The 3 Best Memory Care Facilities in Odessa, TX for 2023

 

Of the approximately 113,000 residents of Odessa, TX, 9.8% are seniors ages 65 and older. These 11,000 or so people are at a stage in their lives when they are especially at risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. According to the CDC, Alzheimer’s-related deaths have risen significantly from 59 cases in 2016 to 142 in 2020. This increase of 140.68% is undoubtedly a cause for concern.

Fortunately, Odessa’s seniors have access to many dementia care options. Also called memory care, dementia care supports older adults experiencing memory loss. Communities are fully secure to prevent wandering, and caregivers assist with personal tasks, medication and household chores. They also gently guide and comfort residents when they’re experiencing confusion or feeling agitated. Memory care also features specialized programming that helps seniors retain cognitive function, physical abilities and meaningful interactions.

Using this guide, seniors and their families can get a better sense of memory care in Odessa. The guide includes cost comparisons, payment options and free and low-cost resources for seniors.

Memory care communities in Texas fall under the auspices of Texas Health and Human Services. This agency regulates facilities through a rigorous initial licensing process, regular renewals and frequent inspections to ensure quality care, proper staffing and a clean, safe environment. Seniors can access an online database to learn about the status of individual communities.

 

• Odessa is home to two major hospitals, so seniors have plenty of choices for medical care. The Medical Center Hospital is a full-service medical facility with 402 beds. It specializes in cardiovascular care and bariatric surgery but also offers emergency care and a wide range of other services. The Odessa Regional Medical Center provides primary and emergency care as well as surgery, cardiology and stroke services.
• The cost of living in Odessa falls well below the national average, ranking 84.5 compared to 100. Housing and transportation are also significantly less expensive for Odessa’s residents. These cost savings can trickle down to seniors in memory care communities through reduced care rates.
• Texas is a tax-friendly state for seniors. Since there is no state income tax, retirees can hold onto more of their Social Security benefits and other retirement income.
• Odessa’s crime rates can be a concern, as they are significantly higher than the U.S. average. When it comes to violent crime, the city scores 45.8, while the national average is 22.7. The national average for property crime is 35.4, but Odessa rates 50.2. However, memory care communities offer the security seniors and their families desire with locked entries, 24/7 monitoring and emergency call systems.
• In terms of climate, Odessa rates an 8.0 on a 10-point comfort index. Winters can get chilly, with January lows dipping to about freezing, and summers see highs up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The months of fall and spring are the most comfortable. However, seniors in memory care communities live in a climate-controlled environment year-round, with most necessary services available on-site.

 

Note: Residential memory care is usually offered in assisted living facilities, and in general, memory care rates tend to be 20-30% higher than assisted living rates. No national database currently tracks memory care costs in the United States, so we've estimated the monthly memory care costs listed below by adding 25% to the rates listed in Genworth's 2021 Cost of Care Survey.

Memory care communities in Odessa charge an average of $5,498 per month, but this rate can shift up or down based on the level of care required.

Memory care rates in Odessa are lower than the national average by $127 a month, but compared to other Texas locations, the city’s prices are on the high end. Costs in Odessa come in 9.1% above the Texas state average, and only a few cities, including Austin with an average rate of $6,681, are more expensive than Odessa. Most other locales have lower figures. Dallas’ memory care communities, for example, charge $254 less while prices in Lubbock drop to $4,938. Texarkana’s costs are 37% lower than those in Odessa.

Seniors in Odessa will quickly notice that the city’s memory care prices are higher than the costs for other types of senior care. Since memory care offers specialized services, full support from highly trained staff and top-notch security, rates are bound to reflect that. Nursing homes also provide 24/7 care for seniors with complex medical needs, so their rates are only $327 per month lower than memory care programs. On the other hand, assisted living provides lower levels of personal support and housekeeping assistance, so they charge less at $4,398.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for memory care, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance memory care costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in Texas page.