Sometimes the signs a senior is struggling to stay independent are small ones. A messy kitchen, a disheveled appearance and unopened bills can all indicate an older adult needs help. Richardson, Texas has many housing options for seniors and their families to consider.
From independent living communities that free seniors from household duties to assisted living and dementia care, here’s what you should know about Richardson as a housing location for an aging loved one.
What to Know About Richardson, Texas
Richardson, Texas is an affluent suburb of Dallas. It is home to The University of Texas. Richardson is referred to as the “Telecom Corridor” because of the concentration of communications companies that are headquartered there, including Samsung, Verizon and AT&T.
Older adults considering Richardson for a retirement location will be happy to learn it has been cited by a number of sources as one of the safest cities in the country to live in.
A variety of transportation options make the city easy for adult children and families to access. It is part of the Dallas Area Regional Transit System and an easy drive to Dallas-Fort Worth Airport.
The city’s easy access to a variety of highways, including U.S. Highway 75, the President George Bush Turnpike and Interstate 635, makes the location a convenient one. It also means emergency responders can quickly reach a senior in the event of a medical crisis.
Major Medical Centers in Richardson
Among the more than 70 medical centers in and around Richardson are Baylor Richardson Medical Center and Methodist Richardson Medical Center. Baylor is a good general hospital with an emergency room in case of a crisis. Seniors might be interested in learning that Methodist has specialties in geriatrics and orthopedics.
Health South Rehabilitation Hospital is also conveniently located in Richardson.
Finding Assisted Living in Richardson
Among the many senior housing options in Richardson, you will find assisted living communities. This is an option that combines the best of both worlds for older adults: assistance and independence.
Residents in an assisted living community have their own private apartment or suite. This enables them to maintain their privacy. But they also have the peace of mind that comes from knowing caregivers are always nearby to help with toileting, bathing, dressing and more.
Families can expect to spend between $2,000 and $6,800 for assisted living in Richardson. The exact cost will depend upon the services and amenities provided, as well as the type and size of apartment.
Beyond price, another deciding factor for many families is location. Adult children often encourage aging parents to find a community that will make it easy to visit. The senior might also want to find a new home that is near a church like The Heights Baptist or synagogue like Congregation Beth Torah.
Memory Care Programs in Richardson
Finding a quality memory care program for a loved one with Alzheimer’s often requires the assistance of an experienced senior care advisor. Our team has helped over 2,000 families find a senior housing solution for a loved one. It is how we’ve come to know each of the memory care programs in north Texas so well.
These specialized programs are dedicated to helping older adults with Alzheimer’s or a related form of dementia live safe and happy lives despite their disease. There are more than 30 memory care programs in and around Richardson.
Families should plan to budget between $4,000 and $7,200 per month for care. If your senior loved one has co-existing health concerns beyond Alzheimer’s disease, expect to pay toward the higher end of the range.
Residential Care Homes near Richardson
Another option for senior housing that residents in north Texas are fortunate to have is residential care homes. These group-style homes are attractive to seniors for many reasons including:
- Small, home-like community
- Fewer residents than assisted living communities
- All-inclusive pricing that is usually budget-friendly
- The variety and quality of food at each one tends to vary. Some places will offer a free lunch so that each family can try the food.
- Setup a one on one meeting with the director of nursing and be sure to “interview” them.
- If activities are important to your family member in the search, then try to make an appointment for your family member to attend some of them.
There are more than 30 of these homes in and around Richardson, Texas.
The price for a residential care community in Richardson can vary from just under $2,000 a month to almost $6,000.
Finding an Independent Living Community in Richardson
If you or the senior you love are primarily looking for a senior housing community that will free you up from household chores such as mowing the grass, painting the trim and keeping the appliances in good shape, this might be the type of community for you.
Independent living communities handle everything from trash pick-up to fixing the stove for residents. It gives seniors more time to travel, pursue hobbies and enjoy the grandkids.
Because the amenities at independent living communities vary so greatly, the price range is fairly broad. A simple apartment in a senior complex might be under $2,000 a month. An independent living villa that is part of an active, amenity-rich retirement village will be significantly more expensive.
Some meals, social activities and programs, light housekeeping and maintenance are all typically offered in some form at independent living communities. Others have a la carte services you can purchase if you would like additional support.
Let Us Help With Your Senior Housing Search
Senior Living Specialists is a free service for seniors and their families. Because we are paid a referral fee when a senior moves into a community or care home, we can provide you with the support and guidance you need at no cost to you.
Our Personal Experience and How it Related to Richardson
With so many assisted living options in Richard, where do you even begin to choose? Many people are shocked to learn about the number of options that are available, but also how time consuming this task can be to families. I went through this experience with my mom in 2008, as I had to find her the best option as she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease when I was 26 years old. The average family doesn’t know what to do, is very frustrated and extremely stressed. I had so many emotions going through my mind and went through this experience with a blindfold on. Even though I went through this at a young age, the average family doesn’t want to think about having to find a senior living option for their parents or a family member.
Call us today at 214-929-5055 to have your questions answered and to learn more about senior housing options in Richardson, Texas.
