20 Assisted Living Communities in El Paso, Texas

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $2,250 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 20 Assisted Living Communities in El Paso.

• Assisted living: $2,250
• Nursing home semiprivate room: $4,867
• In-home care: $3,041
• Adult day health services: $3,051

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, the average monthly cost of assisted living in El Paso is well below both the national average ($4,000) and the state average ($3,795). El Paso’s average monthly assisted living cost is among the lowest in the state. When compared with larger cities such as Austin ($5,190) and Dallas ($4,350), the monthly cost of care in El Paso is more than $2,000 lower. When compared with Houston ($3,863) and San Antonio ($3,975), the cost of assisted living is over $1,000 lower.

The type of care required is the most significant factor influencing the cost of care, and this is particularly true in El Paso. The average monthly cost of assisted living in El Paso is about $2,500 less than the cost of nursing care. When compared to the cost of home care, assisted living is far less expensive as well. When budgeting for home care, it’s also important to consider additional expenses that are involved with remaining in the home such as utilities, rent and general upkeep. Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $2,250
• Homemaker services: $3,041
• Home health aide: $3,051
• Adult day health: $628
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $4,867

 

STAR+PLUS is Texas’ state Medicaid managed care program. It provides seniors aged 65 and older and Texans living with disabilities with case management, long-term care and supportive services that may include medical or dental treatment, social support or transportation services.

There are a limited number of applicants accepted to STAR+PLUS each year, and seniors may be required to reapply annually. As such, there is often a waiting list for this program. To be accepted, seniors must fall within one of the following categories:

 

 

• Receiving Supplemental Security Income
• Receiving Medicaid through a Social Security exclusion program
• Enrolled in Medicaid’s Breast and Cervical Cancer program
• Eligible for the STAR+PLUS Home and Community-Based Services waiver
• Residing in a nursing home and receiving Medicaid

 

Additionally, seniors enrolling in STAR+PLUS must be 65 years of age or older, a full-time resident of Texas and determined by a doctor to require long-term care. Financial eligibility requirements for the program stipulate that applicants may not have income exceeding $750 per month and may not possess assets valued higher than $2,000, with the exception of their home, which may not exceed $500,000 in value.

To inquire about wait list times, eligibility or the application process for the STAR+PLUS program, seniors can contact 1-866-566-8989.

 

 

Community First Choice

The Community First Choice (CFC) program is provided by Medicaid and is exclusive to seniors residing in Texas. It’s an entitlement program, which means that eligibility requirements are less stringent than the STAR+PLUS program, and there are no wait lists in place. CFC provides seniors with nurse visits, supportive services and access to medical care and is designed to assist seniors who require a nursing level of care but would prefer to remain in their home or assisted living community.

To be eligible for the program, seniors must be 65 years of age or older and be determined to require a nursing level of care. They must also meet the same financial eligibility requirements as those applying to the STAR+PLUS program. For more details on eligibility and how to apply, seniors can call 1-866-566-8989.

Community Care for the Aged and Disabled

Community Care for the Aged and Disabled (CCAD) is a non-Medicaid program that’s provided by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. The program provides care options to seniors who are ineligible for Medicaid. While the program is designed to assist seniors who wish to avoid nursing care and continue to live in their home, it does occasionally provide services for seniors who reside in assisted living facilities.

To be eligible for the CCAD program, seniors must be 65 years of age or older and require daily care. Financial eligibility requirements are in place for the program as well, which require applicants to have an income of $2,250 per month or less and assets totaling $5,000 or less.

To apply, seniors can visit their local Aging and Disability Resource Center or call 1-855-937-2372.

Optional State Supplement

Medicaid and other support programs typically only provide financial assistance with the cost of care, leaving seniors who live in assisted living facilities to pay for room and board. The optional state supplement (OSS) is available to seniors who reside in long-term care facilities to help fill this gap. The supplement is calculated based on current income and needs.

Those who receive Supplemental Security Income can apply for the OSS by calling the Texas Department of Health and Human Services at 1-855-937-2372.

Elderlife Bridge Loan

Seniors who aren’t eligible for federal or state support programs may be able to receive an elder bridge loan from Elderlife Financial Services. These loans exist specifically to help seniors pay for long-term care costs. Loans are paid directly to the senior’s assisted living facility and are paid back by the senior and any cosigners in monthly installments. These loans are available with low interest rates and offer flexible terms.

To be eligible, seniors must meet minimum income and credit requirements. However, applicants may apply with up to six cosigners, which can increase the likelihood of approval.

Long-Term Care Insurance

A long-term care insurance policy provides seniors with protection against the high cost of assisted living and other types of long-term care. Those who are covered typically have to pay an annual deductible while their insurance provider takes care of the rest.

Eligibility, premiums and terms vary depending on the plan and provider, but most often, a long-term care insurance policy needs to be purchased before the need for long-term care arises, and costs are based on the policyholder’s health and age.

Area Agencies on Aging are nonprofit programs that provide advocacy and support services to seniors, including benefits assistance, long-term care ombudsman services and case management. Rio Grande Council of Governments – Area Agency on Aging Office
8037 Lockheed Drive El Paso, Texas 79925
(915) 533-0998

Seniors who have served in the military and their immediate family members may be eligible for financial, social or medical assistance from their local Veteran Affairs office or medical center. To learn more, seniors can visit their local VA office. Eligible seniors can visit VA medical centers to receive health care under their VA benefit program.

Veterans Affairs Service Center and Health Care Center
5001 North Piedras Street El Paso, Texas 79930
(915) 564-7857

El Paso Eastside Community Based VA Clinic
2400 Trawood Drive #200 El Paso, Texas 79936
(915) 217-2428

El Paso Veterans Center
1155 Westmoreland Drive #121 El Paso, Texas 79925
(915) 772-0013

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