Texas regulates senior care through the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), and knowing the rules helps Dallas families ask better questions and spot red flags. This hub summarizes how assisted living, memory care, nursing homes, and Medicaid long-term care work in Texas, and where to verify any facility's license.
Every fact below applies statewide — the same regulator, Medicaid program, and public license database cover Dallas, Collin, Denton, Rockwall, and Tarrant counties.
Who licenses assisted living in Texas
Assisted living facilities (ALFs) are licensed by HHSC's Long-Term Care Regulation under Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 247 and 26 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 553. Texas licenses ALFs as Type A (residents who can evacuate without staff help) or Type B (residents who need staff assistance to evacuate). You can look up any facility's license, inspection history, and deficiency findings through the HHSC Long-Term Care Provider Search (apps.hhs.texas.gov). We only refer families to communities with an active license and no open disciplinary action.
Memory care: Type B, not a separate license
Texas has no standalone memory-care license. A community offering dementia care most often holds a Type B ALF license, meets disclosure requirements for the services it provides to residents with Alzheimer's and related dementias, and may hold an optional Alzheimer's/dementia certification. Always confirm the specific secured unit is covered by the facility's Type B license and its dementia disclosure.
Nursing homes
Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are licensed by HHSC under Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 242, and provide 24/7 licensed medical care and post-hospital rehabilitation. Their inspection records are also on the HHSC Long-Term Care Provider Search.
Medicaid long-term care: STAR+PLUS
Texas's long-term care Medicaid runs through the STAR+PLUS managed-care program and the STAR+PLUS Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver. It can cover personal care and attendant services — including in a participating assisted living facility — for seniors who meet a nursing-facility level of care and Texas's income and asset limits, though it generally does not cover room and board. It's delivered through managed care organizations including Molina Healthcare, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, Superior HealthPlan, and Aetna Better Health. You apply through YourTexasBenefits.com, and eligibility includes an HHSC medical-necessity / level-of-care assessment.
Free help: Dallas Area Agency on Aging
The Dallas Area Agency on Aging (operated by The Senior Source) serves Dallas County, while the Area Agency on Aging of North Central Texas serves Collin, Denton, and Rockwall counties. They offer free counseling on long-term care options, benefits screening, and caregiver support. Statewide, Texas 2-1-1 connects families to local aging services.
Veterans
North Texas veterans are served by the Dallas VA Medical Center (VA North Texas Health Care System). Wartime veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for the VA Aid & Attendance pension toward care costs; the VA Caregiver Support Line is 1-855-260-3274, and the Texas Veterans Commission assists with benefit applications.
Reporting concerns
The Texas Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (HHSC) advocates for residents of long-term care facilities. To report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult, call Texas DFPS Adult Protective Services at 1-800-252-5400 (24/7).
Related: Cost of assisted living in Dallas · Assisted living FAQ · Facility directory
Not sure where to start? A free Dallas Senior Advisor advisor will talk it through with you — 15 minutes, no pressure, no fee. Call (214) 555-0100 or send a message.