An honest, step-by-step guide for families in Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, San Marcos, New Braunfels, and surrounding communities
There’s a moment many families across Central Texas experience.
It often starts quietly…
A fall. A missed medication. A hospital stay.
Then comes the question:
“Can we keep them at home… or is it time to start looking at other options?”
For most families, the assumption is simple:
Staying at home must be more affordable.
But when we sit down and actually walk through the numbers—line by line—that’s often not what we find.
This guide was created to help families across Austin and Central Texas look at both options clearly—without pressure, just clarity.
The Real Cost of Staying at Home (With Support)
Home is familiar. It’s where routines and memories live.
But as care needs increase, staying at home often means adding layers of support—and those layers can add up quickly.
At-Home Cost Checklist
Use this to map out your current or expected monthly costs:
Housing Costs
- Mortgage or Rent: $________
- Property Taxes: $________
- Home Insurance: $________
- HOA Fees: $________
Utilities & Home Expenses
- Electricity / Gas: $________
- Water / Trash: $________
- Internet / Cable: $________
- Home Maintenance / Repairs: $________
Daily Living Support
- Home Care (___ hrs/day × $/hr): $_____
- Medication Management Support: $________
- Transportation (gas, Uber, family help): $________
Food & Household Needs
- Groceries: $________
- Meal Delivery Services: $________
- House Cleaning / Maid Service: $________
- Lawn Care / Home Upkeep: $________
Health & Safety
- Medical Alert System: $________
- Fall Prevention / Home Modifications: $________
- Supplies (incontinence, etc.): $________
Total Monthly Cost at Home: $________
What We’re Seeing Across Central Texas
In areas like Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, and Cedar Park, one of the biggest surprises for families is how quickly support costs grow.
Home care typically ranges from $25–$40 per hour, and even a few hours a day can significantly change the monthly picture.
As needs increase—even gradually—many families find the total cost of staying at home becomes much higher than expected.
🏘️ The Cost of Senior Living (Assisted Living)
Senior living isn’t just housing—it’s a monthly structure designed to support daily life, safety, and routine.
Senior Living Cost Checklist
Base Monthly Cost
- Rent (apartment + utilities): $________
Care & Support
- Personal Care Assistance: $________
- Medication Management: $________
Often Included
✔ Three meals daily
✔ Housekeeping & laundry
✔ Transportation
✔ Social activities
✔ 24/7 staff support
✔ Maintenance & repairs
Additional (if needed)
- Higher level of care: $________
- Specialized services: $________
Total Monthly Cost in Senior Living: $________
Central Texas Insight
Across San Marcos, New Braunfels, Lakeway, and the greater Austin area, many assisted living options start in the mid-$3,000s per month, depending on location, apartment size, and level of care.
As support needs increase, services can be adjusted—but many families find the overall monthly cost is more predictable than managing multiple services at home.
What Families Often Realize After Doing This Exercise
This is usually the turning point.
When families complete both checklists, they often say:
“We didn’t realize how close the numbers actually were.”
Across Central Texas, we consistently see:
- A few hours of daily home care can quickly approach senior living costs
- Costs at home tend to increase over time—not stay steady
- Senior living offers more consistency and built-in support
- Families spend less time coordinating care and more time being present
Signs It May Be Time to Explore Options
You don’t have to wait for a crisis—but many families do.
Here are some common indicators:
- Care is needed daily (not just occasionally)
- There have been recent falls or hospital visits
- Medications are becoming difficult to manage
- Nutrition or meal consistency is declining
- A loved one is spending more time alone
- Family members feel stretched or overwhelmed
This Decision Is About More Than Cost
Numbers matter—but they’re only part of the picture.
This decision is also about:
- Safety
- Dignity
- Independence
- Social connection
- Peace of mind for everyone involved
A Local Perspective That Matters
Across Central Texas—from Austin to Waco, and Georgetown to New Braunfels—
families who plan ahead often experience:
- More options
- Better financial clarity
- Smoother transitions
- Less stress overall
Waiting can limit choices—but starting early opens doors.
About Senior Industry Services & Oasis Senior Advisors Austin/Central Texas
Senior Industry Services (SIS) was created to bring together trusted resources, education, and support for seniors and families across Central Texas.
Through SIS, families can access:
- Local senior care resources
- Educational tools and guides
- Support navigating complex decisions
- Connections to trusted professionals
When more personalized guidance is needed, Oasis Senior Advisors Austin & Central Texas works alongside SIS to provide one-on-one support—helping families:
- Compare senior living options
- Navigate hospital-to-home transitions
- Understand care needs and next steps
- Feel confident in the decisions ahead
Our shared mission:
To make Central Texas the best place for seniors to age—through collaboration, education, and compassionate support.
Need Help Walking Through This?
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Call or Text: (512) 827-1292
Start here: https://seniorindustryservices.com/
Whether you’re just beginning to explore or need immediate guidance, we’re here to help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.
Final Thought
If you take one step after reading this, make it this:
- Sit down and complete the checklist
- Write the numbers out clearly
Because once you see it on paper…
everything starts to make more sense.