Fort Worth has a history as a “cow town,” with cattle farmers taking their livestock to market. The Ft. Worth stockyards are still in use today, but this thriving city, which is one-half of the DFW metroplex, has many other attractions. One of the largest cities in Texas, Ft. Worth affords seniors access to world-class dining, plenty of shopping and advanced medical care. There are plenty of areas for the elderly to enjoy outdoor activities, such as golf courses and walking trails. Science and art museums, many of which offer senior discounts, afford entertainment indoors.
The city is hot in the summer, with highs well into the 90s, and mild winters with rare snow. The cost of living in Ft. Worth is right on par with the national average. This, plus the fact that Texas does not levy a state income tax, may benefit seniors on a fixed income. Both violent crime and property crime are higher in Ft. Worth than the rest of the country, so seniors are advised to use caution with themselves and their possessions.
The average monthly cost of assisted living in Ft. Worth is $4,150, $400 per month higher than the Texas average.
Note: Data for Ft. Worth was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Dallas, was used instead.
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 >
Monthly assisted living costs average $400 per month higher than the rest of Texas, at $4,150 compared to $3,750, but within the community, the monthly fees may vary by facility. Nearby Arkansas and Oklahoma have lower average assisted living costs than Texas, as does their neighbor to the east, Louisiana, averaging just a bit lower, at $3,650. New Mexico, to the west, has higher average assisted living fees than Texas, at $4,100 per month.
The other larger cities in Texas also have a notable variance in assisted living fees. El Paso is much lower than many other major metro areas, averaging $2,000 per month, while the state’s capital, Austin, is one of the highest in the state, with a monthly average of $5,395. Near the coast, Houston and Corpus Christi are closer to the state’s average than Ft. Worth, at $3,750 and $3,810 per month.
Texas Medicaid offers an assisted living waiver to help offset the costs associated with assisted living for those who have income eligibility. Married spouses filing together have a cap of $4,624, and individual seniors have an income cap of $2,313. The waiver can pay for room and board in an assisted living community or to pay for the costs of in-home health care and caretaker services, which offer many of the same support that an assisted living facility does.
Learn more about the ALW, eligibility requirements and application process at our Assisted Living in Texas page.
Contact | Description | |
North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging | (800) 272-3921 | Seniors in several North Central Texas counties have access to free educational seminars, including health care and financial planning. This agency also assists seniors in finding services in their area for health care, Social Security benefits and navigating nursing home relocation. Assistance obtaining VA benefits is also offered. |
The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Tarrant County (ADRC) | (855) 937-2372 | This agency offers services for those aged 60 and older, including their caregivers. Programs for seniors, including educational topics, are provided, as well as long-term housing location assistance and help to secure Social Security benefits. Special services for veterans are also available. |
Administration for Community Living | (202) 401-4634 | Several programs are funded through this agency, such as assistive technology provisions, senior centers and support centers for seniors, protection and advocacy services for the elderly and centers for independent living. |
Alzheimer’s AssociationNorth Central Texas Chapter | (800) 272-3900 | The Alzheimer’s Association offers resources for both those with dementia and their loved ones. Education programs about early detection and respite series are offered. Members are provided with care consultation and special groups for support and socialization for those in the early stages of the disease. |
Meals On Wheels of Tarrant County | (817) 336-0912 | Seniors enrolled in this program, which is income-based, receive a hot, nutritious meal delivered daily. This program is entirely volunteer-based. |
Mid-Cities Care Corps | (817) 282-0531 | The Care Corps is a nonprofit agency providing transportation for the elderly, helping hands with meal preparation or errands and social outreach to reduce the feelings of isolation many seniors experience. |
Sixty & Better, Inc | (817) 413-4949 | Socialization and nutritional programs are offered to seniors at no charge, along with fall prevention education and other health education topics. For those who need it, transportation is provided as well. |
Texas Health and Human Services | (855) 937-2372 | This state-funded agency offers many support services for seniors on a fixed income. Medicaid health care and some prescription assistance is available, as is the SNAP food stamps program. Care workers also help the elderly and their families locate assisted living homes and learn more about health care for the elderly. |
Ft. Worth assisted living communities are licensed and regulated by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. These regulations cover staffing, meals, cleanliness and health care options. Visit our Assisted Living in Texas page to learn more about these laws and regulations.