Austin, the fast-growing city of Texas, is home to an estimated 961,855 people, with about 134,659 being seniors (60 and over). The city offers a moderate climate and a vibrant lifestyle, making it an attractive place for seniors to retire. In fact, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Austin as the No. 1 best place to live in Texas, the 5th best place to live in the nation, and the 50th best place in the United States to retire.
Assisted Living Communities (ALCs) in Austin provide long-term care to seniors who can no longer live alone. The staff at these facilities assist with daily care needs, housekeeping services, and transportation. Assisted living is an excellent option for seniors who do not require the advanced medical care of a skilled nursing facility.
What to Expect from Assisted Living in Austin
All ALCs in Austin are managed by the Texas Health and Human Services. The agency ensures that all communities abide by the assisted living statutes set by the state. The number of residents per facility varies, with the smallest accommodating as few as four people and the largest housing more than 120 residents.
Types of Assisted Living Facilities
There are approximately 161 assisted living communities in the Austin area, 36 of which are licensed as Type A communities and 125 as Type B communities.
- Type A communities are suitable for residents who possess the physical and cognitive abilities necessary to evacuate safely on their own during an emergency.
- Type B communities are for residents who require assistance to evacuate independently and safely during an emergency. Any memory or dementia care community must be licensed as Type B.
Assisted Living Regulations and Records in Austin
The state of Texas has extensive regulations for assisted living facilities. Employees cannot have a criminal history (which is assessed by background checks), and facilities must offer personal care services, such as assistance with feeding, dressing, moving, bathing, and medication management. Additionally, these facilities must be able to evacuate every resident in no more than 13 minutes.
The Texas Health and Human Services website enables potential residents and their families to check if the facility they’re considering complies with all state requirements.
Cost of Assisted Living in Austin
The monthly average cost for assisted living in Austin is $5,345, which is higher than the Texas average of $3,998.
Cost Comparison with Other Cities
Assisted living expenses in Austin are higher than in some other cities in Texas. For instance, in San Antonio, seniors pay only $3,413 per month. In contrast, care in Austin is more affordable than in Victoria, where assisted living costs $5,600 per month.
Cost Comparison with Other Types of Care
Given the high cost of assisted living in Austin, seniors may want to compare it with other types of care. For instance, in-home care services like homemaker services and home health aides provide similar personal care and homemaking services (such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry) to seniors at home. These services cost a little less per month at $5,196.
Seniors can also opt for adult day health care for $1,517, where they receive health and therapeutic services and enjoy activities during the day while caregivers take a break. For seniors who need a higher level of care in a nursing facility, a semiprivate room costs $5,931 per month.
Here’s a quick look at the average monthly costs of different types of senior care in Austin:
- Assisted Living: $5,345
- Homemaker Services: $5,196
- Home Health Aide: $5,196
- Adult Day Health Care: $1,517
- Nursing Home (semiprivate room): $5,931
- Nursing Home (private room): $8,973
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Austin
The Texas Department of Health and Human Services may have programs and services to help seniors afford the cost of assisted living. Medicaid may also assist seniors with the payments for assisted living in Austin.
More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some of these include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
Top Assisted Living Communities in Austin
Austin offers a range of ALCs with various amenities and services to cater to the unique needs of seniors. Here are a few top-rated assisted living communities in Austin:
- Belmont Village Senior Living West Lake Hills
- Brookdale Gaines Ranch
- Anthology Of The Arboretum
- Maravilla at the Domain
- Parsons House Austin
Free Assisted Living Resources in Austin
Austin offers numerous free resources for seniors living in assisted living communities or those considering moving into a facility. Local government agencies and nonprofits provide a host of activities, classes, and assistance for seniors, including recreational opportunities, health and wellness resources, and benefits information.
Some of the free resources in Austin include:
- South Austin Senior Activity Center
- Lamar Senior Activity Center
- City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department Senior Transportation Program
- Texas Health and Human Services Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Austin
Austin ALCs must adhere to a comprehensive set of state laws and regulations. You can find more information about these laws on the Assisted Living in Texas page.
In conclusion, assisted living in Austin offers a range of services and amenities that cater to seniors’ unique needs, ensuring they lead a comfortable and enriched life. However, considering the high cost of assisted living in Austin, it’s essential for seniors and their families to explore all available options for financial assistance.