9 Assisted Living Communities in Abilene, Texas

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $3,868 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 9 Assisted Living Communities in Abilene.

• Assisted living: $3,868
• Nursing home semiprivate room: $4,639
• In-home care: $3,504
• Adult day health services: $618

Based on Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, Abilene’s average monthly cost for assisted living is $3,868, falling just under the national average of $4,000 and only slightly over the state average of $3,795. Abilene lands in the midrange for Texas cities in this part of the state, with assisted living costs significantly lower in Abilene than in nearby San Angelo ($4,450) and markedly higher than in the much more densely populated Lubbock ($3,200). 

In Abilene, costs for in-home assistance such as homemaker services ($3,504) or a home health aide ($3,623) are on par with costs for assisted living at $3,868. A semiprivate room in a nursing home is much more expensive at $4,639, while at the lower end of costs, adult day health in Abilene averages only $618 per month. For seniors exploring the possibility of in-home services, it’s important to factor in housing expenses such as rent and upkeep, which may be included in the cost of assisted living. Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,868

• Homemaker services: $3,504

• Home health aide: $3,623

• Adult day health: $618

• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $4,639

 

Senior Texans who receive Supplemental Security Income or who need long-term care may qualify for Texas Medicaid or the Medicaid buy-in program. Coverage includes physician visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, lab work and other diagnostics. Dental, hearing and vision benefits are also available to eligible seniors. Managed care organizations deliver many of the state’s Medicaid services.

Low-income Texas seniors who receive SSI are eligible for Medicaid. Services obtained up to three months prior to the start of SSI benefits may be reimbursable. To receive additional information, interested individuals can visit YourTexasBenefits.

Medicaid for long-term care is available to Texas residents age 65 and over who meet income requirements and need 30 or more days of nonstop, long-term assistance. To qualify for the program, applicants must not own possessions over a designated value nor be in the process of paying for such items. Some exclusions apply, including houses, cars, burial funds and certain types of life insurance. A state-provided screening tool helps potential applicants determine whether their income and assets land within the approved range.

The Texas Medicaid buy-in program is open to working residents with physical, mental, developmental or intellectual disabilities in need of medical coverage. Eligible applicants must not reside full-time in a state hospital, nursing facility or an intermediate care home designed for intellectually disabled individuals. Qualified individuals may buy into Texas Medicaid services for a monthly fee.

To receive additional information or to apply, Texas residents can visit YourTexasBenefits.com.

Texas Community Care for the Aged/Disabled

CCAD, which is overseen by Texas Health and Human Services, helps low-income seniors who are at risk of nursing home placement. The program provides them with personal services at home or in an assisted living facility in order to facilitate their independence. Benefits include consumer-managed personal attendant services, which allow a senior to assign a caregiver, including a family member. The program also covers personal emergency response systems, which reduce the need for constant oversight. Seniors living in assisted living facilities may also receive residential personal care.

Benefits may vary depending on the individual’s living arrangement, although certain standard eligibility requirements apply. Applicants must be legal Texas residents with income not exceeding three times the Supplemental Security Income payment. The applicant’s assets must not exceed $5,000 for individuals and $6,000 for couples, although this amount can vary by benefit. Applicants who are eligible for identical services through state Medicaid programs should not apply.

Potential applicants should contact their local Aging and Disability Resource Center for further information or to apply.

VA Aid and Attendance Program

Eligible veterans and surviving spouses who need financial assistance for assisted living services may receive funding through the VA Aid and Attendance Program, which helps to offset assisted living costs. Applicants must be 65 or older and need assistance with activities of daily living. 

The program’s application process has complex eligibility requirements that factor in unreimbursed medical expenses. Because the process may be confusing, potential applicants should visit their local VA benefits office for further information or to apply.

Assisted Living Bridge Loans

Seniors may acquire short-term funding through an assisted living bridge loan, which can fund up to one year of payments. While interest rates can be high, this program may provide a viable option for seniors with pending benefits or those waiting on cash from a home sale. Bridge loans can also cover the initial expenses of assisted living, such as move-in costs. 

Since multiple co-borrowers may apply for a single bridge loan, the importance of individual creditworthiness diminishes, increasing approval odds. Additionally, family members, rather than the service recipient, apply for a bridge loan, so the senior’s age and health don’t impact the chance of approval. The lender does require information regarding the anticipated source of permanent funding.

Seniors can receive bridge loans as a lump sum payment or as a line of credit, depending upon their needs. Families can expect fast response times once an application is submitted. For further information or to apply, interested individuals should contact Elderlife Financial Services. 

The Area Agency on Aging provides information, resources and support to aid area seniors in living healthy, independent lives. Among its many offerings, the agency offers a meal program, benefits counseling, and health and wellness initiatives. Services are always free.  Area Agency on Aging of West Central Texas
3702 Loop 322, Abilene, TX 79602
(800) 928-2262

Abilene’s veteran centers offer resources and support for the emotional, financial and health-related needs of area veterans. Veterans or their surviving spouses in need of assistance can visit their local veteran center for benefits counseling or information on available programs and services. Veterans’ clinics provide screenings and other health services to local veterans.

Abilene Vet Center
3564 North 6th Street, Abilene, TX 79603
(325) 232-7925
Support, resources, information

Abilene Community Based Outpatient Clinic
3850 Ridgemont Drive, Abilene, TX 79606
(325) 695-3252
Health services and screening

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.