Full Definition

Texas HHSC licenses assisted living facilities under three categories based on resident acuity and care needs, with different staffing and physical plant requirements for each.

Type A Assisted Living serves residents who are mobile and can follow instructions and evacuate without staff assistance in an emergency. Residents may need medication administration and assistance with activities of daily living but must be able to respond to an emergency on their own. Type A facilities have less stringent night-staffing requirements — Texas allows Type A facilities to have no licensed nurse on staff overnight (though a responsible staff member must be reachable).

Type B Assisted Living serves residents who need staff assistance to evacuate in an emergency — meaning those with physical limitations, cognitive impairment, or who may not respond appropriately without direction. Type B requires greater staff presence and oversight. Most traditional assisted living for seniors with significant care needs and all residents with dementia requiring physical assistance should be in Type B licensed facilities.

Memory Care (Type B with dementia special care unit designation) is required for any facility that specifically markets or operates a secured unit for residents with dementia. Texas requires specific training, environmental standards, and programming for memory care units.

Families should verify a community’s license type against their loved one’s actual care needs. A parent who needs physical assistance with mobility or evacuation should not be placed in a Type A facility.