Housing
There are a large variety of housing options available to older adults. These include 55 and up apartments and mobile home parks, active adult communities, independent and assisted living communities, and assisted living homes. Additionally, some older adults benefit from low-income and subsidized housing options. There are many things to consider when choosing the best place to call home, including cost, location, amenities and services, safety, and comfort. Individuals who qualify for the Arizona Long Term Care System receive financial assistance to help cover the cost of a contracted assisted living facility or nursing home.
For the 2023 Public Housing (Section 8) Waitlist and Overview, visit https://housing-waitlist-cotgis.hub.arcgis.com/pages/waitlist-overview
For affordable housing listings, visit http://www.pimacountyhousingsearch.org
For Emergency Rental Assistance, visit https://www.tucsonpimaep.com/
For all Housing Resources, click here.
To see Considerations for Selecting Residential Care, click here.
Additional Resources
Emergency Rent & Mortgage Assistance
Those who offer rent and mortgage assistance may also be available to obtain clothing, hygiene items, gasoline, bus passes, and food vouchers. To receive assistance at these agencies, you must first call for an appointment. Walk-in appointments are not available.
See all Emergency Rent & Mortgage Assistance resources
Active Adult Communities
Active adult communities offer adults aged 55 and up the opportunity to live in their own home while having easy access to amenities such as recreational and fitness facilities, walking trails, and nearby shopping. Only resale homes are available in most communities, but some offer new homes as well.
See all Active Adult Communities resources
Apartments for 55+
See all Apartments for 55+ resources
Assisted Living Communities
Older adults who need assistance with tasks such as bathing, dressing, and managing their medications may want to explore assisted living options. Assisted living communities vary in size, layout, and services. Cost is typically dependent on the level of care the resident requires and includes all three meals. Some communities offer memory care, which is specialized care provided to an individual with dementia, on a secure unit (locked doors).
See all Assisted Living Communities resources
Assisted Living Homes
Assisted living homes, also called adult care homes or assisted living facilities, are residential settings in which care is provided 24/7 for older adults who need daily assistance in a safe environment. The resident typically has a private or semi-private bedroom, and other living spaces in the home are shared. All meals are provided and some homes have a health care provider that makes regular visits. Assisted living homes are licensed by the Arizona Department of Health to have up to 10 residents.
See all Assisted Living Homes resources
Assisted Living Placement Services
Assisted living placement agents will meet with you to discuss your unique assisted living needs. Based on your criteria, they will take you to tour assisted living homes and communities that best provide the level of care you need in a comfortable setting. They do not charge the client a fee.
See all Assisted Living Placement Services resources
Emergency Housing/Homeless Prevention
A variety of housing services and programs are available to individuals and families facing homelessness due to eviction, foreclosure, or other issues. Anyone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless within 14 days, can go to any of the Tucson Pima Collaboration to End Homelessness Coordinated Entry Homeless Assistance Access Points listed to complete an intake and be advised of resources and options available to them.
See all Emergency Housing/Homeless Prevention resources
Independent Living
To maintain an independent lifestyle, while also enjoying services and amenities such as housekeeping, transportation, various meal and dining options, social activities, and fitness centers, many older adults choose independent living communities. The base rates provided typically include some or all meals, as well as utilities.
See all Independent Living resources
Mobile and Manufactured Home Parks
There are a variety of mobile and manufactured home parks throughout Tucson. Some offer amenities such as pools, social activities, and fitness rooms and most allow pets. Utilities may be included in the rental space fee. For older adults who want to visit Tucson for the winter, there are also RV resorts which offer RV hook-ups and various amenities. All parks listed are “age-qualified,” meaning only individuals 55 and up may live there.
See all Mobile and Manufactured Home Parks resources
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Skilled nursing facilities, often referred to as SNFs, provide nursing care as well as rehabilitative services including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Rehab stays are typically covered by insurance when ordered by a doctor. Long-term care can also be provided for individuals who require a higher level of care than what can typically be provided in an assisted living community or assisted living home. Some facilities have secure units (locked doors) where they provide specialized care for individuals with dementia.
See all Skilled Nursing Facilities resources
Subsidized & Low-Income Housing
Some apartment complexes have subsidies that allow rent to be determined on a sliding scale based on income. These programs are available to people with low-income and are funded through a variety of sources including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), and private donations. Each housing site is different and offers services and programming for residents. Contact the complex directly to apply and to find out about services offered at that location. Because most of these communities have waiting lists, consider applying at several locations. HUD also operates the Section 8 voucher program, which provides housing subsidies for people who qualify. This program has a waiting list for new applicants that opens periodically. The Section 8 entry (below) will link you to more information about the program. For people already qualifies for a voucher, go to the Pima County Housing Search entry to find apartment complexes that accept Section 8.
See all Subsidized & Low-Income Housing resources