Full Definition

Assisted living facilities (ALFs) in Texas are licensed by the Health and Human Services Commission and offer personal care services in a residential setting. Residents typically have their own apartments or rooms and share common dining, activity, and amenity spaces. Staff assist with daily needs, administer medications, and provide supervision, but the setting is designed for independence — not hospital-level care.

Texas licenses two types of ALFs: Type A (residents must be ambulatory and can be evacuated without assistance) and Type B (residents may be non-ambulatory and require higher staffing). Monthly costs in Texas range from $3,000 to $6,500 for standard assisted living. Memory care units within ALFs carry higher costs, typically $4,500 to $8,000/month.

Medicare does not cover assisted living. Private pay (out of pocket), long-term care insurance, Veterans Aid & Attendance benefits, and in some cases Texas Medicaid STAR+PLUS are the primary payment sources.