About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2024 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2024 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2024 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
Veteran ResourcesVA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care.Guide to VA benefits for long-term care
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10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Austin, TX

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Austin, Texas, is a growing metropolis offering delicious food, live music, and a wide variety of activities. These factors have made it an increasingly popular retirement destination in recent years. Luckily, the senior living scene is adapting to the increase — A Place for Mom’s network features 24 assisted living facilities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Austin.

Assisted living enables seniors to reside in a safe, engaging space where caregivers assist them with their daily needs and chores. And, without the daily stressors of life, seniors can dedicate themselves to their favorite pastimes and hobbies by utilizing luxurious on-site amenities and participating in community activities.

In this guide to assisted living in Austin, you’ll be able to narrow down options for a senior loved one based on factors that matter most to you — highest overall ratings, affordability, dining options, amenities, services, and more. Furthermore, we use our 20+ years of experience in the senior living industry and proprietary data to inform this guide. You’ll find local data and helpful information on local costs, how seniors pay, local assisted living features, senior demographics, and senior-specific resources and activities in the Austin, Texas, area.

Austin Assisted Living Facilities | 1022 Reviews
Showing 47 communities
Last Updated: 4/10/24
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Best of Senior Living

The top senior living communities stand out for their exceptional care and support of seniors in independent living, assisted living, memory care, and in-home care. Our Best of Senior Living Award winners represent the top 1-2% of senior care providers nationwide based on reviews from those who matter most: residents and families.

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Photo of Pavilion at Great Hills
1818 Photos available
6.3
Review score
62 reviews
6.3
Review score
62 reviews
5 star
42%
4 star
34%
3 star
15%
2 star
3%
1 star
6%
See all reviews
We chose Pavilion at Great Hills because of the cleanliness of the facility, we were very price driven so the value for the money, and the friendliness of all of the staff we interacted with. The room sizes...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
The Pavilion at Great Hills Assisted Living & Memory Care community has a little something for everyone. Located in beautiful North Austin hill country, we are near three major hospitals, numerous shopping centers including two miles from the Arboretum, theaters, museums, great restaurants,...
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Photo of Brookdale Beckett Meadows
1010 Photos available
55 Floor plans available
6.5
Review score
67 reviews
6.5
Review score
67 reviews
5 star
36%
4 star
36%
3 star
12%
2 star
3%
1 star
13%
See all reviews
Our Loved One has lived at Beckett Meadows for 10 months. Initially, there was a period of adjustment, as we expected, and she required PT, OT & SP therapies, all of which she was able to receive on site. We...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Redefine your independence with a worry-free lifestyle.There are plenty of active seniors out there who are ready, willing and able to take on the world—with just a bit of help. If you’re living a mostly independent lifestyle, but you could use an extra hand with some of your day-to-day...
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Photo of Colonial Gardens - Austin
1717 Photos available
5 star
35%
4 star
41%
3 star
12%
2 star
6%
1 star
6%
See all reviews
This is a memory care community and I would recommend this community for someone in need. They have some activities for the residents like physical therapy and occupational therapy and this is the activities...
Provides: Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Colonial Gardens ALF, located in Austin, Texas, is a beautiful, warm, and comfortable senior citizen community. Not only are we driven to accommodate each of our residents with an above average care level, but we are completely dedicated to a family oriented atmosphere. Our staff are trained in...
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Explore Assisted Living in Austin
Photo of The Watermark at Southpark Meadows
1010 Photos available
5 star
75%
4 star
19%
3 star
6%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
We have had a great experience here and my mom is very comfortable. Their activity program is amazing. The activities have actually increased since the lock-down, so they are keeping the residents very busy...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Photo of The Heritage at Hunters Chase
1212 Photos available
5 star
46%
4 star
29%
3 star
21%
2 star
0%
1 star
4%
See all reviews
Looked for three months to find an assisted living for our Mom, went and looked everywhere. Walked into the Heritage and it felt like home. Music playing, fresh flowers. We tried the food and it was...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
The Heritage at Hunters Chase is conveniently located in Northwest Austin near surrounding communities of Cedar Park, Leander, Round Rock, and Pflurgerville. The Heritage at Hunters Chase is an unique fully renovated community with beautiful courtyards, walking paths, and spacious common areas...
Photo of Grace House Assisted Living
1111 Photos available
5 star
69%
4 star
31%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
I would highly recommend this community they are like a family here. They have activities like arts and crafts and more for the residents to do.
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Grace House Assisted Living provides seniors with more than just a place to live, we provide a HOME. Grace House is the only privately owned and operated Assisted Living Facility in the area. In an industry dominated by large corporate facilities housing over 100 residents in one building, Grace...
Photo of Brookdale Round Rock
88 Photos available
33 Floor plans available
7.0
Review score
45 reviews
7.0
Review score
45 reviews
5 star
33%
4 star
40%
3 star
18%
2 star
2%
1 star
7%
See all reviews
We found the caregiving staff out on the floor to be very good. They took great care of people and seemed to really care. The meals were good, no complaints there. The housekeeping staff was wonderful and...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Savor Your Golden YearsIf you want to exchange the everyday burdens of cooking, cleaning and maintenance for a lifestyle rich in activities, friendship and quality care, our assisted living and memory care community in Austin, Texas just might be the place for you. Surrounded by a trained and...
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Photo of Provident Memory Care Austin
66 Photos available
11 Floor plan available
5 star
67%
4 star
22%
3 star
11%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Everyone has been kind, thoughtful, patient, and very caring. During Covid restrictions I received pictures to let me see and know how my husband is doing. Can't say enough about the staff.
Provides: Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Sodalis Memory Care is a certified Alzheimer's Care Assisted Living Community. Our small community consists of 22 private rooms with private 1/2 baths, a beautiful courtyard, and a homelike environment. Sodalis strives to have the best care possible for people who have Alzheimer's or related...
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Photo of Shady Hollow  II Assisted Living
10
Review score
5 reviews
10
Review score
5 reviews
5 star
100%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
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Shady Hollow is a beautiful house with big shady trees and grassy yard. It is well kept and very clean. It is a peaceful environment and my room was quiet with a large window. [names removed]and the owner...
Provides: Memory Care, Residential Care Home
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Care Homes: Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
Shady Hollow II Assisted Living Shady Hollow II Assisted Living is a residential care home for seniors that is located in the city of Austin, Texas which is in Travis County. Austin is first and foremost known as a music city. The numerous concert venues and local musicians make this city ideal...
Photo of Barton Hills Assisted Living
5 star
33%
4 star
0%
3 star
33%
2 star
0%
1 star
34%
See all reviews
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Private and Semiprivate Floor plans, Three meals daily, 24 hour attendant supervision, Housekeeping Daily, Nurse on Staff, Full Time Activities Program, Emergency Call System, Utilities & Cable included in base price.  Our home offers different levels of care which can include assistance with...
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Photo of Alpha House V
Provides: Memory Care, Residential Care Home
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Care Homes: Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
Photo of Alpha House IV
Provides: Memory Care, Residential Care Home
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Care Homes: Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
Photo of Silverleaf Eldercare
5 star
50%
4 star
50%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of Anthology of the Arboretum
1212 Photos available
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
See details
Photo of The Maravilla at The Domain
5 star
100%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Maravilla at the Domain
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Querencia at Barton Creek
77 Photos available
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Querencia at Barton Creek is a resort-style life care retirement community in Austin for ages 62 and over. We are located on 38 acres and our Independent Living section includes 10 villas and 157 apartment homes (one, two, or three bedroom), with a choice of 19 different floor plans ranging from...
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Photo of Marriott's Duval Oaks Guest Home
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Marriott's Duval Oaks Guest Home offers assisted living for seniors in a warm and comfortable environment without being formal. A single story design makes it easier for residents to navigate and find their way. At Village Oaks, we have created Companion Living® to encourage our seniors to...
Photo of Regent at Parmer Woods
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Photo of Autumn Leaves of South Austin
5 star
57%
4 star
29%
3 star
0%
2 star
14%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
I cannot say enough great things about Autumn Leaves! They are so loving and caring to all their residence. I can see the true compassion that each of the employees have for the residence. Communication...
Provides: Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
5 star
100%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
My parents are very happy here! They've been wonderful to work with. During the move in process they went out of their way to make sure we had all of the information we needed, and after the move in they did...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Shady Hollow Assisted Living
Provides: Memory Care, Residential Care Home
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Care Homes: Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
Shady Hollow Assisted Living Shady Hollow Assisted Living is a senior care home located in Austin, Texas, part of Travis County. Austin is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States and offers a plethora of activities for the entire family. It is famous for its vibrant music and live...

What families are saying about assisted living in Austin

Recent reviews for assisted living in Austin

Brookdale Georgetown

4.4
My father has lived at Brookdale GT for several years. Prior to moving him there, we were at another assistant living facility which was an absolute awful experience. On one occasion, my father called me afraid and upset because there were no staff members answering. When I phoned the direct ...
Read more

SoCo Village in Austin, TX

5.0
We, our sister's family, have all been impressed with the care and kindness shown her by all the staff. We are there often and have enjoyed the special events which have included food and music. The facility is beautiful. The management staff couldn't be nicer to guests and residents.

Sodalis Austin

5.0
They are always responsive to requests and are always ready to help. Staff is very friendly and welcoming. They take care of any request immediately there's always someone around to help. My mom has nothing but nice things to say about the people that are her caregivers

Costs of assisted living in Austin, Texas, area

The cost of Austin assisted living depends on a number of factors — location, floor plan, amenities, and your senior loved one’s required level of care. However, the median cost of rent, excluding add-on fees for services and amenities, is $5,280 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s 2022-2023 proprietary data.[01]

This cost may seem steep at first, so it’s important to remember that rent at assisted living apartments in Austin, Texas, typically includes the following amenities:

  • A dining plan with three meals and snacks daily
  • On-site amenities (fitness centers, pools, craft centers, libraries, movie theaters, courtyards, etc.)
  • On-site activities (interest clubs, game nights, holiday parties, fitness classes, etc.)
  • Day trips and outings to local attractions and events
  • General maintenance and landscaping

Seniors may have to pay additional fees for the following on-site amenities and services in an Austin assisted living community:

  • Personalized care services (assistance with activities of daily living, medication administration, catheter care, etc.)
  • Pet rent and additional occupant fees
  • Room service and special meal accommodations
  • Housekeeping and laundry services
  • Beauty salon and barber shop services
  • Transportation services

The following costs don’t include any add-on fees for care; however, they do provide a good cost comparison of nearby areas in Austin.

Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Austin, TX vs. nearby cities

Austin, TX

$5,523/mo

Del Valle, TX

$5,383/mo

How people pay for assisted living in Austin, Texas

There are several ways for seniors to pay for assisted living in Austin. Most seniors use a combination of private retirement funds, insurance policies, and federal and state programs. In this section, you’ll find useful information on how you can use private pay methods, veterans benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid to cover some of your loved one’s medical and assisted living costs.

Private pay methods in Austin

Seniors and families typically look at private payment methods when they initially start planning for assisted living. Private pay includes all of a senior’s personal income and asset resources. Their income might include savings accounts, retirement pensions, investment returns, and/or Social Security benefits, all of which can be used to pay for assisted living. And luckily Texas doesn’t levy a personal income tax, meaning these income sources aren’t taxed.

Depending on your loved one’s resources and current situation, they may combine a few of the following private payment methods to cover costs of assisted living. Keep in mind that long-term care insurance policies vary in what they cover, so it’s best practice to consult with your loved one’s policy provider. Learn more about unique private pay methods below:

Caregiver Resources
Can You Use Your HSA for Long-Term Care Costs?
By Celia Searles
Caregiver Resources
Reverse Mortgages and Long-Term Care: The Pros and Cons
By Merritt Whitley, senior living writer and editor
Veterans benefits for assisted living in Austin
Can veterans benefits be used to pay for assisted living in Austin?

If your senior loved one is a veteran, they can use funds provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay for rent at an Austin assisted living community. Senior veterans and their surviving spouses may be eligible for VA pension benefits. The Aid and Attendance benefit is especially important for qualifying seniors as it can be added to their existing VA pension benefits to cover anything that improves a senior’s life — which could include assisted living.

Who qualifies for veterans benefits?

If you’re unsure about your loved one’s eligibility for VA benefits, the best place to start is by reaching out to a local Veteran Service Organization (VSO). VSOs are vetted by the VA and will happily help you and your loved one find options you may not know about. They’ll also help you successfully file for a claim or appeal a denied claim. In Austin, assisted living communities also sometimes partner with local veteran programs to help potential senior residents obtain their entitled benefits.

31607

Approximate number of veterans currently living in Austin

Approximately 39% of Austin veterans are 65+

Resources for Austin veterans

Find a Veteran Service Organization (VSO) in Austin

Travis County Veterans Services Department
5325 Airport Blvd.
Austin, TX 78751
Phone: 512-854-9340
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (By appointment only)
Virtual contact: Veterans services contact form

Texas Veterans Commission (TVC)
1700 N. Congress Ave., Suite 800
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: 512-475-2395

Find a regional branch of national veteran organizations

Regional Disabled American Veterans (DAV) office
VA Regional Office — One Veterans Plaza
701 Clay Ave.
Waco, TX 76799
Phone: 254-299-9932
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Austin Medicaid for assisted living

Medicaid is a public health insurance program that is jointly funded by the state and federal governments. Even though it cannot be used to pay rent at an assisted living community, it can help cover some long-term health care services and medically necessary care services within an assisted living community.

STAR+PLUS Medicaid program

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (or HHSC) operates a Medicaid program called STAR, which offers a managed care program specifically for seniors 65+ and individuals with disabilities called STAR+PLUS. In addition to routine health care costs, the STAR+PLUS program covers long-term care services, which include the following:

  • Nursing and personal care services
  • Therapy extension services
  • Nutrition services
  • Transportation services

Keep in mind that STAR+PLUS can only cover health care and long-term care services through agencies licensed and certified by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

For additional services to be covered within an assisted living facility, seniors must be eligible for the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid waiver program. This waiver can be used in assisted living facilities contracted with the resident’s managed care provider. This HCBS waiver enables seniors to reside and receive care in a residential setting like an assisted living community rather than an institutional setting like a nursing home.[03]

The STAR+PLUS HCBS waiver program can help cover the following costs in assisted living:

  • Personal care
  • Medical supplies
  • Nursing services
  • Respite care
  • Physical, occupational, and speech therapies
  • Adaptive aids, such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, orthotic devices, and orthopedic shoes[04]

When a senior applies for Medicaid, Texas Health and Human Services will assess their need for the HCBS program. As of 2023, seniors must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Be 65 years of age or older
  • Require an institutional level of care, commonly found in a nursing facility
  • Earn less than $2,742 per month as an individual or $5,484 as a couple[05]

Note for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) settings: Not all assisted living facilities in Austin qualify as an HCBS setting; however, some will. In order to qualify, a facility must do the following:

  • Be integrated into the greater local community
  • Enable interested residents to seek work or volunteer opportunities
  • Help the senior resident engage in local community life
  • Allow the senior to control their own resources and finances
  • Allow the senior to receive Medicaid care services[03]

If you need help understanding your loved one’s eligible Medicaid benefits, find a Texas Health and Human Services office near you or search for local programs through their services search tool. You can also contact your local area agencies on aging (or AAAs) for assistance in accessing local long-term care services and disability programs. Below, you’ll find more resources to help you better understand Medicaid benefits for seniors along with search tools that’ll help you locate Medicaid benefits offices in Austin.

Austin resident Medicaid resources

Find a Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) office
Medicare assisted living coverage in Austin

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage to adults aged 65 and older and individuals with disabilities. It cannot be used to cover room and board costs in an Austin assisted living community, but it can help cover some medically necessary care costs within an assisted living facility.

The following Texas programs can help you save on Medicare costs and apply for Medicare benefits:

  • The Texas Medicare Savings Program covers some Medicare Parts A and B premiums, deductibles, copayments, and/or coinsurance. Part A covers hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care services. Part B covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

As of 2022, seniors must not exceed a monthly income of $1,133 as an individual or $1,526 as a couple to qualify for this program.[06]

  • The Texas Legal Services Center (TLSC) houses the Health Information, Counseling, and Advocacy Program (commonly referred to as HICAP) and the Legal Hotline for Texans to offer seniors legal advice, referrals, and assistance with Medicare.
Dual Medicare and Medicaid coverage in Austin

If your senior loved one qualifies for both Medicare and Medicaid, they’re eligible to receive dual coverage through one Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP) in Texas. This program is called the Dual Eligible Integrated Care Demonstration Project and is commonly referred to as “the Demonstration.” The Demonstration strives to improve service coordination, enhance quality of care, eliminate cost shifting between Medicare and Medicaid, and reduce costs for both the Texas and federal governments.

To qualify for the Demonstration, a senior must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Have Medicare Parts A, B, and D and receive full Medicaid benefits
  • Be enrolled in the STAR+PLUS program for at least 30 days

Dual-eligible individuals should be automatically enrolled and may choose to opt out of the Demonstration after they receive a letter in the mail notifying them of their enrollment. To request additional information on this program, email managed_care_initiatives@hhsc.state.tx.us.

For additional assistance with your loved one’s eligible Medicare benefits and enrollment, you can visit the Medicare website or call 2-1-1. You can also contact a local long-term care ombudsman, as they advocate for the health care rights of assisted living residents and help families learn about senior living options and payment methods. The Capital Area Council of Governments also helps Austin seniors access the long-term care they need. It provides benefits counseling, caregiver support, and more to aging Austin residents.

Austin resident Medicare resources

Social Security Administration (SSA)

National SSA phone: 800-772-1213

Texas Legal Services Center (TLSC)

The Legal Hotline for Texans
Phone: 800-622-2520, ext. 3
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG)

Long-term care ombudsman
Clement “Pete” Moreno, managing local ombudsman at the AAA of the Capital Area
6800 Burleson Road, Building 310, Suite 165
Austin, TX 78744
Phone: 512-916-6054
Email: cpmoreno@capcog.org

Understand Texas laws and regulations for assisted living facilities

In Texas, all assisted living facilities must be licensed and certified by Texas Health and Human Services (also known as HHS) in order to operate and house residents. Texas Health and Human Services refers to assisted living facilities as ALFs and categorizes them into Type A and Type B. Here’s how the two differ:

  • Type A ALFs house residents who don’t require routine attendance and are capable of following directions in an emergency situation.
  • Type B ALFs provide care to residents who require nighttime attendance and assistance for evacuation during emergencies.[07]

Most stand-alone assisted living facilities qualify as Type A, while facilities with memory care and/or other specialized care units typically qualify as Type B. In Austin, assisted living facilities must meet several standards to remain licensed.

Assisted living staffing and training regulations

  • Assisted living facility managers must complete a course in management of assisted living facilities. The course must cover general assisted living standards, resident characteristics, resident assessments, skills to care for residents, and information on food and nutrition services. Training must also include community resources, ethics, financial management, and federal laws — especially accessibility laws under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  • Assisted living facilities must have caregivers on-site 24 hours a day. They’re required to complete 4 hours of orientation before assuming any caregiver responsibilities, and they must complete 16 hours of supervised, on-the-job training. Training should include assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), safety measures, fall prevention, emergency evacuation training, first aid procedures, behavior management, and more. Thereafter, caregivers must complete 6 hours of educational training on a yearly basis.
  • Each facility must have sufficient staff to maintain the facility’s order, safety, and cleanliness. Caregivers must also assist residents with medication routines, meal preparation and accommodations, and laundry.

Assisted living admissions, assessments, and care plans

  • Assisted living facilities are in charge of ensuring that they can meet the needs of potential residents. They must not admit or retain residents whose needs cannot be met at the facility.
  • Prior to admission, facilities must provide a written admission agreement between the facility and the resident. The agreement should entail the services to be provided and charges for the services. If a provided service or supply can be covered by Medicare, the assisted living facility must let the residents know in a statement.
  • Newly admitted residents must have a health examination performed by a physician. It should be performed no later than 30 days before admission or 14 days after. This examination must then be used to conduct a comprehensive resident assessment and create a service plan.
  • Comprehensive assessments must include the resident’s previous place of residence, preferred language, sleep-cycle issues, behavioral symptoms, psychosocial issues, dementia history, activities of daily living patterns, preferred activities, cognitive skills, communication ability, physical function, continence status, nutritional status, medications, health conditions, and more.[08]

Assisted living facility inspections

All Texas ALFs must pass a life safety code, physical inspection, and health inspection before they are officially licensed. The life safety code ensures a facility’s ability to safely house residents, while the health inspection ensures that it’s equipped to protect resident health. After an initial inspection, facilities are inspected at least once every two years.[09]

During an inspection, Texas Health and Human Services checks for the following in an ALF:

  • General facility construction
  • Management of the facility
  • Sufficient staff-to-resident ratios
  • Compliance with employee background checks
  • Implementation of safety and emergency features
  • Proper protection from hazardous areas
  • Documentation of fire drills, system checks, etc.[09,10]

The general public can use the Long-term Care Provider Search to access each licensed assisted living facility’s most recent inspection report and general facility information. To request any additional information not found on the site, email rsltcr.recordsmgmt@hhsc.state.tx.us.

Additional information and resources

Texas Health and Human Services (HHS or HHSC) contact information
4601 W. Guadalupe St.
Austin, TX 78751
Phone: 512-424-6500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5. p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for Austin assisted living facilities

Austin doesn’t have any specific COVID-19 regulations in place for assisted living communities. However, the state does require all assisted living facilities to develop their own infection prevention and control measures for common infections, including COVID-19. The measures may include guidance on the community’s hygiene practices, disinfection and sterilization techniques, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe injection methods, and physical distancing requirements.

Because communities are allowed to set their own regulations, it’s best to check with your prospective community to see what measures are being taken to protect seniors against common infections and COVID-19. You can also visit the COVID-19 in Austin page on the city website to see regular updates regarding risk levels, testing, vaccinations, and more.

Get to know assisted living in Austin

99Number of in-network assisted living facilities in market
3.8/5.0 average in-network rating
70% of communities employ Spanish-speaking staff
66% of communities have an on-site cafe or bistro
62% of communities have an enclosed courtyard
58% of communities are designed to accommodate memory loss
4200
Number of people we referred in market
80
Average age of residents we referred in market
Gender split: 62% female, 36% male

What to expect from assisted living in Austin

Over the last decade, Austin has seen nearly a 75% increase in its 65+ population.[11,12] This rise can be attributed to Austin’s robust health care options, warm weather, unique activities, and increase in senior living options. Plus, the city has been making strides to become even friendlier for current and future seniors by enacting an action plan called Age-Friendly Austin.

The Age-Friendly Austin plan addresses eight areas that influence the health and quality of life for seniors:

  • Outdoor spaces and buildings
  • Transportation options
  • Housing
  • Social participation
  • Respect and social inclusion
  • Civic participation and employment
  • Communication and information
  • Community support and health services

As the senior population grows, more seniors are looking for safe and fun options for their retirement. That’s where assisted living communities come in, as they provide a secure, engaging environment for seniors to physically, mentally, and socially thrive. In Austin, the assisted living scene offers robust amenities and services to help seniors lead their best lives. Check out some of Austin’s unique assisted living features below.

Comprehensive care to support aging in place

Moving is a hassle for everyone, especially so when needs increase with aging. To minimize the stress of moving for seniors, Austin assisted living communities offer multiple care options under one roof. In fact, 10 of them offer a memory care unit, while five of those also offer an independent living option. This multi-tiered care approach enables active seniors to move in for the social aspect of senior living and stay for the added care available. If daily care needs arise or memory loss settles in, seniors can easily transition to assisted living or memory care.

Seniors also don’t have to worry about leaving the premises for regular health issues, as many communities provide on-site nursing, which includes checking a senior’s vitals, addressing their health issues, medication administration, injection administration, on-site therapies, and more. 75% of communities even have an on-site doctor or licensed nurse to help ensure proper medical care.[01]

Robust amenities and programming to support unique lifestyles

Austin assisted living communities aim to fill seniors’ lives with purpose and fulfillment by offering a range of activities and services. Some communities have researched programs with goals in place to help seniors thrive while other communities let their residents suggest activities.

Some of the most common activities seen at Austin assisted living communities include the following:

  • Fitness classes (chair yoga, tai chi, water aerobics, etc.)
  • Art and cooking classes
  • Educational lectures or classes
  • Game nights (trivia, bingo, board games, card games, etc.)
  • Singing (karaoke nights, choir groups, sing-a-longs, etc.)
  • Resident talent shows
  • Interest clubs (book clubs, current events club, walking club, etc.)
  • Devotional services
  • Day trips and outings (picnics at local parks, trips to museums, eating at local diners, etc.)

Of course, seniors are also free to use on-site amenities at their leisure. Some of the most common and enticing amenities include the following:

  • Enclosed courtyard or walking paths
  • Gardens with raised garden beds
  • Fitness centers
  • On-site bistros or cafes
  • On-site bars or pubs
  • Game rooms
  • Arts and crafts centers
  • Movie theaters
  • Libraries and/or business centers
  • Swimming pools
  • Common areas (lounges, patios, decks, etc.)

Assisted living in the surrounding Austin suburbs

Austin’s hustle and bustle isn’t for everyone, so some seniors prefer to retire in the city’s outskirts or suburbs. In recent years, many surrounding cities have been clumped with Austin due to its rapid growth. For example, Round Rock and Cedar Park have become incredibly popular for assisted living, as they offer more peace and space compared to communities in the city. Due to their distance from downtown, they also offer a slightly lower rent price without sacrificing quality of care and amenities.

If affordability is especially important to you or your senior loved one, you might consider Pflugerville. It cuts costs down by approximately 20% and offers family-friendly neighborhoods.[01] The city still offers lovely parks and classic activities without being too far from Austin’s attractions.

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Unfamiliar with Austin? Highlights for seniors

93861

Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Austin

28%

Percentage of Austin seniors 65 and older within at least one disability

38096

Average annual retirement income for Austin seniors 65 and older

300

Average number of sunny days in Austin per year

Health care for seniors in Austin

Austin’s range of health care options makes it attractive to seniors. The city has robust medical centers throughout the city. Here’s some information on Austin’s top-rated medical centers:

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St. David’s Medical Center

St. David’s Medical Center is the No. 1 hospital in Austin and it nationally ranks No. 37 in rehabilitation, according to U.S. News and World Report. The hospital offers 426 beds for acute care and 64 beds for rehabilitation. It’s also home to the internationally renowned Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute and St. David’s Neuroscience and Spine Institute.

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Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin

Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin is the No. 2 hospital in Austin, according to U.S. News and World Report. This medical center offers a comprehensive Level 1 stroke center and a Level IV trauma center. It also offers multiple locations in Austin and Round Rock.

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St. David’s South Austin Medical Center

St. David’s South Austin Medical Center is the No. 3 hospital in Austin, according to U.S. News and World Report. This medical center is the south campus of St. David’s Medical Center — the No. 1 hospital. It’s nationally accredited for its oncology program and it offers 368 beds for acute care. It also offers a Level II trauma center to treat patients in critical condition.

Transportation for seniors in Austin

Austin is a widespread city, which makes it a challenging city to easily navigate on foot; most residents own a vehicle to drive themselves around. However, the city’s downtown area is known for its walking paths and biking trails. And, seniors in assisted living are in luck because 87% of our in-network communities offer complimentary transportation services. Keep in mind that rides may be limited to and from appointments and errands depending on the community.

Visiting loved ones might also benefit from the citywide public transportation system — CapMetro. It offers buses, rail lines, shuttles, and more across Austin. CapMetro even offers 65+ seniors a Reduced Fare ID (RFID) Card for $3, enabling families to enjoy trips with their loved one with accommodations for any mobility impairments they may have. After an initial $3 for the card, seniors will pay half-priced fares for any rides. The card must be renewed every two years.

Family members may also get better understanding of Austin’s downtown by using the following scores from WalkScore. They’re each out of 100 and are based on downtown Austin’s public density, walking routes, public transportation options, biking routes, and infrastructure:

Transportation card image
92

Walk Score

Transportation card image
68

Transit Score

Transportation card image
90

Bike Score

Senior activities in Austin

If you know anything about Austin, you might’ve heard of its catchy slogan — “Keep Austin Weird.” It was adopted many years ago and has since been embraced by residents and businesses. It essentially sums up all of the unique activities the city has to offer, with some being especially appealing to seniors. Many assisted living communities take seniors out to some of the places listed below while others can be enjoyed by seniors during family visits.

Here’s some information on Austin’s senior-favored sites:

  • The Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library and Museum. The museum offers portrait-filled galleries, a stunning display of archives, and an incredibly lifelike animatronic of the late president himself. Seniors can even tour realistic replicas of the president’s oval office, limousine, and the first lady’s office. The library and museum even offer braille booklets, wheelchairs, and elevators to make it accessible to as many visitors as possible.
  • Zilker Botanical Garden. Spanning over 28 acres, this hidden garden is nestled within Zilker Metropolitan Park and offers several themed gardens. Seniors can explore the tranquil ponds of the Japanese garden or learn about the flora that existed in prehistoric times when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Plus, seniors get a discount.
  • Lone Star Riverboat Cruises. During family visits, seniors and their loved ones can embark on unique cruises on Lady Bird Lake and bask in the sights of the captivating greenery, waterfowl, and stunning Austin skyline. Choose from sunset cruises along the bridge to see the bats as they wake or enjoy romantic, moonlit cruises after dark. The cruise line even offers a senior discount.
  • SFC Farmers’ Markets. Seniors can enjoy fresh eats and purchase local goods at one of Austin’s accessible farmers markets. They’re filled with delectable treats and one-of-a-kind artworks. Visiting families can spend Saturday mornings at the weekly farmers markets, with one location downtown and the other in Sunset Valley.
  • The Oasis. This popular restaurant deems itself the Sunset Capital of Texas. It overlooks the stunning Lake Travis and it sits more than 400 feet above the lake. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal with loved ones while viewing picturesque sunsets. It also offers an elevator to provide easy access to wheelchair users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shady Hollow II Assisted Living, Brookdale North Austin and The Isle at Cedar Ridge are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Austin, TX. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.

The average cost of Assisted Living in Austin is 5503.7 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.

References

  1. A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.

  2. United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.

  3. Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). Home and Community Based Services (HCBS).

  4. Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). STAR+PLUS, STAR+PLUS Client FAQs.

  5. Texas Health and Human Services. (2016, March 1). A-3300, Home and Community-Based Services waiver programs. In Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities Handbook.

  6. Texas Health and Human Services. (2023). Appendix VIII, monthly income/resource limits in STAR+PLUS Handbook.

  7. Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). Assisted living facilities (ALF).

  8. Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553 (2021).

  9. Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). Long-term care provider search.

  10. Assisted Living Facility Licensing Act, Health Facilities § 247.001 (2021).

  11. United States Census Bureau. (2011). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.

  12. United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.

  13. City of Austin. (2020). About the city of Austin.

  14. WalkScore. (2023). Living in downtown Austin.

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1.

A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.

2.

United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.

3.

Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). Home and Community Based Services (HCBS).

4.

Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). STAR+PLUS, STAR+PLUS Client FAQs.

5.

Texas Health and Human Services. (2016, March 1). A-3300, Home and Community-Based Services waiver programs. In Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities Handbook.

6.

Texas Health and Human Services. (2023). Appendix VIII, monthly income/resource limits in STAR+PLUS Handbook.

7.

Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). Assisted living facilities (ALF).

8.

Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553 (2021).

9.

Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). Long-term care provider search.

10.

Assisted Living Facility Licensing Act, Health Facilities § 247.001 (2021).

11.

United States Census Bureau. (2011). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.

12.

United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.

13.

City of Austin. (2020). About the city of Austin.

14.

WalkScore. (2023). Living in downtown Austin.