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Assisted Living in Texas

The population of Texas is increasing every year, and in the decade since 2010, it has seen a rise of over 2% in the number of people aged 65 or over, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. The pleasant weather, senior tax incentives, and open land for construction make it an attractive retirement state, and the increase in the senior population is bringing in new facilities and senior care infrastructure.

Assisted living facilities in Texas cost an average of $3,750 per month, according to the Genworth 2019 Cost of Care survey, which is roughly 7.5% less expensive than the national average of $4,051.

This guide offers more specific cost data with comparisons to other types of care and neighboring states. It also covers factors such as the quality of life for seniors, financial assistance programs and state regulations on assisted living facilities.


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in Texas



Texas currently has a SeniorScore of 75%, which is slightly better than the United States average of 72% and considered to be a very high score. SeniorScore is the result of analyzing over 100 data points from various sources, both private and governmental, to help illustrate the benefits and drawbacks for seniors in locations across the country.



SeniorScore™ for Texas



The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.

75

SeniorScore™ Overview

  • Texas's SeniorScore™ of 75 is higher than the national average of 72.
63

Health & Safety

  • Texas has high access to Medicare registered healthcare providers.
  • Texas has a high number of hospitals within the state.
  • Texas has a high number of senior living facilities within the state.
  • Texas has a very high number of home healthcare providers operating in the state.
  • The average life expectancy in Texas is 78.5, compared to the national average of 78.6.
  • Texas has a high overall property crime rate compared to national averages.
  • Texas has a high overall violent crime rate compared to national averages.
59

Recreation & Leisure

  • 26% of the population in Texas are seniors, compared to 29% nationally.
  • Texas has 787 golf courses in the state.
  • Texas has a high number of municipal parks throughout the state.
  • Texas has 6,492 churches in the state.
66

Finances

  • The property taxes average 3.74% of total income in Texas, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.79%.
  • The property taxes average 1.95% of property value in Texas, which is significantly higher than the national average of 1.09%.
  • The average sales tax in Texas is 7.25%, which is higher than the national average of 6.97%.
  • The average state income tax in Texas is 0.00%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 3.38%.
  • The mean household income in Texas is $69,705, which is higher than the national average of $64,580.
  • Texas's median household income is $54,427, which is higher than the national average of $51,560.
  • The average per capita income in Texas is $25,594, which is lower than the national average of $25,611.
  • Assisted living costs in Texas average $42,268 per year, which are lower than the national average of $42,700.
  • Nursing home costs in Texas average $68,954 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $92,481.
  • Costs for adult daycare in Texas average $11,036 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $17,931.
  • Costs for home healthcare in Texas average $43,101 per year, which are lower than the national average of $46,197.
  • The unemployment rate is about 7.38% in Texas, which is significantly lower than then national rate of 8.26%.
  • The overall cost of living in Texas is low compared to national averages.
  • 1.25% of the senior population in Texas are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
76

General Quality of Life

  • Texas receives an average of 35.8 inches of rain per year.
  • Texas has an average annual temperature of 66.4 degrees fahrenheit.
  • Texas has an average low temperature of 54.5 degrees fahrenheit.
  • Texas has an average high temperature of 77.2 degrees fahrenheit.
  • Texas has an average population density of 753 people per square mile.
  • Texas has a low public school quality ranking.
  • Texas has a high public school safety ranking.
  • Texas has an average graduation rate of 79.92%.

The general quality of life in Texas receives a score of 76%, which is higher than all neighboring states. This metric includes data on the climate, where Texas scores well with its warmer winters, as well as population density, public school rankings and more.

Texas has no income tax, and this also covers earnings from investments, which could help retirees save money compared to the United States average income tax of roughly 3.5%.

Other financial factors involved in Texas' SeniorScore include its lower than average overall cost of living, relatively low unemployment rate and more affordable costs in every category of senior care. Some areas of the state have a high sales tax, however, which lowers the overall finance score to 66%.



Top Assisted Living Facilities in Texas



Prairie Estates - Frisco, TX

Prairie Estates

1350 Main St

Frisco, TX 75034

1-855-240-2530

17 Reviews  

Prairie Estates is a 180 unit senior housing facility situated in Frisco, Texas. The community is in a primarily affluent area, with a median family income of $108,417. It is heavily populated, with about 74,000 individuals living in ...

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The Cost of Assisted Living in Texas



Texas has relatively affordable monthly rates for assisted living, at an average of $3,750 compared to the country's overall average of $4,051. Some neighboring states have slightly lower costs than Texas, such as Oklahoma and Louisiana with savings of $232 and $100 per month, respectively. Arkansas has considerably less expensive assisted living facilities averaging $3,175 per month, whereas New Mexico is priced higher at $4,100.

  • Texas: $3,750
  • United States: $4,051
  • New Mexico: $4,100
  • Oklahoma: $3,518
  • Arkansas: $3,175
  • Louisiana: $3,650

The Cost of Assisted Living in Texas' Top Cities

Texas is one of the largest states in the country – second only to Alaska – and this causes significant differences in cost for many services at the city level. Houston and San Antonio are the most populous cities in Texas, and they are also the most affordable in relation to population size, at an average monthly cost of $3,750. Assisted living in Dallas costs $4,150 per month, placing it above both the state and national averages, and Austin is considerably more expensive at $5,395 per month. El Paso is the most affordable large city in Texas, with a low monthly average cost of $2,000.

  • Dallas: $4,150
  • Austin: $5,395
  • San Antonio: $ 3,750
  • Houston: $3,750
  • El Paso: $ 2,000

Senior Care Cost Comparison in Texas

There are five main categories of senior care in the United States, and in Texas, the difference in cost from least to most affordable is quite large. Adult day care has an average cost of $704 per month, which makes it the most affordable option, and nursing home care is the most expensive at $4,867. The two categories of in-home care have similar costs – both just around $4,000 per month. The deciding factor between them is whether more advanced medical care is required in the home on a regular basis. Assisted living is more affordable than both categories of in-home care by roughly $250 per month.

  • Assisted Living: $3,750
  • In-Home Care: $3,956
  • Home Health Care: $4,004
  • Adult Day Care: $704
  • Nursing Home Care: $4,867

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Texas



Texas Medicaid STAR+PLUS HCBS Waiver


Phone Number: (877) 782-6440
Website: https://hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip/medicaid -chip-members/starplus

In Texas, recipients of Medicaid who are aged 65 and over receive services through the STAR+PLUS managed care program. The long-term support services available in this program are intended to help keep the senior population outside of nursing facilities. This may include an assisted living facility if eligible for the additional home and community-based services (HCBS) available with this waiver program. Seniors who receive the HCBS waiver are covered for a wide range of care and services, although there are waiting lists for some services.

Applicants for the HCBS waiver must be aged 65+ or disabled, and it must be determined that the services available are necessary to avoid nursing home placement. They must also be eligible for Medicaid and within the income and asset limits. As of 2020, the income limit is $2,349, which is 300% of the federal benefit rate, and the asset limit is $2,000.


Community First Choice (CFC)


Phone Number: (877) 541-7905
Website: https://hhs.texas.gov/doing-business-hhs/provider-portals/long-term-care-providers/resources/community-first-choice-cfc

This program provides many of the same services available via the HCBS waiver. However, the Community First Choice program is a Medicaid entitlement, which means eligible Texans receive services immediately, and the eligibility requirements are slightly easier to navigate. Residents of assisted living facilities are covered for personal care received, such as assistance from caregivers and with some health-related tasks. The CFC program doesn't cover room and board.

Applicants for Community First Choice must be receiving, or be eligible for, Medicaid. They must also be assessed on their need for the available services. The need for services is largely based on the number of everyday tasks the applicant needs help with, and it must be determined that CFC services will prevent nursing home placement.


Community Care for Aged and Disabled (CCAD)


Phone Number: (877) 541-7905
Website: https://hhs.texas.gov/laws-regulations/handbooks/case-worker-community-care-aged-disabled-handbook

CCAD provides eligible residents with a similar set of personal care and community-based services as the HCBSCFC waiver and program. However, the main difference is that Community Care for Aged and Disabled is a non-Medicaid program and is instead the responsibility of Texas Health and Human Services. Personal care received in certain assisted living facilities is covered.

There is no age requirement for CCAD. As of 2020, the income limit for an individual is $2,349, or $4,698 for a couple. There is also a limit of $5,000 in non-exempt assets for an individual or $6,000 for a couple. Eligibility for each service is determined individually based on the functional impairments and the need for assistance.


Texas Assisted Living Rules and Regulations



Assisted living facilities in Texas are regulated by Health and Human Services. These facilities are categorized as Type A if residents don't require routine care at night and can follow directions in an emergency or Type B if residents need nighttime assistance and help to evacuate. The licensing standards are contained in Texas Administrative Code, Title 26, Part 1, Chapter 553.

Scope of Care

Assisted living facility staff may provide reminders and personal care, such as help with bathing, eating and movement. In some cases, staff may also assist with or administer medication. Although there is no minimum staffing limit, facilities must have an adequate number of caregivers on duty, and they must be properly trained.

Care Plan Requirements

Residents must be assessed by appropriate staff at the facility within 14 days of admission. This assessment covers at least 20 points of information and is used to develop a care plan for the resident that covers physical, cognitive and social needs. Family members are encouraged to give input on the care plan as it develops.

Medication Management Requirements

Residents are permitted to self-administer medication unless deemed unfit to do so. Facilities that house residents who can't self-administer medication must employ appropriate staff, such as licensed nurses or certified medication aides, who are required to receive annual training.

Staff Screening Requirements

Staff must pass a satisfactory criminal history check, and they must be checked against various lists of individuals deemed unemployable in this field. This process must be repeated at least once per year.

Staff Training Requirements

Staff must be deemed competent to provide residents of the facility with personal care, which includes additional training to work in a facility certified for Alzheimer's. They must also complete orientation and training on facility protocol and systems, such as reporting of abuse, residents' rights and emergency procedures.

Medicaid Coverage

Texas Medicaid covers some or all personal care costs for eligible residents of assisted living facilities. The additional waivers and programs detailed in this guide may also help cover personal care costs. Room and board in assisted living facilities is not covered by Medicaid.

Reporting Abuse

Staff must report suspected abuse, neglect and exploitation in assisted living facilities to local police as well as Texas Health and Human Services. Residents and their family members can call (800) 458-9858 to make a report or visit the HHS website for more information. Serious criminal allegations should be brought to police.


Free Assisted Living Resources in Texas



Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)

Texans who need information, referrals and assistance in various matters related to aging and health insurance may benefit from the services of HICAP. Staff can provide some legal advice, such as a case file review, and assist with Medicare Part D and Social Security. They can also help veterans receive the benefits they're entitled to.

Help is available for residents aged 60 or older and Medicare beneficiaries of any age.

Contact: Call (512) 477-6000 during normal business hours for more information.


Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Seniors who live in an assisted living facility or nursing home, as well as their family members, can seek help and information from a long-term care ombudsman. These officials act as advocates for the resident by explaining their rights and attempting to remedy relevant issues. The LTC ombudsman can also give advice about long-term care facilities in Texas and how to receive financial assistance.

Contact: Call (800) 252-2412 for more information, or email [email protected].


Texas Agencies


Texas Health and Human Services (HHS)

Address: HHS local office search
Phone Number: (855) 937-2372
Website: https://hhs.texas.gov/

Texas Health and Human Services is the state agency responsible for aging, disability, long-term care, caregiver support and related services. HHS staff and contractors can assist residents in gaining access to federal and Texas benefit programs, coordinate in-home care and meal delivery and recommend assisted living facilities or other appropriate long-term care. This agency is also an advocate for current residents of assisted living and nursing facilities.

Many programs and services are available for any Texan aged 60 or older, while some services are reserved for people on a low income.


Area Agencies on Aging in Texas


There are dozens of Area Agencies on Aging across the state that provide senior Texans, family members and caregivers with unbiased advice on aging-related issues and referrals to appropriate services in their local area. Staff can help residents apply for benefits and support services as well as provide care coordination.

AAA staff are also involved in the application and assessment process for many of the financial assistance programs available in Texas. Call (800) 252-9240 or view the AAA directory for local details.


Veterans Affairs Offices in Texas


The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for providing monthly pensions for eligible veterans and their families. The VA offers a range of other services, such as education, employment and disability grants. Texans who live in an assisted living facility may benefit from the health care advocacy program, and they may be eligible for additional financial assistance from the Aid and Attendance benefit.

Call the national VA help line at (844) 698-2311 or view the list of Texas offices and hospitals. Alternatively, contact the Texas Veterans Commission for assistance with claims, appeals and other disputes.

Social Security Offices in Texas


The Social Security Administration is responsible for distributing Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to millions of Americans each month. Texans aged 65 or over may be eligible if they're within the income and resource limits. People of any age who meet the criteria for disability status may also be eligible.

Eligibility for SSI benefits is useful in securing other benefits and services for seniors in Texas, and it's mandatory for some programs, which makes it an important step in cutting the cost of assisted living. Texans can find their local Social Security office on the official website.

 

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