Memory Care Communities in San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio’s memory care costs are among the most competitive in the state, with older adults paying $4,266 per month on average for care. This is considerably lower than the respective state and national medians of $4,998 and $5,625. In Texarkana, rates are even lower at $3,463. In Odessa, seniors pay $5,498, and in the Austin area, care costs are the highest surveyed in the state at $6,681.  

When trying to decide how to pay for memory care, 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 memory care in San Antonio and 86 other cities in Texas.

Seniors and families have several options for paying for memory care services, including public avenues and private payments. By relying on a mix of financial strategies, individuals can ensure the long-term viability of residential dementia services. 

• Medicaid: Texas’s STAR+PLUS plans pay for memory care services in San Antonio for seniors who meet financial and functional criteria. Although this program doesn’t cover the cost of room and board, its benefits include adaptive aids, meal services, personal care and therapies such as cognitive rehabilitation and speech-language.
• Medicare: Medicare pays for medically necessary services seniors receive in memory care communities, such as medication administration, durable medical equipment and third-party home health care services. However, its coverage doesn’t apply to nonmedical services such as personal care.
• VA Benefits: Three types of VA benefits help qualified seniors cover memory care services, including Aid and Attendance, Housebound benefits and the  Geriatrics and Extended Care program. These programs help seniors pay for room and board, personal care services and dementia-specific supports.
• Private Payments: Memory care residences accept private payments for room and board, meals, personal care and recreational activities. This payment option includes monthly income, retirement savings, public and private pensions, certain types of life insurance policies and proceeds from home sales.

Memory care is one of the most expensive senior living options in San Antonio, averaging $3,475 per month. Assisted living is slightly more affordable at $3,066 per month. Independent living is one of the least expensive options, with average monthly costs of $2,250. The total cost of care depends on several factors, such as a senior's budget, personal preferences and the level of assistance required.

In San Antonio, memory care facilities are licensed as Type B assisted living facilities, and they’re monitored and regulated by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. This agency ensures a high standard of care by enforcing compliance with rules regarding staffing and staff training, building requirements and scope of care.  

Benefits

• San Antonio’s cost of living runs nearly 8% below the national benchmark, with residents spending about 18% less on housing and 13% less on utilities here than in a typical U.S. city. This supports budget-friendly residential services for those with dementia.
• As a member of the AARP Age-Friendly Network, San Antonio fosters a welcoming environment for older adults and those with memory loss through enhanced public transportation services and affordable housing initiatives.
• San Antonio homeowners aged 65 and over benefit from the state’s homestead exemption, which provides an exemption of at least $35,000 of their home’s appraised value and helps many afford memory care costs. Additionally, the state doesn’t have an income tax, leaving more money in seniors’ pockets.  

Drawbacks

• San Antonio’s crime frequency ranks among the highest in the state and nation, exceeding crime rates in 98% of communities statewide and 99% of cities nationally. Fortunately, memory care residents benefit from features such as 24-hour security monitoring and escorted transportation.
• San Antonio has hot, muggy conditions from late spring through early autumn, increasing seniors’ risk of dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Still, winters bring mild weather with daytime temperatures around 63 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. To support residents’ comfort throughout the year, memory care communities often have unit-controlled thermostats and indoor recreation.