San Antonio is the second largest city in Texas and home to a growing senior population. The city accommodates these seniors with continually evolving support services and increasing care options. This includes nursing homes — an umbrella term commonly used to refer to a breadth of senior living facilities. However, nursing home care is a specific form of care involving skilled nursing services. This form of care offers the highest level of medical care outside of a hospital, ideal for seniors who require 24-hour medical oversight, hospice, or rehabilitative services.
If your loved one doesn’t require a skilled nursing level of care but does need assistance with activities of daily living and medication assistance, an assisted living senior care facility might be a better fit. Or, if your loved one faces cognitive issues, a memory care facility may be ideal. A Place for Mom partners with 55 senior care facilities within a 10-mile radius of San Antonio’s downtown, including assisted living and memory care. These facilities provide personal care, supportive services, individualized activities, and social programming to support the health and well-being of seniors. Most of these facilities also offer skilled nursing services on-site for their current residents. Read on for a thorough overview of these local senior care facilities in San Antonio, including costs, care types, and valuable senior resources.
I began a journey to find the right facility for my 109 year old GOD-Aunt; not due to convenience but out of necessity. We literally ran out of money for 24 hour around the clock care. Thankfully, my...
They are a very well trained organization. They get stuff done as soon as possible. Super friendly. On top of the staff and training for the employees. The caregivers are very sweet and super attentive.
Arden Courts in San Antonio, TX has been a lifesaver! My mother has been living with my husband and I for one year. Being a caregiver to a person with Dementia has been the most challenging task I have ever...
1. Overall experience-GREAT!! The director, [name removed] is an absolute angel! The day I met her, she had come in on a weekend just to check on the residents to play bingo with them on her day off. And...
My 97-year old aunt has lived in the Assisted Living at Villa de SA for about 18 months. She absolutely loves it!! The staff take such great care of her, tending to her needs daily. The kitchen staff go the...
I couldn’t say more good things about the Landing. Staff is very nice and understanding. They are always willing to assist when asked. I love that they have activities available 7 days a week. I know the...
Food needs some improvement. It is good and tastes ok, just needs more variety and much better presentation. However, based on the experience we have had, we would definitely recommend this community to...
It appears that the Forum Independent Living is having a facility staffing issue as they have a large sign in front of the facility noting a hiring need.
A loving and warm atmosphere is the most important thing that we looked for when we’re were making such a difficult decision to place our loved one. After our visit and conversation with the administration...
What we really like about The Westmark Senior Living is that they really make our loved one feel at home and we would recommend them to other families who may need a place for their loved ones
This place truly feels like home. The location is great and is near my daughter and my sister. I would highly recommend this amazing assisted living facility.
My father-in-law is very settled and happy there. The new ownership and remodeling has caused a little bit of an upheaval, but the company has been very professional and considerate of the residents through...
My wife and I moved to this Brookdale Community about four months ago. We sold our home and down sized to a smaller rental home a couple of years ago. It was difficult providing care for my wife. While at...
Having to put your Mom or Dad in a place to be cared for is always a difficult situation. We have been in a few facilities before Aventine at The Etta and I have to say this place is far above our past...
The people who work at Poets Walk seem to genuinely care about the wellbeing of the patients. I knew that my Dad was in good hands. They alerted me promptly about anything I needed to know, anything my...
Every caregiver is extremely kind and compassionate. As my mother-in-law's needs have changed, they have embraced it and worked with us making sure she receives the increased care she needs now.
Mom has been very happy with her time at IH she likes the activities food and care. She appreciates her freedom to move around and talk with others. I do believe her favorite thing is the outings each week...
I really have enjoyed getting to know the staff here at Hamilton Wolfe. They care for my mom well and she is thriving. The food is fantastic. Everyone is always friendly and helpful. I have zero complaints.
Sometimes, the maid skimps on cleaning the shower. Many times, eggs, bacon, sausage, or Canadian bacon not included for breakfast. Only protein served is yogurt. There were supposed to be movie nights once a...
Westover Memory Care took excellent care of my mom when she was there from 2021-January 2023 in which mom passed. Everyone was so loving and giving and it gave me reassurance she had people tending to her...
Everything generally is good regarding the care. They do not communicate very well regarding her condition and never told me she had Covid recently. I had to hear that from her hospice nurse after the fact....
What we really like about Shavano Park is the size of the rooms, they were larger than the other ones we looked at. We would recommend this community to other families who may need a place for their loved...
As you know my Wife was diagnosed, by the VA with dementia. I moved into assisted living to be with her Once I moved in it was determined that she passed all the dementia testing and no longer needed to be...
I feel like I can give most of those ratings only because I am constantly managing issues. I have to regularly bring things to the attention of staff because my mother-in-law won't or can't advocate for...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders San Antonio 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
San Antonio nursing homes typically have a heftier price tag due to the fact that they are staffed with doctors and nurses and provide 24-hour medical observation, similar to what you would receive in a hospital. However, if your loved one doesn’t require 24-hour skilled nursing, assisted living facility costs might be more relevant. Here’s a glimpse at average monthly costs of Houston nursing homes versus senior care facilities:
Nursing homes
Assisted living communities
Memory care communities
Assisted living and memory care communities can care for your loved one in an engaging environment filled with enticing amenities and activities. Assisted living amenities include movie theaters, fitness centers, holiday parties, person-centered programming, and care services, such as personalized assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, and some basic skilled nursing services. Memory care facilities typically have the same offerings as assisted living facilities with the addition of secured areas, supervision from staff specialized in memory care, and specialized therapies and activities.
There are several ways to pay for a San Antonio senior care facility. Most families combine private pay methods and public pay options to cover long-term care costs. Below, you’ll find several methods and resources to help you understand your payment options, so you can carefully devise a payment plan for your loved one’s senior care facility.
Private pay methods include your senior loved one’s income sources like their savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns. Keep in mind that Texas is one of the few U.S. states without a personal income tax, meaning your loved one won’t have to worry about paying taxes on their Social Security benefits, retirement income, or pensions.[03,04] Depending on your family’s resources, other private pay methods may include the following:
Note: Long-term care insurance policies vary in what they can cover, so it’s best practice to consult with your loved one’s policy provider to learn more.
San Antonio is home to many military bases and jobs for veterans, so it’s no surprise that it’s the Texas city with the largest veteran population. To support this large population and enhance the local veteran’s quality of life, the city offers over 200 veteran resources and support services. To narrow down the most suitable resources for your senior loved one, you can reach out to Texas Veterans Network — San Antonio (also known as TVN). A TVN staff member will happily evaluate their current situation and needs to recommend relevant support services and programs. Help doesn’t stop with recommendations, TVN employees will continue communicating with recommended veteran organizations to confirm that solutions work for your loved one.
Veterans who receive a veterans pension from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (or VA) and are enrolled in VA health care may also qualify for additional disability benefits to help pay for senior care costs. The Aid and Attendance benefit is one benefit addition to the senior’s pension that can be used to pay for anything that improves the veteran’s quality of life. A senior veteran can qualify for this benefit if they have recognition from VA health care of a disability due to wartime service. The approval process for VA benefits is long and difficult, so it is a good idea to reach out to a local veteran resource center for assistance and advocacy with the process.
To better understand benefit options and to receive assistance with applying, you can reach out to several departments and organizations throughout the area. San Antonio has its own Military and Veteran Affairs Department that supports and assists city veterans. The Bexar County Military and Veterans Services Center also helps San Antonio veterans obtain their eligible benefits and file claims. The Texas Veterans Commission is another advocate for Texas veterans and their families, with eight programs dedicated to helping veterans obtain benefits.
Number of veterans who live in San Antonio, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
About 42% of San Antonio veterans are 65+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Resources for San Antonio veterans
City of San Antonio: Military and Veterans Affairs Department
100 W. Houston St., Suite 1008
San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: 210-207-3995
Bexar County Military and Veterans Services Center (MVSC)
1422 E. Grayson St., 4th Floor
San Antonio, TX 78208
Phone: 210-335-6775
Email: vets@bexar.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
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. The HHSC offers numerous programs through their local area agencies on aging (also known as AAAs) for seniors 60+, as well as other long-term care programs for low-income seniors and seniors with a disability.
The HHSC oversees the operation of STAR+PLUS — the state’s Medicaid managed care program for 65+ adults and individuals with disabilities. This program covers some basic health care services and some skilled nursing services through agencies that’ve been licensed and certified by Texas Health and Human Services. To receive Medicaid within a skilled nursing facility, residents must have an approved medical necessity that confirms their need for full-time nursing services provided by a licensed nurse within a nursing facility.
If your senior loved one doesn’t require 24-hour care services within a nursing home, they may benefit from the Home and Community Based Services (or HCBS) waiver program. When a senior applies for Medicaid, the HHSC assesses their need for the HCBS program. The waiver can be used anywhere a senior calls home, meaning it can be used in an assisted living or memory care facility that contracts with the senior’s managed care provider. The HCBS program enables seniors to receive care within a residential setting, as opposed to an institutional setting commonly found in nursing homes.[06]
The Home and Community Based Services (or HCBS) waiver program can help cover the following services:
To qualify for the Home and Community Based Services waiver, seniors must meet the following requirements:
Note for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) settings: Not all San Antonio senior living facilities qualify as an HCBS setting, so be sure to check with each prospective community if you plan to use Medicaid to pay for care services. Qualifying facilities must do the following:
San Antonio 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 FAQs and an online application form.
Additional San Antonio resident Medicaid resources
Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance to adults 65+ and individuals with disabilities. It covers skilled nursing care costs for a limited time. In Texas, Medicare may fully cover up to 20 days in a nursing home or skilled nursing facility and partially cover up to 100 days. Medicare is no longer responsible for payments after the 100-day limit.[09] Below, you’ll find a breakdown of what Medicare can cover along with some programs that can help your loved one save on Medicare costs and apply for benefits:
For assistance with your eligible benefits and enrollment, contact your local long-term care (LTC) ombudsman. An ombudsman advocates for the health care rights of assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing facility residents as well as helps families learn about senior care options and payment methods. The Alamo Area Council of Governments also helps San Antonio seniors access the long-term care they need. It provides benefits counseling, care coordination, caregiver support, and more to aging San Antonio residents.
San Antonio resident Medicare resources
Apply for the Texas Medicare Savings Program
Texas Health and Human Services
Long-term care ombudsman
Cindy Boyum, Managing Local Ombudsman at AAA of Bexar County
2700 NE. Loop 410, Suite 101
San Antonio, TX 78217
Phone: 210-362-5236
Email: cboyum@aacog.com
Alamo Area Council of Governments
Aging Services for Bexar County and Alamo Area
Phone: 210-477-3275
Email: info@askasc.org
Federal Medicare resources
Texas residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are eligible to receive dual coverage through one joint Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP) called the Dual Eligible Integrated Care Demonstration Project, commonly referred to as “the Demonstration.” With the Demonstration, Texas strives to improve service coordination, enhance quality of care, eliminate cost shifting between Medicare and Medicaid, and reduce costs for the state and federal government. To qualify for the Demonstration, seniors must meet the following eligibility requirements:
If your senior loved one qualifies for dual coverage, they should be automatically enrolled and 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.
In Texas, all skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care facilities must be licensed and regulated by Texas Health and Human Services (also known as the HHSC or HHS) before they’re able to provide housing and care services to residents. Additionally, if a nursing or senior care facility wishes to accept Medicaid or Medicare, it must be certified by the HHS to do so. Below, you’ll find a summarized list of the certification requirements for nursing homes and senior care facilities in Texas:
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission performs inspections on all skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care facilities. These inspections are done approximately every two years and check for a facility’s compliance with the life safety and health code requirements.[20] The health code and life safety code require nursing homes and senior care facilities to regulate the following:
You can access a licensed community’s most recent inspection report and general facility information through the Texas Health and Human Services’ Long-term Care Provider Search. You can also email RSLTCR.RecordsMgmt@hhsc.state.tx.us to request any information not found on the site.
In an effort to continually enhance the quality of care provided in Texas nursing homes, the Health and Human Services Commission implemented a Quality Monitoring Program (or QMP) to monitor nursing facilities with a history of resident care deficiencies. These QMPs are conducted by nurses, pharmacists, and dieticians who may recommend changes to policies or procedures, conduct staff on in-service training, offer technical assistance, and educate staff about evidence-based best practices, during their visits to facilities.
Families can also visit the federal Medicare website to compare and contrast ratings, staffing practices, and overall quality of Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes.
4601 W. Guadalupe St.
Austin, TX 78751
Phone: 512-424-6500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations in San Antonio have loosened since the start of the pandemic; however, some practices have been adopted permanently to keep the aging population safe. Texas Health and Human Services (or HHS) has put out a COVID-19 response plan for nursing facilities to keep the state’s nursing home residents safe and healthy.
Currently, all San Antonio nursing homes and senior care facilities must allow visitors, as it is a resident’s right. Facilities are also expected to develop their own policies and procedures for infection control — including COVID-19 and any other spreadable viruses.[21] The updated COVID-19 response plan includes the following practices:
Vaccinations. COVID-19 vaccines aren’t mandatory for residents or visitors.
Masking. Visitors, staff, and residents aren’t required to wear masks unless indicated in the facility’s infection control policies and procedures.
Facility cleanliness. Frequently touched surfaces must be disinfected often, alcohol-based hand sanitizers must be available in all common areas, and sinks must be well-stocked with soap and paper towels.
CDC guidelines. HHS recommends that all Texas nursing facilities default to CDC guidelines when it comes to COVID-19 infection control and vaccination guidance.
San Antonio’s 60+ population is expected to grow roughly 20% by 2040.[22] The city of San Antonio recognizes this fast growth and aims to keep San Antonio aging-friendly. The San Antonio Department of Human Services established a Senior Services Strategic Plan in 2019 to improve local senior support services. This plan includes enhancing programs in city senior centers, expanding medical services, and generally supporting local seniors as they age. Furthermore, you’ll find that senior care facilities are expanding their on-site care services and activities to provide seniors with a range of living options and care services.
Check out some of the most unique features of San Antonio senior care facilities below:
To help ensure residents maintain a healthy lifestyle without ever having to move, our partner care communities provide a range of on-site care services — from personal care to skilled nursing care. A majority of A Place for Mom’s partner senior communities in San Antonio offer diabetic care, incontinence care, medication management, and other on-site nursing services. For unique care services not available on-site, some communities even partner with local, home health care agencies. Many communities offer multiple care types on the same campus, such as independent living, assisted living, and memory care. This enables seniors to age in place without having to worry about moving if they ever need more specialized care.
Aging adults are often devoted to a certain faith. Many of our partner senior care communities recognize this and provide a safe and peaceful devotional area, such as a chapel, to enable residents to practice their faith on-site. Some communities will even let the current resident consensus decide what religious services to host. For example, some communities are Catholic-dominant, so they’ll invite a Catholic priest to host a weekly Mass. Communities without a devotional space will often assist residents in practicing their faith by offering rides to a nearby chapel, temple, or synagogue.
As Texas’ city with the largest veteran population, you’ll find that San Antonio doesn’t take military service for granted. In fact, several of our partnered senior care facilities memorialize their local veterans with displays to recognize their years of service. These communities also pull out all the stops during Veterans Day to celebrate and honor veteran residents, both within the senior community as well as the greater community. San Antonio hosts a myriad of Veterans Day events and activities, including a grand parade that some residents attend with friends and loved ones. It’s not uncommon for communities to organize off-site outings to these local festivities for their residents.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in San Antonio, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of seniors 65+ in San Antonio with a disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Median annual retirement income for San Antonio seniors 65 and older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
San Antonio offers a range of health care options for seniors and veterans. See what top-rated medical centers have to offer:
This hospital is No. 1 in San Antonio and No. 13 in Texas, according to U.S. News and World Report. It’s high performing in 11 procedures and conditions, including diabetic care, kidney failure, and post-stroke care.
This hospital is No. 2 in San Antonio. It’s high performing in nine procedures and conditions, including some cancer surgeries, heart failure, and diabetes.
This hospital is the largest and most robust military health care organization in the U.S. It serves military service members, veterans and their families, and civilian emergency patients. It is known for its exceptional patient-centered care and treating combat causalities and trauma.
Public transportation isn’t the safest, most reliable form of transportation for nursing home residents, so many of our partnered senior care facilities provide modes of transportation to get their residents around safely. In fact, approximately 85% of our in-network assisted living and memory care facilities provide at-cost or complimentary transportation services. Some facilities limit their rides to appointments, while others also offer rides for errands and events.
If the senior is more independent or if you’re a visiting friend or family member, you may want to look at local transportation options provided through VIA Metropolitan Transit. Seniors ages 62+ can ride for only a quarter Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and receive free rides Saturday and Sunday. Seniors must obtain a VIA Reduced Fare ID to receive their senior discounts.
San Antonio is rich with history and culture. Seniors can easily find things to do, even for some of their niche interests. Oftentimes, seniors living in senior care facilities have limited mobility. To engage residents with varying mobility levels, many of our partner assisted living and memory care facilities arrange wheelchair-friendly transportation to off-site activities that accommodate individuals with disabilities. These off-site activities include outings to parks, museums, and other local attractions. Seniors can also enjoy off-site activities with visiting loved ones. Some of the most popular attractions among seniors include the following:
Serenity Oaks Assisted Living and Memory Care, Gemstone at Bulverde and The Waterford at Westover Hills are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near San Antonio, 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 San Antonio is $4,496 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.
TurboTax. (2022, December 1). States with the lowest taxes and the highest taxes.
Fritts, J. (2020, August 9). Does your state tax social security benefits? Tax Foundation.
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). STAR+PLUS, STAR+PLUS Client FAQs.
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. (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 § 554.801 (1999 & rev. 2020).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553.259 (2021).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553.207 (2021).
Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification, Texas Administrative Code § 554.1001 (1995 & rev. 2022).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553.253 (2021).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553.301 (2021).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553.303 (2021).
Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification, Texas Administrative Code § 554.1701 (1996 & rev. 2021).
Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification, Texas Administrative Code § 554.2208 (1995 & rev. 2020).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553.309 (2021).
Assisted Living Facility Licensing Act, Health Facilities § 247.001 (2021).
Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification, Texas Administrative Code § 554.1601 (1995 & rev. 2022).
City of San Antonio, Department of Human Services & the University of North Texas. (2019). 2019 Senior services strategic plan.
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.
Genworth. (2021). Cost of care survey.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
TurboTax. (2022, December 1). States with the lowest taxes and the highest taxes.
Fritts, J. (2020, August 9). Does your state tax social security benefits? Tax Foundation.
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). STAR+PLUS, STAR+PLUS Client FAQs.
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. (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 § 554.801 (1999 & rev. 2020).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553.259 (2021).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553.207 (2021).
Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification, Texas Administrative Code § 554.1001 (1995 & rev. 2022).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553.253 (2021).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553.301 (2021).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553.303 (2021).
Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification, Texas Administrative Code § 554.1701 (1996 & rev. 2021).
Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification, Texas Administrative Code § 554.2208 (1995 & rev. 2020).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553.309 (2021).
Assisted Living Facility Licensing Act, Health Facilities § 247.001 (2021).
Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification, Texas Administrative Code § 554.1601 (1995 & rev. 2022).
City of San Antonio, Department of Human Services & the University of North Texas. (2019). 2019 Senior services strategic plan.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.