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Athens is a small Texas town with big Southern charm. It has a population of 12,753, of whom a high percentage are seniors, at 18.2%. Its hot summers and warm winters with rare snowfall can be ideal for seniors who prefer a sunny retirement spot. Known as the birthplace of the hamburger, the area hosts food and cultural festivals throughout the year, including an Old Fiddlers Contest and the Uncle Fletch Hamburger Festival. Residents can also take advantage of the town’s close proximity to outdoor attractions, such as Lake Athens, which offers boating and fishing, and the East Texas Arboretum, which features trails and gardens.
Assisted living care in Athens averages $3,450 per month, although actual prices can vary depending on a facility’s exact location and amenities.
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 >
In Athens, assisted living costs an average of $3,450, which is lower than the state average of $3,998 and the national median of $4,300. Assisted living prices in the region vary, and Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas are all more affordable. New Mexico, however, is more expensive at $4,050 per month.
Compared to the rest of the state, assisted living costs in Athens fall about midrange. Nearby Texarkana is the most affordable city in Texas, at an average of $2,600. El Paso is also more affordable at $2,950. At $3,599, monthly costs in San Antonio are about $550 higher. Seniors in Austin ($4,250), Dallas ($4,400) and Houston ($4,750) pay significantly more for assisted living care.
Note: Data for Athens was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Tyler, was used instead.
Seniors living in assisted living communities in Athens can apply for the STAR+PLUS Waiver offered by the Texas Medicaid program. It can be used to pay for assisted living as well as other services, such as rehabilitative therapy, nursing care and transition assistance. To learn more about the STAR+PLUS Waiver and its eligibility requirements, visit our Assisted Living in Texas page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Area Agency on Aging of East Texas | (800) 442-8845 | The local Area Agency on Aging offers supportive services to aging adults in Athens and the surrounding areas. It offers a wheelchair-accessible transportation program as well as fall prevention and chronic disease management classes. The AAA’s long-term care ombudsman advocates for seniors living in care home environments and investigates complaints of inadequate care, abuse and exploitation. |
| Henderson County Veterans Services | (903) 675-6109 | At the Henderson County Veterans Services office, veterans and their families can get help applying for a variety of service-related benefits and entitlement programs offered by federal and state governments. This organization can also help senior veterans apply for VA enhanced pension benefits through the Aid and Attendance or Housebound Allowance program. |
| Lone Star Legal Aid | (903) 595-4781 | This pro-bono law firm provides free legal advice and assistance to low-income Athens seniors through its Tyler office. Seniors can take advantage of self-help toolkits for financial issues, wills and estate planning. The organization also offers representation for a variety of civil legal issues, including fraud, benefits access and elder abuse. |
| Tyler Senior Center | (903) 597-0781 | At the Tyler Senior Center, Athens seniors can participate in array of activities designed to promote physical and mental wellness. These range from low-impact exercise classes such as dance and yoga to games, crafting classes and social activities. It also has a resource center where older adults can get information about available community programs and services. |
| Texas Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program | (800) 252-9240 | The state-run HICAP program provides information and assistance to seniors with understanding their Medicare, prescription drug coverage and long-term care insurance options. The program’s benefits counselors can help seniors learn about Medicare eligibility, enrollment and benefits and help them file complaints and appeals. |
In Texas, assisted living communities are regulated by the state’s Department of Health and Human Services, which upholds strict standards regarding staff training and quality of care. Read more about these laws and regulations by visiting our Assisted Living in Texas page.
