Discover Assisted Living Communities in Texas

Under Texas law, assisted living homes are defined as residencies, which provide personal care services and assistance with daily activities. Texas law proceeds to define assisted living homes into three categories based on the limitations of the residents.

  • Type A homes are designed to care for residents who do not require scheduled nighttime supervision and are able to follow directions during emergency situations.
  • Type B homes are designed to care for residents who require staff assistance during emergencies and require regular nighttime supervision.
  • Type C homes are designed to operate as contracted adult foster care home providing services to four adults.

There are approximately 1,530 assisted senior living residences operating in Texas.

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Assisted Living Centers in Texas – Cost Comparison

City Monthly Minimum Monthly Maximum Monthly Median
Arlington $1,600 $5,587 $3,950
Austin $2,800 $5,490 $4,200
Dallas $2,600 $5,587 $3,950
El Paso $1,250 $3,233 $2,275
Houston $1,250 $6,500 $3,293
San Antonio $1,450 $5,425 $3,710

The average cost of assisted living in Texas is $3,545 per month. Compared to the remainder of the United States, Texas falls directly next to the national average cost for long-term senior care at $3,600 per month. The average monthly cost also depends on the amount of personal care needed. Within the state, average area costs for assisted living varies depending on the location and the population of the city.

For more information about assisted living costs in Texas, check out Genworth’s 2015 Cost of Care Survey.

Recreation & Attractions in Texas

Created through a unique history, Texas offers distinctive activities found only in the Lone Star state. Experience the once untouched land of Texas at the Padre Island National Seashore. Spanning 70 miles of the undeveloped Padre Island coastline, visitors can observe indigenous wildlife and fauna in a preserved environment vacant of human intervention. The park offers wildlife observation and encompasses dunes, beaches, prairies and tide pools.

Travel through living American history by experiencing the Alamo Mission. An iconic American battle for freedom from the Mexican government, many brave men fought and died at the Alamo. Today, the white stone chapel welcomes visitors to learn about the site including self-guided tours through the Long Barracks and artifact displays.

The Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston displays the history of America’s space age. For those who enjoy leisure and cultural activities, the San Antonia River Walk offers a myriad of shopping, dining, parks, museums and cultural events. Discovered by the Spanish in the 16th century, a diverse history is the foundation of this esplanade. Riverboats are available for guided historical tours of the River Walk.

Texas’s Climate, Geography, & Culture

Texas is a melting pot of cultures, bringing together the American South, and West. Bordering Mexico, Texas has a lot of Mexican influences that you can find throughout the state with delicious food from south of the border and traditional music and events.

Known as the second largest state in America, Texas is split into 5 different climate regions based on location. In general, winters are very mild for a majority of the state with average daytime temperatures never falling below 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Summertime temperatures are also fairly standard throughout Texas with daytime averages rising into the 90-degree range.

However, to the west, temperatures may stay in the 80-degree range, while in the Rio Grande Valley, you can expect temperatures to rise above 100 degrees. Texas is prone to extreme weather as thunderstorms strike often, and the state records the most tornadoes annually, experiencing about 139 a year.

Texas’s Assisted Living Communities Regulations & Laws

Assisted living communities are regulated by a state-to-state basis. Every state has a publicly accessible legal document outlining the regulations, licensing, operation and other rules for assisted living. You can find the complete document outlining the official regulations for Texas assisted living homes via the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) website. These regulations will also outline if there are any differences between assisted living and personal care. Public records concerning citations, violations, inspections and the like pertaining to individual homes can be obtained via the senior care home quality search page via the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) website.

Crime & Safety in Texas

The violent and property crime rates in Texas are slightly higher than the national average, however, there are fewer crimes per square mile than many other states. This means that you should have no problem finding a safe place for your senior. Take a look at these safe communities in Texas to start your search:

LocationViolent Crimes Per 1,000 ResidentsProperty Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Colleyville0.405.70
Trophy Club0.635.93
Memorial Villages0.346.67
Highland Village0.446.79

(Source: safewise.com)

Payment Options for Texas Assisted Living Homes

STAR+PLUS Medicaid Waiver

For those seeking financial assistance, Texas’ Medicaid offers the STAR+PLUS Waiver to elderly residents who are 65 years of age or older. The program is designed for those who are qualified for nursing home level care but opt to receive services within a personal home or alternate senior care home such as an assisted living residence. The program will cover all services provided; however, it does not cover room and board costs. Under this waiver, both medical acre and non-medical services are offered. For more information on this program, please visit the official STAR+PLUS Waiver page via the Texas Department of Health and Human Services Commission website.

Community Care for the Aged and Disabled

Texas also offers a non-Medicaid program to low-income elderly and disabled residents named the Community Care for the Aged and Disabled. This program is designed to offer personal care services to be administered to a participant living in a personal home or in an alternate senior care community such as an assisted living home. Like the Medicaid waiver described above, this program aims to prevent participants from entering into a nursing home prematurely. More information on the Community Care for the Aged and Disabled program is available via the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) website.

Assisted Living Family Loans

Alternate payment options are available. Families can apply for an assisted living family loan. This provides temporary or long-term financial assistance when paying for assisted senior care. The program allows multiple people to contribute to payment.

Senior & Elderly Rights for Personal Care Residences in Texas

When you become a resident in a Texas assisted living residence, you do not have to give up the rights afforded to you as a citizen or resident of the United States. Residents have the right to personal possessions, autonomy over personal finances, bodily autonomy, and power of attorney.

The resident has a right to be informed of the process to file a complaint of unsatisfactory living situations, abuse, neglect and the like. As a resident, you have the right to be fully informed of your health condition and participate in decisions related to your care, including the right to refuse treatment, medications, and experimental procedures. The complete list of resident rights as guaranteed by the state of Texas can be obtained online through the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) website.

Texas Assisted Living Homes: Medical Record Rules & Regulations

Texas assisted living homes are required to provide appropriate health services that are ordered by an attending physician, as well as keep all medical information confidential, accurate, and complete. Medical records shall be kept for a no shorter than 5  years from death or discharge date.

Residents in Texas personal care communities have access to their medical records and can request a copy of all or a portion of their medical records. They can also request a copy of some or all of the information, and it is to be provided at a cost not to exceed the community standard for photocopies.

Finding the perfect senior care community is only part of making your loved one’s senior living transition smooth. At SeniorCaring, we know that it is also equally important to be aware of what other community services and resources are available to your family’s senior. Choose your location and find local resources for your senior.