Cost of Assisted Living in Dallas, Texas

Page Reviewed / Updated - April 19, 2024

This guide offers details on the cost of senior care, financial assistance programs for long-term care, and affordable housing for low-income seniors in Dallas. For more information about senior care and financial support across the state, read our guide to paying for senior care in Texas.

The Cost of Senior Living and Care in Dallas

According to Genworth 2018 Cost of Care Survey, Dallas is one of the most expensive cities in Texas for senior care after Austin. The monthly average cost for all types of long-term care in Dallas is higher than most notable cities in Texas as well as the median cost of the entire state.

How much does Assisted Living Cost in Dallas?

The average cost of assisted living in Dallas is $4,350, which is the highest in the state after Austin. However, the difference in the cost of assisted living between Dallas and major cities like Houston and San Antonio is only about $500. Assisted living in other cities of Texas average between $2,250 and $4,050 with El Paso being the cheapest. The median cost of assisted living of Texas as a whole is about $600 cheaper than Dallas.      

How much does Home Care Cost in Dallas?

At a monthly average of $4,004, the cost of home care in Dallas is as high as Austin - both being the most expensive cities in Texas for home care and about $200 more than the state's median cost. Other major cities in Texas like Houston, San Antonio, and El Paso are marginally cheaper than Dallas.

How much does Adult Day Care Cost in Dallas?

Like most senior care options, adult day care in Dallas is the most expensive in the state along with Austin. At a monthly average of $1,408 a month, the cost of home care in Dallas is significantly higher than the median cost of the entire state. The monthly average among other cities in the state is much lower ranging between $628 and $867.

How much does Nursing Home Costs in Dallas?

A semi-private room in a nursing home in Dallas averages $5,064 a month. While it is higher than the state's median cost of $4,798, it is slightly lower than other cities in Texas like Austin, Houston, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, and McAllen.

Financial Assistance Programs in Dallas

Medicaid for Seniors

STAR+PLUS is the Medicaid program that helps seniors in Dallas pay for long-term care and other medical assistance. The program is designed for low-income seniors and directly covers the cost of long-term support services like nursing facilities, adult day care, in-home care, hospice care, prescription medications, and personal attendant services. STAR+PLUS is an entitlement program, which means everyone who is eligible can benefit from it.

Eligibility for STAR+PLUS in Dallas depends on the applicant's income and the level of care needed. To be eligible for STAR+PLUS care services at home or in an adult daycare, applicants must be over 65 years old and in need of constant long term care. The monthly income limit is $759 for single applicants. However, to qualify for institutional STAR+PLUS program, applicants must need the nursing home level of care and have monthly income not exceeding $2,250.

Eligible individuals can start an application online or call the Medicaid client hotline at 800-252-8263.

Other Financial Assistance Programs

STAR+PLUS Home and Community Based Services Waiver

The STAR+PLUS Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) is a Medicaid waiver program in Dallas to support elderly residents who require a nursing facility level of care but wish to stay in their own homes or communities. Seniors residing in assisted living facilities and foster homes are also eligible for this waiver. The program covers an array of services like home-delivered meals, dental care, physical and occupational therapy, respite care, personal assistance services, nursing services, and minor home modifications.

STAR+PLUS HCBS is not an entitlement program and eligible applicants may be placed on a waitlist. To be eligible for this waiver, individuals must have full Medicaid coverage, meet the criteria for the medically necessary level of care, and the income limits for Medicaid nursing facility. To apply for the STAR+PLUS HCBS waiver, call 1-877-782-6440.

Community First Choice Program (CFC)

The Community First Choice program serves the elderly who need assistance with activities of daily living, habilitation, and emergency response services. Community First Choice is an entitlement state plan and provides benefits to everyone who is eligible. Individuals must qualify for Medicaid, need an institutional level of care, and assistance with activities of daily living. To apply for the program, call the Medicaid hotline at 1-800-252-8263.

Community Care for Aged and Disabled (CCAD)

Managed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the Community Care for Aged and Disabled program in Dallas offers services to help the elderly live independently in their own homes or communities. The program aims to avoid premature institutionalization by providing help with daily activities, health services, home-delivered meals, personal attendant services, adult foster care, and residential care in licensed assisted living facilities. To be eligible for CCAD services, individuals must need assistance with personal activities of daily living and constant medical supervision. The maximum income limit for single applicants is $2,250. Interested applicants can contact 1-855-937-2372 to learn more about the application process.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Elderly residents in Dallas who have limited financial resources can apply for Supplemental Security Income,  a federally funded program. The SSI program provides cash support to meet the basic needs of daily life. Residents who are 65 years and above with a limited monthly income are eligible for SSI benefits. Recipients of SSI are often eligible for other long-term care programs including Medicaid. To apply for Supplemental Security Income in Dallas, contact 1-800-252-8263.

More Senior Living Resources in Dallas