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Cost of Assisted Living in Surprise, Arizona

Page Reviewed / Updated - May 22, 2019

Table of Contents


This guide helps seniors and caregivers understand the costs of various services in Surprise, a suburb of Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more about available programs and financial assistance available to help with home health services, assisted living care, adult day care and nursing home care. Read our guide to paying for senior care in Arizona for more information about costs and assistance programs available throughout the state.

The Cost of Senior Living and Care in Surprise

Senior care costs in Surprise are below the national average for both assisted living and nursing home care. Only adult day care costs substantially top the national average with a cost of $2,167 compared to $1,560, according to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care Survey.

Surprise is a moderately priced area in all types of senior care. Assisted living facilities charge an average of $50 more per month in this area, while nursing homes charge $56 more than the state average. Home care services are the least affordable option in this area with a price tag that is $400 more expensive than the state average.

Note: Senior care cost data wasn’t available for Surprise. The data used is from the closest metropolitan area, Phoenix. 

How much does Assisted Living Cost in Surprise?

In Surprise, the average cost of assisted living is $3,850 per month, just $50 above the median cost statewide. Flagstaff and Tucson are the most expensive areas, with Flagstaff topping the list of cities surveyed at $5,098. The least expensive area for assisted living is Yuma, where the average price is just $3,625, which is also well below the national average of $4,000. 

How much does Home Care Cost in Surprise?

Home health services average $4,767 per month, for Surprise residents. This area is the most expensive in the state, with Tucson not far behind at $4,576. The least expensive area is Sierra Vista at $3,718, while Prescott and Lake Havasu City are in the middle with identical price tags of $3,813.

How much does Adult Day Care Cost in Surprise?

Another area where Surprise costs more than the state average is adult day care. The price of $2,167 is well above Arizona's average of only $2,044. Prescott and Tucson both come in at $1,733, while Yuma is the least expensive area for adult day care services at just $1,625. 

How much does Nursing Home Costs in Surprise?

Nursing home care in Surprise is well below the national average of $7,441 at $6,540 a month.  It is just above the state average of $6,494. The most expensive area in the state is Flagstaff at $7,832, while Lake Havasu City is the least expensive at $6,083. Prescott and Sierra Vista both cost about $300 more per month than Surprise, while Tucson is about $150 less expensive.

Financial Assistance Programs in Surprise

Medicaid Program in Surprise

In Surprise, the state-run Medicaid program is called the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). The program specific to seniors is known as the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS). Participants in the ALTCS program receive financial assistance with the costs of in-home care services and nursing homes. Some help with assisted living costs may be available. This is an entitlement program, which means there are no waiting lists. All eligible applicants receive covered services. Some of the waiver programs below are not entitlement programs, and seniors may be placed on a waiting list after approval. To be eligible, people must: 

  • Be 65 years or older
  • Possess a valid Social Security Number
  • Require ongoing care at a level consistent with a skilled nursing facility
  • Earn no more than 300% of the SSI Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) each month. In 2019, the cap for individual applicants is $2,313 or $626 for a married couple.
  • Possess no more than $2,000 in assets per individual, not including exempt property like a primary home in which a senior resides, a vehicle or burial plot.

Eligible seniors can fill out an ALTCS application, call or visit a local office. The Phoenix ALTCS office also serves Surprise at (602) 417-6600. Click here for more information about the program. 

Medicaid Waivers in Surprise

Other Financial Assistance Programs in Surprise

Agency with a Choice Program (AWC)

For seniors who live in their own homes, the Agency with a Choice Program offers greater flexibility when developing a care plan. Seniors can choose a caregiver, including a spouse or other family member. The caregiver is eligible to receive pay through the AWC program, all self-directed by the senior. To enroll in this program, a senior must be able to handle standard employment processes like:

  • Recruitment and hiring, even when special qualifications are required
  • Firing caregivers for poor performance
  • Managing caregivers by providing a list of duties and scheduling
  • Supervising caregivers during the course of their duties
  • Participating in training for caregivers, particularly when special duties are involved

In addition, eligible seniors must also qualify for ALTCS with all of the same income restrictions. For more information about the application process, click here. 

Self-Directed Attendant Care Program (SDAC)

Seniors who live at home may be eligible for the Self-Directed Attendant Care Program. With this program, seniors or a legal guardian can hire an Attendant Care Worker to help with activities of daily life. Seniors who need assistance with tasks like getting dressed or preparing a meal may not need constant nursing care.

For those able to live at home, this plan offers the flexibility of hiring anyone who meets the caregiver criteria, including any friend or family member over the age of 18.  

To qualify, seniors must already be enrolled in ALTCS and have a demonstrated need for this level of care. In addition, the senior or a guardian must be willing and able to take on all of the responsibilities of employment, though the Fiscal Employer Agent helps with things like payroll deductions and taxes. To find out more about this program or fill out an application, click here. 

Non-Medical, Home and Community Based Services Program (NMHCBS)

Seniors that need assistance with daily living activities, but not medical care, may qualify for the NMHCBS program. This program provides a variety of assistance services that includes help with bathing, eating, transportation, housework and other non-medical services. Adult day care is also an option for those seeking enrollment on behalf of a senior under their care. To enroll, a participant must be:

  • At least 60 years of age or between 18-60 with a recognized disability
  • Unable to perform at least 3 ADLs or 1 ADLs without assistance but otherwise be in reasonable health

There are no income restrictions for enrollment in this program, but seniors eligible for ALTCS do no qualify. For more information, click here. 

More Senior Living Resources in Surprise

Resource Phone Number Description
Choice Voucher Program (602) 733-6693 The Housing Authority of Maricopa County administers the local housing voucher program also known as Section 8. With this program, eligible seniors typically pay no more than 40% of their income toward rent and the program pays the rest. 
Affordable and Subsidized Housing

(602) 733-6693 The Housing Authority of Maricopa County manages 500 units located throughout 15 counties, all with income eligibility requirements. Applications are prioritized by need and there may be a waiting list.
Heritage at Surprise (602) 744-4500 The Housing Authority of Maricopa County and several other partners are developing this 100-unit affordable housing community. Applicants must first be placed on the waiting list pending project completion.
Emergency Housing Rehabilitation Program (623) 222-3240 For eligible homeowners, this program offers financial assistance with minor repairs to plumbing, electrical, heating, cooling and accessibility systems. Funding is provided on a first come, first served basis through the Community Development Block Grant program.
Major Rehabilitation Program (623) 222-3238 This program distributes funding from HUD through the Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) for major repairs to electrical, plumbing, heating or cooling systems. Health and safety issues are given priority, and current applicants may be put on a waiting list.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) (602) 506-3011 This program administered by the local Community Action Program, offers financial assistance with utility bills like electric and heating. Funds are available annually on a first come, first served basis to those who meet the income limits.