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Surprise is a fast-growing city on the outskirts of the Phoenix metro with over 140,000 residents, nearly one in four of whom are seniors. While the city is rich in amenities and points of interest that appeal to people of all ages, including nearly 70 golf courses, unique museums and outstanding shopping and dining venues, it’s an especially attractive option for those seeking affordable senior living. While the overall cost of living slightly exceeds state and national averages, local assisted living rates are considerably cheaper than in the typical U.S. city at $3,975 per month.
Assisted living is an ideal option for older adults who need some assistance but want to live in a low-maintenance environment. Unlike nursing homes, these facilities don’t provide around-the-clock medical supervision and regular skilled nursing services. Instead, they primarily provide non-medical services, such as help with daily living activities, housekeeping and linen services, transportation, meals and recreational programming.
This guide offers more information on the cost of assisted living in Surprise and how local care costs compare to rates in other Arizona cities. It can also help you identify practical ways to pay for care if your retirement income isn’t enough.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Arizona. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
The 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey shows that seniors in Surprise pay $3,975 per month for assisted living services.
Assisted living facilities in Surprise charge an estimated $3,975 per month for services, which is consistent with the state median of $4,000. This rate is competitive compared to the national average, which comes in at $4,500 per month.
Assisted living rates in Surprise are affordable in comparison to care costs in other cities. In Yuma, monthly rates are the lowest surveyed in the state at $3,800, and in Tucson, care costs are on par with the state rate at $4,050. Seniors in Sierra Vista pay $4,150 for services, and in Prescott Valley, fees are equal to the national average at $4,500. Facilities in Lake Havasu charge $4,700 per month, and those in Flagstaff charge $5,000.
Note: Data for Surprise was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Phoenix, was used instead.
How to Get Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Surprise
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Arizona.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
| Area Agency on Aging, Region One | (888) 264-2258 | The local Area Agency on Aging administers nearly two dozen programs and services to those aged 60 and over in Surprise and the surrounding region, providing you with some of the support you need to maintain as much independence as possible throughout retirement. It operates senior centers and healthy living classes to help seniors stay socially connected, and it contracts with legal advisors in the region to provide advice and guidance with issues, such as public and veterans’ benefits. It also offers congregate meals, transportation services and the Elder Resource Guide. |
| Arizona State Health Insurance Assistance Program | (800) 432-4040 | Through the Arizona State Health Insurance Assistance Program, you can talk to a trained volunteer who can answer your questions about Medicare and long-term care insurance options. This statewide program provides free health insurance options counseling for those aged 65 and over, helping older adults make informed decisions regarding their insurance coverage. Advisors can also help you review medical and assisted living bills, resolve billing errors and determine whether you qualify for public benefits, such as Medicaid, which can help you pay for residential services. |
| West Valley Veteran Success Center | (623) 222-1600 | West Valley Veteran Success Center is a partnership of several organizations in the Surprise region that serve veterans. Through this program, older veterans and their families access a broad range of services, including help with accessing community-based services that may enable them to pay for assisted living services. The program also has benefits counselors who help qualified seniors enroll in state and federal benefits. |
| Surprise Senior Center | (623) 222-1500 | The Surprise Senior Center is open to those aged 50 and over. At this center, members enjoy hot lunches daily, as well as social and recreational programs. It has a state-of-the-art fitness center outfitted with age-friendly equipment and staffed with fitness advisors who help you develop an exercise program based on your fitness level and goals. The center also hosts the SilverSneakers Program, which is available at no cost for older adults with participating Medicare Advantage plans. The center is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and membership for Surprise residents is $12 annually. |
| Legal Aid of Arizona | (480) 658-2552 | Legal Aid of Arizona has licensed legal specialists who provide free and reduced-fee legal aid, advice and representation for qualifying individuals aged 60 and over. Through this nonprofit organization, you can get one-on-one help with applying for the state’s Medicaid program, which can help cover residential care, along with Supplemental Security Income, Social Security benefits and tax relief. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Surprise area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
