The 5 Best Memory Care Facilities in Mclennan County, TX for 2024

McLennan County centers around the city of Waco in central Texas, just west of the busy Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. In the state of Texas, over 380,000 residents have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia, affecting the 65 and older demographic particularly. In McLennan County, 14 percent of its population of 246,000 are seniors aged 65 and older. Out of this number, 14 percent have been diagnosed with dementia. To house and care for these residents, McLennan County is home to four memory care facilities. 

In the state of Texas, including McLennan County, memory care facilities are licensed and regulated by the state's Department of Health and Human Services. This includes both stand-alone memory care facilities and those secure and separate wings that are part of a larger assisted living community. 

• Weather in central Texas, where McLennan County is located, is known for long, hot summers. While July and August highs can reach into the 90s, lows in the wintertime are generally in the high 30s. Seniors sensitive to high heat may be uncomfortable outdoors here, but those who have health conditions that are alleviated by warmer weather may find relief.  
  
• Texas does not have a state income tax. This includes exemption of income derived from Social Security benefits and retirement investments. Families helping budget for a loved one's memory care may appreciate the extra income. 
  
• Cost of living in McLennan County is lower than the national average. Using a base of 100, Mclennan comes in at 85.3. Healthcare costs, important to seniors, are 15 percent lower than the average. Housing costs are even lower, at 75 compared to 100. Lower housing costs may mean lower operating costs for memory care facilities, which may mean that fees for residents are lower too. 
  
• McLennan County is home to world-class medical facilities, including those specializing in brain health and dementia care, such as Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Hillcrest and the Veterans Administration Medical Center - Waco, in the event of medical emergencies or illness.

Memory Care costs in Mclennan County start around $4,997 per month on average, while the nationwide average cost of memory care is $5,694 per month.

It’s important to note that memory care rates in Mclennan County and the surrounding suburbs can vary widely based on factors such as location, the level of care needed, apartment size and the types of amenities offered at each community.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Memory Care in Texas page.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for memory care, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance memory care costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in Texas page.

Mclennan County-area memory care communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all memory care communities in Texas are required to follow. Visit our Memory Care in Texas page for more information about these laws.