Paying for Senior Housing in Texas
Securing funding for your loved one to be placed in any type of senior care housing facility is probably the number one question families ask about. This is usually the last thing anyone wants to even think about during this time of transition. That is where a wonderful resources like Home is where you are senior care planning can alleviate some of the burden.
Texas, fortunately, offers a wide range of resources for seniors to help them secure housing. The need for our communities to step up and take care of the aging population has increased and will only continue to do so. Texas is a great place to reside because of the multitude of resources available.
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs offers affordable senior housing options in Texas. The Department provides seniors with the opportunity to access housing that is safe, decent, and affordable. There are three types of housing programs for seniors in Texas:
Housing Tax Credit Program: This program offers tax credits to developers who build affordable housing for seniors. You can find more information about this program at: https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/developers-multifamily-tax-credits.htm
HOME Investment Partnerships Program: This program provides grants to developers who create affordable housing for low-income seniors. You can find more information about this program at: https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/home.htm
Housing Choice Voucher Program: This program provides rental assistance to seniors who meet the income requirements. You can find more information about this program at: https://www.hud.gov/states/texas/renting
Other governmental programs for seniors are:
Medicaid: If a senior is eligible for Medicaid, it may cover the cost of staying in a nursing home or assisted living facility. You can check eligibility at: https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1640
Veterans benefits: If the senior is a veteran, they may be eligible for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help pay for senior living expenses. More information can be found at: https://www.benefits.va.gov/persona/veteran-elderly.asp
There are also private and nonprofit organizations that offer housing assistance to seniors. Some of these organizations include:
AARP: https://www.aarp.org/home-garden/housing/info-2019/senior-housing-options.html
National Council on Aging: https://www.ncoa.org/article/how-to-find-affordable-housing-for-seniors/
Seniors Blue Book: https://www.seniorsbluebook.com/housing
Additional options:
Reverse mortgage: If the senior owns their own home, they may be able to take out a reverse mortgage to pay for senior living expenses.
Long-term care insurance: Some seniors may have a long-term care insurance policy that covers the cost of staying in a senior living facility.
It's important to research and compare different options to find the best fit for your loved one's needs and budget.
Steps to Take to Access Senior Housing Resources in Texas
Determine your eligibility: Check the eligibility requirements of each program online or contact the organization directly to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Research available resources: Check online or reach out to a senior care advisor to help you locate available resources.
Apply for housing assistance: Once you have identified the resources that meet your eligibility criteria, follow the instructions provided on the website to apply for housing assistance.
Prepare for the move: Consider downsizing and decluttering before the move, and ask friends or family members for help with the move.
Take advantage of other available resources: Texas offers other resources to help seniors, including healthcare, transportation, and meal delivery services. You can find more information about these resources at: https://www.texas.gov/health-and-human-services/seniors
Securing appropriate and affordable housing for seniors can be challenging, but fortunately, Texas offers a wide range of resources to help. By following the steps outlined above, you can access the available resources and find a comfortable and safe place to call home. Remember to take advantage of the other resources available to seniors in Texas, and don't hesitate to reach out to a senior care advisor for assistance.