3 Assisted Living Communities in Cedar Hill, Texas

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $4,350 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 3 Assisted Living Communities in Cedar Hill and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Cedar Hill, TX

• Assisted Living: $4,350
• Nursing Home Care: $5,064
• In-home Care: $4,004
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,408

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Cedar Hill is $4,350, which is higher than the state ($3,795) and national ($4,000) averages. Prices in nearby cities, such as Sherman ($3,795), Waco ($3,695) and Tyler ($3,800), are also lower, making Cedar Hill one of the most expensive cities in the area for seniors seeking assisted living.

Assisted living prices vary statewide. Austin has the highest average costs at $5,190 per month, while prices are lowest in El Paso at $2,250 per month. 

Note: Senior care cost data wasn’t available for Cedar Hill, so data for the closest city, Dallas, was used. 

Senior care costs in Cedar Hill start at an average of $1,408 per month for adult day health services, which includes nonmedical supervision in a communal setting on weekdays only. Residential services such as assisted living cost $4,350 per month, and nursing home care costs $5,064 per month.  In-home services, such as homemaker or home health aide, cost $4,004 to $4,040 per month, however, the price of these services is in addition to ongoing living expenses. By comparison, assisted living includes rent, utilities, meals and home maintenance. 

 

Approximately 74% of Texas seniors have an income at or below the eligibility level for Medicaid. This federally mandated health protection plan provides low-income people of all ages with free access to basic medical services, such as long-term care in a nursing home, hospitalization, diagnostic imaging and primary care from a physician.

In Texas, Medicaid services also include special home and community-based programs, which prevent institutionalization among seniors who can live safely in an assisted living setting with appropriate supports. Most Texas Medicaid programs are delivered through managed care organizations at the county level. 

In order to qualify for no-cost Medicaid coverage that includes access to long-term services, seniors aged 65 and older must:

• Have monthly earnings at or below $2,313 per person, or $4,626 per couple when both spouses are applying for coverage, and
• Be permanent residents of Texas, and
• Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified immigrant, and
• Have a valid social security number, and
• Require 30 or more days of continuous long-term care as assessed by a licensed physician, and
• Own no more than $2,000 in countable assets, or $3,000 per couple when both spouses are applying for coverage

Some assets are exempt from Medicaid limits, including an owner-occupied home worth up to $585,000, one vehicle, a prepaid burial contract and most life insurance policies worth up to $1,500. With regards to income, almost all types are counted towards the eligibility limits except VA Aid and Attendance Benefits and the VA Housebound Allowance. 

Note: Texas is an income-cap state, therefore, seniors cannot spend-down excess income on medical expenses in order to reach Medicaid eligibility levels.

STAR+PLUS Home and Community-Based Services

Medicaid-covered seniors aged 65 and older and adults with disabilities may qualify for supplemental home and community-based services through STAR+PLUS. This Medicaid managed program reduces institutionalization rates among medically-fragile Medicaid participants by providing services and programs in an assisted living setting that are normally delivered in a nursing home. 

STAR+PLUS plans are delivered through managed care providers, and there are at least two providers available in each county statewide. In Dallas and Ellis counties, the STAR+PLUS medical plans are Molina and Superior. Participants must choose a provider within 15 days of joining STAR+PLUS, otherwise, a provider and primary care physician is assigned by the Department of Health and Human Services. 

All STAR+PLUS plans include various long-term services, including adult day health programming and assisted living, help with activities of daily living, medical equipment and supplies, and access to an emergency response system. Plan services are provided based on the medical needs of each participant as identified through an individual plan of care. 

For more information on Texas Medicaid and the STAR+PLUS program, contact the Health and Human Services Commission at (214) 372-6370. 

Assisted Living Bridge Loans

Seniors who need cash to pay move-in fees or monthly costs at an assisted living facility may qualify for an assisted living bridge loan from Elderlife Financial. Structured as a 12-month line of credit, approval for a bridge loan is based on the credit score of the applicant or applicants, as up to six people can be listed as co-borrowers. 

Loan applicants can be made over the phone, and there’s no cost to apply. If approved, funds may be available within 24 hours and payments can be sent directly from the lender to the assisted living provider. Interest is calculated on a prime+ basis, and monthly payments are interest-only. 

For more information about the Elderlife Assisted Living Bridge Loan, call Elderlife Financial at (888) 228-4500.

Elderlife Financial Reverse Mortgage

Senior couples who own a home and require money to finance assisted living care for one spouse may qualify for a reverse mortgage through Elderlife Financial. This financial product allows seniors to leverage the equity they have built up in their homes without actually selling their home. 

To qualify for an Elderlife reverse mortgage, one of the homeowners must be aged 62 or older and plan to remain in the home. Money that’s borrowed through a reverse mortgage can be used to pay for monthly assisted living costs as well as additional medical expenses. Upon the sale of the home the balance of the reverse mortgage, plus interest, is payable to the lender. 

For more information, contact Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500. 

Veterans and survivors can contact their county veterans services office to learn about federal and state programs, apply for VA benefits and obtain military records. 

Outpatient VA health services, such as primary care, EKG services and immunizations, are available at the nearby Polk Street VA Clinic. 

Dallas County Veterans Services
2377 N. Stemmons Fwy., Suite 631, Dallas, TX 75207-2710
(972) 692-4939

Ellis County Veterans Services
330 N. 8th St., Ste. 106, Midlothian, TX 76065
(972) 825-5099

Polk Street VA Clinic
4243 S. Polk St., Dallas, TX 75224-4928
(214) 372-8100

Cedar Hill Shares is a nonprofit agency that operates a food pantry providing low-income seniors with food and personal care products. The agency also has a thrift store where seniors can purchase low-cost household items, books and clothing. Cedar Hill Food Pantry
403 Houston St., Cedar Hill, TX 75106
(972) 293-2822

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.