6 Assisted Living Communities in Texarkana, Texas

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $2,265 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 6 Assisted Living Communities in Texarkana and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Texarkana, TX

• Assisted Living: $2,265
• Nursing Home Care: $4,410
• In-home Care: $3,022
• Adult Day Health Services: $888

While many of the cities in this area of Texas have monthly assisted living costs below the state and national average, Texarkana boasts the lowest senior care expenses among them. According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, assisted living costs in Texarkana ($2,265) average over $1,500 less each month than the Texas average of $3,795 and over $800 less than nearby Longview ($3,100), which is the second least expensive city in the region. To the west, Wichita Falls ($3,312) and the Sherman area ($3,694) also have comparatively inexpensive senior care costs, as does Waco ($3,695) to the south. For this region, only the metropolitan Dallas area ($4,350) exceeds the national average of $4,000.

In Texarkana, senior care expenses vary moderately by the type of service required, with costs ranging from a monthly average of $4,410 for nursing home care to only $888 for adult day health services. At an average monthly cost of $2,265, assisted living falls in the middle of the spectrum for senior care in this region. In-home assistance such as homemaker services ($3,022) and home health aide visits ($3,222) average nearly $1,000 per month more than assisted living in this city but can vary in expense depending on how many hours of service are needed. Seniors should also consider costs associated with maintaining a home, including mortgage, utilities and upkeep, when weighing the expenses of residential care against in-home or day-care senior services.

 

Texas Medicaid provides health care benefits for low-income state residents who might otherwise go without coverage. The program emphasizes preventative services, and its comprehensive benefits include physician visits, emergency care, hospital stays, prescription medications, medical transportation and diagnostic testing. In addition, some seniors may qualify for dental, vision and hearing-care coverage. Most Medicaid services are delivered through local managed-care organizations.

Applicants must be 65 years or older, make no more than $771 per month and have less than $2,000 in assets. Married couples should make no more than $1,057 and have less than $3,000 in assets. Individual limits apply if only one spouse is applying for benefits. No level-of-care requirement affects eligibility decisions.

The state also offers Medicaid for long-term care for residents who are 65 or older and require 30 days or more of continuous care. Potential applicants should refer to Medicaid’s income and asset guidelines, but some exclusions apply, such as a house, vehicle, burial funds and specific life insurance policies. A screening tool is available to help applicants better understand income, asset and medical eligibility requirements for this program.

STAR+PLUS Waiver

Disabled Texans aged 65 and over who are eligible for Medicaid may also qualify for the STAR+PLUS Home and Community-Based Services waiver. Managed by Texas Health and Human Services, the HCBS waiver delivers health care benefits and long-term assistance through an applicant-chosen health plan, and while many of its benefits are designed to help seniors receive services in their own homes, the waiver may also help fund assisted living programs. Applicants who are enrolled in another Medicaid waiver program are not eligible for HCBS.

To find out more about the eligibility requirements or benefits of Texas Medicaid or the STAR+PLUS waiver or to apply for either of these programs, interested seniors can visit YourTexasBenefits or call the Texas Medicaid hotline at (800) 252-8263 with any questions.

Texas Community Care for the Aged and Disabled

Also known as Non-Medicaid Services, CCAD is administered by Texas Health and Human Services. This federally funded program aims to help state seniors at risk of nursing home placement maintain their independence by delivering services in an assisted living setting. While CCAD doesn’t cover assisted living room-and-board expenses, it funds the cost of care management and an aide to help with the activities of daily living. 

To qualify for CCAD, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a legal Texas resident

• Have a monthly income of no more than $2,313 for individuals and $4,626 for married couples 

• Have assets of no more than $5,000 for individuals and $6,000 for married couples

• Be disabled or functionally impaired with a demonstrated need for assistance with activities of daily living

• Not be concurrently receiving similar assistance through Medicaid programs

Seniors should contact the Capital Area Aging and Disability Resource Center at (855) 937-2372 for further information and to apply. 

VA Aid and Attendance Program

For eligible U.S. veterans in need of long-term residential care, the federal VA Aid and Attendance Program delivers funding to offset the costs of assisted living. Veterans or their surviving spouses must be 65 or older to qualify and must demonstrate a need for assistance with activities of daily living, although a nursing home level of care is not required. Individuals receiving a VA disability pension are not eligible to apply.

Additional information on VA A&A is available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at (844) 698-2311 or at any regional VA benefits office. Benefits counselors can help eligible veterans navigate the program’s complex requirements and apply for funds. 

Assisted Living Bridge Loans

Elderlife Financial Services provides bridge loans for seniors who need interim funding for assisted living. These loans can fund up to 24-months worth of expenses and may be ideal for seniors awaiting final approval from federal or state assistance programs. Seniors can receive the loan disbursement as a line of credit or a lump sum to accommodate their specific needs.

Assisted living bridge loans generally have a quick turnaround time and may include up to six co-applicants, lessening the importance of individual creditworthiness and improving the overall odds of approval. Elderlife Financial does require information regarding anticipated permanent funding during the application process. 

Contact an Elderlife Financial Services representative at (888) 228-4500 to discuss options and to find out how to apply.

The Collins Senior Center offers social and recreational programs for area elders, including scheduled activities, such as armchair aerobics, line dancing and day trips to area attractions. Local health care providers also offer health screenings and education through the center. Membership isn’t required, and most activities are free of charge. An activity calendar is available upon request.

Collins Senior Center
3000 Texas Blvd, Texarkana, TX 75503
(903) 798-3978

The Ark-Tex Region’s Area Agency on Aging provides the Texarkana senior community with valuable information, resources and referrals. Services include support groups, mobility assistance programs and benefits counseling. The agency also has a long-term care ombudsman to advocate for the rights of seniors living in residential care facilities. The Ark-Tex Area Agency on Aging
4808 Elizabeth St, Texarkana, TX 75503
(800) 372-4464

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