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Being the second largest state in America, Texas encompasses a diverse range of climates and landscapes. From the semi-arid marshes of the coast to the spring-fed hills farther north, this expansive state is likely to appeal to retirees from many different regions. For senior citizens, most of whom live on fixed incomes, finding such atmospheric variety in a state that does not have a state income tax is exceptional.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Texas

Making senior care decisions can mean reviewing pages of jargon and useless information to find relevant facts. To streamline the research process, we have conducted a review of Texas assisted living facilities. In the table below, we have compiled a comprehensive list of facilities including key data points such as info on amenities, costs, and Medicaid acceptance status.

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Paying for Assisted Living in Texas

The Cost of Assisted Living

When compared to the national average of $4,000, the cost of assisted living in Texas is relatively affordable at $3,795 per month according to the 2018 Genworth Cost of Care survey. Many of Texas’ neighboring states are less expensive, though these states are generally lower-income areas and, unlike Texas, collect an income tax.

Costs associated with Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) in Texas can vary significantly from city to city. This state is home to some of the most populous urban centers in the country, such as the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where prices can be expected to climb above the national average.

The level of care that an individual needs has a huge impact on what he or she can expect to pay. Monthly prices in Texas are highest for people seeking nursing home residence or memory care. The opposite is true for people seeking Adult Day Healthcare, where median costs are likely to represent less than 21% of the average expense for assisted living.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Texas

STAR+PLUS

STAR+PLUS is a multifaceted program which provides reimbursement for people seeking assisted living. The STAR+PLUS Home- and Community-Based Waiver is a part of the program that helps seniors who are assessed as nursing home-eligible continue receiving their Medicaid benefits without being institutionalized. Eligible applicants are reimbursed for services that promote independence, such as assistance with personal grooming tasks, basic mobility, and caregiver respite. Services may be provided by direct care aides at an assisted living facility or by home health contractors.

Who is Eligible?

The STAR+PLUS program has absorbed many Texas Medicaid plans and services, so understanding whether you qualify can be difficult. This is due to the many caveats that may apply if you are eligible for multiple state programs under the STAR+PLUS umbrella, or for other programs like Supplemental Security Income. Eligibility requirements are listed on the Texas Health and Human Services website, though understanding what you may qualify for is likely to require the assistance of a dedicated case worker.

Eligible applicants are people who need an institutional level of care and qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid applicants over 65 should have a maximum income of $2,250 and countable assets of no more than $2,000, though eligibility criteria varies with marital status, level of assistance needed, and other factors.

How to Apply

This waiver is a non-entitlement program, which means that it can only support a limited number of active participants. Applying for the waiver is likely to result in one’s name being added to a waiting list for enrollment, so it is advised that interested parties sign up as far in advance as possible.

Applicants are encouraged to seek qualified counseling to help them navigate the enrollment process and eligibility requirements of STAR+PLUS. To begin the application process, contact The Office of the Ombudsman at (866) 566-8989, or consult the Texas Area Agencies on Aging by calling (800) 252-9240. Find your local Area Agency on Aging by consulting the directory in this guide.

The Community First Choice (CFC) Program

The Community First Choice program is a lot like the STAR+PLUS HCBS waiver in what it offers, except that CFC is a Medicaid entitlement program, meaning there are no maximum recipient caps and no waiting lists for enrollment. Community First Choice offers Medicaid reimbursement to low-income assisted living residents for the provision of assistance with activities of daily living, such as personal grooming tasks, mobility, and basic house chores. People already enrolled to receive other Medicaid waiver services may elect to switch to the Community First Choice Program.

Services provided under the CFC Program may include:

  • Personal assistance with activities of daily living
  • Skills education for self-care and independent living
  • Emergency response services
  • Training for support staff management
  • Consumer-directed service options

Who is Eligible?

Applicants for the Community First Choice program must qualify for Medicaid and must be assessed by a physician as nursing home-eligible. Coverage of personal care services through this program is provided based on an assessment of which services an individual requires.

How to Apply

Interested parties can apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com, or call 2-1-1 for guidance and consultation. Your local Area Agency on Aging can also help with Medicaid and non-Medicaid applications. To initiate an assessment and determine your eligibility, consult the directory in this guide to find a nearby Area Agency on Aging.

PACE

Serving the cities of El Paso, Amarillo, and Lubbock, PACE is the Texas branch of the national Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. It is a Medicaid-administered program intended to provide total coverage of all medical and personal care needs for especially frail seniors, helping them to avoid institutionalization. This program reimburses for a broad array of services that may be provided by assisted living facility staff or home health contractors.

PACE provides these services:

  • Personal care services and home healthcare
  • Adult day healthcare
  • Medical care
  • Coverage for all necessary prescription drugs
  • Hospital and nursing home care when necessary
  • Social services
  • Caregiver respite

Who is Eligible?

  • Individuals aged 55 and older who are nursing home-eligible
  • People who live in an area covered by PACE services
  • Those who can live safely at home or in an assisted living community

Private payment is accepted for individuals not receiving Medicare or Medicaid and fees for these participants will not exceed average costs for nursing home care in Texas. However, space in the program is limited, and preference is given to applicants who have greater medical and financial needs. Most recipients of PACE are dually eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. All applicants must have family or caregivers who can provide limited support during short intervals of respite.

How to Apply

To find out if you’re eligible and to learn about what PACE offers, contact your local HHS office by dialing 2-1-1, or 7-1-1 for the hearing impaired. You can also consult your local Area Agency on Aging for more details and application assistance. Find your local Area Agency on Aging by searching the directory included in this guide.

More Ways to Finance Assisted Living

Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

  • Veterans Benefits: Veterans can take advantage of several different pension programs to help cover the cost of assisted living. For more information, see the article on benefits.va.gov.
  • Life Insurance Policies: Even if a spouse or loved one hasn’t died, certain types of life insurance policies can be used to pay for assisted living. More information is available at longtermcare.acl.gov
  • Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance is a type of insurance policy that pays for long-term care when it becomes necessary, including the cost of assisted living. For more information on the benefits and drawbacks of this financing method, visit longtermcare.acl.gov.
  • Reverse Mortgages: Reverse mortgages allow seniors to access the equity from a home that they own, and these funds can be used to pay for assisted living. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers a federally insured reverse mortgage program.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Texas

Texas is home to hundreds of nonprofits and government resource providers that assisted living residents can look to for added support. Some of these organizations, like the Area Agencies on Aging, operate in every state across the country, while others are dedicated only to specific regions in the state of Texas. All of these services are free to use. However, some organizations listed here may have income and health-related requirements intended to preserve resources for those who are most in need.

The Aging & Disability Resource Center

This center was opened by the HHS as part of the national No Wrong Door initiative, and it is intended to streamline public access to resources and information concerning long-term services and supports. The Aging & Disability Resource Center helps to reduce confusion and facilitate access to care for long-term care recipients in all 254 counties of Texas.

Contact them by calling (855) YES-ADRC, or (855) 937-2372. Find out more online by visiting hhs.texas.gov.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Most states have a Long-Term Care Ombudsman program which organizes volunteers to act as advocates for recipients of LTC benefits. Ombudsmen periodically visit residents of ALFs and nursing homes to verify the quality of their care and environment, field complaints and concerns, help them protect their rights, and keep them in touch with the service providers and authorities they may rely on. The services of ombudsmen are always free and confidential, and their organizations avoid conflicts of interest by remaining unaffiliated with service providers and government agencies.

The Texas LTC Ombudsman program can be reached via e-mail at [email protected] and toll-free at (800) 252-2412.

211 Texas

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission provides 211 Texas as an anonymous social service hotline with 25 information centers across the state. They are available to take calls 24/7, and can help citizens understand and gain information on any programs administered by Health and Human Services, which includes long-term care facilities like assisted living and other supports for seniors.

Reach 211 Texas by simply dialing 2-1-1, or visit them online at 211Texas.org.

Area Agencies on Aging

The AAA is a national, federally funded organization. It acts as a central agency, unifying hundreds of community outreach programs and supports for citizens over 60 years of age. Texas hosts 27 Area Agencies on Aging, making this a convenient resource for people in all regions of the state.

Call to find your local office at (800) 252-9240, or consult the table below.

Area Agency on Aging Address Phone Number
Alamo AAA

Counties Served: Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, McMullen, Medina, and Wilson

8700 Tesoro Drive

Suite 160

San Antonio, TX 78217

(210) 477-3275 (866) 231-4922
Ark-Tex AAA

Counties Served: Bowie, Cass, Delta, Franklin, Hopkins, Lamar, Morris, Red River, and Titus

8969 W. McCartney Road

Casa Grande, Arizona 85294-7432

(800) 372-4464

(903) 832-8636

Bexar County AAA

County Served: Bexar

8700 Tesoro Drive

Suite 160

San Antonio, TX 78217

(210) 477-3275 (866) 231-4922
Brazos Valley AAA

Counties Served: Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson, and Washington

3991 E. 29th

Bryan, TX 77802

(800) 994-4000

(979) 595-2806 Ext. 5

Capital AAA

Counties Served: Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano, Travis, and Williamson

6800 Burleson Road

Building 310, Suite 165

Austin, TX 78744

(888) 622-9111

(512) 916-6054

Central Texas AAA

Counties Served: Bell, Coryell, Hamilton, Lampasas, Milam, Mills, and San Saba

2180 N. Main Street

Belton, TX 76513

(800) 447-7169

(254) 770-2345

Coastal Bend AAA

Counties Served: Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Live Oak, Nueces, Refugio, and San Patricio

2910 Leopard Street

Corpus Christi, TX 78408-3614

(361) 883-3935

(361) 232-5146

Concho Valley AAA

Counties Served: Coke, Concho, Crockett, Irion, Kimble, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Reagan, Schleicher, Sterling, Sutton, and Tom Green

2801 W. Loop 306

Suite A

San Angelo, TX 76904

(877) 944-9666

(325) 223-5704

Dallas County AAA

Counties Served: Dallas

1341 W. Mockingbird Lane

Suite 1000 W.

Dallas, TX 75247

(800) 252-9240

(214) 871-5065

Deep East Texas AAA

Counties Served: Angelina, Houston, Jasper, Nacogdoches, Newton, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, and Tyler

210 Premier Drive

Jasper, TX 75951

(800) 256-6848 ext. 5305

(409) 384-5704 ext. 5305

East Texas AAA

Counties Served: Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood

1501 Pentecost Road

Kilgore, TX 75662

(800) 442-8845

(903) 984-8641

Golden Crescent AAA

Counties Served: Calhoun, DeWitt, Goliad, Gonzales, Jackson, Lavaca, and Victoria

1908 N. Laurent

Suite 600

Victoria, TX 77901

(800) 574-9745

(361) 578-1587

Ext. 217

Harris County AAA

Counties Served: Harris

8000 N. Stadium Drive

3rd floor

Houston, TX 77054

(800) 213-8471

(832) 393-4301

Heart of Texas AAA

Counties Served: Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, and McLennan

 

1514 S. New Road

Waco, TX 76711

(254) 292-1800
Houston-Galveston AAA

Counties Served: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller, and Wharton

3555 Timmons Lane

Suite 100

Houston, TX 77027

(800) 437-7396

(713) 627-3200

Lower Rio Grande Valley AAA/COG

Counties Served: Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy

301 W. Railroad

Building D

Weslaco, TX 78596

(800) 365-6131

(956) 682-3481

Ext. 412

Middle Rio Grande AAA

Counties Served: Dimmit, Edwards, Kinney, LaSalle, Maverick, Real, Uvalde, Val Verde, and Zavala

307 W. Nopal

Carrizo Springs, TX 78834

(800) 224-4262

(830) 757-6122

North Central Texas AAA

Counties Served: Collin, Denton, Ellis, Erath, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Navarro, Palo Pinto, Parker, Rockwall, Somervell, and Wise

616 Six Flags Drive

Arlington, TX 76011

(800) 272-3921
North Texas AAA

Counties Served: Archer, Baylor, Clay, Cottle, Foard, Hardeman, Jack, Montague, Wichita, Wilbarger, and Young

P.O. Box 5144

Wichita Falls, TX 76307

(800) 460-2226

(940) 322-5281

Panhandle AAA

Counties Served: Armstrong, Briscoe, Carson, Castro, Childress, Collingsworth, Dallam, Deaf Smith, Donley, Gray, Hall, Hansford, Hartley, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Moore, Ochiltree, Oldham, Parmer, Potter, Randall, Roberts, Sherman, Swisher, and Wheeler

415 Southwest Eighth Avenue

Amarillo, TX 79105

(800) 460-2226

(806) 331-2227

Permian Basin AAA

Counties Serve: Andrews, Borden, Crane, Dawson, Ector, Gaines, Glasscock, Howard, Loving, Martin, Midland, Pecos, Reeves, Terrell, Upton, Ward, and Winkler

2910 LaForce Boulevard

Midland International Air & Space Port

Midland, TX 79711

(800) 491-4636

(432) 563-1061

Rio Grande AAA

Counties Served: Brewster, Culberson, El Paso, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, and Presidio

8037 Lockheed

Suite 100

El Paso, TX 79925

(800) 333-7082

(915) 533-0998

Southeast Texas AAA

Counties Served: Hardin, Jefferson, Orange

 

2210 Eastex Freeway

Beaumont, TX 77703

(800) 395-5465

(409) 924-3381

South Plains AAA

Counties Served: Bailey, Cochran, Crosby, Dickens, Floyd, Garza, Hale, Hockley, King, Lamb, Lubbock, Lynn, Motley, Terry, and Yoakum

1323 58th Street

Lubbock, TX 79412

(888) 418-6564

(806) 687-0940

South Texas AAA

Counties Served: Jim Hogg, Starr, Webb, Zapata

1002 Dicky Lane

Laredo, TX 78043

(800) 292-5426

(956) 722-3995

Tarrant County AAA

Counties Served: Tarrant

1500 North Main Street

Suite 200

Fort Worth, TX 76164

(817) 258-8102
Texoma AAA

Counties Served: Cooke, Fannin, Grayson

1117 Gallagher Drive

Suite 200

Sherman, TX 75090

(800) 677-8264

(903) 813-3578

West Central Texas AAA

Counties Served: Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, Fisher, Haskell, Jones, Kent, Knox, Mitchell, Nolan, Runnels, Scurry, Shackelford, Stephens, Stonewall, Taylor, and Throckmorton

3702 Loop 322

Abilene, TX 79602

(800) 928-2262

(325) 672-8544

Veterans Affairs

Veterans Affairs has many locations throughout Texas, including outpatient clinics, medical centers, healthcare offices, and vet centers in every region of the state. The Texas VA website lists contact numbers for various types of inquiries, so a visit to the website is advisable to reach the correct department. There are two Regional Benefit Offices and one Regional Loan Center which provide assistance to veterans and their families.

Veterans Office Address Phone Number
Houston Regional Benefit Office 6900 Almeda Road

Houston, TX 77030

Beneficiaries in receipt of pension benefits: (877) 294-6380

Other benefits-related inquiries: (800) 827-1000

Waco Regional Benefit Office 701 Clay Avenue

Waco, TX 76799

Beneficiaries in receipt of pension benefits: (877) 294-6380

Other benefits-related inquiries: (800) 827-1000

Houston Regional Loan Center 6900 Almeda Road

Houston, TX 77030

(800) 827-1000
Veterans’ Crisis Line Reach them by phone. (800) 273-8255
VA Pension Management Center 1 Federal Drive

St Paul, MN 55111

(800) 827-1000

Social Security Offices

The federal government maintains a central website for the Social Security Administration at SSA.gov. Many Social Security-related tasks can be completed online, including:

  • Applying for Social Security Benefits
  • Requesting replacement Social Security cards
  • Making sure you qualify for benefits
  • Estimating your benefits
  • Receiving Social Security statements electronically or by mail

For further assistance, contact or visit the SSA office in your local area. Refer to the alphabetically sorted table below to find your nearest location.

Social Security Office Address Phone Number
Abilene Social Security Offices 1202 E. South 11th Street

Abilene, TX 79602

(877) 607-9525
Alice Social Security Offices 1000 Medical Center Boulevard

Alice, TX 78332

(888) 388-8744
Amarillo Social Security Offices 4750 Canyon Drive

Amarillo, TX 79109

(877) 803-6318
Angleton Social Security Offices 2921 N Valderas Street

Angleton, TX 77515

(800) 772-1213
Austin Social Security Offices 1029 Camino La Costa

Austin, TX 78752

(800) 772-1213
Austin Social Security Offices 5508 Hwy 290 West

Austin, TX 78735

(800) 772-1213
Balch Springs Social Security Offices 2300 Dunson Drive

Balch Springs, TX 75180

(800) 772-1213
Beaumont Social Security Offices 8455 Dishman Road

Beaumont, TX 77713

(800) 772-1213
Big Spring Social Security Offices 2006 East Fm 700

Big Spring, TX 79720

(888) 748-2018
Brenham Social Security Offices 2901 Victory Lane

Brenham, TX 77833

(855) 287-4792
Brownsville Social Security Offices 3115 Central Boulevard

Brownsville, TX 78520

(866) 964-6486
Bryan Social Security Offices 2120 W Briargate Drive

Bryan, TX 77802

(866) 568-9428
Cleburne Social Security Offices 1711 W. Henderson

Cleburne, TX 76033

(800) 772-1213
Conroe Social Security Offices 600 Sgt Ed Holcomb Boulevard

Conroe, TX 77304

(800) 772-1213
Corpus Christi Social Security Offices 3801 S Port Ave

Corpus Christi, TX 78415

(866) 613-2859
Corsicana Social Security Offices 221 S 45th Street

Corsicana, TX 75110

(888) 456-9551
Dallas Social Security Offices 10824 N. Central Expressway

Dallas, TX 75231

 

(800) 772-1213

Dallas Social Security Offices 2475 Cliff Creek Crossing

Dallas, TX 75237

(800) 772-1213
Dallas Social Security Offices 2530 S Malcolm X Boulevard

Dallas, TX 75215

(800) 772-1213
Denton Social Security Offices 2201 Colorado Boulevard

Denton, TX 76205

(888) 717-1530
Eagle Pass Social Security Offices 406 South Texas Drive

Eagle Pass, TX 78852

(888) 862-4864
Early Social Security Offices 300 Early Boulevard

Early, TX 76802

(877) 405-3630
El Paso Social Security Offices 600 Texas Avenue

El Paso, TX 79901

(866) 964-6229
El Paso Social Security Offices 11111 Gateway W. Boulevard

El Paso, TX 79935

(866) 563-9310
Fort Worth Social Security Offices 819 Taylor Street

Fort Worth, TX 76102

(800) 772-1213
Fort Worth Social Security Offices 2901 Altamesa Boulevard

Fort Worth, TX 76133

(866) 681-1405
Georgetown Social Security Offices 104 Parkview Drive

Georgetown, TX 78626

(800) 772-1213
Grand Prairie Social Security Offices 2010 N State Hwy 360

Grand Prairie, TX 75050

(800) 772-1213
Greenville Social Security Offices 2717 Terrell Road

Greenville, TX 75402

(888) 306-3534
Harlingen Social Security Offices 2005 W Jefferson Avenue

Harlingen, TX 78550

(866) 931-7075
Houston Social Security Offices 16200 Dillard Drive

Houston, TX 77040

(800) 772-1213
Houston Social Security Offices 5414 Aldine Mail Road

Houston, TX 77039

(800) 772-1213
Houston Social Security Offices 8989 Lakes At 610 Drive

Houston, TX 77054

(800) 772-1213
Houston Social Security Offices 10703 Stancliff Road

Houston, TX 77099

(800) 772-1213
Kerrville Social Security Offices 1060 Guadalupe Street

Kerrville, TX 78028

(877) 895-0043
Laredo Social Security Offices 215 Calle Del Norte

Laredo, TX 78041

(866) 704-4857
League City Social Security Offices 2835 Gulf Frwy South

League City, TX 77573

(800) 772-1213
Longview Social Security Offices 611 Clinic Drive

Longview, TX 75605

(800) 772-1213
Lubbock Social Security Offices 5825 16th Street

Lubbock, TX 79416

(866) 467-0460
Lufkin Social Security Offices 702 East Denman

Lufkin, TX 75901

(800) 772-1213
Marshall Social Security Offices 1509 Sedberry Street

Marshall, TX 75670

(800) 467-5313
Mcallen Social Security Offices 3004 N Mccoll Road

Mcallen, TX 78501

(855) 886-9628
Mckinney Social Security Offices 3250 Craig Drive

Mckinney, TX 75070

(866) 931-2731
Mission Social Security Offices 1013 Business Park Drive

Mission, TX 78572

(800) 772-1213
Mount Pleasant Social Security Offices 2304 W Ferguson Road

Mount Pleasant, TX 75455

(877) 701-2138
Odessa Social Security Offices 2015 E 37th Street

Odessa, TX 79762

(866) 404-1866
Palestine Social Security Offices 215 Medical Drive

Palestine, TX 75801

(866) 495-0089
Pampa Social Security Offices 2333 N Hobart Street

Pampa, TX 79065

(877) 897-0603
Paris Social Security Offices 2805 Pine Mill Road

Paris, TX 75460

(888) 619-4772
Pasadena Social Security Offices 3300 Watters Road

Pasadena, TX 77504

(800) 772-1213
Plainview Social Security Offices 400 S Garland

Plainview, TX 79072

(888) 389-2571
Port Arthur Social Security Offices 8208 9th Avenue

Port Arthur, TX 77642

(800) 772-1213
San Angelo Social Security Offices 2851 Southwest Boulevard

San Angelo, TX 76904

(877) 840-5742
San Antonio Social Security Offices 3438 E Southcross

San Antonio, TX 78223

(800) 772-1213
San Antonio Social Security Offices 411 Richland Hills Drive

San Antonio, TX 78245

(800) 772-1213
San Antonio Social Security Offices 727 E Cesar Chavez

San Antonio, TX 78206

(800) 772-1213
San Antonio Social Security Offices 402 Isom Road

San Antonio, TX 78216

(800) 772-1213
San Marcos Social Security Offices 900 Bugg Lane

San Marcos, TX 78666

(800) 772-1213
Seguin Social Security Offices 927 S Street Hwy 123 Bypass

Seguin, TX 78155

(877) 445-0831
Sherman Social Security Offices 600 East Peyton

Sherman, TX 75090

(877) 405-3521
Temple Social Security Offices 511 North Main

Temple, TX 76501

(866) 593-1341
Texarkana Social Security Offices 5735 Summerhill Road

Texarkana, TX 75503

(866) 931-7675
Tyler Social Security Offices 5509 Donnybrook Avenue

Tyler, TX 75703

(877) 319-5707
Victoria Social Security Offices 8208 Ne Zac Lentz Parkway

Victoria, TX 77904

(800) 772-1213
Waco Social Security Offices 1700 Lake Air Drive

Waco, TX 76710

(866) 964-6304
Waxahachie Social Security Offices 100 Dean Box Drive

Waxahachie, TX 75165

(800) 772-1213
Wichita Falls Social Security Offices 4314 Wendover Street

Wichita Falls, TX 76309

(866) 815-9605

The Senior Source

The Senior Source in Dallas is one of the more comprehensive elder resource centers in the state. They provide support for most aspects of senior life, like foster grandparent and volunteer programs, classes, and social gatherings.

Find them online at www.TheSeniorSource.org. Visit The Senior Source at 3910 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75219, or call (214) 823-5700.

Nutrition & Services for Seniors

Meals on Wheels operates through Nutrition & Services for Seniors in Jefferson and Hardin counties, bringing home-delivered meals to individuals and pets. This organization also provides valuable services, such as congregate dining, free transportation, and emergency communication systems.

Find them online at www.SeniorMeals.org. Visit Nutrition & Services for Seniors at 4590 Concord, Beaumont, TX 77703, or call (409) 892-4455.

Project Amistad

Providing services for El Paso, Midland-Odessa, and the Big Bend areas of far west Texas, this organization is designated by the Department of Health and Human Services as the Managed Transportation Organization for Texas’ Region 2. Project Amistad provides free transport to Medicaid beneficiaries, as well as many other vital services, such as money management and family counseling, and guardianship advisement.

Find them online at www.ProjectAmistad.org. Visit the Project Amistad offices at 3210 Dyer Street, El Paso, TX 79930. Call their main office at (915) 532-3790, or reach their call center at (877) 633-8747.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Texas

Long-term care in the state of Texas is directed by the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), and all assisted living facilities in the state must be licensed with the HHSC. Below is an overview of the standards and requirements for Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) in the state of Texas.

Assisted Living Service Plans

Within 14 days of admission to a Texas ALF, service providers must meet with new residents to fill out a service plan, sometimes called a needs assessment. ALF administrators will interview potential residents to determine their needs and desires in order to make sure their experience at the facility will be sufficient to their needs.

Administrators must also use this meeting to disclose regulations and practices concerning things like activities of daily living (ADL) patterns, psychosocial issues, and behavioral symptoms, as well as residents’ rights and community rules.

Any residents who receive behavioral care must have goals and strategies included in their service plan, and the plan must be confirmed by a physician or behavioral healthcare provider. If the plan involves recurrent medication administration or other skilled nursing services, a nurse or medical practitioner must review and confirm the provisions.

Assisted Living Admission Requirements

An assisted living facility cannot accommodate residents whose medical needs exceed the capabilities of staff unless a resident is covered by a licensed home health agency. Home health agencies can be hired by residents with greater care needs, although there are limitations on residency in an ALF for more fully disabled individuals. The state of Texas determines the extent of care available at ALFs by designating two levels of assistance, Type A and Type B, with Type A residents not requiring the added assistance of a home health agency.

Residents cannot be admitted to an ALF if they are permanently bedridden, or if their medical needs cannot be met by the facility or by a contracting home health agency.

Assisted Living Scope of Care

Texas ALFs can provide personal care services (assistance with activities of daily living) and/or medication assistance to residents. They can also provide skilled nursing care, but only for limited purposes, such as:

  • To coordinate resident care
  • To delegate or offer medication administration or personal care services
  • To perform level of care assessments for residents
  • To care for residents in case of illness, injury, or other emergency for up to 30 days

Type A facilities are designed for more able and active seniors, while Type B facilities are able to accommodate seniors who need more specialized care.

Type A facilities can admit residents who:

  • Can demonstrate the ability to evacuate the facility unassisted in the event of an emergency
  • Do not require routine attendance during sleeping hours
  • Are mentally capable of following directions

Type B facilities can admit residents who:

  • Suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
  • Are not permanently bedridden, but may require assistance getting in and out of bed
  • May require staff assistance to evacuate in emergency situations
  • May be incapable of following directions in emergency situations
  • May require assistance during sleeping hours

Assisted Living Medicaid Policy

Unlike some other states, Texas does not provide Medicaid reimbursement to ALF residents unless they have a very low income or are Home- and Community-Based Services waiver recipients. Only nursing-home eligible residents can receive waiver services, and these individuals must reside in Type B assisted living communities. Waiver services are provided by managed care organizations, and all services they provide, such as personal care and medication assistance, can be reimbursed through Medicaid.

Assisted Living Facility Requirements

In a single assisted living unit, no more than four residents may live in the space, and in any ALF community, no more than 50% of all units can be inhabited by more than two residents.

Space requirements:

  • Usable floor space in Type A units must be at least 80 square feet for a single room, and no less than 60 feet per bed for multi-residential units.
  • Usable floor space in Type B units must be at least 100 square feet for a single room, and no less than 80 feet per bed for multi-residential units.

Bathroom requirements:

  • All bedrooms must be accompanied by gender-specific restrooms.
  • Restrooms may be communal, private, or connecting between bedrooms.
  • Each sleeping floor of an assisted living unit must have at least one water closet, lavatory, and bathing area.
  • One water closet and one lavatory must be provided per every six residents, and at least one bathing area must be provided per every ten residents.

Fire safety and emergency evacuation standards are determined by the National Fire Protection Association’s Life Safety Code. Among the Code’s specifications are rules for the provision of automatic sprinkler systems and smoke alarms, along with spatial navigability and maximum occupancy regulations.

Medication Management Regulations

The staff at Texas ALFs are permitted to assist residents with their self-administration of medicines. They typically do this by helping to open medication packaging, or by providing cues to remind residents to take their medicines. If an ALF resident either chooses not to self-administer or cannot do so due to physical or mental limitations, staff may administer their medicines for them under voluntary and regulated conditions.

To administer medicines to residents, staff must adhere to the following:

  • Hold a current license to administer medications
  • Hold a current aide permit, acting under direct supervision by a licensed nurse
  • Be an employee to whom the task has been delegated by a registered nurse

Staffing Requirements

Facilities must keep at least one manager on staff to direct operations, and each month managers will audit and then disclose staffing patterns. There is no legal ratio of staff to residents in Texas, but all facilities must retain sufficient staff to cover the following processes:

  • Maintain order, safety, and cleanliness
  • Assist residents with their medication regimens
  • Prepare and serve meals
  • Provide laundry assistance
  • Provide care and supervision to meet basic needs
  • Ensure evacuation in emergency situations

Staff Training Requirements

Administrators and staff of Texas assisted living facilities must undergo many hours of rigorous training, and in some cases they must earn further licensure. The state requirements for administrators and other staff include different training modules and differing levels of depth in educational material.

Within an administrator’s first year of employment, they must complete at least 24 hours of assisted living management training. At least 12 additional hours must be spent every year in training and education on at least two of the following subjects:

  • Resident/provider rights and responsibilities concerning abuse, neglect, and confidentiality
  • Basic management principles
  • Professional skills for interacting with residents, families, and other service providers
  • Likely needs and characteristics of residents
  • Community resources
  • Accounting and budgeting
  • Basic emergency first aid
  • Federal laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act

All on-staff attendants at Texas ALFs must complete four hours of orientation before beginning employment at a facility, and continuous on-the-job supervision is required during their first 16 hours of work. Full-time attendants must be at least 18 years of age or hold a high school diploma. The state mandates more extensive and specific training/licensure requirements for nurses, nurses’ aides, medication aides, and direct care staff.

Background Checks for Assisted Living

Before someone can be hired for work in any position at a Texas ALF, they must undergo a multi-faceted background check. Facilities must check prospective employees’ criminal history, Employee Misconduct Registry status, and Nurse Aide Registry status.

  • The Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Record Service is used to look for any criminal acts in an applicants past, especially any involving assault, abuse, or neglect.
  • The Employee Misconduct Registry ensures that personnel who have committed abusive, exploitive, or neglectful acts against consumers cannot find employment at a long-term care facility.
  • The Nurse Aide Registry is a credential management system, and checking it ensures that all personnel have the proper licensure.

Though all Texas ALF employees are required to be subject to an extensive background check, independent contractors who may be working on facility grounds are not subject to the same requirement.

Reporting Abuse

Texas supplies resources for reporting facility malpractice and for reporting elder abuse. The HHS website also provides means of finding out if any complaints have been lodged against an assisted living facility in the past.

To file a complaint of an assisted living facility, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission suggests first approaching facility administrators about the problem. If that fails, the Office of the Ombudsman should be contacted. This central office can be reached by calling their toll free number at (877) 787-8999, or for the hearing impaired, call the Texas Relay service by dialing 7-1-1, or (800) 735-2989. Complaints can also be filed online here.

To find out about past complaints, investigations, and inspections of Texas assisted living facilities, use the Texas LTC Provider Search tool by visiting hhs.texas.gov

To make a report of elder abuse, the HHS provides a hotline that anyone can call to confidentially report neglect, exploitation, or abuse. Anyone who knows about an instance of elder abuse or neglect is legally required to report it. To make a report, call the Department of Disability and Aging Services at (800) 458-9858.

Texas COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living Facilities

Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/15/22. Since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, be sure to contact your assisted living facility or local Area Agency on Aging for the most up-to-date information.

COVID-19 Rules in Texas
Are loved ones allowed to visit residents in their assisted living community? Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are residents required to quarantine after their loved ones visit? No
Are loved ones required to wear masks when visiting residents? Yes
Are Hairdressers and other non-medical contractors allowed in assisted living communities? Yes
Are visitors screened for elevated temperatures before entering the assisted living community? Yes
Are residents allowed to leave the assisted living community for non-medical reasons? Yes
Are residents who leave required to quarantine when they get back to the assisted living community? No (Conditions Apply)
Are assisted living communities required to cancel all group outings? No
Are assisted living communities allowed to host group activities within the community? Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are staff members regularly checked for elevated temperatures? Yes
Are staff members regularly tested for COVID-19? Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are residents regularly screened for COVID-19 symptoms? Yes
Are residents regularly checked for elevated temperatures? Yes
Are residents regularly tested for COVID-19? Yes (Conditions Apply)

 

Sources: www.hhs.texas.gov www.cms.gov