3 Assisted Living Communities in Mesquite, Texas

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $4,350 per 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 Mesquite and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Mesquite, TX

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

Compared to the $4,000 national average and $3,795 state median, assisted living is fairly expensive in Mesquite at $4,350 per month. The average local cost is also notably higher than what seniors pay in several cities in this region of Texas, including Sherman ($3,694), Waco ($3,695), Tyler ($3,899) and Abilene ($3,868). Assisted living is much less expensive in Wichita Falls ($3,312) and Longview ($3,100).

Note: Cost data for senior care in Mesquite wasn’t available, so data for the metropolitan Dallas area was used instead.

Texas has some of the most consistent prices for senior care in the country, and this extends to options available in the Mesquite area. Adult day health services are the least expensive type of care available at $1,408, whereas semiprivate rooms in nursing homes average $5,064 per month. The average rate for assisted living is $4,350 per month, which is closer to the high end of the cost scale. In-home services provided by homemakers ($4,004) and home health aides ($4,040) seem to offer some savings compared to assisted living. However, these rates don’t include an allowance for food and accommodations. Seniors who choose to receive care at home must pay for their own groceries, utilities, upkeep, property taxes and insurance. These additional monthly expenses can make in-home care more costly than assisted living, which includes room and board.

 

Americans who can’t afford health insurance may be eligible for coverage through Medicaid. This national health care program provides coverage to over 65 million low-income families with children, pregnant women, the elderly and adults with disabilities.

Close to 4.5 million Texans are enrolled in the state program, including over 1 million blind and disabled individuals and the elderly. Enrollees receive health care services via managed care plans that provide a wide range of benefits, including:

• Doctor and specialist care
• Hospital services
• Emergency treatment
• Prescription medications
• Lab tests and X-rays
• Ambulance and nonemergency medical transportation
• Long-term nursing home care

Qualifying for Texas Medicaid for Long-Term Care

American citizens and legal immigrants residing in Mesquite who meet the Medicaid eligibility guidelines can receive help covering the cost of long-term care. They must be aged 65 or older or have a disability enduring one year or longer if aged 64 or younger. Individuals who qualify for Supplemental Security Income benefits receive Texas Medicaid coverage automatically, but other applicants must have:

• No more than $2,313 of income per month if single or $4,626 if married and applying jointly
• Up to $2,000 in countable resources as an individual or $3,000 in combined resources as a couple

While Medicaid considers income from all sources, it disregards certain assets, such as one automobile, personal and household effects, a primary home worth up to $585,000 and irrevocable burial trusts.

Ways to Qualify When Over the Limits

The state offers a couple of options for those who meet most eligibility requirements but exceed the income or asset limits:

• Seniors can establish a Qualified Income Trust to deposit excess monthly income. Once funds are placed in the trust, they no longer count for eligibility purposes. Money in the account may only be removed to pay Medicaid-approved medical and long-term care related expenses.
• Married seniors whose spouse isn’t applying may reach the eligibility thresholds when their income and assets are reduced to provide spousal living and resource allowances. These federally mandated amounts may be as high as $3,160.50 in monthly income and $126,420 in joint assets.

Residents of Mesquite can complete a Medicaid application online or call Your Texas Benefits at (877) 541-7905 to apply by phone.

STAR+PLUS Waiver

The STAR+PLUS waiver program gives Medicaid-eligible seniors an alternative to receiving comprehensive medical and long-term care services in the community, such as an assisted living facility, instead of a nursing home. 

To qualify for the waiver, applicants must be assessed as needing the level of care provided in a nursing home and meet other program requirements. Once enrolled, seniors receive care coordination and supports and services through their choice of Dallas County managed care providers. Depending on a person’s needs, these services may include:

• Transitional aid to return to the community
• Assisted living services
• Help with personal care and daily living activities
• Occupational, physical and speech therapy
• Nursing care
• Medical supplies
• Adaptive aids

To learn more about the STAR+PLUS waiver program or apply, Mesquite residents can contact the Dallas Area Agency on Aging at (214) 871-5065.

VA Aid and Attendance Benefits and Housebound Allowance

Veterans and their spouses receiving a standard VA pension who are housebound or need daily assistance due to mental impairment, physical disability or chronic illness may qualify for a higher benefit amount through the Aid and Attendance Benefits or Housebound Allowance programs.

These two VA top-up programs aren’t available to those receiving a disability pension, and they’re only offered to veterans with a minimum 90-day active duty service record with at least one day during an active war and an honorable discharge.

Seniors can’t receive benefits from the two concurrently and must meet program-specific requirements to qualify:

• Applicants for the Housebound Allowance must be primarily confined to their home and have a 100% disability rating

• Those applying for Aid and Attendance benefits must be either legally blind, bedridden, living in a nursing home or require a caregiver’s help to bathe, eat, dress or perform other daily living activities

To learn more about these two VA benefit programs or obtain help completing and filing an application, Mesquite veterans should contact the Dallas County Veterans Services office at (972) 692-4939.

Community Care for the Aged and Disabled

The Community Care for the Aged and Disabled program can provide Mesquite residents at risk of nursing home placement with support services to help them retain their independence. To qualify, applicants must have a disability or functional impairment, be aged 18 or older and have:

• $2,313 or less in income per month and no more than $5,000 in assets if single

• $4,626 or less of income per month and no more than $6,000 in assets if married

Approved seniors in assisted living facilities may receive help with activities of daily living and 24-hour supervision, but they must pay their own room and board.

Seniors in Mesquite can learn more or apply for the CCAD program by contacting the Dallas Area Agency on Aging at (214) 871-5065.

STAR Transit provides ADA-compliant bus rides to any destination in the agency’s service area, which includes Mesquite and the surrounding communities. Anyone can ride for a nominal $1 fee, and there’s no fare charged for qualified seniors aged 60 and older, veterans and those with disabilities. Destinations include medical appointments, senior centers, shopping and personal errands. STAR Transit
500 Industrial Blvd., Terrell, TX 75160
(877) 631-5278

The City of Mesquite’s Active Adults 50+ program provides services and activities that keep older residents engaged and enjoying a high quality of life. The city’s three community centers welcome seniors for nutritious hot lunches; a variety of sports and exercise classes; bingo, bridge and table games; special social events as well as support services and wellness screenings. Staff also organize fun outings for meals, movies, shopping, day trips to area attractions and senior dances with live entertainment. City of Mesquite Parks and Recreation
1515 North Galloway Ave., Mesquite, TX 75149
(972) 216-6260

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