What's the difference between independent living, assisted living, and memory care?

Independent living is housing + amenities for active seniors (no care). Assisted living adds help with bathing, dressing, and medications. Memory care is secured assisted living designed for dementia.

How do I tour Austin assisted living communities without sales pressure?

Bring a checklist, visit at meal time, ask to speak to a current resident, and visit unannounced on a second trip. CTSRN's housing advisor can also tour with you.

Resources/Housing

Senior living across Central Texas

Housing & Senior Living

Independent living, assisted living, memory care, and 55+ communities across the region.

Central Texas has more senior-living choices than any market between Dallas and San Antonio - independent living, assisted living, memory care, CCRCs, and 55+ communities in every submarket.

The right community depends on level of care needed today, level likely needed in three years, and the daily-life details that no brochure captures.

What this covers

Independent living

Housing + amenities + community, no personal care. Best for active seniors who want to right-size and stop maintaining a house. Central Texas rates run $2,800 - $5,500/month depending on submarket.

Assisted living

Adds help with bathing, dressing, medication management, and meals. Austin metro median is ~$5,800/month; Westlake / Lakeway premium communities run $7,500 - $9,500. Memory care adds another $1,500 - $2,500.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs / Life Plan Communities)

One campus covering independent through skilled nursing. Requires an entrance fee (often $200,000 - $600,000) plus a monthly service fee. Best for seniors who want to move once and age in place with predictable costs.

55+ active-adult communities

Sun City Texas in Georgetown is the regional flagship - amenities, clubs, and single-story homes. Not a care community; residents live independently and pay for care separately if needed later.

The Central Texas angle

We tour communities with families for free - and we're not paid a placement fee by the community, which most 'senior placement services' are. That structure changes what we're willing to tell you about a place.

Next steps

Write down the top three daily-life must-haves (not amenities)
Tour at meal time, unannounced, on a second visit
Have the residency agreement reviewed before signing

Vetted local providers

Rita Fenwick, SRES - Senior Real Estate
Senior-certified realtor specializing in right-sizing moves across Williamson County.
Georgetown · Leander · Liberty Hill (512) 555-0144
The Bridge at Bee Cave
Independent and assisted living community with a strong wellness program.
Bee Cave · Lakeway (512) 555-0166
Westminster Austin
Established Life Plan Community in central Austin - independent living through skilled nursing.
Austin (512) 454-4711
Querencia at Barton Creek
High-end Life Plan Community in southwest Austin with strong memory care.
Austin (512) 580-7700

Not sure where to start?

Tell us your situation and we'll connect you with the right person, free.

Ask an Expert

Frequently asked

What's the difference between independent living, assisted living, and memory care?: Independent living is housing + amenities for active seniors (no care). Assisted living adds help with bathing, dressing, and medications. Memory care is secured assisted living designed for dementia.
How do I tour Austin assisted living communities without sales pressure?: Bring a checklist, visit at meal time, ask to speak to a current resident, and visit unannounced on a second trip. CTSRN's housing advisor can also tour with you.