How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Houston, Texas?
Over 810,000 people across the US live in an assisted living community. This generally includes seniors who need help with personal care or are showing signs of declining health – those who need help with some things, just not round-the-clock care. Over half of all assisted living residents are over 85 years old. If you or a loved one have decided that it’s time to transition to this type of senior housing, it can be useful to know what to expect. So, here’s everything you need to know about the cost of assisted living in Houston, Texas.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is a long-term care option for older adults who would benefit from some extra care, but don’t quite need a nursing home. Assisted living combines caregiving and independence in a home-like setting. Residents usually live in an apartment or condo where they can stay active and social with support from staff. Common features you’ll find in assisted living are:
- Housekeeping
- Home maintenance
- Transportation
- 24-hour emergency care
- Personal care assistance
- Transferring assistance
- Supervision
- Well checks
- Multiple prepared meals per day
- A variety of amenities including things like fitness centers, worship centers, and on-site salons
- And more…
About Houston
Houston, Texas, is a major city known for its combination of Southern charm and urban sophistication. Among its key attractions are the NASA Johnson Space Center, the vibrant Houston Theater District, and Hermann Park. The city is recognized for its cultural diversity and spirit of innovation, offering a place where tradition and progress coexist. With a population of over 2 million people, Houston exemplifies the appeal and forward-thinking attitude of Texas.
How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Houston?
The national average cost of assisted living is just over $4,500 per month. Though the actual cost will vary by facility and services offered, the average monthly cost in Houston is $5,200.
What Determines the Cost of Assisted Living in Houston?
Understanding the cost structure of assisted living facilities and their billing practices is pretty straightforward once you know what factors influence pricing and the types of payment options available. The cost variations primarily hinge on the level of care required—essentially, less assistance equates to lower monthly expenses, while more comprehensive care increases the cost. Other elements affecting prices include the chosen apartment’s floor plan, the decision to utilize dining services, and the staff-to-resident ratio, indicating the availability of staff members to assist residents.
When it comes to billing, facilities often offer an a la carte option, akin to selecting services from a menu. Under this model, residents pay for their choices, which can include monthly rent (covering room and board), fees for care services, medication management, medical assistance, housekeeping or maintenance, and recreational activities. Alternatively, some facilities provide an all-inclusive billing method, where one monthly fee encompasses rent, amenities, and all services, although there might be usage limits for certain offerings.
How Much Does Assisted Living Cost Compared to Other Senior Care Options in Houston?
Let’s take a look at assisted living costs in Houston compared to other senior care options:
| Type of Care | National Average Monthly Cost | Houston Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $4,500 | $5,200 |
| Home Care (all services) | $5,053 | $4,900 |
| Homemaker Services | $4,957 | $4,671 |
| Home Health Aide | $5,148 | $5,148 |
| Adult Day Health Care | $1,690 | $1,408 |
| Nursing Home, Semi-Private Room | $7,908 | $5,718 |
| Nursing Home, Private Room | $9,034 | $7,604 |
How to Pay for Assisted Living in Houston
Long-Term Care Insurance
Most regular health insurance plans don’t cover the expenses linked to long-term care, which often includes assistance with daily activities and mobility. This is where long-term care insurance comes into play.
Veteran Benefits
For veterans, the VA provides coverage for many services as part of standard health benefits.
For a comprehensive list of long-term care services and how to apply for help, explore the following resources:
VA Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, and Home HealthCare
Veterans Service Organizations – Houston Regional Office
Medicare
- Original Medicare (Parts A & B): If you need skilled nursing care while in assisted living, such as daily injections, IV therapy, or wound care, Original Medicare may cover it. Additionally, if you’re admitted to the hospital for inpatient care, you can use your Medicare coverage.
- Medicare Advantage Plan: This plan typically does not cover custodial care. However, it does cover certain skilled nursing services, prescription medications, and emergency services. For detailed information, review your specific health plan.
- Medicare Part D: Even while living in an assisted living facility, Medicare Part D covers prescription medications. For more details, visit Medicare.gov.
For additional help and information on Medicare, consider exploring these resources:
Medicare | Texas Health and Human Services
City of Houston Medicare Advantage Plan Benefits Information
Medicaid
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps low-income individuals pay for care. It can help with the cost of both custodial and medical care. Every state has different qualification requirements.
For eligibility and enrollment in Texas, visit these resources:
Medicaid and CHIP – Texas Health and Human Services
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Originally published March 26, 2024
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