Phoenix Leads in Nursing Home Quality
Phoenix has the highest average nursing home quality rating (3.1 stars) among major U.S. cities.
- • 3.1 average star rating (vs. 3.0 Houston, 2.6 Philly, 2.3 LA, 2.0 Chicago)
- • 42% of facilities have 4+ stars (10 out of 24)
- • 6 five-star facilities in a compact metro area
- • $250/day - 18% below national median
Phoenix's 24 nursing homes serve over 185,000 seniors aged 65 and older. The city's smaller number of facilities combined with strong oversight and competition has resulted in exceptional quality at reasonable costs.
Phoenix at a Glance
Phoenix's Quality Advantage
Several factors contribute to Phoenix's exceptional nursing home quality:
- Newer facilities: Most Phoenix nursing homes were built or renovated in the past 15-20 years.
- Retirement destination: High demand from retirees creates competitive pressure for quality.
- Favorable climate: Year-round mild weather attracts experienced healthcare professionals.
- Strong competition: Limited number of facilities compete intensely for residents.
- Active oversight: Arizona Department of Health Services maintains rigorous inspection standards.
Costs: Affordable for a Major Metro
At $250/day for semi-private care ($91,250 annually), Phoenix costs are:
- • 18% below the national median ($305/day)
- • 28% below Los Angeles ($347/day)
- • 25% below Chicago ($335/day)
- • 43% below Philadelphia ($437/day)
- • 28% above Houston ($195/day) - but with higher average quality
Phoenix offers excellent value: significantly better quality than most major cities at costs below the national median.
Top-Rated Phoenix Nursing Homes
Phoenix's 6 five-star facilities represent 25% of all nursing homes in the city—an exceptional concentration of high-quality care:
5-Star Facilities (6 total - 25% of all Phoenix facilities)
4-Star Facilities (4 total)
Phoenix advantage: With 10 facilities rated 4+ stars (42% of all Phoenix nursing homes), families have excellent options throughout the metro area. Most Phoenix residents live within 20-30 minutes of multiple high-quality facilities.
For complete information about all Phoenix facilities, visit our Phoenix nursing home directory.
Choosing a Phoenix Nursing Home
Phoenix families have the advantage of exceptional quality options. Here's how to approach your search:
Focus on the Top 10 Facilities
Start with the 10 facilities rated 4+ stars. With nearly half of Phoenix facilities meeting high-quality standards, you should be able to find excellent care without compromising on quality.
Consider Phoenix-Specific Factors
- Summer heat management: Ensure facilities have reliable air conditioning and backup power.
- Outdoor access: Look for shaded outdoor areas for resident use during cooler months.
- Winter visitor season: Ask about peak occupancy periods (November-March) when snowbirds fill beds.
- Monsoon preparedness: Verify facilities have storm preparedness and emergency plans.
Arizona Medicaid (ALTCS)
Arizona's long-term care Medicaid program (ALTCS) has specific requirements. Most Phoenix facilities accept ALTCS, but verify:
- Whether the facility has ALTCS bed availability
- Any required private-pay period before transitioning to ALTCS
- The application process and timeline for ALTCS approval
Compare All Phoenix Nursing Homes
View detailed quality ratings, costs, and inspection reports for all 24 Phoenix facilities.
View Phoenix Facilities →