Assisted Living in Texas

Texas is home to three of the most populous cities in the country: Houston, San Antonio and Dallas. Although Texas is commonly associated with cowboys and famous historic sites, the Lone Star State boasts some of the most prestigious theater and performance arts venues.

Theater goers frequent the Houston Theater District, a 17-block area in the heart of downtown Houston that hosts a vibrant array of events year round. For music, Austin is considered the Live Music Capital of the World and contains more live music venues per capita than Memphis, Los Angeles, Nashville, Las Vegas or New York City. As for national monuments, Texans and tourists alike enjoy visits to The Alamo, The Apollo Mission Control Center and Bastrop State Park.

Texas prides itself on the care and support it offers its aging citizens having formed the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) to provide for those who in need. Assisted living in Texas proves to be an easy and enjoyable experience.

Assisted Living in Texas Defined

The state of Texas defines an assisted living facility as an institution that provides food, shelter and other personal services to four or more persons unrelated to the owner of the establishment. There are four types of assisted living facilities in Texas:

• Type A Homes admit residents who require minimal assistance with activities of daily living and do not need overnight assistance. During emergency evacuations, type A residents must be able to evacuate the building unassisted.
• Type B Homes admit residents who require more assistance from a caregiver or may need attendance during nighttime sleeping hours. Type B residents may need assistance in transferring to and from a wheelchair.
• Type C Homes are four bed-facilities that are licensed and contracted through the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) to provide adult foster care services.
• Type E residents may fall under Type A, B or C facilities and are for those in need of medication supervision and disbursement.

Regulation of Assisted Living in Texas

All centers of assisted living in Texas must meet the licensing requirements and standards set forth by DADS. Once a facility has been issued a license, the Texas Department of Human Services will carry out inspections and surveys, investigate complaints and perform unannounced follow-up visits to insure all licensed standards and regulations are being met.

Managers who work in Type A and B assisted living facilities must complete a 24-hour training course that addresses assisted living standards, food and nutrition, federal laws and the assessment of resident needs and characteristics. Another eight hours of standard training must be completed during the first three months of employment, followed by 12 hours of annual continuing education. A background check may also be required.

Cost of Assisted Living in Texas

The cost of assisted living in Texas ranges anywhere from $1,100 to $7,700 depending on location, type of facility and services provided. Most communities charge a monthly rental fee that covers:

• Room and board
• Utilities
• Facility maintenance
• Three meals a day
• Housekeeping
• Activities
• Emergency assistance

Assisted living costs are typically paid for out-of-pocket by the resident using personal savings, health insurance or long-term care insurance. Participating facilities may accept veterans benefits for those who qualify. And Texans may qualify for Medicaid assistance through the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services Waiver.

Here is a list of the average monthly rates* broken down by city for a one-bedroom, single-occupancy apartment in a Texas assisted living facility:

*Genworth Financial 2011 Cost of Care Survey.

Find Assisted Living in Texas

You can find assisted living in Austin, Hill Country, Houston, Rolling Hills, San Antonio and other parts of Texas.

Written by senior housing writer Chrysti Harrison.