Talk to a local advisor for free
Waco is located in central Texas, along the Brazos River and about halfway between Dallas and Austin. The community is home to a few interesting museums, including the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and the Dr. Pepper Museum. Seniors may receive discounted admission to these and to the Waco Zoo, which features a lion and meerkat habitat on the Texas plains. Weather in Waco is warm year-round, and while summers are hot, winters have little snow, which seniors who have health conditions aggravated by colder weather may appreciate. The cost of living is more than 20 points lower than the national average, and cheaper housing, plus a lack of state income tax in Texas, may make it easier for seniors on a tight budget to better afford their preferred assisted living accommodations.
Assisted living facilities provide residents with in-home care while letting them retain their independence. These facilities usually contain shared common areas which can include facilities such as dining rooms, activity rooms, libraries and more. According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, residents typically pay around $2,800 per month for assisted living services in Waco, TX. This is significantly cheaper than the overall state average of $3,998, as well as the national average of $4,500.
This guide will explore pricing information and financial support options for seniors seeking assisted living facilities in Waco or nearby areas.
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.
Seniors in Waco pay an average of $2,800 per month for assisted living.
In Waco, assisted living facilities charge an average of $2,800 per month. This is $1,198 cheaper than the state average of $3,998 and $1,700 cheaper than the national average of $4,500.
The average cost of assisted living care in Waco is considerably cheaper than in its neighboring cities. The most expensive rates can be found in Austin, with an average monthly rate of $5,345. Both Dallas and Fort Worth charge $4,195 on average, which is $305 cheaper than the national average. Assisted living fees are significantly cheaper in El Paso, coming in at $3,750 per month. Houston reports much higher rates at $4,245 per month, but prices drop by $832 in San Antonio ($3,413).
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 | |
| Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman | (877) 323-6466 | Long-Term Care Ombudsman Services investigates complaints filed by residents of long-term care communities or families on behalf of residents. Other services include lobbying for greater regulations and oversight of long-term care communities and stricter regulations. |
| Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services | (806) 775-3640 | This state agency funds programs to help seniors and the disabled enjoy greater independence. Services include protecting those in long-term care homes and providing assistance with finding placement in assisted living, accessing Social Security benefits and applying for health care. |
| Waco Transit System | (254) 750-1620 | Waco is serviced by a fixed-route bus system that includes shuttles to Baylor and a Demand Response Van for individuals who have special transportation needs. Seniors may be eligible for reduced-rate passes. |
| Lone Star Legal Aid | (254) 756-7944 | Seniors who meet income eligibility guidelines can receive free legal counsel and representation for civil matters. Area lawyers also draft legal documents, such as living wills and wills, and can file divorces and bankruptcies. |
| West Central Texas Council Agency on Aging | (325) 793-8417 | The Agency on Aging promotes the interests of the elderly in the community. It funds programs to help seniors acquire government benefits and health care. Senior centers also receive funding from this agency. |
| Waco City Action Center | (254) 299-2489 | The Waco City Action Center is a senior center located in the middle of town. Programs include weekly lunches and group trips plus exercise classes and hobby groups. Seniors can also gather and play games or mingle with friends. Other programs include health screenings and educational seminars. |
| AGE of Central Texas Medical Equipment Lending Program | (254) 753-0700 | The AGE has a loan closet of durable medical equipment for seniors in need. Equipment includes wheelchairs and walkers, TTY kits, toileting and shower chairs and blood pressure cuffs. The AGE relies on donations, so the inventory may vary. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Waco 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.
