Arizona has a lot to offer seniors and older adults. Phoenix is especially popular with seniors–in fact, people over the age of 65 account for over 15% of the population of the Phoenix metro area. And this number is growing every day! The Valley of the Sun is popular with seniors for many reasons, including abundant sunshine, no below-freezing temperatures, tax benefits, a strong healthcare system, and tons of things to do, both indoors and out. Senior living communities that offer memory care in Phoenix are also plentiful–but which are the best? Read on to learn more about why Phoenix is a great place for memory care, and explore the city’s top memory care communities.
Quick Answer: What are the best communities for memory care in Phoenix AZ?
The short answer to this question is: the top 5 communities for memory care in Phoenix (and surrounding areas) are:
Each of these communities uses a person-first approach to memory care, focusing on respect, joy, and hope. They’re all top-rated memory care communities within 30 minutes of Phoenix, and each one offers a unique take on the best possible life for your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Read on to learn more about these communities with memory care in Phoenix, and how to choose the best one for you or your loved one.
What is memory care, anyway?
Memory care is a specialized type of assisted living for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, memory loss, or cognitive decline. Like assisted living communities, memory care in Phoenix AZ usually includes assistance with activities of daily living, like eating, dressing, bathing, medication management, and mobility. People with Alzheimer’s and dementia also may be prone to wandering or becoming lost, so memory care communities also feature additional supervision and security measures. Additionally, a great memory care community will include therapies and activities specifically designed for people with memory loss. Learn more about memory care here.
What makes Phoenix, AZ good for seniors and retirees?
As we mentioned, Phoenix has a few unique benefits for seniors and retirees. Arizona’s main draw for seniors is often its unique weather. In Phoenix, you’ll never have to shovel snow again–or worry about slipping on ice or winter driving conditions! With over 300 days of sun a year, rain and clouds won’t bother you either. With an average high of 68 during even the coldest months, you can swim in an outdoor pool almost every day of the year. The downside to so much sun and warmth, however, is average daily highs above 100 degrees throughout the summer.
But if you can take the heat, there are financial reasons to consider Phoenix memory care too. Arizona doesn’t tax social security benefits, and offers tax deductions for retirement income. While the cost of living is higher than the national average, it’s still lower than other year-round warm-weather cities, like Los Angeles and Miami. And memory care communities in Phoenix are often cheaper than the national average as well.
Phoenix also offers a robust healthcare system, with lots of specialized senior care. In fact, U.S. News ranks Arizona as the 3rd best state for healthcare quality in the nation, and top 10 for Medicare quality. And, The Valley has tons of both indoor and outdoor activities, including art, museums, fine dining, and hiking, so there’s something for everyone.
Lively Phoenix, Arizona is popular with seniors.
The Best Senior Living Communities for Memory Care Phoenix
If you’re sold on the Valley of the Sun, your next step is finding the best memory care in Phoenix. When choosing a memory care community for yourself or your loved one, you might want to consider these factors:
- Location. Just like in real estate, location is one of the most important considerations when choosing a memory care community. You’ll probably want a community in a safe, quiet part of the Phoenix metro area.
- Price. Budget is a concern for many people when it comes to memory care in Phoenix.
- Services & amenities. Memory care shouldn’t feel like a “nursing home.” Your loved one deserves top-quality care along with resort-style amenities.
- Memory care programs and security. For people with dementia, security is a top priority. Specialized memory care activities and therapies are also important for the best quality of life.
- Quality and tenure of staff. People with Alzheimer’s and dementia need extra care. Make sure your loved one’s caregivers are experienced, qualified, and willing to go the extra mile to treat your senior like family.
Based on this criteria, we’ve created a list of the 5 top senior living communities for memory care in Phoenix AZ. Here’s a little about each community, and how to choose the right one for you or your loved one.
The Groves
The Groves Assisted Living & Memory Care
The Groves Assisted Living & Memory Care is located in downtown Goodyear, Arizona, just 30 minutes outside Phoenix. Goodyear is a safe, family-friendly suburb, with its own charming Civic Square. It allows you to get that quiet, small-town feel, while maintaining easy access to everything the city has to offer. The Groves is priced well, with lower than average monthly fees compared to other communities in the area. Residents and their families appreciate the dedicated, loving care provided by staff members. Amenities and included services are extensive, putting The Groves solidly in the top 5 communities for memory care in Phoenix AZ.
Pueblo Norte
Pueblo Norte Senior Living
If you’re looking for memory care that does not look like a retirement home, Pueblo Norte might be right for you. With unique pueblo-style architecture and 22 landscaped acres at the edge of Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, living at Pueblo Norte feels more like a gated neighborhood than a memory care community. The community is even golf-cart friendly, and has a giant central pool, a 9-hole putting green, and a truly resort-style spa. Staff members are dedicated and experienced–some have been at Pueblo Norte for more than 30 years. Pricing is also very reasonable, especially when considering all that is included.
The Gardens of Scottsdale
The Gardens of Scottsdale Assisted Living & Memory Care
Just 15 minutes outside Phoenix, The Gardens of Scottsdale is another top 5 memory care community. This community is very cozy and just the right size, large enough to provide lots of socialization, while small enough to feel like a family. They specialize in higher-acuity care, with long-tenured staff members who treat residents like their own parents or grandparents. The Gardens also offers tons of activities that are specially designed to meet each resident’s needs, including those requiring memory care.
Thunderbird
Thunderbird Assisted & Senior Living
Thunderbird Assisted & Senior Living lies just north of Phoenix in charming Glendale, Arizona. They are another luxurious community offering some of the best memory care in Phoenix. It’s a true resort experience, with a koi pond with fountains, heated pool and hot tub, shaded courtyards, putting green, and an incredible restaurant-style dining room. Pricing is all-inclusive and very reasonable. Staff members really care about their residents and go above and beyond to provide the best possible care.
The Oaks
The Oaks Assisted Living & Memory Care
Last but certainly not least, we have The Oaks Senior Living in quiet and walkable Gilbert, a 30-minute drive from Phoenix. The Oaks is a beautiful, bright community with lots of shaded outdoor areas and tons of fun, creative activities. Daily fitness classes are unlike anything you’ve seen before, including chair kickboxing. It’s a great place to live, especially if you like fun, whimsy, and staff who really do treat you like family.
Memory Care in Phoenix AZ: Choosing a Community
With these 5 incredible communities offering memory care in Phoenix, it can be hard to choose. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding which of these communities is best for you or your loved one.
- How much care do you or your loved one need, and how much care do you expect to need down the road? While all these communities provide memory care, some are able to provide higher levels of care than others. Pueblo Norte, for example, is a very large community that could be difficult to navigate for someone with more advanced care needs. On the other hand, the Gardens of Scottsdale is a cozy, all-studio community that is able to provide a higher level of care for seniors in later stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia.
- What is your budget? Each of these communities is competitively priced and an excellent value, but prices do vary. Contact the community directly for transparent line-item pricing.
- What kind of lifestyle are you looking for? The Oaks is known for its fun-loving, creative and active lifestyle. Thunderbird is like living in a resort, year-round. Each community has its own personality. Visit each community to see if its personality matches yours!
Why Choose Stellar for Phoenix Memory Care?
There’s one thing all of these memory communities have in common: they are Stellar Living communities. Stellar Living, a property management company, has been dedicated to providing the best possible senior care for over a decade. They even developed an enhanced person-first memory care program that focuses on joy, vitality, and hope. Learn more about Stellar and the Apollo Memory Care program here.
If you’re looking for the best memory care in Phoenix, choose a Stellar Living community. Schedule a tour to see these communities in person today!
