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Odessa, Texas, located in the Permian Basin in the heart of oil country, is part of the greater Odessa-Midland metro area. Although the area is known for oil production, Odessa has much more to offer. Seniors can enjoy a performance by the Midland–Odessa Symphony and Chorale, a historic Masterworks performance company, and cheer on the Odessa Bronchos and the Permian Panthers at one of the largest high school football stadiums in Texas. Winters in Odessa are mild, which seniors who have health conditions affected by cold weather may appreciate, although summers are long and hot. The cost of living in Odessa is about 12 points lower than the national average and this, plus the fact that Texas doesn’t levy a state income tax, may make assisted living more affordable for area seniors.
Some seniors who do not require nursing home placement yet can still benefit from help with daily tasks. An assisted living facility, where staff members are able to help with chores, meals and personal hygiene, may be ideal. Assisted living communities in Odessa charge $4,398 a month on average, per Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey. That figure is above the typical Texas rate but compares favorably to the nationwide average.
In this guide, you’ll learn how the cost of assisted living in Odessa stacks up against rates elsewhere, plus see a rundown of Odessa-area resources for seniors.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Texas. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
In Odessa, you can expect to pay an average of $4,398 monthly for assisted living.
Across Texas, the average monthly fee for assisted living is $3,998. Odessa’s average cost is higher by $400. However, costs in Odessa are $102 lower than the national average of $4,500.
Some of Odessa’s neighbors offer cheaper assisted living rates, including San Angelo, where the average cost is $3,000, and Abilene, where it is $3,449. Waco has an unusually low average cost that falls $1,598 below Odessa’s. In Lubbock and El Paso, the costs are $3,750 and $3,950, respectively, both of which are several hundred dollars lower than the corresponding rate in Odessa. Killeen’s average of $4,217 is closer to Odessa’s as is Amarillo’s, which is $4,600. The average rate in Midland exceeds the one in Odessa by $391.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Texas.
| Contact | Description | |
| Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services | (806) 775-3640 | This agency employs caseworkers to help seniors locate benefits they’re eligible for, such as health care, resources to help them retain their independence and help with long-term care expenses. These caseworkers help applicants navigate the process of applying for benefits and securing pensions, disability benefits and social security income. |
| Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas | (800) 955-6808 | Odessa-Midland area attorneys offer pro bono legal advice and services for seniors who meet income eligibility guidelines. These matters cover most civil cases, including divorce and bankruptcy, investigations into claims of elder abuse and neglect and drafting legal documents, such as wills and living wills. |
| Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman | (877) 323-6466 | Long-term care ombudsman representatives advocate for the interests of those in assisted living communities. These services may include investigating complaints of elder abuse and help with long-term care placement. Other services include lobbying state and local governments for stricter regulations of residential care facilities. |
| Area Agency on Aging of the Permian Basin | (618) 532-1853 | Local Agencies on Aging find programs that help seniors in the community. Some offer services to help seniors retain their independence and age in place, while others include services specifically intended to help those in assisted living. The Agency on Aging also conducts programs to help seniors learn more about health and wellness, technology and financial planning. |
| Midland Odessa Urban Transit District – EZ-Rider – Public Transit | (432) 260-5428 | Seniors may be eligible for reduced fares on the Midland-Odessa public transit fixed-route bus system. The EZ Rider connects the two cities and has routes within each city. Paratransit and handicapped shuttles are also available, although seniors may need to submit an application for service. |
| North Side Senior Citizens Center | (432) 337-5281 | The North Side Senior Center offers a wide range of activities for seniors to help members develop friendships, pursue favorite hobbies and engage in senior-appropriate fitness classes. Lunches are served during the week, and group trips and holiday celebrations are organized throughout the year. |
| Ector County Veteran’s Services | (432) 498-4015 | Local military veterans may receive help applying for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and getting physical and mental health care from the local VA Clinic. The Ector County VA Office also offers limited transportation and group counseling on topics that affect veterans or their surviving spouses. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Odessa area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
