The Dallas suburb of Mesquite, dubbed the Rodeo Capital of Texas, is known for its classic Texas barbeque, vibrant cultural amenities and thriving downtown district. The city has a large senior community that accounts for nearly 11% of its 140,000 residents and provides an upbeat environment for retirement living. Local assisted living facilities may visit local amenities such as Corner Theatre, the numerous dining options and shops, and the sprawling city of Dallas is just 10 miles away. Mesquite is home to the Dallas Regional Medical Center, which is centrally located and specializes in areas of medicine such as geriatric medicine, heart care and cancer care. The city also has several senior centers and a large public library that hosts a variety of programs and activities such as book clubs, adult crafts and assistance with taxes and personal finances.
Assisted living facilities in Mesquite typically charge $4,400 per month for services, which is higher than state and national medians. However, Mesquite’s cost of living is a little lower than the national average, which may offset some assisted living expenses.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
The monthly fees for assisted living in Mesquite average $4,400, which is roughly $400 higher than the state average of $3,998 and $100 higher than the national median of $4,300. Assisted living costs in Texas are fairly consistent with costs in neighboring states, though seniors may find lower fees across state lines. Arkansas is the cheapest nearby state, with fees coming in at $3,500. In Louisiana, care costs $3,639 on average, and in Oklahoma, facilities charge $3,750 per month. New Mexico is a little more expensive at $4,050.
While Mesquite is a little pricey compared to the state median, it’s an affordable option compared to other major cities. Victoria is the most expensive option at $5,525, and in Houston, seniors pay an average of $4,750. In the Brownsville area, the average facility charges $3,433 per month for care, and in the capital city of Austin, fees come in at $4,250. Texarkana is the cheapest city in the state at $2,600 per month.
Note: Data for Mesquite was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Dallas, was used instead.
The STAR+PLUS Waiver is a statewide Medicaid waiver that covers assisted living services in Mesquite. This Medicaid managed care program covers health care and long-term care services to enable seniors to avoid or delay nursing home placement, including personal assistance services, therapies, medical supplies, adaptive aids and emergency response services.
For more information on qualifying for the STAR+PLUS Waiver, visit our Assisted Living in Texas page.
Contact | Description | |
Area Agencies on Aging | (800) 252-9240 | Area Agencies on Aging are federally funded to provide services to support healthy aging and independence. Through local AAAs, seniors access free and low-cost services such as case management, transportation, congregate meals and civil legal aid. AAAs also provide long-term care ombudsman services to resolve issues that arise in assisted living facilities, and they’re staffed with counselors who help visitors understand their Medicare benefits and compare Medicare Advantage and Medigap policies. Mesquite seniors who live in Dallas County should contact the Dallas County AAA for services, and those in Kaufman County should contact the North Central Texas AAA. |
Mesquite Vet Center | (972) 288-8030 | Mesquite is home to a VA Vet Center, which provides counseling and assistance with accessing state and federal VA benefits. Officers help eligible veterans and their spouses apply for benefits such as combat-related disability compensation, pension and the Aid and Attendance benefit, which can be used toward assisted living services. Officers can help compile the documents necessary for filing claims, track claims through the approval process and dispute denied benefits. |
Texas Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program | (800) 252-9240 | Texas HICAP helps Medicare-eligible Mesquite residents enroll in Medicare, understand their rights and benefits, file complaints and appeal denied coverage. Counselors aren’t authorized to sell policies or endorse a health insurance company, allowing them to provide unbiased advice regarding Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage Plans, prescription drug coverage and long-term care insurance. HICAP can also help seniors apply for Medicare Saving Programs, which can cover some or all of the Medicare premiums, copays and deductibles. |
The Senior Source | (214) 823-5700 | The Senior Source is a local nonprofit organization that provides guardianship services, caregiver support, financial assistance and long-term care resources to seniors in the Greater Dallas area. The center hosts exercise classes, computer classes, support groups and guidance with recognizing fraud and addressing financial exploitation. It also has a senior volunteer program that connects older adults with local volunteer opportunities that fit their schedule, interests and experience. |
Senior Centers | (972) 216-6260 | The City of Mesquite operates three senior centers in the city, including Evans Senior Center, Goodbar Senior Center and Rutherford Senior Center. These centers have donation-based congregate meal programs that provide a third of seniors’ daily dietary requirements. They host an array of social and recreational activities such as senior exercise classes, walking clubs, yoga, bingo and card and board games. The centers also serve as a point of contact for accessing community-based services and supports. |
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services oversees assisted living facilities in Mesquite. To ensure a consistently high level of care, the department enforces regulations regarding resident-to-staff ratios, training requirements, admission and retention guidelines, meal services and recreational activities. To learn more about these regulations, visit our Assisted Living in Texas page.