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Friendswood is located in the Houston metro and is home to numerous parks, shopping destinations and restaurants, making it a prime retirement option. Of the city’s 41,000 residents, over 14% are aged 65 and over. Friendswood has a warm climate, providing plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities, and its reliable public transportation system makes it easy to visit local destinations without relying on a private vehicle. Its overall cost of living is 9% higher than the national median, but Texas doesn’t have a state income tax, which may help you conserve your retirement income.
Assisted living is an ideal option for older adults who need help with some daily living activities but want to maintain as much independence as possible. These facilities administer personalized care plans and services, such as housekeeping, meals and recreational programming. The 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey discloses that seniors in Friendswood pay an estimated $4,245 per month for assisted living, which is high compared to the state as a whole but competitive compared to the typical U.S. city.
This guide provides an overview of ways to pay for assisted living and information on where to go for help with long-term care planning.
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.
Assisted living residents in Friendswood pay an estimated $4,245 per month for care.
In Friendswood, older adults pay $4,245 for assisted living services. While this is a couple of hundred dollars higher than Texas’s median rate of $3,998, it’s competitive compared to the U.S. average of $4,500.
Compared to other Texas cities, Friendswood is a moderately expensive option for assisted living, with care costing $4,245 per month. Even so, local rates are over $1,000 less than care costs in Victoria, where rates are among the highest surveyed in the state at $5,600. In Austin, residents pay $5,345, and in Killeen, care costs are consistent with Friendswood’s average at $4,217. In San Antonio, seniors pay $3,413 for care, and in San Angelo, rates are affordable at $3,000. Assisted living facilities in Texarkana charge $2,770.
Note: Data for Friendswood was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Houston, was used instead.
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.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
| Houston-Galveston Area Agency on Aging | (800) 437-7396 | The Area Agency on Aging supports seniors’ independence by providing a range of free and low-cost social and wellness services, including transportation, congregate meals and access to evidence-based classes. This agency has options counselors who help older adults find the best long-term care options for their needs, as well as financial and legal advisors who assist with age-related issues. Friendswood seniors in Harris County obtain these services through the Harris County Area Agency on Aging, which they can call at (800) 213-8471. |
| Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman | (800) 252-2412 | The Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman serves as an impartial third party with issues that arise in assisted living facilities. The local ombudsman can help you resolve issues, such as violations of residents’ rights, substandard care and unfair intake or discharge practices. The ombudsman can also help you determine your options for paying for assisted living services. |
| VA Houston Regional Office | (800) 698-2411 | The VA Houston Regional Office is located about 20 miles northeast of Friendswood and provides in-person and over-the-phone help to veterans in the southeastern region of Texas. At this location, older veterans can get personalized assistance with filing benefits applications and obtaining supporting documents and discharge upgrades. The office can also provide more information on Texas’s nine veterans’ homes, which may be an affordable alternative to assisted living. |
| Texas Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program | (800) 252-9240 | HICAP is a statewide program that provides health insurance options counseling for those qualified for Medicare. You can call the program’s toll-free helpline for assistance with understanding your Medicare benefits and researching Medicare Advantage plans available in Friendswood, some of which may cover assisted living services. HICAP counselors can also help you compare long-term care insurance plans and screen you for Medicaid eligibility. All services are free, unbiased and confidential. |
| Senior Citizen Program | (281) 482-8441 | Friendswood’s Senior Citizen Program has a range of in-person and virtual social and recreational programs for older adults in the community. Most activities are held at the Friendswood Activity Center, although the city plans field trips and off-site events throughout the year. Participation is free to Friendswood residents. |
| Texas Legal Services Center | (800) 622-2520 | Texas Legal Services Center has legal professionals who specialize in assisting Friendswood residents with age-related issues, such as estate planning and assigning powers of attorney. The center also provides free Medicare counseling to help you make informed decisions regarding your health insurance coverage. |
| Americorps Seniors | (409) 502-5201 | Americorps Seniors is a free program that provides volunteer opportunities to older adults in the Friendswood region. It partners with over a dozen local nonprofit organizations and charities to provide services, such as benefits counseling for veterans, support for pregnant women and young mothers and information and referral services for seniors. Participants choose the volunteer activity that interests them and are free to serve as much or as little as they’d like. Seniors in Harris County may volunteer through RSVP of South Texas. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Friendswood 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.
