San Antonio is the second largest city in Texas and home to a growing senior population. The city accommodates these seniors with continually evolving support services and increasing care options. This includes nursing homes — an umbrella term commonly used to refer to a breadth of senior living facilities. However, nursing home care is a specific form of care involving skilled nursing services. This form of care offers the highest level of medical care outside of a hospital, ideal for seniors who require 24-hour medical oversight, hospice, or rehabilitative services.
If your loved one doesn’t require a skilled nursing level of care but does need assistance with activities of daily living and medication assistance, an assisted living senior care facility might be a better fit. Or, if your loved one faces cognitive issues, a memory care facility may be ideal. A Place for Mom partners with 55 senior care facilities within a 10-mile radius of San Antonio’s downtown, including assisted living and memory care. These facilities provide personal care, supportive services, individualized activities, and social programming to support the health and well-being of seniors. Most of these facilities also offer skilled nursing services on-site for their current residents. Read on for a thorough overview of these local senior care facilities in San Antonio, including costs, care types, and valuable senior resources.
I feel like my mom is well taken care of. They do have trouble with staffing like any other place, but the regular people that work there are caring and loving.
We went to several places to find an independent living facility that also would "age in place" for my mom--Villa de San Antonio stood out way beyond the rest. Everyone is happy, connected with the staff...
Overall we've had a great experience with The Gardens of Castle Hills. All of the staff are very caring except for one of the PCAs. Once I told the director about it though, she was much nicer.
It is a great facility that has taken good care of my mom and I'd recommend it to any family that's looking for someone to care for their loved ones. This facility doesn't feel or look like a nursing home...
I chose The Forum at Lincoln Heights because of the friendliness of both the staff and the residents here. As far as the food goes - So many of the dishes are covered with sauces or gravies. Offering the...
I picked this community because, It is closer, overall, to my old house, my sister's assisted living community, and my son's home. I could see, immediately, that the residents of this community are, mostly,...
The meals and dining and activities are hard to judge since my dad wasn't able to eat much or take part in activities. I don't remember the monthly rate, but it was cheaper than comparable home care. I...
I couldn’t say more good things about the Landing. Staff is very nice and understanding. They are always willing to assist when asked. I love that they have activities available 7 days a week. I know the...
We are very impressed having a well educated and licensed nurse in the home. Mom’s always busy doing something that she likes: dominos, crochet, painting, singing, and getting all prettied up for onsite...
The food is good. I love the activities going on, they keep me active. The medtechs are really great and nice. I am glad they brought [name removed] and [name removed] to the Etta. I had some problems in my...
A loving and warm atmosphere is the most important thing that we looked for when we’re were making such a difficult decision to place our loved one. After our visit and conversation with the administration...
The facility was very clean and the staff was amazingly pleasant not to mention helpful and professional. Very wonderful place for a loved one needing some level of assistance. I would recommend to others.
Some staff were great but more than one person did not treat patients well especially on late shifts. The facility was under staffed.
My mom is actually moving out. My only complaint is that they keep upping the prices on everything and she can't afford it anymore. I think the entire staff are extremely nice and very helpful. My mom...
My loved one was previously a resident at Brookdale Hollywood Park and it was a great experience for her there. They were outstanding for the treatment that my loved one received there. Without a doubt, I...
I would say the community is well run and well maintained. The food is excellent. The staff genuinely care and are knowledgable. We chose this community over others because it was so clean. And we also...
Brookdale Medical Center overall has been okay for our loved one. Our loved one really likes the different activities they have going on there and the community is very close for our family. We would...
Westover Memory Care took excellent care of my mom when she was there from 2021-January 2023 in which mom passed. Everyone was so loving and giving and it gave me reassurance she had people tending to her...
All aspects of the facility and staff is much better than other facilities that I have visited. Staff is very friendly and helpful in all aspects. I would highly recommend the facility.
The staff is very friendly and informative. Housekeeping is average, often requiring requests for certain services like vacuuming or mopping floor of the apartment. Communication with the family is good,...
I like that this is a smaller more intimate setting that some situations we viewed. The main reason I chose this community for my mom was the friendliness of the staff and the cleanliness of the community.
What has made Independence Hill such a great experience so far for our family is the staff. They are very friendly, the community is affordable and the meals they serve to the residents are good. Based on...
My mom's overall experience at New Forest Haven Assisted Living has been good. [Name removed] is an outstanding and caring Director. The CNAs and other staff are good to great. I have found the Assisted...
When it comes to the friendliness of the staff I gave them a 5 (my opinion - my Mom's opinion differs, but she has some paranoia as part of her dementia). For the meals and dining (my Mom's opinion, not...
I would absolutely recommend Sodalis Windcrest at San Antonio. It's small enough that my Mom is well tended to and cared for. I do wish that there was a deeper cleaning in the apartments and that they would...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that ranks communities based on factors
we know are important to seniors and their families:
We’ve collected data from and about our network of more than 14,000 senior living communities in the U.S. for over twenty years, and we update this information at least once a year.
Additionally, we’ve gathered over 350,000 reviews from senior living residents and family members to provide first-hand accounts of what senior living communities are really like.
San Antonio nursing homes typically have a heftier price tag due to the fact that they are staffed with doctors and nurses and provide 24-hour medical observation, similar to what you would receive in a hospital. However, if your loved one doesn’t require 24-hour skilled nursing, assisted living facility costs might be more relevant. Here’s a glimpse at average monthly costs of Houston nursing homes versus senior care facilities:
Nursing homes
Assisted living communities
Memory care communities
Assisted living and memory care communities can care for your loved one in an engaging environment filled with enticing amenities and activities. Assisted living amenities include movie theaters, fitness centers, holiday parties, person-centered programming, and care services, such as personalized assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, and some basic skilled nursing services. Memory care facilities typically have the same offerings as assisted living facilities with the addition of secured areas, supervision from staff specialized in memory care, and specialized therapies and activities.
There are several ways to pay for a San Antonio senior care facility. Most families combine private pay methods and public pay options to cover long-term care costs. Below, you’ll find several methods and resources to help you understand your payment options, so you can carefully devise a payment plan for your loved one’s senior care facility.
Private pay methods include your senior loved one’s income sources like their savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns. Keep in mind that Texas is one of the few U.S. states without a personal income tax, meaning your loved one won’t have to worry about paying taxes on their Social Security benefits, retirement income, or pensions.[03,04] Depending on your family’s resources, other private pay methods may include the following:
Note: Long-term care insurance policies vary in what they can cover, so it’s best practice to consult with your loved one’s policy provider to learn more.
San Antonio is home to many military bases and jobs for veterans, so it’s no surprise that it’s the Texas city with the largest veteran population. To support this large population and enhance the local veteran’s quality of life, the city offers over 200 veteran resources and support services. To narrow down the most suitable resources for your senior loved one, you can reach out to Texas Veterans Network — San Antonio (also known as TVN). A TVN staff member will happily evaluate their current situation and needs to recommend relevant support services and programs. Help doesn’t stop with recommendations, TVN employees will continue communicating with recommended veteran organizations to confirm that solutions work for your loved one.
Veterans who receive a veterans pension from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (or VA) and are enrolled in VA health care may also qualify for additional disability benefits to help pay for senior care costs. The Aid and Attendance benefit is one benefit addition to the senior’s pension that can be used to pay for anything that improves the veteran’s quality of life. A senior veteran can qualify for this benefit if they have recognition from VA health care of a disability due to wartime service. The approval process for VA benefits is long and difficult, so it is a good idea to reach out to a local veteran resource center for assistance and advocacy with the process.
To better understand benefit options and to receive assistance with applying, you can reach out to several departments and organizations throughout the area. San Antonio has its own Military and Veteran Affairs Department that supports and assists city veterans. The Bexar County Military and Veterans Services Center also helps San Antonio veterans obtain their eligible benefits and file claims. The Texas Veterans Commission is another advocate for Texas veterans and their families, with eight programs dedicated to helping veterans obtain benefits.
Number of veterans who live in San Antonio, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
About 42% of San Antonio veterans are 65+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Resources for San Antonio veterans
City of San Antonio: Military and Veterans Affairs Department
100 W. Houston St., Suite 1008
San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: 210-207-3995
Bexar County Military and Veterans Services Center (MVSC)
1422 E. Grayson St., 4th Floor
San Antonio, TX 78208
Phone: 210-335-6775
Email: vets@bexar.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Medicaid is a joint state and federal program that provides health insurance to individuals with limited income and resources. In Texas, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (or the HHSC) runs the state’s Medicaid programs. The HHSC offers numerous programs through their local area agencies on aging (also known as AAAs) for seniors 60+, as well as other long-term care programs for low-income seniors and seniors with a disability.
The HHSC oversees the operation of STAR+PLUS — the state’s Medicaid managed care program for 65+ adults and individuals with disabilities. This program covers some basic health care services and some skilled nursing services through agencies that’ve been licensed and certified by Texas Health and Human Services. To receive Medicaid within a skilled nursing facility, residents must have an approved medical necessity that confirms their need for full-time nursing services provided by a licensed nurse within a nursing facility.
If your senior loved one doesn’t require 24-hour care services within a nursing home, they may benefit from the Home and Community Based Services (or HCBS) waiver program. When a senior applies for Medicaid, the HHSC assesses their need for the HCBS program. The waiver can be used anywhere a senior calls home, meaning it can be used in an assisted living or memory care facility that contracts with the senior’s managed care provider. The HCBS program enables seniors to receive care within a residential setting, as opposed to an institutional setting commonly found in nursing homes.[06]
The Home and Community Based Services (or HCBS) waiver program can help cover the following services:
To qualify for the Home and Community Based Services waiver, seniors must meet the following requirements:
Note for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) settings: Not all San Antonio senior living facilities qualify as an HCBS setting, so be sure to check with each prospective community if you plan to use Medicaid to pay for care services. Qualifying facilities must do the following:
San Antonio has many Medicaid resources throughout the city. Below, you’ll find some websites that can connect you to nearby offices for assistance with Medicaid applications and services. You’ll also find FAQs and an online application form.
Additional San Antonio resident Medicaid resources
Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance to adults 65+ and individuals with disabilities. It covers skilled nursing care costs for a limited time. In Texas, Medicare may fully cover up to 20 days in a nursing home or skilled nursing facility and partially cover up to 100 days. Medicare is no longer responsible for payments after the 100-day limit.[09] Below, you’ll find a breakdown of what Medicare can cover along with some programs that can help your loved one save on Medicare costs and apply for benefits:
For assistance with your eligible benefits and enrollment, contact your local long-term care (LTC) ombudsman. An ombudsman advocates for the health care rights of assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing facility residents as well as helps families learn about senior care options and payment methods. The Alamo Area Council of Governments also helps San Antonio seniors access the long-term care they need. It provides benefits counseling, care coordination, caregiver support, and more to aging San Antonio residents.
San Antonio resident Medicare resources
Apply for the Texas Medicare Savings Program
Texas Health and Human Services
Long-term care ombudsman
Cindy Boyum, Managing Local Ombudsman at AAA of Bexar County
2700 NE. Loop 410, Suite 101
San Antonio, TX 78217
Phone: 210-362-5236
Email: cboyum@aacog.com
Alamo Area Council of Governments
Aging Services for Bexar County and Alamo Area
Phone: 210-477-3275
Email: info@askasc.org
Federal Medicare resources
Texas residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are eligible to receive dual coverage through one joint Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP) called the Dual Eligible Integrated Care Demonstration Project, commonly referred to as “the Demonstration.” With the Demonstration, Texas strives to improve service coordination, enhance quality of care, eliminate cost shifting between Medicare and Medicaid, and reduce costs for the state and federal government. To qualify for the Demonstration, seniors must meet the following eligibility requirements:
If your senior loved one qualifies for dual coverage, they should be automatically enrolled and may choose to opt out of the Demonstration after they’ve received a notifying letter of enrollment in the mail. For additional information on the Demonstration, you can email Managed_Care_Initiatives@hhsc.state.tx.us.
In Texas, all skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care facilities must be licensed and regulated by Texas Health and Human Services (also known as the HHSC or HHS) before they’re able to provide housing and care services to residents. Additionally, if a nursing or senior care facility wishes to accept Medicaid or Medicare, it must be certified by the HHS to do so. Below, you’ll find a summarized list of the certification requirements for nursing homes and senior care facilities in Texas:
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission performs inspections on all skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care facilities. These inspections are done approximately every two years and check for a facility’s compliance with the life safety and health code requirements.[20] The health code and life safety code require nursing homes and senior care facilities to regulate the following:
You can access a licensed community’s most recent inspection report and general facility information through the Texas Health and Human Services’ Long-term Care Provider Search. You can also email RSLTCR.RecordsMgmt@hhsc.state.tx.us to request any information not found on the site.
In an effort to continually enhance the quality of care provided in Texas nursing homes, the Health and Human Services Commission implemented a Quality Monitoring Program (or QMP) to monitor nursing facilities with a history of resident care deficiencies. These QMPs are conducted by nurses, pharmacists, and dieticians who may recommend changes to policies or procedures, conduct staff on in-service training, offer technical assistance, and educate staff about evidence-based best practices, during their visits to facilities.
Families can also visit the federal Medicare website to compare and contrast ratings, staffing practices, and overall quality of Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes.
4601 W. Guadalupe St.
Austin, TX 78751
Phone: 512-424-6500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations in San Antonio have loosened since the start of the pandemic; however, some practices have been adopted permanently to keep the aging population safe. Texas Health and Human Services (or HHS) has put out a COVID-19 response plan for nursing facilities to keep the state’s nursing home residents safe and healthy.
Currently, all San Antonio nursing homes and senior care facilities must allow visitors, as it is a resident’s right. Facilities are also expected to develop their own policies and procedures for infection control — including COVID-19 and any other spreadable viruses.[21] The updated COVID-19 response plan includes the following practices:
Vaccinations. COVID-19 vaccines aren’t mandatory for residents or visitors.
Masking. Visitors, staff, and residents aren’t required to wear masks unless indicated in the facility’s infection control policies and procedures.
Facility cleanliness. Frequently touched surfaces must be disinfected often, alcohol-based hand sanitizers must be available in all common areas, and sinks must be well-stocked with soap and paper towels.
CDC guidelines. HHS recommends that all Texas nursing facilities default to CDC guidelines when it comes to COVID-19 infection control and vaccination guidance.
San Antonio’s 60+ population is expected to grow roughly 20% by 2040.[22] The city of San Antonio recognizes this fast growth and aims to keep San Antonio aging-friendly. The San Antonio Department of Human Services established a Senior Services Strategic Plan in 2019 to improve local senior support services. This plan includes enhancing programs in city senior centers, expanding medical services, and generally supporting local seniors as they age. Furthermore, you’ll find that senior care facilities are expanding their on-site care services and activities to provide seniors with a range of living options and care services.
Check out some of the most unique features of San Antonio senior care facilities below:
To help ensure residents maintain a healthy lifestyle without ever having to move, our partner care communities provide a range of on-site care services — from personal care to skilled nursing care. A majority of A Place for Mom’s partner senior communities in San Antonio offer diabetic care, incontinence care, medication management, and other on-site nursing services. For unique care services not available on-site, some communities even partner with local, home health care agencies. Many communities offer multiple care types on the same campus, such as independent living, assisted living, and memory care. This enables seniors to age in place without having to worry about moving if they ever need more specialized care.
Aging adults are often devoted to a certain faith. Many of our partner senior care communities recognize this and provide a safe and peaceful devotional area, such as a chapel, to enable residents to practice their faith on-site. Some communities will even let the current resident consensus decide what religious services to host. For example, some communities are Catholic-dominant, so they’ll invite a Catholic priest to host a weekly Mass. Communities without a devotional space will often assist residents in practicing their faith by offering rides to a nearby chapel, temple, or synagogue.
As Texas’ city with the largest veteran population, you’ll find that San Antonio doesn’t take military service for granted. In fact, several of our partnered senior care facilities memorialize their local veterans with displays to recognize their years of service. These communities also pull out all the stops during Veterans Day to celebrate and honor veteran residents, both within the senior community as well as the greater community. San Antonio hosts a myriad of Veterans Day events and activities, including a grand parade that some residents attend with friends and loved ones. It’s not uncommon for communities to organize off-site outings to these local festivities for their residents.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in San Antonio, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of seniors 65+ in San Antonio with a disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Median annual retirement income for San Antonio seniors 65 and older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
San Antonio offers a range of health care options for seniors and veterans. See what top-rated medical centers have to offer:
This hospital is No. 1 in San Antonio and No. 13 in Texas, according to U.S. News and World Report. It’s high performing in 11 procedures and conditions, including diabetic care, kidney failure, and post-stroke care.
This hospital is No. 2 in San Antonio. It’s high performing in nine procedures and conditions, including some cancer surgeries, heart failure, and diabetes.
This hospital is the largest and most robust military health care organization in the U.S. It serves military service members, veterans and their families, and civilian emergency patients. It is known for its exceptional patient-centered care and treating combat causalities and trauma.
Public transportation isn’t the safest, most reliable form of transportation for nursing home residents, so many of our partnered senior care facilities provide modes of transportation to get their residents around safely. In fact, approximately 85% of our in-network assisted living and memory care facilities provide at-cost or complimentary transportation services. Some facilities limit their rides to appointments, while others also offer rides for errands and events.
If the senior is more independent or if you’re a visiting friend or family member, you may want to look at local transportation options provided through VIA Metropolitan Transit. Seniors ages 62+ can ride for only a quarter Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and receive free rides Saturday and Sunday. Seniors must obtain a VIA Reduced Fare ID to receive their senior discounts.
San Antonio is rich with history and culture. Seniors can easily find things to do, even for some of their niche interests. Oftentimes, seniors living in senior care facilities have limited mobility. To engage residents with varying mobility levels, many of our partner assisted living and memory care facilities arrange wheelchair-friendly transportation to off-site activities that accommodate individuals with disabilities. These off-site activities include outings to parks, museums, and other local attractions. Seniors can also enjoy off-site activities with visiting loved ones. Some of the most popular attractions among seniors include the following:
Gemstone at Bulverde, Serenity Oaks Assisted Living and Memory Care and Arden Courts A ProMedica Memory Care Community in San Antonio are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near San Antonio, TX. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in San Antonio is $4,397 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Genworth. (2021). Cost of care survey.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
TurboTax. (2022, December 1). States with the lowest taxes and the highest taxes.
Fritts, J. (2020, August 9). Does your state tax social security benefits? Tax Foundation.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). Home and Community Based Services (HCBS).
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). STAR+PLUS, STAR+PLUS Client FAQs.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022, September 1). Appendix XXXI, Budget reference chart. In Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities Handbook.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2012, September 1). H-7000, Medicare and co-payment. In Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities Handbook.
Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification, Texas Administrative Code § 554.801 (1999 & rev. 2020).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553.259 (2021).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553.207 (2021).
Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification, Texas Administrative Code § 554.1001 (1995 & rev. 2022).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553.253 (2021).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553.301 (2021).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553.303 (2021).
Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification, Texas Administrative Code § 554.1701 (1996 & rev. 2021).
Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification, Texas Administrative Code § 554.2208 (1995 & rev. 2020).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553.309 (2021).
Assisted Living Facility Licensing Act, Health Facilities § 247.001 (2021).
Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification, Texas Administrative Code § 554.1601 (1995 & rev. 2022).
City of San Antonio, Department of Human Services & the University of North Texas. (2019). 2019 Senior services strategic plan.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
Genworth. (2021). Cost of care survey.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
TurboTax. (2022, December 1). States with the lowest taxes and the highest taxes.
Fritts, J. (2020, August 9). Does your state tax social security benefits? Tax Foundation.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). Home and Community Based Services (HCBS).
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). STAR+PLUS, STAR+PLUS Client FAQs.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022, September 1). Appendix XXXI, Budget reference chart. In Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities Handbook.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2012, September 1). H-7000, Medicare and co-payment. In Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities Handbook.
Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification, Texas Administrative Code § 554.801 (1999 & rev. 2020).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553.259 (2021).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553.207 (2021).
Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification, Texas Administrative Code § 554.1001 (1995 & rev. 2022).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553.253 (2021).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553.301 (2021).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553.303 (2021).
Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification, Texas Administrative Code § 554.1701 (1996 & rev. 2021).
Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification, Texas Administrative Code § 554.2208 (1995 & rev. 2020).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553.309 (2021).
Assisted Living Facility Licensing Act, Health Facilities § 247.001 (2021).
Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification, Texas Administrative Code § 554.1601 (1995 & rev. 2022).
City of San Antonio, Department of Human Services & the University of North Texas. (2019). 2019 Senior services strategic plan.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.