El Paso Senior AdvisorWhat is memory care in El Paso?
Memory care is a secured unit in a Type B assisted living facility certified by HHSC for Alzheimer's care, with dementia-trained staff, structured activities and an approved outdoor area under 26 TAC 553.311.
8 El Paso assisted living facilities hold an Alzheimer's certificate, covering 196 residents, from 16 places at the smallest to 38 at the largest.
Who needs memory care?
People with dementia who wander, try to leave, are unsafe at night, or need constant supervision and redirection.
Early memory loss can often be managed in standard assisted living.
What does memory care cost in El Paso?
No published Texas or El Paso memory care median exists; certified units usually cost more than standard assisted living, so compare written quotes.
STAR+PLUS can pay care services at contracted certified units.
How do we choose a memory care unit?
Confirm the certificate, read TULIP findings, ask about night staffing, exit-seeking management, outdoor time and language.
Visit in the late afternoon.
Can a nursing home provide memory care?
Yes, some El Paso nursing facilities list Alzheimer's beds in HHSC's directory, suited to people with dementia who also need nursing care.
Our memory care roster includes them.
What should we watch for after a move into El Paso memory care?
Expect a few weeks of adjustment; watch for weight changes, new bruises, sleep problems and changes in mood, and ask staff how your parent is eating, sleeping and joining activities.
Attend the first care plan review and share what calms your parent. If concerns are not resolved, the ombudsman at (915) 533-0998 can help.
Where are licensed memory care providers in El Paso?
The state's records show 9 licensed memory care providers in the metro, 3 in West Side, Upper Valley & Northwest, 3 in Northeast El Paso & Fort Bliss, 1 in Cielo Vista, Eastwood & the UMC Corridor, 2 in East Side & Far East.
| Part of the metro | Licensed providers | Alzheimer's places |
|---|---|---|
| West Side, Upper Valley & Northwest | 3 | 100 |
| Central, Downtown & Kern Place | 0 | 0 |
| Northeast El Paso & Fort Bliss | 3 | 92 |
| Cielo Vista, Eastwood & the UMC Corridor | 1 | 16 |
| Lower Valley & Ysleta | 0 | 0 |
| East Side & Far East | 2 | 48 |
| Outside the city | 0 | 0 |
Side by side
| Certified memory care provides | Certified memory care does not provide | |
|---|---|---|
| Security | A secured unit with an approved outdoor area | Physical or chemical restraints |
| Staff | Dementia-trained staff under 553.311 | A guaranteed staff ratio |
| License | A Type B license plus Alzheimer's certificate | A promise the resident can stay forever |
Sources: Texas Health and Safety Code chapters 142, 242 and 247; 26 Texas Administrative Code chapters 553, 554, 558 and 559; HHSC program handbooks; CareScout, CMS and VA rate tables, as cited above. See our editorial standards.
