Assisted Living Dallas, TX
Having your loved one in Dallas under the care of a community that is licensed by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services, means having the peace of mind knowing that they will be in a safe environment.These communities provide personal care, housekeeping, prepared meals and medication dispensing for your elderly or disabled family member. In Texas, assisted living provides individualized health and personal care assistance in a homelike setting with an emphasis on personal dignity, autonomy, independence and privacy.
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How to Pay for Assisted Living Care in Dallas
If you are contemplating moving yourself or a loved one into an assisted living center, determining what you can afford and what assistance you may be eligible for is a top priority. Assistance is available for some residents in Texas from government assistance programs including Medicare, Medicaid, and the US Department of Veteran Affairs. Many of these government funded assistance programs are complex and require applications and approvals. These benefits also vary state to state so if you are new to Texas, be sure you understand what coverage options and benefits are available to you.
Medicare Coverage in Texas to Supplement Assisted Living Costs in Dallas
Medicare was setup by the government to offer health care insurance for Americans 65 and older. Medicare insurance covers short term care including hospital stays, skilled nursing care, diagnostic testing, x-rays, and prescription drugs. In Texas, Medicare insurance can not be used to pay for long term health care costs associated with assisted living. Medicare will cover medication, rehab and therapy as it is prescribed by a doctor, with a start date and end date. If you or you're loved one has recently suffered some trauma or required a hospital stay, Medicare may be able to cover the initial stay at an assisted living facility through a specified length of time. Once that time has expired and you are still in need of care and assistance, Medicaid may be your best option.
Medicaid Coverage in Texas to Supplement Assisted Living Costs in Dallas
Medicaid is designed for all Americans in need of long term care who cannot afford it on their own. Medicaid is funded at both the federal and state level. In Dallas, Medicaid covers the cost of care and services in an assisted living community but not the cost of room and board. The Texas Medicaid program is known as the STAR PLUS program. First, in order to be eligible for the STAR PLUS program, applicants must be in need of assistance carrying out activities of daily life. In addition, single applicants must be earning less than $27,000 annually, or $2,250 each month. There are additional restrictions on applicants "countable assets" that must be considered when applying.
Married applicants applying for the STAR PLUS program will have different financial requirements that will be dependent on whether one or both spouses are seeking assistance. Find more information on the Texas STAR PLUS program and how to apply here.
Learn about the Medicaid Waiver Program on our blog.
VA Benefits to Cover the Costs of Assisted Living in Dallas
Veterans who served during wartime may be eligible for financial assistance through the VA once they turn 65. Care and assistance is available to veterans and their dependents based on need. Need is determined by the VA looking at three main factors, assets, income and need. Visit the VA website for more information on eligibility or to locate a Veteran Services Officer.
Additional Assisted Living Coverage Options in Dallas
The passage of the Affordable Care Act has made way for the Community First Choice option in Dallas. This program is designed to keep aging adults in their homes longer by offering support services to assist with activities of daily life including meal prep and bathing. The benefit of the Community First Choice option over STAR PLUS enrollment is that there are no waiting lists or enrollment caps that delay access. This program allows family members, who are not spouses, to provide care and be compensated by Medicaid.
Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted living in Dallas
Is there an average price of assisted living care in Dallas?
The average cost of assisted living services in Texas is $3,795 each month based on the yearly study carried out by Genworth annually. Genworth has been assessing elder care communities in the US annually for 15 years.
Does the standard of care provided usually differ by assisted living facility?
As defined by the state, assisted living villages must provide specific care programs for their residents to stay licensed. Although assisted living communities change by state, you should expect these types of services to be made available for residents:
- Nursing Care and Medical Services
- Distribution of Medication
- Emergency Call Systems
- Dining Services and Meal Prep
- Exercise and Social Activities
What assisted living fees are tax deductible in Dallas?
Under HIPPA, continued care services qualify as a non-reimbursed health related expense that may be written off. Extended care programs include most of the care provided for occupants in an assisted living community including bathing, dressing, meal prep, cleaning, and other maintenance services.
Are assisted living communities licensed in Dallas?
Every single state requires all assisted living communities to apply and obtain a license to provide care and housing programs for seniors. Assisted living facilities are not allowed to open their doors to individuals until an evaluation has been executed and a license has been provided. In addition to licensure, some centers may seek out accreditation when they are open and accreditors are able to see the assisted living community at work. When preparing to relocate into an assisted living center it is important to read about the licenses, certifications, and accreditations the community retains.
The Facts about Assisted Living in Dallas, TX
Assisted living as it exists today emerged in the 1990's as an elder care alternative. These communities suit elders whom independent living is not appropriate for, and do not need the 24-hour medical care provided by a nursing home. Other states may use similar terms to describe assisted living which include adult care homes, congregate care and family care homes.
Dallas, TX Assisted Living Communities
In Dallas there are 174 assisted living communities that might be a right fit for you and your family. See below or click to view a list of the assisted living facilities in Dallas. Assisted living communities in Dallas range from small residential care homes to large grand communities, all offering the same basic personal care services.
Dallas is surrounded by many suburbs where you can find assisted living. Richardson, Garland and Irving are within close proximity to Dallas and provide just about everything your loved one will need.
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