Senior Living Resources for Families

Where to Start When You’re Researching Senior Care

When a parent or spouse starts needing more help than family can provide at home, most people don’t know where to begin. The good news is that there are free, trustworthy resources designed specifically for this moment — you just need to know where to look.

Start broad, then narrow. First, get a clear picture of what kind of care your loved one actually needs — help with daily activities, memory care, medication management, or around-the-clock supervision. Then look at what financial options are available, because that will shape your choices significantly.

The resources below are ones we regularly point Parker County families toward. They’re not perfect, and navigating them can take patience, but they’re the real starting points — not glossy brochures, but actual tools that answer actual questions. If you ever get stuck, you’re also welcome to call us at Autumn Hill Manor at (817) 596-4159. We talk to families in this situation every week and are happy to help point you in the right direction, even if our community isn’t the right fit.

Medicare and Medicaid: Understanding the Difference

One of the most common points of confusion for families is what Medicare covers versus what Medicaid covers — and neither program works quite the way most people expect when it comes to assisted living.

Medicare is federal health insurance primarily for people 65 and older. It covers hospital stays, doctor visits, short-term skilled nursing care, and some home health services. What it generally does not cover is long-term assisted living costs or custodial care (help with bathing, dressing, and daily activities).

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program for people with limited income and assets. In Texas, Medicaid can help cover some long-term care costs through specific waiver programs, but eligibility rules are strict and waitlists can be long.

• Medicare information: medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE
• Texas Medicaid information: hhs.texas.gov
• Benefits eligibility screener: benefits.gov

Understanding which program applies to your situation early on will save a lot of frustration later.

Texas HHSC and State-Level Senior Services

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) oversees a wide range of programs for older Texans, including Medicaid-funded long-term services, Adult Protective Services, and the STAR+PLUS waiver program that can help eligible seniors pay for home and community-based care.

HHSC also regulates assisted living facilities in Texas, which means you can look up inspection records and licensing information for any licensed community — including Autumn Hill Manor. That transparency is a good thing, and we encourage families to use it.

• Texas HHSC main site: hhs.texas.gov
• Long-term care provider search: hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers
• HHSC customer service: 2-1-1 (statewide helpline)

The 2-1-1 Texas helpline is especially useful — it connects you with local social services, including transportation, meals, and caregiver respite. It’s free, confidential, and available around the clock. If you’re not sure where to start with state programs, 2-1-1 is often the best first call.

The Eldercare Locator and Area Agencies on Aging

The Eldercare Locator (eldercare.acl.gov) is a free, nationwide service run by the U.S. Administration on Aging. You enter a zip code and it connects you with local resources — Area Agencies on Aging, legal aid, transportation, meal programs, caregiver support, and more. It’s one of the most practical tools out there, and it’s often overlooked.

For Parker County families, the relevant local body is the Area Agency on Aging of Tarrant County, which serves our region and offers care coordination, caregiver assistance, and information and referral services at no cost.

• Eldercare Locator: eldercare.acl.gov or 1-800-677-1116
• Area Agency on Aging of Tarrant County: aaatc.org or (817) 413-4949

These agencies don’t just hand you a list — they often have care counselors who can walk through your situation with you and help identify which programs your loved one may qualify for. That kind of personal guidance is hard to put a price on when you’re in the middle of a difficult decision.

Caregiver Support Groups and Mental Health Resources

Caring for an aging parent or spouse is one of the hardest things a person can do — emotionally, physically, and logistically. Burnout is real, and it happens to the most devoted family caregivers. Finding support for yourself is not selfish; it’s necessary.

Several organizations offer free or low-cost support specifically for caregivers:

• Alzheimer’s Association — alz.org — Offers caregiver support groups, a 24/7 helpline (1-800-272-3900), and online communities. Especially valuable if your loved one has dementia.
• AARP Caregiver Resource Center — aarp.org/caregiving — Practical tools, guides, and a community forum for family caregivers of all kinds.
• Caregiver Action Network — caregiveraction.org — Free education and peer support for caregivers across all disease types.
• Parker County local support groups — Check with your loved one’s physician or call 2-1-1 for groups meeting in Weatherford.

At Autumn Hill Manor, we work alongside families — not instead of them. Staying connected and supported through this season makes a real difference in the care your loved one receives too.