Adult Day Care · Phoenix, Arizona
Adult Day Care in Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix's large and growing senior population has strong adult day care options throughout the valley. Arizona's ALTCS Medicaid program covers adult day health care for eligible seniors — keeping costs low for qualifying families.
$80–$115/day
Phoenix adult day care cost range (2025)
ALTCS
Arizona Medicaid long-term care program
Maricopa AAA
602-264-2255 — local referral resource
What to know about Phoenix adult day care
Arizona licenses adult day health care through ADHS
The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) licenses and inspects adult day health care centers. Verify any center's license at azdhs.gov before enrollment. Licensing requires minimum staffing ratios, activity standards, and health and safety inspections.
ALTCS is the primary Medicaid pathway in Arizona
Arizona Long-Term Care System (ALTCS) is Arizona's Medicaid program for people with long-term care needs. Apply through the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). Unlike some states, Arizona manages ALTCS through capitated managed care contracts — your managed care organization coordinates adult day services once enrolled.
Veterans in the Phoenix area have VA options
Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center serves Phoenix-area veterans. VA Adult Day Health Care programs are available through VA community care. Contact the VA social work department at 602-277-5551 to ask about eligibility and available programs.
Phoenix has a large network of faith-based adult day programs
The Phoenix metro has several faith-affiliated adult day centers that offer lower-cost or sliding-scale programs, often with strong social and spiritual programming. These centers accept ALTCS and private pay. The Maricopa County AAA can provide referrals.
Find adult day care in Phoenix
Our advisors can match you with adult day centers throughout the valley — including programs that accept ALTCS Medicaid and VA benefits.
Frequently asked questions — Phoenix
How much does adult day care cost in Phoenix?▾
Adult day care in Phoenix, AZ averages $80–$115 per day in 2025. Social programs in the East Valley (Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert) tend toward the lower end; medical adult day health care programs with nursing services run $100–$130/day. Phoenix area costs are somewhat below the national median — making it relatively affordable compared to coastal cities. Some non-profit faith-based centers offer sliding-scale rates for lower-income seniors.
Does Medicaid cover adult day care in Arizona?▾
Yes — Arizona covers adult day care through the Arizona Long-Term Care System (ALTCS), the state's Medicaid long-term care program. ALTCS is administered by managed care contractors (Banner University Family Care, United, or DCS). To qualify, a senior must be 65+ (or disabled), meet income and asset limits, and score at a nursing-home level of care on Arizona's Pre-Admission Screening tool. Apply through the Arizona Department of Economic Security (602-417-4000). Adult day health care is a standard ALTCS benefit.
Are there adult day programs in Scottsdale and the East Valley?▾
Yes — the Phoenix metro has adult day programs throughout the valley, including Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Surprise, and Peoria in addition to central Phoenix. Availability of specialized dementia programs is highest in the North Scottsdale and East Valley corridors. The Maricopa County Area Agency on Aging (602-264-2255) maintains a regional directory and can provide referrals based on your location and care needs.
What happens in Phoenix's summer heat — do adult day centers stay open?▾
Yes — licensed adult day centers in Phoenix operate year-round, and Arizona state licensing requirements include adequate climate control (air conditioning is required). Most centers offer enclosed, air-conditioned indoor activities during summer months and may adjust any outdoor programming. For families using center transportation, confirm that vehicles are equipped with proper air conditioning for summer transport, which is essential in Arizona's extreme heat.
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