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Texarkana gets its name from a shared border with Arkansas, and it has a twin city across the state line. It’s in the easternmost part of Texas, a 150-mile straight shot east of Dallas, which is convenient for residents who need special medical care or travel frequently. However, the Wadley Regional Medical Center is close by in case of emergencies or illness. Texarkana is a farming town known for its livestock and rodeos; it’s still home to the Four State Rodeo and Fair, a popular regional event. The weather here is generally pleasant with long, hot summers and mild winters.
The cost of living in Texarkana, which is more than 20 points lower than the national average, may be attractive to seniors on a budget. Plus, Texas doesn’t levy a state income tax, including funds derived from pensions or withdrawals from retirement accounts. This may make it easier for seniors with limited means to better afford their choice of assisted living accommodations. In Texarkana, these communities average $2,600 per month.
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 >
Texarkana has assisted living fees that are much lower than the Texas state average at $2,600 compared to $3,998 according to Genworth Financial’s Cost of Care Survey 2020. Texas, in turn, has lower assisted living fees than the national average of $4,300, but it’s more expensive than most neighboring states except for New Mexico ($4,050). Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas are all lower at $3,639, $3,750 and $3,500 respectively.
Compared to other Texas cities, Texarkana has some of the lowest monthly assisted living fees in the state. Sherman and Tyler in north-central Texas are the closest, but both are more than $800 per month higher than Texarkana at $3,400 and $3,450 respectively. Dallas ($4,400), San Antonio ($3,599) and Austin ($4,250), all major Texas cities, have higher assisted living fees, as does Waco at $3,763.
Texas administers an assisted living waiver called the STAR+PLUS HCBS program that’s intended to help seniors avoid living in a nursing home and receive help paying for accommodations in an assisted living community instead. To qualify, applicants must be enrolled in Texas Medicaid and demonstrate that they require a nursing home level of care.
Learn more about this program, the eligibility requirements and the application process on our Assisted Living in Texas page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman | (800) 252-2412 | The Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman advocates for the interests of people living in long-term care communities, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Part of its mission includes investigating complaints filed by residents of these communities or by residents’ families on their behalf. Other functions include preparing suggestions and regulations for greater oversight of these communities and their employees. |
| T-Line Public Transportation | (903) 794-8883 | T-Line is a fixed-route, limited-service bus system serving the general Texarkana area, including routes serving surrounding parts of Arkansas. Seniors may be eligible for reduced rates, and those who need wheelchair shuttles may fill out an application for door-to-door service. |
| Miller County Veteran’s Services | (870) 330-9847 | The county veteran’s services department helps military veterans obtain their benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Representatives of the VA Center can help veterans apply for pensions and health care or find counseling and support. |
| Ark-Tex Area Agency on Aging | (903) 832-8636 | The Ark-Tex Agency on Aging is a community outreach organization dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors in the area. Some programs include education for seniors about fraud prevention and ways to detect elder abuse and neglect, while others deal with financial and retirement planning, including help finding accommodations in a long-term care community. Other programs fund Meals on Wheels and the local senior citizens center. Caseworkers also help seniors apply for Medicaid and Social Security. |
| Lone Star Legal Aid | (903) 793-7661 | This legal aid office provides pro bono legal services for people who meet low-income standards. Seniors may benefit from having documents, such as wills, living wills and trusts, prepared to protect their financial and medical wishes in the event that they cannot advocate for themselves. Other services include representation in civil matters and help in cases of elder abuse or neglect. |
| Collin Senior Center | (903) 798-3978 | The Collin Senior Center is a place for people age 55 and older to gather and socialize. It has a schedule of different games and hobby groups plus fitness classes designed for the elderly. Monthly birthday celebrations and holiday parties are popular events. |
Texarkana assisted living communities, as in all of Texas, are licensed and regulated by the Texas Department of Health. Regular inspections check the cleanliness and livability of the community as well as the staff training. Visit our Assisted Living in Texas page to learn more about these laws.
