Moving a Parent into Assisted Living in Tucson: A Step-by-Step Plan

1. Start the conversation early

Talk before there's a crisis. Focus on safety and what your parent wants to keep doing. Bring in their doctor if you need a neutral voice.

2. Get a care assessment

Ask their doctor for a recent physical and a list of medications. Ask each prospective home how it evaluates care needs, documents a service plan and determines whether it can safely provide the needed services.

3. Sort out money

Add up income, savings and benefits. Check ALTCS eligibility, including medical and financial criteria. For eligible veterans and survivors, VA Aid and Attendance is an addition to a VA pension—not a benefit automatically available to every veteran. Begin exploring eligibility before committing to a payment plan. See Paying for Assisted Living in Arizona.

4. Shortlist and tour

Pick three to five homes from our Tucson directory. Tour at mealtime, and return unannounced if you can. Use our tour checklist.

5. Check the license

Look up every home in the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) AZ Care Check database. Review available licensing history, deficiencies and enforcement actions, and ask the provider about any corrective actions. 1

6. Plan the move

• Bring familiar furniture, photos and bedding.
• Label clothing.
• Set up mail forwarding and pharmacy transfers.
• Share a one-page "about me" with caregivers: routines, likes, dislikes.

7. The first month

Expect an adjustment period. Visit often at first, get to know the caregivers by name, and raise concerns early. After a few months, consider leaving a review to help other Tucson families.