Lubbock is a larger city in northwest Texas, best known as the birthplace of rock legend Buddy Holly. It’s also the home of Texas Tech University, a college where area seniors may be able to audit courses in a continuing education program. Other attractions in Lubbock include the Moody Planetarium and the museum at Texas Tech University. Summers in Lubbock are long, hot, and dry, which may help alleviate the symptoms of certain health conditions that elderly residents experience. Winters can be cold, with occasional snow. The cost of living in Lubbock is more than 20 points lower than the national average. This lower cost of living, coupled with no state income tax in Texas, may make paying for assisted living easier for seniors on a budget. People 65 and older in Lubbock number about 13% of the city’s population of 311,000 and many may be exploring their options for accommodations in one of the area’s dozens of assisted living communities.
These assisted living fees in Lubbock average $3,300 per month, although each facility will differ depending on the amenities they provide.
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 >
The average monthly cost of assisted living in Lubbock is $3,300, several hundred dollars less than both the Texas state average ($3,570) and the national average ($4,051). Texas’s average monthly assisted living fees are a few hundred dollars higher than many of its neighbors. Care in Arkansas ($3,175), Oklahoma ($3,518) and Louisiana ($3,650) cost less than Texas, although New Mexico, at $4,100, is several hundred dollars higher.
Compared to other large Texas cities, Lubbock’s monthly assisted living fees average less than many, although the aggregates between major metro areas vary by thousands of dollars. Austin, the state’s capital, has one of the highest monthly averages for assisted living, at $5,395, while El Paso, to the southwest of Lubbock, is one of the least expensive, averaging $2,000 per month. Other larger west Texas cities, such as Amarillo and Odessa, are close to Lubbock’s average, at $3,500 and $3,325, respectively. However Midland, also a nearby large city, is notably higher than Lubbock, at $5,086.
Texas offers financial assistance for seniors to pay for assisted living fees. The waiver is administered through Texas Medicaid and is called the STAR+PLUS HCBS program. To qualify, applicants must be enrolled in Texas Medicaid and demonstrate that they need the level of care that a nursing home offers. With this waiver, however, recipients don’t have to live in a nursing home. Instead, Texas seniors may pay for a home caregiver and health care assistance, or use the waiver monies to pay for accommodations in an assisted living community.
Learn more about this program, the eligibility requirements and the application process on our Assisted Living in Texas page.
Contact | Description | |
South Plains Area Agency on Aging (SPAG) | (806) 687-0940 | SPAG connects Lubbock seniors with resources that may be of assistance, such as health care insurance and government benefits. The agency also advocates for the interests of the elderly and sponsors many different programs to enhance the lives of Lubbock seniors and help them maintain independence. |
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas | (800) 955-6808 | Area seniors who meet certain income eligibility guidelines may receive pro bono assistance from participating attorneys. Cases involving wills and trusts, civil matters, elder abuse, divorce and filing for bankruptcy are typical legal matters that this agency helps seniors deal with. |
Copper Rawlings Community and Senior Center | (806) 767-2704 | Programs at the senior center include different classes, such as cooking or educational seminars, special events for holidays, Bingo and card games and fitness classes. The emphasis is on helping seniors avoid isolation and develop friendships. |
Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman | (877) 323-6466 | The Texas Department of Health and Senior Services operates an elder care advocacy program. Complaints from long term care residents and their families are investigated and addressed through this agency. |
Citibus | (806) 775-3640 | Citibus is the public transportation system for the city of Lubbock It’s a fixed-route bus system. Seniors may be eligible for discounted fares. |
Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services | 806-775-3640 | This state agency helps seniors apply for programs and benefits from the state of Texas that they may be eligible for. These can include Texas Medicaid enrollment, SSI, food assistance, or transportation services. |
Lubbock Vet Center | (806) 792-9782 | Military veterans and their spouses receive counseling services here including PTSD and grief counseling. Caseworkers also help veterans and dependents access benefits that they’re entitled to, including death benefits. Their services include community outreach and education and referrals for other VA services. |
Lubbock assisted living facilities are licensed and regulated by the Texas Department of Health and Senior Services. In order to obtain and retain licensure, facilities must pass inspections of safety, cleanliness and overall liveability, as well as verification of the training and certification for staff members. Assisted living facilities are divided into two types in Texas, according to the level of care they provide. Verifying each center’s ability to do so is part of the inspection process. Visit our Assisted Living in Texas page to learn more about these laws and regulations.