Desert Winds Assisted Living

Overview of Desert Winds Assisted Living

Desert Winds Retirement Community is the premier independent living, assisted living, and memory care home in Peoria. Providing an exquisite senior living lifestyle, seniors will cultivate a vibrant social life during retirement. Management ensures that residents maintain an active and independent living while receiving full support. Residents are encouraged to pursue their interests and find new activities that flourish in a nurturing environment.

The community boasts a list of comprehensive amenities that make retirement feel like a permanent vacation. These include a swimming pool, a courtyard, landscaped grounds, an expansive dining menu experience, and private apartments.

(623) 323-9775

88-bed community

A larger shared setting that may offer more common spaces and organized community services.

26 years in operation

A longer operating history, which may indicate experience navigating regulations and delivering ongoing care.

Walk Score: 51 / 100

Moderately walkable. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, with a mix of nearby amenities.

About this community

Facility TypeAssisted Living Center

StatusActive

IssuanceSeptember 27, 1999

ExpirationOctober 31, 2026

License NumberAL2539C

QualificationHealth Care

Services

Directed Care Services

Personal Care Services

Supervisory Care Services

Desert Winds Assisted Living is administrated by Nora Dartoe.

OwnerDESERT WINDS ASSISTED LIVING LP

Licensed Nurses/CNAs

Since 2023 · 3 years of data 6 complaints 9 inspections

Inspection Score

Near the Arizona average for assisted living residences.

Arizona assisted living residences benchmark: C 75/100

Inspection Scorecard This scorecard compares key inspection, citation, and complaint metrics at this facility against the Arizona state average. Metrics rated ≥15% worse than average are highlighted in red; those ≥15% better are highlighted in green.

Since 2023 vs. Arizona state average

Overall vs. AZ average

Latest Inspection August 6, 2025 Complaint No deficiencies

Deficiencies Deficiencies are formal regulatory issues recorded during state inspections.	This Facility	AZ Average	vs. AZ Avg
Enforcement actions Formal penalties or interventions imposed by Arizona regulators — directed plans of correction, civil monetary penalties, denial of payment, or appointment of temporary management.	0	1	This facility has 100% fewer enforcement actions than a typical Arizona assisted living residence (0 vs. AZ avg 1).↓ 100% better

Inspections State inspections evaluate whether the facility meets health and safety standards.	This Facility	AZ Average	vs. AZ Avg
Total inspections Combined count of all routine and focused inspections. Excludes complaint investigations.	9	5	This facility has 80% more total inspections than a typical Arizona assisted living residence (9 vs. AZ avg 5).↑ 80% worse

Complaints & Investigations Complaints are formal concerns filed by residents, families, or staff. Investigations are on-site follow-ups.	This Facility	AZ Average	vs. AZ Avg
Total complaints Formal expressions of concern made by residents, families, or staff.	6	6	This facility has total complaints in line with the Arizona average (6 vs. AZ avg 6).— At avg
Complaints per year Average complaints per year since 2023.	2	2	This facility has complaints per year in line with the Arizona average (2 vs. AZ avg 2).— At avg

Inspection Reports Summary An editor-reviewed summary of the themes and findings across this facility's recent inspection reports.

The most recent inspection on August 6, 2025, found no deficiencies during the complaint investigation. Earlier inspections also consistently found no deficiencies, including the annual inspection on November 30, 2023. Complaint investigations throughout the period were unsubstantiated and did not result in citations. There were no fines, enforcement actions, or license issues listed in the available reports. This pattern indicates a stable compliance record with no noted issues over time.

Read the full inspection reports for this facility, including detailed findings and corrective actions.

Show Inspection Reports

Managed by Nora Dartoe

Executive Director of Assisted Living & Memory Support

Nora Dartoe is the Executive Director of Assisted Living and Memory Support at Desert Winds Assisted Living. She began her career with Senior Living Services in 2018 as a Certified Caregiver and Medicine Technician and has since devoted her time to serving the senior community with dedication and care.

6.6 miles from city center Estimated distance in miles from Peoria's city center to Desert Winds Assisted Living's address, calculated via Google Maps. — 4.61 miles to nearest hospital (Abrazo Arrowhead Campus)

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Arizona Long Term Care System

ALTCS

Age 65+ or disabled

General Arizona resident, Medicaid-eligible, nursing home-level care need.

Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual

Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).

Covers tribal members; rural outreach.

Benefits

In-home care (6-8 hours/day) Assisted living Nursing home care Medical services Transportation (10 trips/month)

Non-Medical Home and Community Based Services

AZ DES Non-Medical HCBS

Age 60+

General Arizona resident, at risk of institutionalization.

Income Limits ~$2,000/month individual, varies

Asset Limits $10,000 individual

Limited funding; waitlists common.

Benefits

Homemaker services (3-5 hours/week) Respite care (up to 10 days/year) Adult day care (~$60/day)

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

AZ WAP

Age 60+ priority

General Arizona resident, own/rent home, low-income.

Income Limits (2025) ~$2,510/month 200% of poverty level, individual

Asset Limits Not applicable; income-focused.

High demand in rural desert areas; limited annual funds.

Benefits

Insulation Weather stripping HVAC repairs (avg. $500-$1,000/year savings)

Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly

AZ Section 202

Age 62+

General Arizona resident, very low income, able to live independently with support.

Income Limits (2025) ~$1,645/month 50% of area median income, individual, varies by county

Asset Limits $10,000 individual, excludes home if owned

Limited units; high demand in metro areas like Phoenix.

Benefits

Subsidized rent (30% of income, e.g., $300-$500/month) On-site services (housekeeping, transportation, ~$200/month value)

Arizona CARES Program

AZ CARES

Age —

General Caregivers of Arizona residents 60+ needing help with 3+ daily activities; no caregiver age limit.

Income Limits No strict limit; cost-sharing above ~$2,500/month threshold.

Asset Limits Not applicable; need-based.

Focus on rural access; complements ALTCS respite.

Benefits

Respite care (up to 10 days/year) Counseling (4-6 sessions/year) Training (2-3 workshops/year) Supplies (~$200/year)

AZ DES Non-Medical Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)

AZ DES Non-Medical HCBS

Age 60+ or disabled

General Arizona resident, need assistance with daily activities, not eligible for Medicaid/ALTCS.

Income Limits Above Medicaid threshold but low-income ~$1,500-$2,500/month, varies by region

Asset Limits Not specified; income-driven eligibility.

Targets those ineligible for ALTCS; prioritizes rural and tribal areas.

Benefits

Homemaker services (3-5 hours/week) Personal care (limited hours) Respite care (up to 10 days/year) Transportation (~5 trips/month)

Compare Assisted Living around Peoria

The information below is reported by the Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of Long Term Care Licensing.

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The Montecito Senior Living	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	Peoria (North 87Th Avenue)	141	Yes	40	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	4 Facility 4 AZ AVG 11 Rank #382 / 532	A+	Heath D Van Gysel	9	6 Facility 6 AZ AVG 3.4 Rank #398 / 501	9 Facility 9 AZ AVG 11.9 Rank #310 / 501	1.0 Facility 1.0 AZ AVG 2.2 Rank #179 / 501
MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	Peoria (Haciendas Del Sol)	124	No	40	-	6 Facility 6 AZ AVG 11 Rank #298 / 532	-	Kelci D Franks	12	11 Facility 11 AZ AVG 3.4 Rank #455 / 501	27 Facility 27 AZ AVG 11.9 Rank #446 / 501	2.3 Facility 2.3 AZ AVG 2.2 Rank #323 / 501
Desert Winds Assisted Living	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.	Peoria (Desert Winds Mod)	88	No	51	-	26 Facility 26 AZ AVG 11 Rank #51 / 532	-	Nora Dartoe	9	6 Facility 6 AZ AVG 3.4 Rank #398 / 501	0 Facility 0 AZ AVG 11.9 Rank #1 / 501	0.0 Facility 0.0 AZ AVG 2.2 Rank #1 / 501
Brookdale Peoria	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.	Peoria (West Greenbrian Drive)	72	Yes	56	-	15 Facility 15 AZ AVG 11 Rank #127 / 532	B-	Colleen Rookerson	2	- Facility - AZ AVG 3.4 Rank #1 / 501	0 Facility 0 AZ AVG 11.9 Rank #1 / 501	0.0 Facility 0.0 AZ AVG 2.2 Rank #1 / 501
The Forum at Desert Harbor	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. RC Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision.	Peoria (Desert Harbor)	50	No	21	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	37 Facility 37 AZ AVG 11 Rank #19 / 532	-	Auxiliadora C Morales	4	1 Facility 1 AZ AVG 3.4 Rank #175 / 501	5 Facility 5 AZ AVG 11.9 Rank #230 / 501	1.3 Facility 1.3 AZ AVG 2.2 Rank #228 / 501

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What neighborhood is Desert Winds Assisted Living in?

Desert Winds Assisted Living is in the Desert Winds Mod neighborhood of Peoria.

Is Desert Winds Assisted Living in a walkable area?

Desert Winds Assisted Living has a walk score of 51. Moderately walkable. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, with a mix of nearby amenities.

What is the license number of Desert Winds Assisted Living?

According to AZ state health department records, Desert Winds Assisted Living's license number is AL2539C.

When does Desert Winds Assisted Living's license expire?

According to AZ state health department records, Desert Winds Assisted Living's license expires on October 31, 2026.

Who is the administrator of Desert Winds Assisted Living?

Nora Dartoe is the administrator of Desert Winds Assisted Living.

How many beds does Desert Winds Assisted Living have?

Desert Winds Assisted Living has 88 beds.

Are there photos of Desert Winds Assisted Living?

Yes — there are 28 photos of Desert Winds Assisted Living in the photo gallery on this page.

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