As Texas’ largest city, it’s no surprise that Houston’s senior population is continually increasing. With over 270,000 seniors to support, the city is dedicated to improving its aging services. This includes expanding senior living options and catering to the unique needs of seniors. As seniors age, their chances of memory loss increase, sometimes leading to dementia. To support the needs of individuals with dementia, A Place for Mom partners with 20 memory care facilities in Houston.
Memory care communities offer a personalized senior living option, so seniors with dementia can continue living their best life, no matter what stage they’re in. Through intentional design features, person-centered care services, and specialized memory care programming, these communities help seniors engage in their beloved activities and connect with their memories while maintaining optimal health. These facilities also offer typical assisted living care services, like assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, dining plans, and more.
This guide to memory care in Houston offers robust information on local memory care facilities. From costs and payment tips to state regulations and senior-specific local resources, you’ll find all the information you need to select the right memory care community for your loved one with dementia. You can also browse through communities based on factors that matter most to your family.
We are very happy with Atria Westchase. I would rate them a five in all categories. The Atria is always spotless. The nursing staff is responsive and very kind. The administration is professional and keeps...
They have been real good to me here and I get taken care of very good too. They do a lot of activities every week here too. The activity guy [name removed] keeps everyone busy. We eat very well and they do a...
The staff at Solana Vintage Park have been amazing partners in our journey to provide care for my Father-in-law after he had multiple mini strokes. They have gone above and beyond in helping us with...
I know that it is difficult to balance activities that are basic that everyone can do with one's that would interest more capable residents. Staff have been very friendly. Overall I would recommend...
What we like the most about The Heritage of Clearlake is that the staff encourage the residents to participate in activities. They also have themed monthly family dinners
I give a 5 for all now but in the beginning it was quite confusing regarding medication administration. They kept messing up and could have potentially caused a medical emergency. We visit each week and the...
I would highly recommend Brookdale. The care my mother in law receives is outstanding. The staff really know her and treat her extremely well. We filled out a long questionnaire about her past, the staff...
Everybody was so caring there. My dad had struggled so long with his disabilities as he refused any help at all in his old assisted living facility as it unfortunately was not run very well. The care staff...
Lower score for cleanliness, but they changed staff and the cleaning situation with her room is improved. The food is bland but they are feeding a lot of old people so there is not much seasoning.
My mother broke her hip and was kicked out the hospital very quickly. A neighbor moved to independent living at The Buckingham, but we didn't know they have rehab after injury. She went in weak never...
It (nor any similar business) is not perfect, but they do appear to genuinely care about the residents. Based off of our experience, I would recommend them to others looking.
My loved one is currently a resident at Brookdale Champions and her experience has been great so far. The staff and care services are great. The cleanliness and friendliness are also great. Anytime that we...
The facility in the memory care wing is a little dated but the level of care from the staff makes up for it. I feel like they truly love my Mom. It’s a great value and Mom enjoys the food. The nurses and...
It is apparent they genuinely care about their residents. They strive to meet all of their needs: physical, emotional, and social. Offering options for most meals would be helpful.
We had to move Mom from another facility! It was a difficult decision because she loved her caregivers & had made good friends with some of the residents.The new owners gave us no choice because of some of...
The Abbey at Westminster is such a welcoming community. Every one from the front desk restaurant personel and sales/office staff have a very caring attitude. They have cultivated a caring environment.
The staff has been amazing Only thing is that memory care could use more staff. The Oaks needs to have more engaging activities for those that are mobile. Again this appears to be a staffing issue. It is...
Very clean. No odors, ever. The food is great and tailored to the residents physical limitations. The rooms and shower facilities are a generous size. The staff is great. I wish they had emergency...
Heritage of Meyerland is a good facility for a fair price. It is exactly what my loved one needs at this time. The room she has in memory care is a perfect size for what she needs. It has a private...
Overall, we have been very pleased with the care of my brother. He has been taken care of better than the hospital and skilled nursing facility where he had temporary stays. Braeswood Estates has proven to...
Rooms are nicely sized. It's not a very big place, but this means that the staff to resident ratio is excellent. I visit my mom every week and she is always clean, fed, and seems to generally be very well...
Great location, great staff, great facilities, nice accommodations. Apartment sizes and layouts are great. They do need more help in kitchen and dining area and more variety on the menu.
Staff is very friendly and knows everyone's name. Housekeeping is okay-once my mom figured out their schedule she was fine. Sometimes they don't bring her laundry back on schedule, but once she asks they...
The staff was kind and caring. They made my mother's last days happy. It is difficult being a caregiver. They helped relieve my stress. ...
My mom is currently a resident at MorningStar at River Oaks and the experience has been good so far. Everyone is very friendly and helpful. The food is top tier. We have regular meals with my mom in their...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Houston community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
The median rent cost for memory care in Houston is $6,555 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s 2022-2023 proprietary data.[01] This figure doesn’t include the cost of any service or amenity add-ons.
This cost may seem high at first, but keep in mind that memory care communities typically offer tailored personal care services and specialized staff, activities, and amenities. Some services are included with rent, while others are provided at cost; however, this will vary at each community. Families and seniors can expect the following from memory care living in Houston:
The figures below represent average baseline costs for Houston memory care facilities and can help you compare memory care costs in the area. Keep in mind, these numbers don’t account for any service add-ons or fees.
Families can utilize several private and public payment methods to pay for memory care in Houston. Initially, you’ll want to take a look at your loved one’s personal income sources and insurance policies. Then, you can turn to federal and state programs, such as VA health care, Medicaid, and Medicare, to help minimize out-of-pocket costs for medical and memory care services. In this section, you’ll find a breakdown of the most common payment methods used by families.
Private payment methods for memory care include your loved one’s personal income sources, including savings accounts, Social Security benefits, retirement pensions, and investment returns. In Texas, there’s no personal income tax, meaning seniors will be saved from tax burden on these income sources.
Your loved one’s long-term care insurance could also help defray some costs. Policies greatly vary, so it’s recommended that you connect with the policy provider to learn about what memory care costs can be covered.
Depending on available resources, families can also turn to the following private pay methods to pay for memory care:
Houston is part of Harris County — the Texas county with the largest veteran population. To support the large number of veterans, Houston has taken many initiatives to enhance their lives. The city offers a range of veteran support services, resources, programs, and clinics to assist veterans in various ways. Houston is even home to a VA nursing home called Richard A. Anderson Texas State Veterans Home. This home provides affordable, long-term skilled nursing care within an environment designed to accommodate the unique needs of veterans.
Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care may receive a veterans pension to help cover some memory care costs. Some senior veterans may also qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit, which can be added to an existing veterans pension to defray additional living costs. This benefit can be used to pay for anything that improves a veteran’s life, which could be memory care.
The approval process for VA benefits can often be long and difficult, as there are many types of benefits, each with varying qualifications. To ease the process a bit, Houston, Harris County, and the state of Texas offer several support services and veteran centers. These service centers and nonprofit organizations can help veterans better understand their benefits, apply for benefits, file for claims, and more. Many of these organizations also provide legal advocacy and recommend additional support services tailored to your specific needs.
Number of veterans who live in Houston, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
About 45% of Houston veterans are 65+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Resources for Houston veterans
Veterans Affairs Houston Regional Office website
6900 Almeda Road
Houston, TX 77030
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Harris County Veterans Services Department home page
2929 McKinney St.
Houston, TX 77003
Phone: 281-876-6600
Email: vsdinfo@harriscountytx.gov
Kelly Haese, Veteran Services Officer
Email: kelly.haese.vsd@harriscountytx.gov
Miguel Rodriguez, Veteran Service Office SupervisorPhone: 713-203-2704
Email: VSOInfo@vso.hctx.net
U.S.VETS — Houston website Contact information for individualized support:
Phone: 832-203-1626
Email: supportingyou@usvets.org
Amazing Soldiers, Inc. website 3880 Greenhouse Road, Suite 409
Houston, TX 77084
Phone: 346-900-4551
Email: amazingsoldiers16@gmail.com
Medicaid is a joint federal and state health insurance program that provides coverage to people with limited income and resources. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (or the HHSC) operates its own Medicaid program called STAR. In addition to Medicaid, the HHSC contracts with local area agencies on aging (or AAAs) programs. These programs help seniors 65+, low-income seniors, and seniors with a disability receive Medicaid benefits.
In Texas, most qualifying seniors receive Medicaid coverage through STAR+PLUS — the state’s managed care program for seniors 65+ and individuals with disabilities. In addition to routine health care costs, the STAR+PLUS program covers long-term care services. These can include nursing, personal care, therapy extension, nutrition, and transportation services. However, these care services are only covered through agencies licensed and certified by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
A senior can receive medically necessary home health care services through STAR+PLUS within a residence of their choice. To do so, they must qualify for a Home and Community Based Services (or HCBS) waiver program. This waiver can be used anywhere a senior calls home, meaning it can be used in a memory care facility — as long as the care agency providing the care services is contracted with the senior’s STAR+PLUS managed care provider and meets HCBS requirements. These waiver programs aim to help seniors receive care within the residential setting of their choice, as opposed to an institutional setting commonly found in nursing facilities.[03]
Requirements for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) settings: Many stand-alone memory care facilities may not qualify as an HCBS setting; however, some memory care group homes and assisted living facilities with a memory care unit will. Be sure to check with each prospective community if you plan to use Medicaid to pay for care services there.
To constitute as an HCBS setting, facilities must meet the following qualifications:
When a senior applies for STAR+PLUS, the HHSC will also assess their need for the HCBS waiver program. Seniors must meet the following requirements to qualify:
The HCBS waiver programs can help cover costs of the following services within a memory care facility:
Houston has many Medicaid resources throughout the city. Below, you’ll find some websites that can connect you to nearby offices for assistance with Medicaid applications and services. You’ll also find resources to help you better understand your benefits.
Houston resident Medicaid resources
Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance coverage to adults 65+ and individuals with disabilities. All 65+ U.S. citizens qualify for Medicare, however, a senior’s premium may vary depending on their work history, paid Medicare taxes, and income. To save on Medicare costs and to learn more about the benefits available to your loved one with dementia, check out the following Texas programs:
To qualify for this program, seniors mustn’t exceed a monthly income of $1,133 individually or $1,526 as a couple.[06]
If you’d like to speak to a local expert about your loved one’s eligible benefits and/or enrollment, you can also contact your local long-term care (LTC) ombudsman in Houston. They advocate for the health care rights of memory care residents and help families learn about senior living options and payment methods. The Harris County Area Agency on Aging (or AAA) also helps local seniors access the long-term care they need. The AAA provides benefits counseling, caregiver support, referral services, and more to the aging residents of Houston.
Houston resident Medicare resources
Texas Health Information, Counseling, and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
Phone: 800-252-9240
The Legal Hotline for Texans
Phone: 800-622-2520, ext. 3
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Long-term care ombudsman
Greg Shelley, Harris County Long-Term Care Ombudsman
6901 Bertner Ave., Suite 624
Houston, TX 77030
Phone: 715-500-9930
Email: Gregory.K.Shelley@uth.tmc.edu
Harris County Area Agency on Aging website Phone: 832-393-4301
Email: aging@houstontx.gov
In Texas, residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are eligible to receive dual coverage. This joint Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP) is called the Dual Eligible Integrated Care Demonstration Project, commonly referred to as “the Demonstration.” With the Demonstration, Texas strives towards the following:
To qualify for the Demonstration, seniors in Texas must meet the following eligibility requirements:
If your senior loved one qualifies for dual coverage, they should be automatically enrolled. Seniors may choose to opt out of the Demonstration after they’ve received a notifying letter of enrollment in the mail. For additional information on the Demonstration, you can email Managed_Care_Initiatives@hhsc.state.tx.us.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (or the HHSC) is the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating memory care facilities. Memory care facilities are a type of assisted living facility; so, Texas memory care regulations are built into existing assisted living regulations and laws. The state of Texas refers to assisted living facilities as ALFs, and categorizes them into two main types:
All certified memory care facilities fall under the Type B assisted living facility (ALF). The main difference between general assisted living and assisted living facilities with memory care is that the latter must meet additional certification requirements in memory care. Texas’ memory care regulations hold memory care communities to a higher standard than other states. Regulations require memory care staff to continuously learn about the latest dementia research and train in tried-and-true memory care techniques. Texas even requires facilities to offer specialized memory care programming to actively engage residents.
The additional licensing standards for assisted living facilities licensed in memory care include, but are not limited to, the following:
To regulate memory care-specialized assisted living facilities, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission performs unannounced inspections approximately every two years after the initial inspection. Inspections assess a facility’s compliance with Texas’ health and life safety code.[09]
The health code inspection includes a review of the following:
The life safety code inspection reviews:
You can access each licensed community’s most recent inspection report and general facility information through the Texas Health and Human Services’ Long-term Care Provider Search. For any additional information not found in reports, you can email RSLTCR.RecordsMgmt@hhsc.state.tx.us.
4601 W. Guadalupe St.
Austin, TX 78751
Phone: 512-424-6500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Houston doesn’t have any set COVID-19 regulations for memory care facilities. However, Harris County Public Health does offer general public guidance regarding COVID-19. The department website offers regular updates and information on testing, vaccinations, social distancing, and additional local information.
Visitors are allowed on-site in memory care facilities, as it’s a residential right. However, visitors must comply with any protocols set forth by the individual communities. State regulations require all memory care facilities to develop infection prevention and control measures. These measures must discuss masks, physical distancing, and additional protocols for personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent the spread of all infectious viruses and outbreaks, including COVID-19.
Houston memory care facilities are constantly evolving to help individuals with dementia lead their best lives. In fact, the city has a local Alzheimer’s Association chapter dedicated to providing support services and education to those facing the hardships of Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia.
Due to the state’s robust memory care regulations, seniors with dementia can also expect a personalized level of care services, activities, and more. Read on to learn about some of the best memory care features in Houston.
Our partnering Houston memory care facilities aim to offer a personalized experience for senior loved ones with dementia. To make this happen, memory care communities require caregivers to receive specialized memory care training to handle the most common dementia behaviors. In fact, 95% of communities use redirection, cueing, and reorientation techniques to help manage dementia symptoms. Through comprehensive training and learned techniques, dementia caregivers can help your loved one manage many common symptoms. Here’s a short breakdown of what memory care communities are equipped to handle:
Because seniors with dementia are often prone to confusion and wandering, many memory care facilities prioritize security. In our Houston network, 100% of communities offer round-the-clock staffing to help ensure timely care and safety for residents. And 60% of communities are also designed to specifically accommodate memory loss. This means that they incorporate human-centered architecture and design to promote comfortability and reduce confusion for residents navigating the community.[01]
To further prevent wandering, most of our partner memory care communities in Houston offer an enclosed courtyard for residents to enjoy fresh air within a safe space. Residents can also freely roam indoor and outdoor walking paths that are monitored by staff. A select few communities also take advanced security measures by installing high-tech wander guard systems. These systems detect residents’ movements and send alerts when a resident wanders off the premises.
Texas state regulations hold memory care facilities in Houston to a high standard. They require memory care facilities to offer activities programming that encourages residents to socialize, express themselves, exercise, and stimulate their brains. Naturally, this means that all of our partner facilities in Houston offer on-site activities.
Furthermore, regulations require facilities to appoint an activity director to manage and facilitate the specialized activities program. Some facilities put this responsibility on trained caregivers, but most of our partner facilities have hired a full-time activity director to oversee the program. This director dedicates their time to learning about each resident’s medical history, preferences, and abilities to establish person-centered activities for them. Some of the most common memory activities include the following:
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Number of 65+ seniors currently living in Houston, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of Houston seniors 65+ who speak a language other than English at home, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Median annual retirement income for Houston seniors 65+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Houston Methodist Hospital is No. 1 in the state of Texas and Houston, according to U.S. News and World Report. It nationally ranks in 10 specialties, including No. 22 for geriatrics, No. 15 for neurology, and No. 11 for orthopedics. The hospital campus is home to Nantz National Alzheimer Center — a world-renowned research and referral center dedicated to preventing Alzheimer’s disease, slowing memory loss, and improving the quality of life for dementia patients.
Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center is No. 2 in Houston, according to U.S. News and World Report. It nationally ranks in six specialties, including No. 43 in geriatrics.
MD Anderson is the No. 1 cancer center in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report. It’s the largest cancer center in the U.S. and is nationally ranked in geriatrics, diabetes, and urology.
Michael E. DeBakey is one of the most popular veteran hospitals in Texas. It’s known for providing a wide range of health, legal, and caregiver services.
Public transportation isn’t the safest method of getting around for seniors with dementia, unless they have a caregiver escort. This is why most Houston memory care facilities assist residents in getting from place to place safely. In fact, 85% of our partner Houston memory care facilities offer complimentary transportation services on-site.
Do note that some communities restrict these rides to appointments and errands, while others will also take you to leisure activities and events. Other communities may provide transportation through at-cost ride services. Be sure to check with your prospective community if this is a service your loved one may require.
For facilities that don’t offer transportation on-site, seniors with caregiver escorts may consider using the local RIDES program. This program offers discounted nonemergency transportation services to seniors 65+ and individuals with disabilities who reside in Harris County. If you choose this route, make sure it’s safe for your loved one by asking if they can be accompanied by a caregiver.
Additionally, if a senior is a Medicaid recipient, they may receive rides through the medical transportation program provided by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Seniors can receive rides to doctors’ offices, hospitals, drug stores, or any place that provides Medicaid-covered health care services. It’s still important that seniors with dementia are accompanied by a caregiving escort during these trips to ensure their safe arrival and return.
Houston is home to many shops, restaurants, and activities — with several options for seniors in various stages of dementia. Visiting families can take their loved one out to some of the city’s most popular attractions, or seniors can partake in scheduled community outings. Many memory care facilities plan group outings to help individuals with dementia explore the city’s attractions safely. These trips aim to help seniors recall cherished memories, calm their minds, and enjoy new experiences. Read on for some highlights on dementia-friendly activities in Houston.
Keep in mind, many of the listed places happily offer guided tours, wheelchairs, etc. to accommodate individuals with a physical or cognitive disability. Just be sure to inquire with each place about their available accessibility options when planning a visit.
Atria Westchase, Novellus Kingwood Assisted Living and Memory Care and Creekside Alzheimer's Special Care Center are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Houston, TX. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in Houston is $4,901 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
The 90 memory care facilities near you in Houston, Texas typically provide housing, therapies, and care tailored to those who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. To find memory care in Houston, Texas, browse our detailed listings showing photos, floor plans, amenities, activities, and reviews from real families.
Browse A Place for Mom’s listings for memory care in Houston, Texas, to take a virtual tour. Our local senior living experts can arrange for a live tour of these communities as well.
The cost of memory care facilities in Houston, Texas ranges from $500 to $12190. The average Memory Care cost in Houston, Texas is $4,901. Prices often vary based on care provided, amenities, unit size, and more.
The cost of memory care in Houston, Texas typically starts at $500. A Place for Mom’s local, expert senior living advisors can help you find affordable memory care facilities near you and offer advice on how to lower costs and pay for care with VA benefits or public payment options.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). Home and Community Based Services (HCBS).
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022, September 1). Appendix XXXI, Budget reference chart. In Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities Handbook.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). STAR+PLUS, STAR+PLUS Client FAQs.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022, June 1). Appendix IX, Medicare Savings Program information. In Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities Handbook.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2023). Assisted living facilities (ALF).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553 (2021).
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). Long-term care provider search.
Assisted Living Facility Licensing Act, Health Facilities § 247.001 (2021).
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). Home and Community Based Services (HCBS).
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022, September 1). Appendix XXXI, Budget reference chart. In Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities Handbook.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). STAR+PLUS, STAR+PLUS Client FAQs.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022, June 1). Appendix IX, Medicare Savings Program information. In Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities Handbook.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2023). Assisted living facilities (ALF).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553 (2021).
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). Long-term care provider search.
Assisted Living Facility Licensing Act, Health Facilities § 247.001 (2021).
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.