Texas Independent Senior Living Communities

Independent Living allows individuals to maintain their unique lifestyles in communities devoted to social enrichment, support, and overall well-being. Although each location varies, seniors are sure to find a range of amenities and opportunities for recreation. Whether it's a studio apartment, a small cottage and anything in between, independent living is quickly becoming one of the most popular long-term care options for seniors.

Find INDEPENDENT LIVING Facilities In TEXAS

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Cost Comparison of Texas Independent Living Communities

City Monthly Minimum Monthly Maximum Monthly Median
Abilene $1,670 $2,150 $1,910
Arlington $1,374 $1,890 $1,632
Austin $2,155 $4,745 $3,035
Conroe $2,500 $3,335 $2,918
Corpu Christi $1,399 $2,315 $1,876

Texas has 294 independent living communities with the average cost of $2,225 per month. 

Every independent living community offers a unique range of amenities and services. You’ll likely find housekeeping and linen services, transportation, meal plans, and fitness centers anywhere you go. Medical services are available but usually, come at an extra cost. Here you can compare several cities in Texas to choose the best option!

Recreation & Attractions in Texas

Texas has so much natural beauty and wildlife that one could easily be convinced to make the move to the Lone Star state. The state has many attractions such as the Big Bend National Park, Padre Island National Seashore, Palo Duro Canyon, and the National Bridge Wildlife Ranch. The Big Bend National Park has over 1,200 species of plants, more than 450 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles, and 75 species of mammals. Some of the animals include javelina, cougar, kangaroo rat, and the greater roadrunner. The park also has artifacts that over 9,000 years old and have amazing features such as the Pine Canyon Falls.

The Padre Island National Seashore has a gorgeous beach, dune, and flat environment. There is also a program created to reestablish the nesting area for sea turtles. Palo Duro Canyon is called the Grand Canyon of Texas because of its gorgeous canyons and caves. The National Bridge Wildlife Ranch is a Safari drive-thru park with 500 animals such as zebras, gazelle, emus, and wildebeest.

Texas' Climate, Geography & Culture

Texas sees the most tornadoes in the U.S. annually, recording an average of 139 per year. The state also sees significant floods during the year.

The further west you go, the drier your summer will be in Texas. Summer high temperatures average in the 80s and 90s, while winter months see cooler temperatures, averaging about 60 degrees. The state receives about 34 inches of rain per year. Though snowfall does occur in the state, it is considered unusual.

The culture of Texas comes from a long history of conquest and territorial changes. Texas shifted hands several times only becoming a part of the United States in 1845. Its history and proximity to Mexico give Texas a rich Spanish influence as observed through its architecture, cities, food, music, and people. Today, the state remains a key contributor to the oil industry and holds highly religious and conservative demographics. 

Texas Independent Living Regulations and Laws

All rules and regulations of Texas independent living communities are overseen by The Department of Aging and Disability Services. These regulations ensure that all communities meet the appropriate health, safety, and medical conditions. Annual reports of are to be made public upon request, detailing any past violations and the steps taken to correct them. Your safety and satisfaction are of utmost importance to your community and fellow residents, so never feel discouraged from airing your grievance if you think a violation has been made. 

Crime & Safety in Texas

Both violent and property crime rates in Texas are only slightly higher than the national average. Crimes per square mile are also less than many other states, so finding a safe location for you or your elderly loved is very possible. Texas has the Texas Crime Prevention Association, the North Texas Crime Prevention Association and the Central Texas Crime Prevention Association who all aim to prevent and reduce crime in Texas. Below are some of the safest cities found throughout Texas.

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

(source: safewise.com)

Payment Options for Texas Independent Living 

Medicaid and Medicare do not cover this care option in most cases, so many seniors end up paying for independent living with their own savings, pensions, or by selling their assets. Long-term care insurance is also a very efficient payment method, although it can be very expensive when purchased later in life. If these are unavailable to you it may be necessary to consider other options such as opening up a senior living line of credit. 

Senior & Elderly Rights for Independent Living in Texas

Residents of independent living communities in Texas retain their rights to personal privacy, to file official complaints, and most importantly receive the care they need in a safe, welcoming environment. Just because someone enters an independent living community doesn't mean they waive their constitutional rights either! Generally speaking, all residents reserve the right to manage and oversee their own finances and medical care. Your community should honor your requests (within reason) and respect your privacy at all times. If you encounter a violation while in independent living, don't hesitate to call a lawyer familiar with elder law. 

For assistance in learning about and exercising your rights, you can review the Texas Ombudsman for more details. 

Texas Independent Living Medical Record Rules & Regulations

State and federal HIPAA laws require all resident records and medical reports of services provided on community grounds are recorded, maintained and available to residents in a timely manner. You will be notified if there is any request to disclose this information to a third party pending your authorization. Even though the physician issuing the records or reports technically own the files in the state of Texas, you are still entitled to review them and receive copies by request. 

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.