Fort Worth is a superb retirement option for seniors who seek a small-town feel within a big city. Because of its close proximity to Dallas, the area has become known as the Dallas-Fort Worth — or DFW — metroplex. This larger metroplex enables seniors to reap the benefits of a small, suburban town like Fort Worth without surrendering the conveniences of a large city like Dallas. Plus, Fort Worth offers ideal year-round weather, captivating nature areas, and an abundance of senior-friendly activities.
To further the area’s senior-friendliness, Fort Worth offers robust senior living options to accommodate aging adults. As a matter of fact, A Place for Mom partners with 23 assisted living facilities within a 10-mile radius of Northside Fort Worth. Assisted living is ideal for seniors who require assistance with their activities of daily living (ADLs) and personal care services. Seniors in these communities also benefit from convenient on-site amenities and services that help them stay socially, mentally, and physically engaged.
With this guide to assisted living in Fort Worth, you can browse the various types of assisted living communities in the area. Local listings are categorized based on what matters most to senior residents — with resident ratings on cleanliness, activities, amenities, care services, and more. You’ll also learn about local assisted living costs, how families typically pay, senior-specific care resources, and senior-favored activities in the Fort Worth area.
Sunrise has been very supportive with my mom. She doesn't like it there and complains all the time. But they are very aware of how dementia treats everyone differently. I am very happy. She is safe and can...
If you are looking for somewhere for your loved one dealing with dementia to live, look no further. Colonial Gardens is the PERFECT place. The staff here truly care. Your family member will feel loved and...
My mom is currently a resident at Brookdale Tanglewood Oaks. The only thing that I've ever had a problem with is the laundry service. They have lost three items, but they are looking for them. Other than...
5 stars for all! The information that was given and showed to us was great. I don't what I would add to it! I would definitely recommend Christian Care Communities and Services of Fort Worth!
We recently moved my 85 yr. old mother to Brookdale Westover Hills. She has been there 1 month and i have visited her multiple times on various days of the week and times of day. I have found the staff...
The staff at Legend at Fort Worth are respectful and knowledge of their job description. Very pleasant during difficult situations and strive to please their residence's.
My loved one is currently a resident at Riverside Oxford Memory Care and the experience has been great so far. The cleanliness and housekeeping are great. Communication with the family and staff are great. I...
The staff at Bristol Park at Eagle Mt. stayed the same the 10 months she was a resident. Each apartment is just the right size for the comfortability and safety of the resident . I highly recommend ...
My father is at The Vantage Independent Living and really loves where he is at. My father is one of the official volunteers who welcomes everyone, so I know he is having a wonderful time there. The only meal...
My auntie moved from Watermark independent to Watermark assisted living in November 2023. We have been so pleased with [name removed], the Assisted Living Director, and his staff. They listen to our needs...
I actually chose this facility because my best friend had her dad there before he passed and she highly recommended it. Great price on care...apartment is very nice and priced comparison to others but cost...
A little over 3 years ago, I had to move my parents from their home in East Texas, after my dad fell and broke his hip. He was the one that was caring for my mom who had dementia. We had to make a pretty...
My loved one was previously a resident at Oak Ridge Alzheimer's Special Care Center and the experience was great. They were incredibly accommodating and helpful! Based on our experience, I would definitely...
My mom is currently a resident at Bethesda Gardens Fort Worth. I can't say that the experience has been great overall just yet. Some individuals have been great. But, it's over time that we will see.
My mom said they had a great chef when she first got there. She states the new chef serves a lot of starches. She says the new chef doesn't add any flavor to the food. She states everything is pretty bland....
My dad loves the food and the staff at Truewood by Merrill, River Park. They are all so sweet to him and helpful, if his TV isn't working or any other small thing. The housekeeping is good and they are very...
My loved one is currently a resident at Autumn Leaves of Cityview and the experience has been very good so far. The staff are very much involved with the residents and quite effective at getting my loved one...
This is what my mother said as she toured. She was instantly at home, at ease. She called Discovery Village "home" for 3+ years. She has made many friendships. DV provides a place for residents to LIVE!
Anything less than a 5 star review for Ignite just makes no sense & is frankly uneducated. I challenge anyone to find a better Skilled Nursing Facility anywhere. Friends and family in the healthcare...
My cousin is the first resident in the brand new Edition-Saginaw Memory Care. Upon her arrival, the facility rolled out the red carpet! (Yes there really was a red carpet!) We were greeted by the whole...
The overall care has been fine, but would love an in house nurse.. The director, [name removed] , is exceptional caring for the elderly. He is knowledgeable and compassionate. And I love the warm paint and...
Brookdale Watauga is a small, personable community. Everyone knows everyone there and we really like that. I would recommend this facility to those looking for assisted living.
Great place to live. Someone is always there to help you and very friendly. Independent living is like living in your own home. Cottages are spacious with an attached garage. Nutritious meals served every...
It was recommended by a friend whose mother is a resident. It's in my loved ones community and down the street from her house, church and grandson so people in this area can visit her. The facility is nice...
My family and loved one have had a good experience with the community. The staff are kinds, caring, and helpful. Everyone is friendly. My loved one has gained weight since moving into the community, this...
The average rent for assisted living in Fort Worth is $4,296 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s 2022-2023 proprietary data.[01] Fort Worth assisted living communities have several costs built into the monthly rent, saving seniors from paying additional amounts for food, travel, and daily conveniences. However, some communities’ pay structures include add-on fees for additional services and conveniences. The figure above is a starting cost, and doesn’t account for add-on fees for additional services chosen by residents.
The following services and amenities are typically included in the monthly baseline costs of our partner Fort Worth’s assisted living communities:
The following services and amenities are also typical of our partner Fort Worth assisted living communities, but they may require additional add-on fees:
The following chart can help you compare assisted living baseline costs across the greater DFW area. These figures also don’t account for any add-on service or care fees.
Seniors and their families typically turn to several payment methods to pay for their assisted living in Fort Worth, from private savings to public benefits. Most seniors pull together their savings, retirement income, insurance policies, and funds from federal and state programs for their ideal retirement. In this section, you’ll find helpful information on how to use private pay options as well as veterans benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare to cover long-term care and assisted living costs.
Seniors and families usually start with private funds when they begin crafting a payment plan for assisted living in Fort Worth. Private pay options include all of a senior’s personal income and asset resources. Income might include savings accounts, retirement pensions, investment returns, and/or Social Security benefits. And, to seniors’ advantage, Texas doesn’t levy a personal income tax, meaning these income sources aren’t taxed at the state level.
Long-term care insurance is another possible option when looking to pay for assisted living care. However, long-term care insurance policies greatly vary in what they cover. So it’s recommended that you consult with your loved one’s policy provider to see if the policy will cover any assisted living costs.
Depending on your senior loved one’s resources and current situation, they may also turn to any of the following methods to cover assisted living costs. Learn more about some potential options for funding your loved one’s ideal assisted living community below:
Approximate number of veterans who live in Fort Worth
Nearly 38% of Fort Worth veterans are 65+.
Senior veterans or their surviving spouses may be eligible to receive pensions or disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help with any costs of living. The Aid and Attendance benefit is especially important for disabled senior veterans and spouses. This generous benefit can be added to an existing VA pension to pay for anything that improves a veteran’s quality of life — which could include rent at an assisted living community.
To verify your loved one’s VA benefits eligibility status and ensure they apply properly, you should reach out to a local veterans service organization (VSO) before applying. Navigating VA benefits is tricky business. Thankfully, VSOs are nonprofit and vetted by the VA to help you or a loved one obtain benefits they qualify for. They’ll help you successfully file a claim or even appeal a denied claim. Take a look at this service-related disabilities fact sheet to see whether a condition qualifies you or a loved one for VA benefits.
Fortunately, Fort Worth makes it easy to access an array of VA-vetted veterans service organizations (VSOs) at the Tarrant County Veteran Services Office. This office connects veterans to local, regional, and national services offered by organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Texas Veterans Commission, and others. Reach out to these organizations for benefits assistance using the contact information below.
Resources for Fort Worth veterans
Tarrant County Veteran Services Office
1200 Circle Dr., Suite 300
Fort Worth, TX 76119
Phone: 817-531-5645
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Medicaid is a public health insurance program that is jointly funded by the state and federal governments. Even though it cannot be used to pay rent at a private assisted living community, it can help cover some long-term health care services and medically necessary care services within an assisted living community.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (or HHSC) operates a Medicaid program called STAR. STAR offers a managed care program specifically for seniors 65+ and individuals with disabilities called STAR+PLUS. In addition to routine health care costs, the STAR+PLUS program covers long-term care services, which can include the following:
Keep in mind that STAR+PLUS can only cover health care and long-term care services through agencies licensed and certified by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
As of 2023, seniors 65+ must not exceed the following monthly income limits to qualify for STAR+PLUS:[03]
For care services to be covered within a private residence, seniors must be eligible for the home and community based services (HCBS) Medicaid waiver program. HCBS waivers enable seniors to receive care services in a residential setting of their choice, like an assisted living community, rather than an institutional setting like a nursing home.[04] If a senior chooses to receive these services in a private assisted living facility, the facility must qualify as a residential or community-based setting. The care services should be provided through a health care agency contracted with the patient’s managed care provider.
The STAR+PLUS HCBS waiver program can help cover the following care costs as long as the agency providing the care services is contracted with Medicaid:[04]
When a senior applies for Medicaid, the HHSC will assess their need for the HCBS waiver program. As of 2023, seniors must meet the following eligibility requirements:[05]
Note for home and community based services (HCBS) settings: Not all Fort Worth assisted living communities qualify as an HCBS setting; however, some will. In order to qualify, a facility must do the following:[04]
If you need help understanding your loved one’s eligible Medicaid benefits, find a Texas Health and Human Services office near you or search for local programs through their services search tool. You can also contact your local area agencies on aging (or AAAs) for assistance in accessing local long-term care services and disability programs. You should also check with your prospective assisted living facility to see if they offer access to Medicaid care services on-site.
Below, you’ll find more resources to help you better understand Medicaid benefits for seniors. You’ll also find valuable search tools that’ll help you locate Medicaid benefit offices in Fort Worth.
Fort Worth resident Medicaid resources
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage to adults aged 65 and older and individuals with disabilities. It can’t be used to cover room and board costs in a Fort Worth assisted living community, but it can help cover some medically necessary care costs within an assisted living facility.
As of 2023, seniors must not exceed the following income limits to qualify for Texas Medicare:[03]
The following Texas programs can help seniors save on Medicare costs and apply for Medicare benefits:
As of 2023, seniors must not exceed a monthly income of $1,133 as an individual or $1,526 as a couple to qualify for this program.[03]
For additional assistance with your loved one’s eligible Medicare benefits and enrollment, you can visit the Medicare website or call 2-1-1. Below, you’ll also find applications and resources to help your senior loved one access their Medicare benefits in Fort Worth. If you’d like assistance with Texas Medicare, you can reach out to a local Social Security Administration office, the Texas Legal Services Center, or your local long-term care ombudsman. A long-term care ombudsman can be found at your nearest Area Agency on Aging. They advocate for the health care rights of assisted living residents and help families learn about potential senior care options and payment methods.
Fort Worth resident Medicare resources
Find an SSA office in Fort Worth
Fritz G. Lanham Federal Building
819 Taylor St., Room 1-A-07
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Phone: 800-772-1213
Texas Health Information, Counseling, and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
Phone: 800-252-9240
The Legal Hotline for Texans
Phone: 800-622-2520, ext. 3
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Area Agency on Aging of Tarrant County website
201 N. Rupert St., Suite 107
Fort Worth, TX 76107
Tiffany McLennan, managing local ombudsman
Phone: 817-258-8102
Email: tiffany.mclennan@unitedwaytarrant.org
If your senior loved one qualifies for both Medicare and Medicaid, they’re eligible to receive dual coverage through one Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP) in Fort Worth, Texas. This program is called the Dual Eligible Integrated Care Demonstration Project and is commonly referred to as “the Demonstration.” The Demonstration strives to improve service coordination, enhance quality of care, eliminate cost shifting between Medicare and Medicaid, and reduce costs for both the Texas and federal governments.
To qualify for the Demonstration, a senior must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Dual-eligible individuals should be automatically enrolled. They may choose to opt out of the Demonstration after they receive an enrollment letter in the mail notifying them of their enrollment. To request additional information on this program, email managed_care_initiatives@hhsc.state.tx.us.
In Texas, all assisted living facilities must be licensed and certified by Texas Health and Human Services (also known as HHS) in order to operate and house residents. Texas Health and Human Services refers to assisted living facilities as ALFs and categorizes them into Type A and Type B. Here’s how the two differ:[06]
Most stand-alone assisted living facilities qualify as Type A, while facilities with memory care and/or other specialized care units typically qualify as Type B. In Fort Worth, assisted living facilities must meet several standards to remain licensed. Below, you’ll find a brief overview of these Texas assisted living standards.
All Texas ALFs must pass a life safety code, physical inspection, and health inspection before they are officially licensed. The life safety code ensures a facility’s ability to safely house residents, while the health inspection ensures that it’s equipped to protect resident health. After an initial inspection, facilities are inspected at least once every two years.[08]
During an inspection, Texas Health and Human Services checks for the following in an ALF:[08,09]
The general public can use the Long-term Care Provider Search to access each licensed assisted living facility’s most recent inspection report and general facility information. To request any additional information not found on the site, 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.
Fort Worth doesn’t have any specific COVID-19 regulations in place for assisted living communities. However, the state does require all assisted living facilities to develop their own infection prevention and control measures for common infections, including COVID-19. The measures should include guidance on a community’s hygiene practices, touching the following:
Because communities are allowed to set their own regulations, it’s best to check with your prospective community to see what current COVID-19 rules they may have in place. You can also visit the COVID-19 informational page on the Fort Worth website to see regular updates regarding local risk levels, testing, vaccinations, and more.
Fort Worth has become a hub for retiring seniors in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex. It naturally attracts seniors due to its ideal temperatures, robust health care options, and unique senior-friendly initiatives. For instance, the city enacted an action plan called Age-Friendly Fort Worth in 2017 to increase the quality of life for current and future senior residents. Over the last few years, the plan has focused on implementing aging-friendly initiatives in the following domains:
The DFW metroplex is also home to Sixty and Better — a nonprofit that empowers older adults to live with purpose, independence, and dignity. The nonprofit offers social support services, local senior programs, and more. Fort Worth also offers a robust senior living scene with a range of assisted living communities to help seniors find the most ideal, supportive environment for their next chapter of life. Below, you’ll find an overview of the most common and enticing features of our partner Fort Worth assisted living communities.
More than half of our assisted living partners in Fort Worth offer options for aging in place. This means that these communities offer more than one level of care on-site. Fort Worth senior living communities may provide independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. The most popular combination in Fort Worth is assisted living with memory care. This multitiered approach helps seniors age in place, meaning they won’t have to move if their care needs ever change. This approach also enables aging couples with different needs to live together. For example, if one partner requires dementia care while the other partner only requires light day-to-day assistance, the couple can select a community that offers both assisted living and memory care.
Seniors taking the independent living option can eliminate stressors like home ownership and daily chores and, instead, focus on building friendships and maintaining hobbies. Independent living communities offer residents access to an array of convenient services and luxurious amenities that foster social, physical, and mental health. Assisted living offers residents all of that along with assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and personalized care services, depending on health care needs. Memory care offers the same care services; however, it goes the extra mile to offer personalized, attentive care for residents with memory loss. Memory care staff are trained to provide specialized treatments and therapies for behaviors that residents with dementia commonly experience.
Fort Worth assisted living communities aim to eliminate excessive travel for routine care needs. To do so, many of our partner communities offer on-site nurses and medical services within a resident’s unit. Some of the most common on-site medical services available at Fort Worth assisted living communities include the following:
Some assisted living communities even offer on-site clinics, with optometrists, dieticians, doctors, and other specialists to help residents access optimal care. A few Fort Worth communities also offer a skilled nursing facility on-site to handle more complex medical issues.
Fort Worth assisted living communities offer an array of on-site amenities and a robust calendar of activities to help residents stay healthily active and engaged. Some communities offer researched programs to help seniors thrive, while other communities encourage resident-led activities.
Some of the most common activities you’ll find in our partner Fort Worth assisted living communities include the following:
Seniors are also free to explore on-site amenities at their own leisure. Some of the most common amenities in our partner Fort Worth assisted living communities include the following:
A few of our assisted living partners in Fort Worth also offer some luxe amenities like on-site swimming pools, Jacuzzis, spas, putting greens, and more.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 living in Fort Worth as of 2021
Average annual retirement income for Fort Worth seniors 65+ in 2021[10]
The Fort Worth health care scene is merged with the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area, meaning the area’s top-rated medical centers are mainly in Dallas. Here’s an overview of what the highly rated medical centers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area have to offer.
UT Southwestern Medical Center
UT Southwestern Medical Center is ranked as the No. 1 hospital in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and No. 2 in all of Texas, according to U.S. News and World Report. It nationally ranks in nine specialties, including No. 26 in geriatric care.
Baylor University Medical Center
Baylor University Medical Center ranks as the No. 2 hospital in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. It ranks No. 4 across Texas, according to U.S. News and World Report. It nationally ranks in gastroenterology as well.
Parkland Health’s Dallas location ranks as the No. 3 hospital in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, according to U.S. News and World Report. It’s high performing in heart failure treatment, diabetic care, and gastroenterology.
Texas Health ranks No. 4 in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, according to U.S. News and World Report. It’s high performing in diabetic care, stroke care, and heart failure treatment.
Active, licensed seniors may use their own cars to get around Fort Worth; however, they don’t have to — most of our assisted living partners provide on-site transportation options for residents, or they connect residents to local transportation services. As a matter of fact, 91% of our partner communities in Fort Worth offer complimentary transportation services.[01] Keep in mind, some communities limit these rides to medical appointments and necessary errands, while other communities offer rides for leisure events.
Visiting families and friends can utilize Tarrant County’s public transportation system, Trinity Metro, to easily get around Fort Worth when visiting their senior loved one. Trinity Metro offers buses, trains, and rideshare options. Tarrant County also partners with nonprofit transportation services to offer seniors rides to routine medical appointments, shopping trips, and other essential errands. If your senior loved one must choose a public transportation method, make sure they’re accompanied by a caregiver.
Families might also be interested in learning about the city’s sprawl. These scores from WalkScore can help you get a better idea of Fort Worth’s transportation options. The scores are each out of 100 and are based on the public density, walking and biking routes, public transportation options, and general infrastructure:[12]
Fort Worth offers a range of exciting activities for seniors of all mobility levels. With the city merging into one greater metroplex — Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) — seniors can find a world of unique activities near and far. DFW offers a selection of mouthwatering restaurants, captivating museums, and refreshing outdoor activities.
Here’s a glimpse at some of Fort Worth’s top senior-favored activities and attractions:
Sunrise of Fort Worth, Colonial Gardens - Fort Worth and Highlands Village Senior Living of Mansfield are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Fort Worth, 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 Fort Worth is $5,734 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Fort Worth. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Fort Worth. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2023, March 1). Appendix XXXI, Monthly income/resource limits. In STAR+PLUS Handbook.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). STAR+PLUS, STAR+PLUS Client FAQs.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2016, March 1). A-3300, Home and Community-Based Services waiver programs. In 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): Fort Worth. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best hospitals in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX.
WalkScore. (2023). Living in Fort Worth.
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): Fort Worth. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Fort Worth. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2023, March 1). Appendix XXXI, Monthly income/resource limits. In STAR+PLUS Handbook.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). STAR+PLUS, STAR+PLUS Client FAQs.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2016, March 1). A-3300, Home and Community-Based Services waiver programs. In 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): Fort Worth. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best hospitals in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX.
WalkScore. (2023). Living in Fort Worth.