Memory Care Communities in Fort Worth, Texas

Fort Worth is one of the more expensive cities in Texas for memory care, with older adults paying $5,244 versus the statewide average of $4,998. However, this is affordable compared to the national median of $5,625. Costs are higher in Austin and McAllen, where the respective averages are $6,681 and $6,063. In Texarkana, rates are considerably lower at $3,463.  

When trying to decide how to pay for assisted living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of more than 75,000 senior living providers to provide insight into the average cost of assisted living in Fort Worth and 134 other cities in Texas.

In Fort Worth, seniors and families often have several options for paying for memory care services. Using a combination of private funds and financial assistance through state, federal and VA programs helps seniors plan for current and future care needs.

• Medicaid: Qualified seniors in participating memory care centers pay for many of the services they receive through the state-funded STAR+PLUS waiver program. This Medicaid-managed care program pays for assistance with daily living activities, meals and transportation, among other expenses.
• Medicare: Memory care falls outside Medicare’s scope of coverage. However, seniors who need skilled nursing and rehabilitative services can use their Part B coverage to pay for specialized care, reducing their monthly expenses.  
• VA Benefits: The VA-funded Geriatrics and Extended Care program pays for many services seniors receive in memory care, while Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits increase their monthly pension. According to our proprietary Caring.com database, more than 20 local memory care communities accept veterans’ benefits.  
• Private payments: Seniors can use Social Security benefits, public and private pensions, retirement savings accounts and proceeds from renting or selling a home to cover their monthly costs. Memory care residences accept private payments for all expenses, including housing, personal care and recreation.

As different types of senior living often involve different levels of care and programming, the costs may be higher or lower. Independent living allows seniors to maintain a high level of independence and autonomy, so personal care services are minimal. This results in rates that are about $400 less than assisted living. Alternatively, memory care services are much more specialized, so rates are typically a bit higher, at $3,000.

The Texas Department of Health and Human Services licenses and regulates memory care facilities in Fort Worth and the rest of the state. These are licensed as Type B facilities because they provide nighttime attendance and evacuation assistance in the event of an emergency. 

Benefits:

• As a long-time member of the AARP Age-Friendly Network, Fort Worth incorporates a multifaceted action plan that promotes a high standard of living for older residents. This action plan includes organizing regular events for those aged 50 and over and early-stage engagement activities for those with dementia.
• The cost of living in Fort Worth aligns with the national norm, benefiting seniors and families seeking memory care services within budgetary constraints. To enhance affordability, many local memory care centers accept money from the STAR+PLUS program. 
• The lack of state income taxes in Texas makes Fort Worth a budget-friendly option for many seniors seeking memory care. Seniors also benefit from sales tax exemptions for prescription medications and groceries.
• Fort Worth offers around 20 major medical facilities, including Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth and Texas Health – Fort Worth. These hospitals provide a diverse range of inpatient and outpatient treatment options, including comprehensive dementia support.

Drawbacks:

• Fort Worth sees about 88 crimes per square mile annually, compared to the U.S. norm of 26.5 and Texas’ median of 27. Those seeking local memory care services often look for facilities in Lake of River Trails, Haslet South and Montserrat, which have less crime.