provides friendly telephone check-ins, social visits and local transportation for errands or medical appointments.
Who Is Eligible?
You can join the Aster Senior Center and apply for other services if you live in the East Valley and are at least 60 years old.
How to Get Started
Seniors can call the downtown location at (480) 962-5612 or the Red Mountain Senior Center at (480) 218-2221. Both facilities are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Maricopa County Senior Tax Exemptions
What You Should Know
Maricopa County offers several property tax exemptions to Mesa residents who are aged or disabled. These programs can stabilize assessed values, reduce school taxes and lower the amount of tax owed on real estate and personal property. The Seniors Valuation Program freezes the assessed value of the applicant’s primary residence to prevent rate hikes. This program is available to homeowners who are 65 or older and their spouses. The county also operates the Elderly Assistance Fund, which reimburses the government for school tax waivers offered to senior citizens. Additionally, disabled homeowners and widows and widowers in Maricopa County may qualify for an additional $4,047 exemption on their property’s assessed value.
Who Is Eligible?
You must meet income and eligibility requirements to qualify for these programs. School tax exemptions are only available in certain areas.
How to Get Started
To learn more about these tax exemptions, call the county assessor’s main office at (602) 506-3406 or the Mesa branch at (602) 372-3731. Application deadlines vary by program.
Mesa Homeowner Rehabilitation Program
What You Should Know
Funded by community block grants, the Homeowner Rehabilitation Program helps low- and moderate-income homeowners pay for critical home repairs. The program covers accessibility modifications and repairs needed to eliminate health and safety concerns, improve living conditions and ensure that homes are consistent with local building codes and neighborhood standards. The program can help with plumbing, electrical and HVAC repairs as well as roofing, insulation, weatherization and structural items. Doors, windows, water heaters and kitchen or bathroom fixtures may also be eligible for repair or replacement. The program doesn’t cover maintenance, additions or style upgrades. First-time applicants and individuals who need emergency assistance receive priority funding.
Who Is Eligible?
You may qualify for financial assistance if you earn less than 80% of the area median income, which is approximately $43,600 for a one-person household in 2020.
How to Get Started
If you would like to learn more about the program, call (480) 644-3208. Applications and prequalification forms can also be completed online.
Mesa Veterans Resource Center
What You Should Know
Sponsored by United Way, the Mesa Chamber of Commerce and the Mesa Community College, the Mesa Veterans Resource Center is a one-stop shop for veterans and military families who need help accessing government benefits and services. Staff members can assist with benefits checkups and claims or appeals for health care, pensions and long-term care. The resource center also helps medically needy veterans apply for financial benefits like Aid & Attendance or Housebound that can help with the cost of hiring a personal care attendant.
Who Is Eligible?
Services are available to veterans and active-duty service members as well as their spouses and dependents.
How to Get Started
To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, call the resource center at (480) 834-2105.