2 Assisted Living Communities in Willis, Texas

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $3,863 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 2 Assisted Living Communities in Willis and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Willis, TX

• Assisted Living: $3,863
• Nursing Home Care: $5,095
• In-home Care: $3,909
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,300

Seniors in Willis enjoy moderately priced assisted living with an average monthly cost of $3,863, which falls in between the state ($3,795) and national ($4,000) averages. Rates in surrounding communities vary dramatically from a low of only $2,975 in Corpus Christi to a high of $5,190 in the metro Austin area. Some nearby cities have costs comparable to Willis, such as Beaumont ($3,900) and College Station ($3,995). Others locations, such as Killeen ($4,053) and Victoria ($4,370), are marginally more expensive.

Note: Cost data for senior care in Willis wasn’t available, so data for the nearby city of Houston was used instead.

As is the case in many communities in Texas, the different types of senior care in Willis span a relatively narrow cost range. The rate for round-the-clock skilled care in a nursing home ($5,095) is only about $1,200 more expensive than assisted living ($3,863). Each of these options include meals and lodging, but the 24-hour nursing services available to those with more extensive care needs justify the higher rate charged by nursing homes. Average monthly rates for in-home services from homemakers ($3,909) and home health aides ($4,099) are just a bit higher than assisted living. However, these rates are based on 44 hours of care services per week and don’t cover any food and accommodation expenses. Adding on the cost of groceries, upkeep, utilities and other household expenses can significantly widen the price gap with assisted living.

 

Low-income Americans with few resources can access essential health care services through the Medicaid program. This jointly funded collaboration between individual states and the federal government delivers health coverage to over 65 million people nationwide. The Medicaid program is administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, and it offers services through managed care providers to approximately 4.5 million eligible state residents.

Texans who meet Medicaid’s eligibility criteria are entitled to a number of health care benefits, including physician and specialist care, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, emergency room services, lab work, X-rays and other diagnostic tests, prescription medications, ambulance services, nonemergency medical transportation and institutional long-term care in a nursing home.

Qualifying for Texas Medicaid

Residents of Willis who are U.S. citizens or legal immigrants can qualify for long-term care services through Medicaid if they’re aged 65 or older or 64 or younger and have a disability lasting one year or longer. Seniors eligible to receive benefits through the Supplemental Security Income program are automatically enrolled in Medicaid by the Social Security Administration and don’t have to file a separate form.

Other applicants have to meet these financial requirements:

• Have countable resources of $2,000 or less if single or combined countable resources of $3,000 or less if married and applying jointly
• Have no more than $2,313 of income per month if single or $4,526 if applying with a spouse

Medicaid disregards some assets, such as a primary, owner-occupied home valued at $585,000 or less, household furnishings, personal belongings, irrevocable burial trusts and one vehicle. There are no exemptions for income so all sources count toward the expressed limit.

Applicants who meet all the eligibility criteria but exceed the income limits may be able to reach the necessary threshold by setting up a Qualified Income Trust. To meet Medicaid requirements, any monthly income above $2,313 must be deposited into the trust. Funds can only be withdrawn to pay specific medical and care expenses.

Applying for Medicaid

Seniors in Willis can contact Your Texas Benefits at (877) 541-7905 or apply for Medicaid online.

STAR+PLUS Waiver Program

Texas Medicaid only provides nursing home care as an entitlement, but it offers an alternative to institutional care through the STAR+PLUS waiver. This program is open to Medicaid-eligible seniors assessed as needing nursing home care but able to live in the community without safety risks. Approved applicants receive all-inclusive medical and long-term care services through their choice of Medicaid managed care providers serving Montgomery County. Each participant is provided with care-coordination services and other supports deemed necessary to meet their care needs, including:

• Transitional services to move back to the community
• Personal care and assisted living services
• Physical, occupational and speech therapy
• Nursing services
• Adaptive aids
• Medical supplies

To learn more about the STAR+PLUS waiver program or begin the application process, Willis residents can contact the Houston-Galveston Area Agency on Aging at (713) 627-3200.

Optional State Supplementation

Seniors and adults who are mentally disabled and reside in assisted living facilities currently receiving or eligible for SSI benefits are also entitled to an extra monthly stipend from the state. The Texas Optional State Supplementation program provides qualified individuals with an additional $60 to spend on unmet care expenses, such as room-and-board fees.

To apply for SSI and the Texas OSS program, Willis residents can contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.

Community Care for the Aged and Disabled

Willis seniors and disabled adults who can no longer live independently and are at risk of nursing home admission may be eligible for assistance through the Community Care for the Aged and Disabled program. This federally funded program is open to Texas residents aged 18 or older who need daily assistance due to functional impairment or permanent disability. Applicants must meet income and asset limits of:

• $2,313 per month in income and $5,000 in assets for single applicants

• $4,626 in monthly income and $6,000 in assets for married couples applying jointly

Those approved for the program receive a range of services based on their living arrangements. Services provided to participants in assisted living communities can include:

• 24-hour supervision

• Housekeeping and laundry services

• Personal care

• Assistance with activities of daily living

• Medication administration

• Escorted transportation

• Social and recreational activities

• Emergency care

CCAD participants must contribute to their care costs by paying the room-and-board portion of their facility’s fees. 

Willis residents can contact the Houston-Galveston AAA at (713) 627-3200 to learn more about the CCAD program or apply.

The Senior Rides program provides no-cost transportation services for Montgomery County residents aged 60 or older and those who are blind or disabled. Seniors can schedule rides for doctor visits, medical or personal appointments, the grocery store, post office or pharmacy and other destinations between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Senior Rides Transportation Program
1202 Candy Cane Ln., Monroe, TX 77301
(936) 756-5828

Senior veterans in Willis can receive help applying for state and VA benefits and pensions at the Montgomery County Veterans Services office in nearby Conroe. Those in need of health care can visit the Conroe VA clinic for primary care, physical and occupational therapy, diagnostics, audiology, optometry and podiatry services. Senior veterans can find camaraderie and opportunities for community involvement at the local American Legion post.

Montgomery County Veterans Services
2247 N. First St., Ste. 219, Conroe, Texas 77301 
(936) 539-7842

Conroe VA Clinic
690 S. Loop 336 W., Ste. 300, Conroe, TX 77304
(936) 522-4000

American Legion Post 618
13054 E. FM 1097 Rd., Willis, Texas 77378
(936) 856-5224

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