Katy, Texas attracts retiring seniors due to its health care options, affordability, family-friendly feel, and close proximity to Houston. It also offers several senior care options — including nursing homes. Nursing home is often used as a blanket term for an array of senior care facilities. However, a nursing home or skilled nursing facility is actually the highest level of medical care one can receive outside of a hospital. These facilities offer 24-hour medical supervision, hospice care, and rehabilitative services to seniors who need them.
A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with stand-alone skilled nursing facilities. However, we do partner with a range of assisted living and memory care facilities in Katy that offer some on-site nursing services. A select few even have a skilled nursing unit located on-site. These senior care facilities are often a better fit for seniors who don’t currently require 24-hour skilled nursing care. Assisted living and memory care facilities offer personal care, supportive services, activities, and social programs to help seniors thrive in their next chapter of life.
A Place for Mom partners with many senior care facilities in Katy, including assisted living and memory care. This guide enables you to compare local nursing homes to these senior care facilities. It provides you access to useful information on Katy’s senior care facility features, proprietary data on those facilities, and senior-specific care resources in Katy. We even outline facility regulation information as well as senior-favored activities in Katy.
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Katy 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
Because Katy is known as a Houston suburb, cost data on nursing home facilities comes from the greater metropolitan area. The median monthly cost of a nursing home in the greater Houston area is approximately $7,756 per month.[01]
If your senior loved one doesn’t require 24-hour nursing services, there are more affordable senior care options in the Katy area. Both assisted living and memory care facilities are more affordable, saving seniors and their families more than $2,000 per month. Here are the median starting rent costs according to A Place for Mom’s 2022-2023 proprietary data:[02]
Our partner senior care communities in Katy don’t offer the 24-hour skilled nursing services typically found in nursing homes. But, the median rent at these senior care communities does often cover a range of services, like the following:
Our partner senior care communities might also offer some of the following services but usually at an additional cost:
Most seniors and their families use a combination of private funds and public payment methods to cover their senior care costs in Katy. A senior’s options largely depend on their personal history and current financial situation. Some public programs to help offset costs may include VA benefits, Medicare, and/or Medicaid.
Below, you’ll find a summary of how you can use all three options to cover nursing home and senior care costs, along with some private pay options.
Seniors and families typically acquire private funds over a lifetime to pay for a nursing home or senior care community. Take a look at some of the most common private sources of income for senior care below:
Number of veterans who live in Katy as of 2021
About 39% of Katy veterans are 65+.
If you or your senior loved one is a veteran or spouse of a veteran, veterans benefits may help cover long-term care and senior care community costs.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers senior veterans and their surviving spouses various pensions and benefits. The Aid and Attendance benefit is especially helpful for disabled senior veterans. This generous benefit is a monthly addition to the VA Pension. This additional income can be used to pay for anything that improves quality of life — like a nursing home or senior care facility.
VA benefits can be difficult to navigate, so if you’re unsure about eligibility, we recommend reaching out to a local veterans service organization (VSO) before beginning the application process.
VSOs are nonprofits, often vetted by the VA to help senior veterans or their surviving spouses obtain entitled benefits. VSOs can help you or your loved one to successfully file benefit claims or appeal a denied claim.
Katy belongs to three counties, Harris, Fort Bend, and Waller, so residents have several options. In fact, Katy makes it easy for veterans to access local veterans service organizations, because many of them operate out of the Harris, Fort Bend, and Waller veterans service departments.
These county departments can put you in touch with regional and nationwide VSOs like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Texas Veterans Commission (TVC). You can reach out to such organizations with the contact information provided below. We also provide some online guides that explain more on using veterans benefits for senior long-term care.
Resources for Katy veterans
Fort Bend County veterans service office
4520 Reading Road, Suite A-300
Rosenberg, TX 77471
Phone: 281-341-4550
Email: veteranservices@fortbendcountytx.gov
Waller County veterans service office
Waller County Community Center
21274 FM 1098
Prairie View, TX 77446
Phone: 979-826-7733
Email: g.nemec@wallercounty.us
Medicaid is a joint state and federal program that provides health insurance to individuals with limited income and resources. In Texas, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (or the HHSC) runs the state’s Medicaid programs and serves more than 7.5 million Texans per month. Their STAR+PLUS program is the most popular Medicaid program among seniors.
STAR+PLUS is the state’s Medicaid-managed care program for seniors 65+ and individuals with disabilities. This program covers basic health care services and some skilled nursing services through agencies that’ve been licensed and certified by the HHSC. For seniors to receive Medicaid within a nursing home or skilled nursing facility, they must meet income requirements and have an approved medical necessity. A medical necessity means their need for full-time nursing services must be confirmed and provided by a licensed nurse.
Medicaid only covers room and board at Medicaid-contracted nursing facilities, which A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with. If the senior doesn’t require a nursing home level of care, they might be better suited for an assisted living community. If they require specialized care for memory loss, they would likely do best in a memory care community.
Medicaid doesn’t cover rent at private senior care facilities, but it may cover certain care services offered at the facility. Medicaid may pay for care services at a private senior care facility if the senior qualifies for a home and community based services (HCBS) Medicaid waiver.
If a senior wishes to remain in their place of residence while receiving necessary care services, they may benefit from Medicaid’s home and community based services (or HCBS) waiver program.
The HCBS program offers a cost-effective option for seniors to receive care in their home or community, instead of an institutional setting like a nursing home. When a senior applies for Medicaid, the HHSC assesses their need for the HCBS program. Once approved, the HCBS waiver can be used anywhere a senior calls home, meaning it can be used in an assisted living or memory care facility. However, the agency providing the care services must contract with the senior’s managed care provider.[04]
The home and community based services (or HCBS) waiver program can help cover an array of services in the senior’s place of residence:[05]
To qualify for the home and community based services waiver, seniors must meet the following eligibility criteria:[06,07]
Not all Katy senior care facilities constitute as an HCBS setting, so it’s crucial to inquire with prospective communities if you plan on using Medicaid to pay for on-site care services.
Qualifying HCBS facilities meet the following guidelines:[04]
Katy offers several Medicaid resources throughout the city. Below, you’ll find Texas Medicaid websites as well as some search tools that can help you access local Medicaid services and applications. The Texas Human Health and Services Commission (HHSC) and Harris County Area Agency on Aging also offer numerous programs for aging individuals to find support, which you can also browse below.
Katy resident Medicaid resources
Harris County Area Agency on Aging website
8000 N. Stadium Dr.
Katy, TX 77054
Greg Shelley, managing local ombudsman
Phone: 713-500-9931
Email: gregory.k.shelley@uth.tmc.edu
Medicare is a health insurance program that offers coverage to adults 65+ and individuals with disabilities. It’s a federal program and covers skilled nursing care costs with Medicare-contracted nursing homes for a limited time.
In Texas, Medicare may fully cover up to 20 days in a Medicare-certified nursing home or skilled nursing facility and may partially cover up to 100 days. Medicare is no longer responsible for payments after the 100-day limit.[08]
Below is a quick overview of what Medicare can cover. We also highlight some programs that can help your senior loved one save on Medicare costs and apply for benefits:
In the resources section below, you’ll find Medicare applications and a services search to help you locate offices in the Katy area. For additional assistance with your eligible benefits and enrollment, you can contact your local long-term care (LTC) ombudsman. They advocate for the health care rights of assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing facility residents. They also help families learn about senior care options and payment methods in their area.
Families can reach out to the Harris County Area Agency on Aging to access the long-term care services they need. The Area Agency on Aging provides aging-friendly programs, benefits counseling, long-term care coordination, caregiver support, and referrals to aging Katy residents.
Katy resident Medicare resources
16200 Dillard Dr.
Houston, TX 77040
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Texas Health Information, Counseling, and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
Phone: 800-252-9240
Phone: 800-622-2520, ext. 3
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Harris County Area Agency on Aging website
8000 N. Stadium Dr.
Katy, TX 77054
Greg Shelley, managing local ombudsman
Phone: 713-500-9931
Email: gregory.k.shelley@uth.tmc.edu
Katy residents who reside in Harris County, and qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, are eligible to receive dual coverage through one Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP) in Katy, Texas. This program is called the Dual Eligible Integrated Care Demonstration Project and is commonly called “the Demonstration.” This program doesn’t cover Katy residents in Fort Bend or Waller Counties.
Dual-eligible individuals should be automatically enrolled. They may choose to opt out of the Demonstration after they receive an enrollment letter in the mail notifying them of their enrollment. To request additional information on the Demonstration, you can email managed_care_initiatives@hhsc.state.tx.us.
The state of Texas requires all senior care facilities — skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care facilities — to be licensed and regulated by Texas Health and Human Services (otherwise known as HHS or HHSC). Facilities must acquire a license before they begin to provide housing and care services to residents. Additionally, nursing homes and senior care facilities must be certified by the HHSC to accept Medicaid or Medicare payments.
In this section, you’ll find a detailed summary of the licensing and certification requirements for Texas nursing homes and senior care facilities:
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission performs inspections on all skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care facilities. These inspections take place approximately every two years, and they check for a facility’s compliance with Texas’ life safety code and health code.[11]
The health code and life safety code require nursing homes and senior care facilities to regulate the following:[11]
You can visit the Texas Health and Human Services’ Long-term Care Provider Search to access a licensed community’s most recent inspection report and general facility information. To request any information not found on the site, you can email rsltcr.recordsmgmt@hhsc.state.tx.us.
The Health and Human Services Commission implemented a Quality Monitoring Program (or QMP) to continually enhance the quality of care provided in Texas nursing homes. This program monitors nursing facilities with a history of deficiencies. QMP reviews are conducted by nurses, pharmacists, and dieticians. They may recommend changes to policies or procedures, conduct staff trainings, offer technical assistance, and educate staff about evidence-based best practices during their visits to facilities.
To compare and contrast Katy nursing home ratings, staffing practices, and overall quality of Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes, families can visit the federal Medicare website.
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC or HHS) contact information
4601 W. Guadalupe St.
Austin, TX 78751
Phone: 512-424-6500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
There are currently no COVID-19 regulations specific to nursing homes or senior care facilities in Katy. However, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission does require all care facilities to set their own infection prevention and control measures. This is so facilities take accountability to prevent the spread of all common diseases and infections, including COVID-19.
A senior care or skilled nursing facility’s infection prevention and control measures may include guidelines on the following:
Because facilities are allowed to set their own regulations, it’s best to check with your prospective community about what measures are in place to protect residents against common infections. You can also visit the COVID-19 informational page on the City of Katy website to access regular updates regarding local risk levels, testing, vaccinations, and more.
Katy is a popular retirement destination in Houston due to its care options and affordability.
A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers. However, some of our senior care facilities offer robust nursing services. These services are reserved for current residents with common senior medical conditions. Seniors often need assistance with their activities of daily living as well as nursing services like medication administration.
Some senior care communities also have a skilled nursing unit on-site to prevent relocation in case a resident starts to need 24-hour medical supervision or intensive rehabilitation. In Katy, only a handful of our senior care partner communities have a skilled nursing unit. However, seniors still have access to a number of nursing care services at our Katy senior care facilities.
Learn about what assisted living and memory care facilities in Katy have to offer below.
Seniors who don’t require 24-hour medical supervision may benefit from the personalized care services available in Katy assisted living communities. These communities help seniors and their families cut care costs significantly. Senior care communities also enable seniors to receive personalized care within a social and engaging environment.
The following personal care services are typically found in Katy assisted living senior care communities:
Some senior care communities provide more advanced on-site nursing services common to the needs of their senior residents, for instance:
To help ensure proper care and nursing, over 50% of our partner senior care communities in Katy have a medical director on-site. Most communities also have a medication care manager or visiting, licensed nurses to help ensure quality treatment.
Memory care facilities in Katy offer many of the same personal care services available in assisted living communities, with the addition of specialized care for memory loss. Amenities are often similar too, but layouts and design features may be adjusted for safety. The care at these memory care facilities is typically more personalized to accommodate the unique needs of people with dementia. Additional security measures also help to prevent wandering and aggression.
Licensed memory care facilities in Texas are required to maintain the following standards on-site or risk losing their license:
Oftentimes, communities implement therapeutic, memory care programs and activities to enable residents to reminisce, cherish past memories, and create new, meaningful memories. Memory care communities might focus more on musical events, movie nights, brain-stimulating games, and other activities that support well-being as well as brain health.
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Katy offers many robust health care options. The city often ranks high on retirement lists due to its health care offerings. The city itself doesn’t have many hospitals, because Houston tends to house most of them, but Katy does have many recognized clinics. Residents also have a few hospitals in the area, which you can learn about in this section.
Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital has been serving the city for approximately four decades. It houses 208 beds and a medical staff with expertise in 39 specialties. It’s also known for its patient-centered care and is nationally recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for nursing professionalism and excellent care.
Houston Methodist West Hospital is located in West Houston, so it serves many Katy residents. This hospital offers over 200 beds and is known for its innovative medical and surgical care.
To help seniors get around Katy safely, nearly 90% of our partnering senior care facilities in Katy offer at-cost and/or complimentary transportation services.[02] Some communities limit rides to medical appointments and essential errands, while others offer personal rides as well.
Communities that don’t offer their own transportation service may offer concierge services to connect riders to reliable ride programs in the area.
For instance, senior Medicaid recipients have access to the medical transportation program provided by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHS). Houston’s METRO also offers some buses and rail lines in Katy. Seniors 65+ can apply for discounted METRO fare cards. Seniors between 65 and 69 get a discounted rate, while seniors 70+ can ride for free. METRO also offers discounts for individuals with disabilities and free rides for qualifying veterans.
If your senior loved one is disabled and must use an external transportation service, it’s a good idea to make sure a caregiver can supervise to ensure their safe arrival and return.
Because Katy is so close to Houston, many residents tend to drive to the big city for many activities. However, Katy still offers a few great, hyperlocal activities for seniors seeking nearby entertainment.
Seniors can explore the city’s local shops, museums, and restaurants with visiting family and friends. Or, they can attend community-scheduled group outings — more than half of our senior care partners in Katy regularly take seniors out to local attractions, restaurants, and events.[02]
Read on for some of the activities favored by Katy’s senior residents. Most of the attractions we highlight in this section offer accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Be sure to inquire with each respective place before planning a visit, and ask about accessible maps, seating, guided tours, rentable equipment, etc.
There are a variety of unique shopping options in Katy. LaCenterra Cinco Ranch is one of the most popular outdoor shopping destinations in the city. The shopping complex boasts tons of boutiques, restaurants, bars, and outdoor areas. Seniors and their families can enjoy a delicious meal, browse local shops, watch the latest blockbuster, or attend local events like trivia nights, live jazz shows, farmers’ markets, and so much more.
When the weather isn’t ideal, seniors can also browse the shops and restaurants of Katy Mills Mall. The mall has many well-known shops, restaurants, and even a movie theater.
Katy has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s, which can be explored through its historic sites and Katy museums. The city has a farming history and is home to an old railroad depot. Seniors and visiting loved ones view antiques and examine the preserved elements of the city. Most Katy museums are free and accessible, and some even offer events to promote socialization among residents.
For seniors who are fond of nature, there are many gorgeous parks in Katy. The most popular among Katy residents is Mary Jo Peckham Park. It spans over 32 acres and features activities like those listed below:
As one of Houston’s most popular suburbs, Katy residents often visit Houston for fun events, festivals, and attractions. The city is home to an incredible array of restaurants, theaters, museums, and much more. It’s also home to some well-known teams — the Texans, Astros, and Rockets — so many fans living in Katy drive out to attend games and watch parties in Houston.
Check out the city’s Visit Houston website for all the magic Houston has to offer its residents.
Cinco Ranch Alzheimer's Special Care Center, Atria Westchase and The Solana Vintage Park are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Katy, TX. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Katy is $4,931 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Genworth. (2021). Cost of care survey.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Katy city; Texas.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2023). Home and community based services (HCBS).
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). STAR+PLUS, STAR+PLUS Client FAQs.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2023, March 1). Appendix XXXI, monthly income/resource limits. In STAR+PLUS Handbook.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2016, March 1). A-3300, home and community-based services waiver programs. In Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities Handbook.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2012, September 1). H-7000, Medicare and co-payment. In Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities Handbook.
Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification, Texas Administrative Code § 554 (1995 and rev. 2021).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553 (2021).
Assisted Living Facility Licensing Act, Health Facilities § 247.001 (1991 & rev. 1999).
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
Genworth. (2021). Cost of care survey.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Katy city; Texas.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2023). Home and community based services (HCBS).
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). STAR+PLUS, STAR+PLUS Client FAQs.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2023, March 1). Appendix XXXI, monthly income/resource limits. In STAR+PLUS Handbook.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2016, March 1). A-3300, home and community-based services waiver programs. In Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities Handbook.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2012, September 1). H-7000, Medicare and co-payment. In Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities Handbook.
Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification, Texas Administrative Code § 554 (1995 and rev. 2021).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553 (2021).
Assisted Living Facility Licensing Act, Health Facilities § 247.001 (1991 & rev. 1999).