Assisted Living in Tomball, TX

Assisted Living Costs in Tomball

The average monthly rate for assisted living in Tomball is $3,863, which is almost on par with the state median of $3,795 and just a bit less than the national average of $4,000 per month. The price is comparable in some cities in this region of Texas, such as Beaumont ($3,900), San Antonio ($3,975) and College Station ($3,995). The rate for assisted living drops to an affordable $2,975 in coastal Corpus Christi but increases sharply to the statewide high of $5,190 in the capital city of Austin.

Note: Data for senior care costs wasn’t available for Tomball, so data for the nearby metropolitan Houston area was used instead.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

Prices for senior care in Tomball range from a high of $5,095 per month for 24/7 skilled care in a nursing home to just $1,300 for Monday through Friday adult day health services. The average rate for assisted living is in between at $3,883, while homemaker and home health aide services are slightly higher at $3,909 and $4,099, respectively.

Seniors should note that rates for in-home care only reflect the service hours provided, whereas the price for assisted living includes housing and food. Those who choose in-home care are still responsible for their day-to-day living expenses, such as groceries, household upkeep, taxes and utilities, resulting in a much higher total cost for care.

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Tomball

Medicaid in Texas

The national health insurance program, Medicaid, provides vital coverage for low-income Americans, including families with dependant children, expectant mothers, adults with disabilities and senior citizens. The program is co-funded by the federal and individual state governments. Each state administers its own Medicaid program in accordance with federal guidelines.

In Texas, the Medicaid program administered by the Health and Human Services Commission provides primary, acute and long-term care coverage for more than a million disabled, blind and elderly state residents through managed care plans.

These plans provide a wide range of benefits, such as doctor and specialist care, emergency treatment, inpatient and outpatient hospital services, diagnostic tests (including lab work and X-rays), prescription drugs, ambulance and nonemergency medical transportation and institutional care in a nursing home.

Qualifying for Medicaid

Tomball residents aged 64 or younger and chronically disabled or aged 65 or older can qualify for Medicaid long-term care if they’re American citizens or legal immigrants and:

• Have no more than $2,313 in monthly income and countable assets of $2,000 or less as an individual
• Have no more than $4,626 in monthly income and combined assets worth $3,000 or less if married and both spouses apply

Seniors and disabled adults approved for Supplemental Security Income benefits are enrolled in Texas Medicaid automatically by the Social Security Administration. When determining eligibility for other applicants, Medicaid looks at all sources of income, but disregards a number of assets, including:

• One automobile
• An owner-occupied home with a value up to $585,000
• Household and personal effects
• Prepaid irrevocable burial trusts

Qualified Income Trust

Those who satisfy the eligibility requirements for Medicaid coverage except for income may be able to lower their monthly earnings to the $2,313 limit with a Qualified Income Trust. Using this option, excess monthly income must be deposited into an irrevocable trust account and only be removed to pay for allowable medical and care-related expenses.

If a married applicant’s spouse doesn’t require Medicaid coverage, only the applicant’s income is counted. Per federal laws enacted to provide spousal living and resource allowances, the non-applicant may be awarded up to $3,160.50 of their applicant spouse’s monthly income along with a maximum of $126,420 of the couple’s joint assets.

Seniors can apply for Medicaid online or contact Your Texas Benefits helpline at (877) 541-7905.

STAR+PLUS Waiver Program

Tomball residents eligible for the full benefits of Texas Medicaid and in need of long-term care can apply to the STAR+PLUS waiver if they want to live in the community instead of an institutional nursing facility. To qualify for the waiver program, applicants must be assessed as requiring a nursing home level of care but functionally capable of living in a community setting. Approved applicants receive all-inclusive medical coverage and long-term care services that may include:

• Care coordination
• Transitional assistance to return to the community
• Assisted living and personal care
• Nursing services
• Adaptive aids
• Medical supplies
• Physical, occupational and speech therapy
• Personal emergency response systems

To learn more or apply for the STAR+PLUS waiver program, Tomball seniors and disabled adults can contact the Houston-Galveston Area Agency on Aging at (713) 627-3200.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Community Care for the Aged and Disabled

The Community Care for the Aged and Disabled program provides support services for Texans who need assistance retaining their independence and avoiding admission to a nursing home. This federally funded program is available to disabled or functionally impaired Tomball residents aged 18 or older who aren’t currently receiving similar assistance through Medicaid. Eligible applicants are limited to $2,313 in monthly income if single or $4,626 if married. Assets are limited to $5,000 for individuals and $6,000 for couples.

The CCAD program provides services according to a person’s living situation, but doesn’t pay for room and board. Those residing in assisted living facilities can receive:

• Help with daily living activities
• 24-hour supervision
• Personal care
• Laundry and housekeeping services
• Medication management and administration
• Recreational and social programming
• Escorted transportation services
• Emergency care

To learn more about the CCAD program or apply, Tomball residents should contact the Houston-Galveston AAA at (713) 627-3200.

Assisted Living Bridge Loan

Seniors who need extra cash to pay assisted living costs while waiting for benefits approval or the sale of a home can apply for an Elderlife Financial bridge loan. These maximum 12-month term loans can be funded as a lump sum or line of credit and only require monthly interest payments. Elderlife bridge loans offer the convenience of scheduling direct monthly payments to the borrower’s care facility and have no upfront costs, application or early repayment fees. Tomball seniors can apply online or by phone and may have access to needed funds in as little as 24 hours.

To learn more or apply, seniors can call Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500.

Assisted Living Resources in Tomball

Area Agency on Aging

Operated through the City of Houston’s Health Department, the Harris County Area Agency on Aging coordinates resources to enhance the independence and quality of life for area adults aged 60 and older. The agency helps connects seniors to beneficial programs and services, such as care coordination, in-home care and supportive services, aging-related educational classes, nutrition programs and long-term care advocacy.

Harris County Area Agency on Aging
8000 N. Stadium Dr., Third Fl., Houston, Texas 77054
(832) 393-4301

Legal Assistance

Tomball seniors and disabled adults who need help with a civil legal matter but have limited resources may qualify for assistance from Lone Star Legal Aid. This nonprofit law firm provides free legal help for a range of issues, including those related to Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare, public benefits, guardianship, long-term care, elder abuse or exploitation and end-of life planning, including wills, advance directives and powers of attorney.

Lone Star Legal Aid
1514 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77002
(713) 652-0077

Community Center Senior Activities

Tomball residents aged 50 and older can get together to socialize with their peers and enjoy a wide range of planned activities offered at the city’s Community Center each Monday through Friday. The center hosts a nutritious daily noontime meal, offers Zumba, dancercise, chair volleyball and sit-and-fit classes, advanced bridge lessons and quilting, crocheting and other crafting classes. Staff also organize special social events and escorted group bus trips for seniors.

Tomball Community Center
221 Market St., Tomball, Texas 77375
(281) 255-6221