Affordable Assisted Living Care Programs for Seniors at Arizona Sunshine Assisted Living
The Challenge of Affordable Assisted Living
Many seniors face the difficult reality of needing assisted living care but struggle with income limitations or qualification challenges. At Arizona Sunshine Assisted Living, we believe every senior deserves access to high-quality care, regardless of their financial situation or background. We’re committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all seniors in need.
Affordable Assisted Living Programs for Seniors
Arizona Sunshine Assisted Living understands the diverse financial situations of seniors seeking assisted living. We work with a wide range of housing income situations to ensure every senior has access to affordable, high-quality assisted care services. Here are some of the programs we accept:
Affordable Assisted Living Programs for Seniors
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Private Pay
High-quality care on your terms. Straightforward, determine your own path.
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ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System)
State of Arizona's Medicaid program that provides long-term care services for those needing ongoing skilled nursing services.
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HUD (Housing and Urban Development)
Housing subsidies for seniors with housing needs based on individual or household income. To qualify, residents must meet HUD age restrictions of 62 or older (head or co-head of household) and who qualify under federal income standards. For 2025, the very low-income limits set by HUD are $39,300 for a single person and $44,850 for a couple. (HudUser.gov)
Navigating the Process
For seniors living on a low income, figuring out how to pay for Independent or Assisted Living can easily turn into a major source of stress if you don't know where to begin. However, you don't have to go through this alone. We are here to provide you with the guidance and support you need to make informed decisions about costs and payment options.
Understanding ALTCS and HUD
ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System)
We accept both private pay and ALTCS benefits. ALTCS is the State of Arizona's Medicaid program that provides long-term care services for individuals who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled, and need ongoing skilled nursing services. However, program participants do not have to reside in a nursing home in order to receive benefits.
We work with all three ALTCS plan providers: United Health Care, Mercy Care, and Banner University Health Plans.
Applying for ALTCS Benefits
The application process can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months. If you or your loved one is searching for Assisted Living and thinks you might qualify for ALTCS assistance, we strongly encourage you to review the program requirements and complete a "Request for Application for ALTCS" as soon as possible.
HUD (Housing and Urban Development) Subsidized Housing
At Christian Care Manors I and III, we provide subsidized Independent Living for seniors under HUD's Section 202 program. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)'s Section 202 program, Supportive Housing for the Elderly, was designed to increase the supply of affordable housing with supportive services for seniors.
Admission Qualifications for HUD-subsidized Senior Housing
The household's annual income may not exceed the very low-income limits set by the U.S. Dept. of HUD for the present year. Residents typically pay 30% of their adjusted income for rent and utilities. The unit will be the family's only residence. Residents must be 62 years of age or older.
Differences Between HUD and ALTCS
These are the top three differences:
Age Requirements: HUD = 62 and older, ALTCS = 65 and older (assisted living for seniors)
Financial Assistance & Benefit Coverage:
HUD: Provides financial assistance for the senior's dwelling. Residents typically pay 30% of their adjusted income for rent and utilities.
ALTCS: Provides financial assistance for the participant's long-term care services, whether provided at home or in an ALTCS-approved assisted living or skilled nursing facility. ALTCS sets aside a certain amount each month for residents to use for incidentals, known as a ‘Personal Allowance'. In 2021, the amount set aside is $119.10/month.
State Residency Requirements:
HUD is a federal program, so applicants must be US citizens but do not need to be Arizona residents to apply for assistance in Arizona.
ALTCS is Arizona's own Medicaid program (different from the national Medicaid program). Applicants must be Arizona residents to qualify. *Note: you can start the ALTCS application process before moving to AZ, but to finish the process and be qualified, you must be an Arizona resident.
Comprehensive Services for a Comfortable Life
Arizona Sunshine Assisted Living offers a range of services to ensure our residents live comfortably and receive the support they need.
Our Services Include:
Certified Caregivers on staff 24/7
Three meals + two snacks per day
Utilities, cable TV & phone service
Emergency Call System
Weekly housekeeping & laundry
Medication monitoring
Service Coordinator on staff
Planned social activities
Chaplain services & Bible studies
Levels of Assisted Living Care
LEVEL 1 - Supervisory Care: In Supervisory Care, our certified caregivers provide some assistance with activities of daily living, including meal preparation, housekeeping, and laundry.
LEVEL 2 - Personal Care: In Personal Care, our certified caregivers provide moderate assistance with activities of daily living, such as grooming and dressing, incontinence management, and medication reminders.
LEVEL 3 - Direct Care: In Direct Care, our certified caregivers provide a higher level of assistance with activities of daily living such as ambulation, bathing, toileting, dressing, selecting menu items in the dining room, and medication management.
