There are 1,419 assisted living facilities in Texas. Large cities, such as Dallas and San Antonio, may have dozens of facilities to choose from, while rural locations usually have fewer options. By learning how to choose the right facility, though, you can get excellent long-term care no matter where you live. Learn what to look for in an assisted living facility, so you can find the right community for you or your loved one.

What Services Does Assisted Living Provide?

Assisted living facilities provide a wide range of services to help residents have full and satisfying lives. Facilities usually offer several levels of care, depending on the amount of help a resident needs. Standard services offered by assisted living communities include:

  • Help with activities of daily living (eating, bathing, grooming and mobility)
  • 24/7 supervision
  • Meals and snacks
  • Transportation
  • Physical, recreational, speech and occupational therapy
  • Social activities

Assisted living facilities also offer a variety of amenities, which may include:

  • Indoor/outdoor pool
  • Fitness center
  • On-site beauty salon and barber
  • Movie theater
  • Library
  • Community garden
  • Game room
  • Cocktail lounge
  • Worship services

How Do You Choose an Assisted Living Facility?

Touring an assisted living facility is one of the best ways to make sure a community is right for your needs. When visiting a facility, consider:

  • How does the staff interact with residents? Are they friendly and helpful? Do residents seem happy with caregivers?
  • What’s the staff-to-resident ratio? Does the facility seem to have enough staff to adequately care for all residents?
  • Do residents appear to enjoy the food? Will the facility allow you or your loved one to sample the food?
  • Does the facility look clean and well-maintained inside and out?
  • Does the facility offer satisfying activities that you or your loved one will enjoy?
  • What safety and security measures are in place? Do rooms have features such as nonslip flooring, shower grab bars and a personal emergency response system?
  • Does the facility offer a choice of shared or private rooms? Are several floor plans available to choose from, and what’s the price for each one?
  • What services are included in the basic rate? Are there extra fees for certain services?
  • What forms of payment are accepted? Does the facility accept Medicaid?