How much does a nursing home cost in Texas?

Summary 

What is the average cost of nursing home care in Texas? 

It is more helpful to look at the median cost of nursing home care in Texas than at the average cost, as a high number of luxury or budget options could skew the average cost.  

In Texas, the median monthly cost for a semi-private room in a nursing home is $5,483, while the median monthly cost for a private room is $6,893.  

These costs compare favorably with the national median monthly costs, which are $8,929 for a semi-private room and $10,025 for a private room.  

When considering costs, bear in mind that the median and average cost of nursing homes in Texas varies greatly by region.  

How do costs compare for different types of care in Texas? 

The median monthly cost for a semi-private room is $5,483, and for a private room, it is $6,893.  

The median monthly cost for a specialized care unit in a nursing home in Texas is $5,728.  

A semi-private room or a private room can be a good option if you only need basic care.  

A private room might be a better option if you require skilled nursing care, although this may also be possible in a semi-private room.  

Specialized care units can be a little more affordable than a basic private room, although they are designed for residents with special health issues, such as Alzheimer's. 

Is nursing home care good in Texas? 

Many people with age-related or chronic health conditions require the supportive environment of a nursing home to meet their needs in their later years.  

There are approximately 1,195 nursing homes in Texas, although 51% of them are rated below average or much below average.  

It’s possible to find good quality care in nursing homes in the Lone Star State, although it’s important to remember that the cost can be steep.  

Understanding nursing home costs in Texas is vitally important as part of eldercare planning.  

It’s also important to understand your needs or the needs of the person who is looking at moving into one of these facilities and to choose the appropriate care option.  

The range of care options available includes basic care, skilled nursing, and specialized care for conditions like dementia. 

How do you pay for nursing home care in Texas? 

Given the potentially high cost of nursing home care in Texas, it’s important to think about how you will pay for it if you need it one day.  

Some of the options available for financing nursing home care include private savings, health insurance, long-term insurance policies, life insurance, local or regional agency assistance, and a reverse mortgage.  

Medicaid can be an option for low-income older adults, as the coverage can assist with long-term skilled nursing care services, hospital stays, and doctor’s visits.  

Your eligibility will be assessed according to the level of care you require and according to your finances, so you must plan ahead. Medicare can help cover nursing home costs in the short term.  

What are the tax implications of nursing home costs in Texas? 

Many nursing home costs in Texas are tax-deductible under itemized medical expenses on your federal income taxes.  

If you are in a nursing home primarily for medical care, you can deduct expenses related to medical care, meals, and lodging. However, if you are in a nursing home for personal reasons, you can only deduct expenses directly related to medical care, but not to accommodation or meals. 

To make these deductions, compile your medical expenses and confirm those costs fall under the medical expense deductions approved by the IRS. Next, complete an IRS Itemized Deductions Schedule A form and attach it to your Form 1040 or 1040-SR.  

Consult with a tax professional who can guide you through the process. 

What is the difference between nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Texas? 

The difference between nursing homes and assisted living facilities is in the level of care they provide and in their accommodation options.  

Nursing homes tend to have more clinical living environments and private or semi-private rooms without a kitchen area or living room for residents.  

Assisted living facilities have apartments with a kitchenette and private bathroom for residents. 

How do you choose the right nursing home or assisted living facility in Texas? 

You should base your decision on the cost of nursing home care in Texas, the quality of the care, the services offered, and your geographical preferences. 

Ask friends and family for recommendations and do research online. After narrowing down your options, visit those facilities and pay attention to what the building looks like and how workers and residents interact.  

Gather information from staff and residents.  

Ask whether the facility participates in Medicare and/or Medicaid and about waiting lists.  

You should also ask about: 

When should I start considering a nursing home? 

You should start considering a nursing home for yourself or an older loved one when you or they need more help than family members and friends can provide.  

Early planning for this is essential. 

You might find it helpful to start looking for nursing homes before you, or they reach that stage so that you have an idea of your options and nursing home costs in Texas.  

This can help guide your financial and estate planning and give you the opportunity to involve family members in the decision-making process. 

Get expert financial advice 

While the average monthly cost of nursing homes in Texas is lower than the national average, costs can quickly add up. Given that you or a loved one might need to move into a nursing home in your later years, it’s important to plan ahead. 

Seek a financial advisor through Unbiased for expert advice you can trust.