Dallas assisted living options have evolved to accommodate almost every need a senior could have. From modern and luxurious options in the downtown area to cozy, country-style settings in the residential neighborhoods, the local assisted living scene has many options. Across the 34 assisted living facilities inside a 10-mile radius of Downtown Dallas, seniors can find an array of amenities and services to meet their needs.
We’ve created this senior living guide to top-rated Dallas assisted living communities to help you wade through the abundance of options and find the best fit for you. In this guide, you’ll also find information on local assisted living costs, payment options, facility regulations, Dallas senior-specific activities, and more.
Very nice facility. The staff is very friendly, they care a lot about the residents and they take care of them really well. They're very knowledgeable when it comes to the needs of residents and if families...
When we chose Brookdale Farmers Branch for my mom, we were hoping to find a place where she would be well-cared for and happy. The staff are professional and compassionate. They go above and beyond to...
We have dealt with [name removed] from the beginning and she is so amazing. She’s very interested in helping and she did ans actuallY still does. She is always texting pictures of our cousin and letting us...
As far as the snacks go, they don't really offer them. My father is kind of inward with dementia and I have to keep bringing things like maybe a diet soda or wants a donut or the cranberry juice is actually...
Long time caring staff. Very responsive. Only negative is the transportation services. Limited availability and some activities cancelled at last minute. I absolutely recommend Forum at Park Lane to...
My friend's experience has been very positive. I just can't say enough good things about the staff ! They have all been incredibly helpful and kind. One of the reasons I picked Monticello West was because of...
My mother is extremely happy at signature pointe! My siblings and I feel very lucky that "A place for mom "suggested signature pointe to us as a potential living facility for our 90 year old mom! She feels...
Sunrise on Hillcrest is a top quality Assisted Living with the most caring and compassionate staff. Very soon after moving my Grandmother to Sunrise on Hillcrest, they all became an extension to our family.
It's a great community that continuously evolves based on the members of the community. The staff is so warm and caring...they really know what they are doing. I don't think there is a better facility out...
Mom moved in a few months ago and has enjoyed herself very much. There are plenty of activities and she has made many friends. The staff is friendly and the dining room staff is top notch. Having...
Overall, a very professional organization with good service and care. Downside; food, as usual, very bland. [name removed] hates the food and is disappointed in lack of responsiveness for anything out of the...
Great staff. Property is beautiful and super clean. Great food. Super entertainment for residents. My friend is very, very happy there.
When it came time for my mom to require full time care, I was referred to Sage Oak by a friend. After our initial tour of the home, I knew it was the best possible place for her. The home is clean and...
My dear [name removed], the love of my life, was taken well care of at Royal Circle by [name removed] and her crew. They exhibited tenderness, empathy, kindness, and I know he was lucky to have them. My...
I would recommend Sage Oaks but only if family can visit often and pay for a caregiver to give one on one attention several times a week. I'd also recommend installing cameras In the room and checking daily....
All 5 stars, we are very pleased! We love that the facility is a neighborhood home. It is very clean. The care takers live on site. I have multiple peoples numbers so I can reach them anytime needed. They...
Avalon Memory Care has been great for us and takes great care of my father. They've taken care of everything and watched carefully. It's wonderful that they can arrange any necessary doctor visits. I work...
My mother-in-law was there during COVID and we weren't allowed to visit, so it is hard to give much feedback on some of these. My mother-in-law had advanced vascular dementia when we placed her at Avalon,...
My mother has been a resident for three months at this point. I have complete confidence that she is being well cared for! The staff is incredibly responsive and will give a summary of her day and details...
I would recommend it as reasonable value and comfort. Residents are friendly. I like my apartment and feel the rent for it is good value. it includes 3 meals a day. All units have kitchens so one can...
Only challenge has been the water pressure is weak. They have been working on it and it has improved. Initially it was bad. Could barely take a shower or get the shampoo rinsed out of her hair.
I was in rehab for approx. 6 weeks. My time there was productive for both physical and occupational therapy. The staff was excellent . . . therapists, nurses and CNA's. My only complaint was that there was...
The Tradition is a warm and friendly place. Four years ago, after my mother passed, my father moved into The Tradition on Prestonwood, so that he would not get lonely. The beautiful décor, excellent meals,...
This home is a well kept, recently remodeled (within 2 years) facility that is bright, clean and spacious. The staff is very attentive to the residents needs and schedules for medications and treatments....
My brother passed away, and my sister and I feel like staff at Cambridge Court on second floor #[removed] were so nice caring attentive to my brother [name removed] to the very end. We are so grateful for...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Dallas 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
The cost of assisted living in Dallas fluctuates based on location, amenities, floor plan, and required level of care. The median rent cost for partner assisted living communities is approximately $4,883 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s 2022-2023 proprietary data.[01] This figure doesn’t include any added care or amenities.
There are several means to paying for assisted living. Many families combine private and public sources to cover their assisted living costs. Below, you’ll find a variety of options and resources to help pay for assisted living in Dallas. Also, you can visit our complete guide to paying for long-term care to get an understanding of payment options.
The availability of private pay methods will largely depend on your loved one’s current financial situation.
Note that if some medical expenses and assisted living expenses are greater than 7.5% of a taxpayer’s adjusted gross income, they may be tax-deductible on federal tax returns.
Texas is also one of the few U.S. states without personal income tax, meaning seniors don’t have to worry about their income sources, such as Social Security benefits and other retirement benefits, being taxed at the state level.[03,04]
Your loved one can use their income sources, including savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns, as well as any of the following:
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA, offers several benefits — such as Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits — to those who have served in the armed forces. These benefits can be used to cover assisted living expenses and other forms of long-term care. To learn more about eligibility and how to apply for these benefits, visit our complete guide to VA benefits.
In the city of Dallas, the Dallas County Veterans Services Office advocates for veterans and helps them obtain veterans benefits free of charge. The office provides assistance with a number of benefits, from disability compensation and survivor benefits to housing and end-of-life planning.
Number of veterans who live in Dallas, Texas
Percent of Dallas veterans who are 75+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Additional resources for Dallas veterans
2377 N. Stemmons Freeway, Suite 631
Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: 972-692-4939
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
8610 Greenville Ave., Suite 125
Dallas, TX 75243
Phone: 214-361-5896
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Most Dallas seniors receive Medicaid through STAR+PLUS, Texas’ managed care program specifically for adults who have disabilities and/or are 65+. STAR+PLUS can cover health care and long-term care costs in assisted living facilities that have been licensed and certified by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
The state of Texas offers a Medicaid waiver program — called Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) — that can help pay for additional services in an assisted living facility that’s been contracted by a resident’s managed care provider. The purpose of this waiver is to let individuals reside and receive care in a residential assisted living community rather than in an institutional setting like a nursing home.
Qualifying facilities must meet home and community-based setting standards, be integrated into a greater community, and not feel isolating to the senior. Texas Health and Human Services assesses a person’s need for this program when they apply for Medicaid. Eligible members then receive services through a person-centered process and according to their specific needs.
As of 2022, Home and Community Based Services eligibility requirements include the following:
The Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) program can help cover costs for the following services:
For an assisted living facility to qualify as an HCBS setting, they must provide the following opportunities to residents:
Dallas resident Medicaid resources:
Medicare doesn’t cover room and board costs in an assisted living facility; however, it can help cover some medical costs associated with long-term care. If you’d like to learn about Medicare coverage in the Dallas area specifically, you can dial 2-1-1 or visit the federal Medicare website. You can also contact a local Social Security Administration office for more information.
Below are some additional Dallas programs that may help cover some of your loved one’s Medicare deductibles and fees and provide assistance with Medicare:
Part A covers hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care services. Part B covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
To qualify for these programs, you must meet certain income requirements.
Dallas resident Medicare resources:
Print or get a paper form by mail
Suzanna Sulfstede, Dallas County Ombudsman
The Senior Source
3910 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: 214-823-5700, ext. 4
Email: SSulfstede@TheSeniorSource.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
AAA Director: Doris Soler
1341 W. Mockingbird Lane, Suite 1000W
Dallas, TX 75247
Local HICAP Phone: 214-871-5065
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Texas Medicare Help Line: 800-252-9240
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission serves adults who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Dual-eligible adults can have their care coordinated by one Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP) with the Dual Eligible Integrated Care Demonstration Project, commonly referred to as “the Demonstration.”
The Demonstration aims to improve service coordination, enhance quality of care, eliminate cost shifting between Medicare and Medicaid, and reduce costs for both the state and federal governments. To enroll in the Demonstration, individuals must meet certain eligibility criteria:
Dual-eligible individuals that meet all eligibility criteria should be automatically enrolled. Though, they may choose to opt out after they’ve been notified of their enrollment through a letter.
Contact the following email for additional information:
When searching for a suitable assisted living option, your loved one’s safety is often a primary concern. Getting a deeper understanding of Texas assisted living regulations and records can help you make sure that proper health and safety measures are taken to protect and care for your loved one.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating assisted living facilities in Dallas. The facilities are regulated under the Health and Safety Code, and they govern the safety of Texas residents receiving assisted living services. Texas has a complete list of assisted living laws and regulations, which covers everything from licensure types and standards to inspection and survey information.
Texas refers to assisted living facilities as ALFs, and they are categorized into two types — Type A and B:
For more general information on assisted living facilities, check out this assisted living pamphlet.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission performs unannounced inspections on each assisted living facility approximately every two years. Inspections are based on an ALF’s compliance in two areas — health and safety code, also known separately as the health code and life safety code.
The health code includes, but is not limited to, inspections of the following:
The life safety code includes, but is not limited to, inspections of the following:
The public can access each licensed community’s most recent inspection report and general facility information through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s Long-term Care Provider Search.
Dallas assisted living facilities are required to develop their own policies and procedures regarding masks, social distancing, and additional protocols for personal protective equipment (PPE) to help ensure the health and safety of residents. That said, testing isn’t state-mandated for staff or residents, and visitors are allowed on site at facilities.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has a COVID-19 response plan and regularly provides updated COVID-19 FAQs to help assisted living facilities stay up to date with practices regarding the following:
Vaccinations. COVID-19 vaccines cannot be mandated; however, all facilities should make them available.
Masking. Visitors, staff, and residents aren’t required to wear masks unless indicated by the facility’s infection control policies and procedures.
Staff safety. Staff must use appropriate personal protective equipment when called for.
Facility cleanliness. Surfaces must be frequently disinfected to prevent the spread of infection.
The Dallas 65+ population grew by more than 30% between 2011 and 2021.[11,12] The growth doesn’t come as a surprise because, as Texans often say, everything’s bigger in Texas — including senior living options, activities, and resources.
The state’s senior population is projected to double by 2050. In order to support this rising aging population, the state of Texas passed an executive order known as the Aging Texas Well Strategic Plan. This plan serves as a strategic guide for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and other state agencies to develop better resources to help the senior population in Texas thrive.
Dallas’ diverse assisted living market ranges from high-end, luxurious options to traditional, affordable options. Many assisted living communities offer a wide range of care options, with some providing all-inclusive care services and others offering à la carte services to keep care affordable. Assisted living options are scattered throughout the metropolis, so residents can easily find a community in their desired neighborhood.
Dallas offers a wealth of luxury assisted living options, from Downtown Dallas to its suburbs. These communities often feature alluring décor, high-end furnishings, and a rotating calendar of activities and events. Resort-style amenities like movie theaters, cocktail bars, heated swimming pools, and spas with luxurious services like massages, manicures, and more are also commonplace in these communities. The dining scene is often robust — residents can typically dine in elegant, restaurant-style dining rooms and enjoy chef-prepared menu items or grab snacks as they please from on-site bistros and cafes.
The Dallas area is also home to several traditional assisted living facilities that radiate classic Southern charm. Ideal for seniors seeking a nostalgic setting, these communities are typically adorned with vintage and timeless furnishings. They also offer typical care services, like assistance with activities of daily living, catered or home-cooked meals, and a calendar of engaging activities. Some of these communities may be religiously affiliated, so they can be a perfect match for seniors seeking faith-based living options.
Approximately 40% of A Place for Mom’s assisted living partners in central Dallas are care homes [01] — an intimate, homelike setting where assisted living services are provided to a smaller number of seniors at a time. The number of residents in a given community ranges from four to eight. These homes vary from small, suburban homes to modern mansions, so seniors have options to find a home within their comfort zone. These homes provide similar care services, often at a more personalized level due to the higher caregiver-to-resident ratios. Activities and amenities vary greatly depending on the community, but they strive to accommodate residents’ interests as best as they can. Some of these care homes may also be faith-based.
If the big-city life doesn’t suit you, Dallas is surrounded by suburbs with many assisted living facilities, including ones with care options ranging from independent living to advanced memory care. If you’re seeking luxurious communities on the outskirts of Dallas, you may want to consider facilities near Highland Park or Southlake.
For more affordable assisted living communities, check out the many options in Garland and Grand Prairie. Plano also often appears on best retirement spot lists due to its close proximity to Dallas, safe neighborhoods, and robust activity options.
Number of seniors 65 and older living in Dallas, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within Dallas population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of seniors 75+ with at least one disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of 75+ seniors who have difficulty performing daily tasks independently, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Dallas houses a great number of health care providers, with many offering a breadth of specialties. The Dallas area is home to some highly rated and nationally recognized hospitals, like the following:
UT Southwestern Medical Center is ranked as the No. 1 hospital in Dallas and No. 2 in Texas. It’s also nationally ranked in nine specialties, including No. 26 in geriatrics, according to U.S. News and World Report.
Baylor University Medical Center is ranked No. 2 in Dallas and No. 4 across the state. It’s nationally ranked in gastroenterology, according to U.S. News and World Report.
Some Dallas neighborhoods are easier to explore on foot, with the downtown area being the most walkable. However, the wide sprawl of the city makes it difficult to walk everywhere, which is why many residents own their own vehicles.
Dallas also offers ways to travel without a car through Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). DART provides trains, buses, streetcars, and trolleys that run from 5 a.m. to midnight. They also offer a rider assistance program specifically for residents who are disabled and/or 65 and older, though it requires residents to register and meet certain eligibility criteria.
Some assisted living facilities also provide their own transportation options — including complimentary and at-cost rides for appointments, errands, and scheduled, off-site activities.
Dallas has no shortage of activities for seniors. There’s truly something available for everyone and every interest. A vast range of shopping and dining options, activities, entertainment, and events enable families to take their loved one out to do their favorite activities. Dallas also has several senior centers scattered throughout the city to help residents stay engaged and involved.
For nature lovers, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden offers 66 acres of towering trees and blooming flowers to walk through, while the Dallas Zoo and Dallas World Aquarium collectively feature an abundance of wildlife from around the world. Plenty of seniors also enjoy attending local sporting events and exploring parks and trails throughout the city during group outings.
The city is also proud of its booming arts and culture scene. Some assisted living communities coordinate visits to one of the many museums or performing arts theaters. Several museums and theaters offer senior discounts and are fully equipped for individuals with disabilities, making any event seamlessly enjoyable for seniors with limited mobility.
Brookdale Lake Highlands, Parkwood Healthcare and Brookdale Farmers Branch are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Dallas, TX. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Dallas is $5,063 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
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The average cost of Assisted Living in Dallas is $5,063 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2022, October). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Genworth. (2021). Cost of care survey.
TurboTax. (2022, September 7). 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. (2020). Sex by age by veteran status for the civilian population 18 years and over (B21001) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2016, March 1). A-3300, Home and Community-Based Services waiver programs. Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities Handbook.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2016, March 1). A-3300, Home and Community-Based Services waiver programs. Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities Handbook.
Assisted Living Facility Licensing Act. Health and Safety Code Title 4. Health Facilities § 247 (2021).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553 (2021).
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). Assisted living facilities (ALF).
United States Census Bureau. (2011). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2022, October). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Genworth. (2021). Cost of care survey.
TurboTax. (2022, September 7). 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. (2020). Sex by age by veteran status for the civilian population 18 years and over (B21001) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2016, March 1). A-3300, Home and Community-Based Services waiver programs. Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities Handbook.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2016, March 1). A-3300, Home and Community-Based Services waiver programs. Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities Handbook.
Assisted Living Facility Licensing Act. Health and Safety Code Title 4. Health Facilities § 247 (2021).
Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553 (2021).
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). Assisted living facilities (ALF).
United States Census Bureau. (2011). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.