Austin senior living facilities rise to meet aging population

AUSTIN – The ever-growing population in Central Texas is causing a surge of senior living facilities in North and Northwest Austin. 

But many of the communities, which do not accept basic medical insurance, are more expensive than seniors can afford.

An April report from the Capital Area Council of Governments stated the number of residents in Central Texas ages 65-69 increased by 111.5 percent—from 37,200 to 78,676—from 2004-14.

Sarah Boone, district director of sales for the central division of Brookdale Senior Living Solutions, said countless senior living facilities have opened in the Austin metro area since 2014.

Boone said most senior living is an out-of-pocket expense, although Brookdale does accept long-term care insurance. Brookdale residents pay from $2,250-$5,000 per month, she said.

Senior living facilities in the Northwest Austin area typically charge between $4,500 and $6,500.

Residents with resources find a way to afford the expense, but lower- and middle-income residents are typically unable to afford the appropriate care.