In recent years, San Antonio has risen to the top ranks of retirement destinations. Due to the city’s year-round sunshine, affordable living, and robust senior living options, more families and seniors are choosing San Antonio to settle. A Place for Mom partners with 27 memory care facilities in San Antonio, making it a desirable option for seniors with dementia, as the variety of local communities enables them to be as choosy as they’d like.
Memory care communities offer a personalized senior living option for seniors with dementia. With intentional design features, person-centered care services, and specialized memory care programming, these communities are equipped to care for seniors in early and late stages of dementia. On top of robust memory care services, these facilities also offer assisted living care services, like assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, dining plans, and more.
In this guide, you’ll find robust, hyperlocal data on memory care costs, payment tips, Texas memory care regulations, senior-specific stats, senior resources, and dementia-friendly activities to help you narrow down your memory care options. You’ll also be able to categorize communities by what matters most to you and your loved one.
I began a journey to find the right facility for my 109 year old GOD-Aunt; not due to convenience but out of necessity. We literally ran out of money for 24 hour around the clock care. Thankfully, my...
They are a very well trained organization. They get stuff done as soon as possible. Super friendly. On top of the staff and training for the employees. The caregivers are very sweet and super attentive.
The staff at Brookdale Maltsberger is proactive in reaching out about things we may want to know and great at making recommendations.
My 97-year old aunt has lived in the Assisted Living at Villa de SA for about 18 months. She absolutely loves it!! The staff take such great care of her, tending to her needs daily. The kitchen staff go the...
The Haven Memory Care facility is such a lovely place. It is always clean and fresh-smelling, and the staff is friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable. The care they show the residents is compassionate,...
It appears that the Forum Independent Living is having a facility staffing issue as they have a large sign in front of the facility noting a hiring need.
Brookdale Nacogdoches is well-maintained facility that has recently been updated. All of the common areas have new furnishing making it very attractive. It has a beautiful, completely redone, courtyard that...
I couldn’t say more good things about the Landing. Staff is very nice and understanding. They are always willing to assist when asked. I love that they have activities available 7 days a week. I know the...
What we really like about The Westmark Senior Living is that they really make our loved one feel at home and we would recommend them to other families who may need a place for their loved ones
This place truly feels like home. The location is great and is near my daughter and my sister. I would highly recommend this amazing assisted living facility.
My wife and I moved to this Brookdale Community about four months ago. We sold our home and down sized to a smaller rental home a couple of years ago. It was difficult providing care for my wife. While at...
My father-in-law is very settled and happy there. The new ownership and remodeling has caused a little bit of an upheaval, but the company has been very professional and considerate of the residents through...
Having to put your Mom or Dad in a place to be cared for is always a difficult situation. We have been in a few facilities before Aventine at The Etta and I have to say this place is far above our past...
A loving and warm atmosphere is the most important thing that we looked for when we’re were making such a difficult decision to place our loved one. After our visit and conversation with the administration...
The people who work at Poets Walk seem to genuinely care about the wellbeing of the patients. I knew that my Dad was in good hands. They alerted me promptly about anything I needed to know, anything my...
Every caregiver is extremely kind and compassionate. As my mother-in-law's needs have changed, they have embraced it and worked with us making sure she receives the increased care she needs now.
Mom has been very happy with her time at IH she likes the activities food and care. She appreciates her freedom to move around and talk with others. I do believe her favorite thing is the outings each week...
I was nervous letting someone help me with mom because I’ve done it on my own for so long. But as soon as we got there I was reassured that I was doing the right thing for her. Mom was not happy about the...
Sometimes, the maid skimps on cleaning the shower. Many times, eggs, bacon, sausage, or Canadian bacon not included for breakfast. Only protein served is yogurt. There were supposed to be movie nights once a...
Westover Memory Care took excellent care of my mom when she was there from 2021-January 2023 in which mom passed. Everyone was so loving and giving and it gave me reassurance she had people tending to her...
Everything generally is good regarding the care. They do not communicate very well regarding her condition and never told me she had Covid recently. I had to hear that from her hospice nurse after the fact....
What we really like about Shavano Park is the size of the rooms, they were larger than the other ones we looked at. We would recommend this community to other families who may need a place for their loved...
As you know my Wife was diagnosed, by the VA with dementia. I moved into assisted living to be with her Once I moved in it was determined that she passed all the dementia testing and no longer needed to be...
I feel like I can give most of those ratings only because I am constantly managing issues. I have to regularly bring things to the attention of staff because my mother-in-law won't or can't advocate for...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders San Antonio 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 median rent cost, not including additional fees for care and amenities, is $4,548 per month at partner San Antonio memory care communities, according to A Place for Mom’s 2022-2023 proprietary data.[01]
Although this cost may seem steep at first, you’ll find that memory care costs include much more than rent. In fact, most San Antonio memory care facilities include tailored personal care services, activities, and amenities in their monthly cost. Families can expect the following from San Antonio memory care communities:
Below, you’ll find average baseline costs for San Antonio memory care facilities that don’t account for any service add-ons or fees. Though they are baseline costs, these figures can help you compare costs of the area.
There are many options to pay for memory care in San Antonio. Families typically turn to private income sources and insurance policies first, as well as Social Security and pension income. They may also use federal and state programs, such as VA health care, Medicaid, and Medicare, to help offset some medical and memory care costs. This section includes a breakdown of the most common payment methods used by families.
Private pay methods include your loved one’s personal income sources — savings accounts, Social Security benefits, retirement pensions, and investment returns. These can all be used to defray some memory care costs along with the following:
With many military bases and job opportunities for veterans throughout San Antonio, it has become the city with the highest veteran population in Texas. This large vet population has resulted in a citywide effort to enhance the lives of veterans.
Veterans who receive a veterans pension from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (or VA) and are enrolled in VA health care may also qualify for additional disability benefits to help pay for memory care costs. The Aid and Attendance benefit is the most useful benefit as it can be added to your veterans pension to pay for anything that improves a senior veteran’s quality of life, which could include memory care.
The approval process for VA benefits is often long and difficult, and there are several different types of VA Aid and Attendance benefits. So before you begin the application process, best practice is to reach out to local veteran resource centers to make sure you don’t get denied. If you are at first denied, don’t get discouraged, as local veterans benefits advocates can help you appeal the claim.
San Antonio offers over 200 veteran programs and support services to help veterans and their families understand their benefits and apply for them. This can become overwhelming to navigate and is precisely why the Texas Veterans Network (TVN) — San Antonio exists. The TVN assists veterans and families with the strenuous application process. TVN employs staff members who evaluate your veteran loved one’s unique situation to recommend the most relevant and helpful programs. The TVN staff will even continue communicating with recommended organizations to confirm that solutions work for your family.
Some of the most popular veteran assistance organizations are scattered throughout the state and city. Below, you’ll find a list of veterans services offices and online resources that help veterans apply for benefits or appeal claim decisions. You’ll also find veteran disability-benefit advocacy services through your local Disabled American Veterans (or DAV) chapter.
Resources for San Antonio veterans
Military and Veteran Affairs Department home page
100 W. Houston St., Suite 1008
San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: 210-207-3995
Military and Veterans Services Center (MVSC) home page
1422 E. Grayson St., 4th Floor
San Antonio, TX 78208
Phone: 210-335-6775
Email: vets@bexar.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Alamo Area Council on Governments (AACOG) veteran services
Phone: 888-724-8387
Email: txveteransnetwork@aacog.com
North West San Antonio VA Clinic
9939 State Highway 151
San Antonio, TX 78251
Phone: 210-706-7800
Hours: Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Medicaid is a joint federal and state health insurance program that provides coverage to people with limited income and resources. Texas has its own Medicaid program called STAR, operated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (or the HHSC). In addition to Medicaid, the HHSC contracts with local area agencies on aging (or AAAs) programs. These programs offer long-term care services and disability programs to help seniors 60+, low-income seniors, and seniors with a disability receive Medicaid benefits.
In Texas, most seniors who qualify for Medicaid get their coverage through STAR+PLUS — the state’s managed care program for seniors 65+ and individuals with disabilities. In addition to routine health care costs, the STAR+PLUS program covers long-term care services. These include nursing, personal care, therapy extension, nutrition, and transportation services. However, these health and long-term care services are only covered through agencies licensed and certified by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
A senior can receive medically necessary home health care services through STAR within a residence of their choice. To do so, they must qualify for a Home and Community Based Services (or HCBS) waiver program. This waiver can be used anywhere a senior calls home, meaning it can be used in a memory care community, as long as the care agency providing the care services is contracted with the senior’s STAR managed care provider. These waiver programs enable seniors to receive care within the residential setting of their choice, as opposed to an institutional setting commonly found in nursing facilities.[03]
Most stand-alone memory care facilities typically don’t qualify as an HCBS setting; however, some memory care group homes and assisted living facilities with a memory care unit will. Be sure to check with each prospective community if you plan to use Medicaid to pay for care services through them. To qualify as an HCBS setting, facilities must meet the following requirements:
When a senior applies for STAR+PLUS, the HHSC will also assess their need for the HCBS program. Seniors must meet the following requirements to qualify:
The HCBS waiver programs can help cover costs of the following services within a memory care facility:
San Antonio has many Medicaid resources throughout the city. Below, you’ll find some websites that can connect you to nearby offices for assistance with Medicaid applications and services. You’ll also find resources to help you better understand your benefits.
San Antonio resident Medicaid resources
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage to adults 65+ and individuals with disabilities. All U.S. citizens who are 65+ qualify for Medicare; however, a senior’s premium may vary depending on their work history, paid Medicare taxes, and income. To save on Medicare costs and to learn more about the benefits available to your loved one in Texas, check out the following programs:
If you’d like to speak to a local expert about your loved one’s eligible benefits and/or enrollment, you can also contact your local long-term care (LTC) ombudsman in San Antonio. They advocate for the health care rights of memory care residents and help families learn about senior living options and payment methods. The Alamo Area Council of Governments (or AACOG) also helps local seniors access the long-term care they need. The council provides benefits counseling, care coordination, caregiver support, and more to the aging residents of San Antonio.
San Antonio resident Medicare resources
Long-term care ombudsman
Cindy Boyum, Managing Local Ombudsman at AAA of Bexar County
2700 NE. Loop 410, Suite 101
San Antonio, TX 78217
Phone: 210-362-5236
Email: cboyum@aacog.com
Aging Services for Bexar County and Alamo Area
Phone: 210-477-3275
Email: info@askasc.org
Medicare website
Phone: 2-1-1
In Texas, residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are eligible to receive dual coverage. This joint Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP) is called the Dual Eligible Integrated Care Demonstration Project, commonly referred to as “the Demonstration.” With the Demonstration, Texas strives towards the following:
To qualify for the Demonstration, seniors in Texas must meet the following eligibility requirements:
If your senior loved one qualifies for dual coverage, they should be automatically enrolled. Seniors may choose to opt out of the Demonstration after they’ve received a notifying letter of enrollment in the mail. For additional information on the Demonstration, you can email Managed_Care_Initiatives@hhsc.state.tx.us.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (or the HHSC) is the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating memory care facilities. In Texas, memory care facilities are classified as a type of assisted living facility, so Texas memory care regulations are built into existing assisted living regulations and laws. The state of Texas refers to assisted living facilities as ALFs, and categorizes them into two main types:
All certified memory care facilities fall under the Type B assisted living facility (ALF). The main difference between general assisted living and assisted living facilities with memory care in Texas is that the latter must meet additional certification requirements in memory care. Texas’ memory care regulations hold memory care communities to a higher standard than other states. Regulations require memory care staff to continuously learn about the latest dementia research and train in tried-and-true memory care techniques. Texas even requires facilities to offer specialized memory care programming to actively engage residents.
The additional licensing standards for assisted living facilities licensed in memory care include, but are not limited to, the following.
Memory care staffing and training regulations
To regulate memory care-specialized assisted living facilities, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission performs unannounced inspections approximately every two years. Inspections assess a facility’s compliance with Texas’s health and life safety code.[09]
The health code inspection includes a review of the following:
The life safety code inspection includes a review of the following:
Families can access each licensed community’s most recent inspection report and general facility information through the Texas Health and Human Services’ Long-term Care Provider Search. For any additional information not found in reports, you can email RSLTCR.RecordsMgmt@hhsc.state.tx.us.
4601 W. Guadalupe St.
Austin, TX 78751
Phone: 512-424-6500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
There are currently no COVID-19 regulations specific to San Antonio memory care facilities due to the decrease in cases. However, the city does provide regular COVID-19 updates regarding local infection risk, testing, vaccinations, and resources on their City of San Antonio — COVID-19 website.
Visitors are allowed on-site in memory care facilities, as it’s a residential right; however, visitors must comply with any protocols set forth by the individual communities. State regulations require all memory care facilities to develop infection prevention and control measures. These measures must involve masks, physical distancing, and additional protocols for personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent the spread of all infectious viruses and outbreaks, including COVID-19.
San Antonio participates in Dementia Friendly America — a nationwide network of communities aiming to support individuals with dementia and their caregivers. With Dementia Friendly San Antonio, several businesses, organizations, institutions, and community members across the city are taught to accommodate individuals with dementia. They’ve learned to recognize signs of dementia, interact supportively, and support individuals with dementia by offering specialized programs and services.
The city also has a local Alzheimer’s Association chapter dedicated to providing support services and education to those facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease or any other type of dementia. These programs reduce the stigma around dementia and raise awareness. Many memory care facilities continually improve their programming and features to enhance the lives of seniors with dementia. Check out some of those initiatives below.
In San Antonio, our partnering communities are dedicated to providing a personalized experience for your loved ones with dementia. To do so, most caregivers receive specialized memory care training to handle the most common dementia behaviors. In fact, 100% of our communities use redirection, cueing, and reorientation techniques to help manage dementia symptoms. Through training and learned techniques, dementia caregivers can help your loved one manage many common symptoms, like the following:
Safety is one of the top concerns for dementia patients as they’re often prone to confusion and wandering. To help ensure safety and offer peace of mind, all of our in-network communities offer 24-hour staffing, with implemented security features and practices. Approximately 85% of our partnering communities have an enclosed courtyard to prevent residents from wandering out on their own, while still enabling them to leisurely stroll and get fresh air. Many communities offer both indoor and outdoor walking paths.
A few communities take it a step further and have installed high-tech wander guard systems, which detect residents’ movements and send alerts when a resident has left the premises. Some communities have also incorporated human-centered architecture and design to comfort residents and enable them to easily navigate the community without confusion.
Many of our partnering memory care facilities also share a campus with an assisted living facility, which is an added bonus for seniors looking to age in place or for couples with different care needs. This promotes comfortability among seniors and their families as it eliminates some anxieties associated with moving and separation.
In Texas, state regulations require memory care facilities to offer an activities program that encourages residents to socialize, express themselves, exercise, and stimulate their brains. So naturally, 100% of partnering facilities offer these types of on-site activities.
Facilities are also required to appoint an activity director to manage and facilitate specialized activities. Some communities might put this responsibility on a trained caregiver. But most of our partnering communities employ a full-time activity director. An activity director spends time learning about each resident’s medical history, preferences, and abilities to establish person-centered activities for them.
Memory care activities common to the best memory care facilities include the following features:
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Number of seniors 65+ in San Antonio, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of seniors 65+ with a disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Median annual retirement income for San Antonio seniors 65+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
San Antonio boasts top-quality health care options for both Texas seniors and veterans. Below you’ll learn a bit about the city’s top-rated medical care facilities:
UT Health San Antonio opened the first comprehensive care center in South Texas for Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. This center is designated by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) as an Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. It’s known for its compassionate services ranging from educational programs and supportive services to advanced brain imaging and neuropsychological testing.
This hospital is No. 1 in San Antonio and No. 13 in Texas, according to U.S. News and World Report. It’s high performing in 11 procedures and conditions, including diabetic care, kidney failure, and post-stroke care.
This hospital is No. 2 in San Antonio. It’s high performing in nine procedures and conditions, including some cancer surgeries, heart failure, and diabetes.
This hospital is the largest and most robust military health care organization in the U.S. It serves military service members, veterans and their families, and civilian emergency patients. It’s known for its exceptional patient-centered care and for treating combat causalities and trauma victims.
Seniors with dementia should not use public transportation alone, as it’s not the safest way for them to get around. Luckily, most memory care facilities provide transportation services. As a matter of fact, 100% of our partnering memory care facilities in San Antonio offer complimentary transportation with a caregiver escort.
Additionally, if a senior is a Medicaid recipient, they may receive rides through the medical transportation program provided by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Services include rides to doctor’s offices, hospitals, drug stores, or any places that provide Medicaid-covered health care services. It’s still important for seniors with dementia to have a caring escort during these trips to ensure their safe arrival and return.
Visiting loved ones may find public transportation useful for getting around during a visit with their loved one. The VIA Metropolitan Transit offers buses, ride share, and paratransit services throughout the city. If you’re looking to explore the city with your senior loved one, they also offer senior discounts. Seniors ages 62+ can ride for only a quarter Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and receive free rides on Saturday and Sunday. To receive these discounts, seniors must obtain a VIA Reduced Fare ID.
San Antonio offers a range of activities enjoyable for seniors in the beginning and late stages of dementia. Many of our partnering communities often research the most suitable local activities for their residents with dementia in order to schedule group outings and day trips. These outings include opportunities for seniors to recall cherished memories and form new ones. Check out some favored activities below:
Serenity Oaks Assisted Living and Memory Care, Gemstone at Bulverde and The Waterford at Westover Hills are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near San Antonio, TX. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in San Antonio is $4,594 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
The 74 memory care facilities near you in San Antonio, Texas typically provide housing, therapies, and care tailored to those who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. To find memory care in San Antonio, Texas, browse our detailed listings showing photos, floor plans, amenities, activities, and reviews from real families.
Browse A Place for Mom’s listings for memory care in San Antonio, Texas, to take a virtual tour. Our local senior living experts can arrange for a live tour of these communities as well.
The cost of memory care facilities in San Antonio, Texas ranges from $1200 to $10340. The average Memory Care cost in San Antonio, Texas is $4,594. Prices often vary based on care provided, amenities, unit size, and more.
The cost of memory care in San Antonio, Texas typically starts at $1200. A Place for Mom’s local, expert senior living advisors can help you find affordable memory care facilities near you and offer advice on how to lower costs and pay for care with VA benefits or public payment options.
A Place for Mom. 2023. A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). Home and community based services (HCBS).
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022, September 1). Appendix XXXI, Budget reference chart. Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities Handbook.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). STAR+PLUS, STAR+PLUS client FAQs.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022, June 1). Appendix IX, Medicare savings program information. Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities Handbook.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2023). Assisted living facilities (ALF).
Licensing standards for assisted living facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553 (2021).
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). Long-term care provider search.
Assisted Living Facility Licensing Act, Health Facilities § 247.001 (2021).
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. 2023. A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). Home and community based services (HCBS).
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022, September 1). Appendix XXXI, Budget reference chart. Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities Handbook.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). STAR+PLUS, STAR+PLUS client FAQs.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022, June 1). Appendix IX, Medicare savings program information. Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities Handbook.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2023). Assisted living facilities (ALF).
Licensing standards for assisted living facilities, Texas Administrative Code § 553 (2021).
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). Long-term care provider search.
Assisted Living Facility Licensing Act, Health Facilities § 247.001 (2021).
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.