Assisted Living Community in Harris County, Texas

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $3,863 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the county, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on Assisted Living Community in Harris County and several in surrounding areas.

• Assisted living: $3,863
• Nursing home semiprivate room: $5,095
• In-home care: $3,909
• Adult day health services: $1,300

Based on data from Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, the average monthly cost of care for assisted living services in Harris County ($3,863) is just under the national average of $4,000. While costs for assisted living in Harris County land slightly higher than the state’s average of $3,795, it’s the least expensive place for assisted living in this region of Texas. The most expensive area nearby for assisted living services is the Austin area ($5,190) followed by Victoria ($4,370). 

Senior care cost data was not available for Harris County, so data for the Houston area was used. 

Costs for senior living services generally vary widely by type. This is true in Harris County, where costs range from $1,300 per month for adult day health care to $5,095 per month for a semiprivate room in a nursing home. Assisted living ($3,863), along with homemaker services ($3,909) and home health aides ($4,099) fall toward the middle of the range. Seniors considering in-home care should factor in the costs of housing and upkeep, which are typically included in the expenses for residential programs.  Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,863

• Homemaker services: $3,909

• Home health aide: $4,099

• Adult day health: $1,300

• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $5,095

Texans over the age of 65 who receive Supplemental Security Income or require long-term care services may be eligible for Texas Medicaid or the state’s Medicaid buy-in program. Texas delivers many of its Medicaid services through managed care organizations, and benefits include physician appointments, hospital stays, prescription medications, lab work and other diagnostics, such as X-rays. Eligible seniors may also receive dental, vision and hearing benefits. 

Texas seniors with limited income who receive SSI are eligible for Medicaid. Seniors may receive reimbursement for services rendered up to three months prior to the start of SSI benefits. For additional information, potential applicants should visit YourTexasBenefits.

State residents over the age of 65 who require 30 or more days of long-term care and meet income requirements may qualify for Medicaid for long-term care. Eligible applicants must not have possessions over a designated value, nor can they be in the process of paying for such items. Some exclusions apply, including burial funds, houses, cars and certain types of life insurance. The state provides a screening tool to help potential applicants determine whether their income and assets fall within the approved range.

Texas also has a Medicaid buy-in program, which is open to working residents who have physical, mental, intellectual or developmental disabilities and need medical benefits. To be eligible, applicants cannot reside full-time in a nursing facility, state hospital or an intermediate care home for intellectually disabled individuals. If qualified, individuals may buy into Texas Medicaid services for a designated monthly cost.

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

Texas Community Care for the Aged/Disabled

CCAD, which is governed by Texas Health and Human Services, helps low-income seniors at risk of nursing home placement maintain their independence, providing them with personal services in their home or in an assisted living facility. Program benefits include consumer-managed personal attendant services, which allow an eligible senior to designate a caregiver, including a family member. CCAD also covers personal emergency alert systems, which reduce the need for 24-hour oversight. Seniors residing in assisted living facilities may receive residential personal care at the facility.

While benefits may vary according to the individual’s living arrangement, some standard eligibility requirements apply. Applicants must be legal Texas residents with income less than three times the Supplemental Security Income payment. An applicant’s assets must not exceed $5,000 for individuals and $6,000 for couples, although this amount may vary depending on the benefit sought. Applicants who are eligible for identical services through Texas Medicaid programs should not apply.

Interested individuals can contact their local Aging and Disability Resource Center for additional information or to apply.

VA Aid and Attendance Program

Veterans and surviving spouses in need of financial aid for assisted living may be eligible for funding through the VA Aid and Attendance Program, which aims to offset assisted living expenses. Applicants must be 65 or older and require help with activities of daily living. 

The application includes complex eligibility requirements, which factor in an applicant’s unreimbursed medical expenses. Since the process may be confusing to some individuals, potential applicants should visit their local VA benefits office for information or to apply.

Assisted Living Bridge Loans

Seniors in need of short-term funding may qualify for an assisted living bridge loan, which can fund up to 12 months of residential care payments. Although these loans may charge high interest rates, they can potentially be a viable option for seniors with benefits pending or those awaiting the payout from a home sale. Bridge loans can be dispersed as a lump sum payment or taken as a line of credit, depending upon an individual’s needs, and may be used to cover the initial expenses of moving to a facility. 

Multiple co-borrowers may apply for a bridge loan, lessening the importance of individual creditworthiness and potentially increasing approval odds. Plus, since family members, rather than the senior, apply for a bridge loan, the senior’s age and health don’t impact the chance of approval. Elderlife Financial Services does require information regarding the anticipated source of permanent funding. Families can expect quick response times once their application is submitted. 

For further information or to apply, potential applicants can contact Elderlife Financial Services. 

Area Agencies on Aging offer support, services and information to county seniors. From nutrition programs to in-home services and caregiver support, the Area Agency on Aging provides comprehensive resources and advocacy for Harris County seniors. The Harris County Area Agency on Aging
8000 North Stadium Drive, Third Floor, Houston, TX 77054
(832) 393-4301

Harris County veteran centers offer information, education and advocacy to support the emotional, financial and health-related needs of veterans or surviving spouses. Centers provide benefits counseling, referrals and local resources. 

Harris County Veterans Services Office
9418 Jensen Drive, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77093
(281) 876-6600
Support, resources, information

VetSuccess on Campus at Houston Community College
3220A Main Street, Suite 15, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 718-2309
Benefits

VetSuccess on Campus at University of Houston
202 Student Center North, Houston, TX 77204
(832) 842-6189
Benefits

Houston West Vet Center
701 North Post Oak Road, Suite 102, Houston, TX 77204
(713) 682-2288
Counseling, community outreach, substance abuse referral

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