Covering 72 square miles, Plano is the ninth-largest city in the big state of Texas. While it may be one of the primary suburbs of the big Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area, it stands on its own as a major center of commerce and finance, with several Fortune 100 companies calling it home.
In the top five of the most livable cities in the U.S., Plano is a great place to look for assisted living options. Chores will be taken care of for you — from cleaning the house and doing laundry to getting help with daily living activities. A Place for Mom partners with 67 assisted living facilities in Plano within a 10-mile radius of the city center, which includes Richardson, Frisco, Allen, and parts of Dallas.
In this guide, we will provide you with comprehensive information about assisted living facilities, how much they cost, and how to pay for them. We’ll also discuss the laws and regulations governing assisted living facilities, as well as your Plano health care and transportation options. Last but not least, we’ll show you all the great things Plano and the Dallas area has to offer.
Covering 72 square miles, Plano is the ninth-largest city in the big state of Texas. While it may be one of the primary suburbs of the big Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area, it stands on its own as a major center of commerce and finance, with several Fortune 100 companies calling it home.Read more
In the top five of the most livable cities in the U.S., Plano is a great place to look for assisted living options. Chores will be taken care of for you — from cleaning the house and doing laundry to getting help with daily living activities. A Place for Mom partners with 67 assisted living facilities in Plano within a 10-mile radius of the city center, which includes Richardson, Frisco, Allen, and parts of Dallas.
In this guide, we will provide you with comprehensive information about assisted living facilities, how much they cost, and how to pay for them. We’ll also discuss the laws and regulations governing assisted living facilities, as well as your Plano health care and transportation options. Last but not least, we’ll show you all the great things Plano and the Dallas area has to offer.
my dad is at this facility and the care he's receiving is impeccable. he loves the staff and I love them as well. I have a peace of mind knowing he is well taken care of.
The Waterford @ Plano has a great atmosphere and very friendly staff. I recently moved my father there and I believe he will have great opportunities to meet new people, get help as needed and go on a...
My father stayed here. The staff was very friendly. They worked with my Dad and our family on several items. For example, instead of going to the kitchen for meals, he took his meals in his room. So...
The care that my mother got here was unbelievable. The knowledge and friendliness of the nurses was wonderful. I would absolutely recommend Silver Leaf at Hearst Castle to others looking.
my uncle lives here and staff is really good to him - very thankful for that!
I would say that my experience has been very positive, but more importantly, my mom loves it there. My objective reasons are above for the most part, but subjectively, I had a good feeling about it the few...
The staff was wonderful from [name removed] the director to the actual ladies who took care of my mom. Sadly my mom was only there 2 weeks before she passed. Silver Leaf along with Tribute Hospice were...
My husband has Parkinsons & I needed more support. I'm so grateful to the team who made him feel special each day & give him the best care.
Mom mom loves when they bring in animals for a visit. She gets to love on a very friendly dog every time they visit. They make an extra effort to bring the dog to her room if she is not in the activity...
Housekeeping seems diligent, both checking in on the residents several times/day as well as cleaning the apartment and laundry 1x/week. Communication with the family has been proactive and via multiple...
Just a great place to live!!! I always enjoy talking to the front desk staff! Everyone does an exceptional job! Excellent food, good sleep conditions, nice and quiet atmosphere, singing and we love the...
Anthology of Plano is a very nice place, and we've had a good experience there. Mom has gotten connected with some new friends. And she is getting great care!
It's a great place...if you can afford it. I should note that I'm going to have to move her into my house soon because its so expensive.It was a recommendation, and we needed a place at the last minute due...
Avalon was wonderful. I would award them a 5 on all counts except activities. The residents at my husband's facility were incapable of activities. My husband died during Covid. The staff was wonderful,...
I'm currently a resident at Cariad at Village Creek Assisted Living and Memory Care. The staff is nice. The facility is very clean. Communication is good. The food is generally good. I would for sure...
We like that the Villagio at Plano is a smaller community especially given that our loved one is fully deaf. The staff have really worked hard to get their heads around that and be super accommodating...
My husband has been at the Auberge of Plano for [dates removed] and I have been extremely pleased with his care. The care givers are well trained in dealing with Alzheimer's patients and they are loving,...
Sunrise on Hillcrest is a top quality Assisted Living with the most caring and compassionate staff. Very soon after moving my Grandmother to Sunrise on Hillcrest, they all became an extension to our family.
Right away we really liked the quality of the facility and everything they have to offer, but our biggest frustration and complaint would be with their billing and accounting process to the point where we...
The comprehensive care and attention at Landing at Watermere Frisco have made a significant difference in our aunt's life. The personalized approach to her needs and well-being is truly commendable.
Areas we gave 4's may not be fair, as our mom is complicit on cleanliness and she kind of doesn't always ask for help. The staff call her "mama" and are always friendly when we have been there. It is very...
Price was reasonable compared to other locations. Good location for family members to visit. Staff was great working with mom. Building was always clean. Everyone was very professional.
I think that overall The Wellington at Arapaho is a good place for a loved one's care. They do a good job with cleaning the rooms and clothes regularly and serving meals on time.
We have been pleased with the service my mother has received. The caregivers are attentive and I feel comfortable with my mother's care.
The reason we gave the overall value for cost a 1 is because all places were high in cost. They were flexible and patient when my Dad was dying. Worked around our schedule. Had we gone in with the first...
According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, the average monthly cost of assisted living in the Plano area is $4,705 at our partner facilities.[03] This represents a total price that includes everything from amenities to add-ons and service fees.
The graphic below outlines the baseline prices of assisted living in the Plano area, which doesn’t account for additional costs or add-ons.
Average monthly costs
Plano, TX
You can cover the cost of staying in an assisted living facility in the Plano area through various options. These include private pay, VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid. You can use a single payment method or combine more than one, which is what many seniors do to cover their monthly costs.
In this section, you will find additional details on how you can pay for the monthly cost of assisted living in the Plano area.
Private pay options for Plano assisted living facilities include personal savings, investment returns, Social Security benefits, and pensions. Other often-used methods of private payment include:
Number of veterans who live in Plano
About 30% of Plano veterans are 75+
With nearly 2,400 Plano veterans age 75 or older, you’re probably not the only one looking into VA benefits to help cover the cost of assisted living.
You can start by checking your eligibility for the VA Pension, a monthly amount paid out to qualified veterans. In addition to that, you might be able to receive the Aid and Attendance benefit. This benefit puts additional money on top of your monthly Pension check. It’s specifically for wartime veterans who are confined to bed often, already live in a nursing home, have vision issues, or need help with activities of daily living.
Collin County provides a list of Texas veterans benefits you might check to see if anything else might apply to your situation. VA Pension Benefits: How to Use Them to Help Pay for Long-Term Care is a helpful video provided by the North Central Area Agency on Aging, which services both Collin and Denton counties.
The most difficult part of claiming VA benefits can sometimes be understanding and completing the application process. That’s why veterans service officers are ready to help by providing free assistance to veterans with the application process. You can find these trained experts through the Veterans Administration, Collin County Veteran Services, or Plano area veterans service organizations (VSOs), such as the American Legion. The Texas Veterans Commission has Claims Benefit Advisors who can help fill out VA paperwork and file claims. In-person meetings have a wait time of at least 30 days, but there is only about a three-day wait for a phone appointment.
Resources for Plano veterans
Waco Regional VA Benefits Office
701 Clay Ave.
Waco, TX 76799
Phone: 800-698-2411
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Texas Veterans Commission
Phone: 800-252-8387
Email: northeastclaims@tvc.texas.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Collin County Veteran Services
900 E. Park Blvd., Suite 150
Plano, TX 75074
Phone: 972-881-3060
Email: veteranservices@collincountytx.gov
Contact: Gary Jackson, veteran service officer
Contact: John Thompson, veteran service officer
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4380
601 E. Plano Parkway
Plano, TX 75074
Phone: 972-379-8628
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3530
1210 W. Belt Line Road
Richardson, TX 75080
Phone: 972-231-3269
American Legion Post 321
1236 J Ave.
Plano, TX 75074
Phone: 972-423-5423
American Legion Post 178
8300 McKinney Road
Frisco, TX 75034
Email: Contact form
Veterans Center of North Texas
900 E. Park Blvd., Suite 170
Plano, TX 74074
Phone: 214-600-2966
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
For low-income seniors who qualify, Medicaid is a federal and state-sponsored health insurance program. Even if you qualify for coverage, it does not pay for the cost of living in an assisted living facility. But if a doctor says you need in-home health care delivered in your assisted living facility, that could be covered through a home and community based services waiver.
If you are at least 65 years old and already on Medicare, Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities (MEPD) is also an option. MEPD can cover regular health care expenses like doctor visits, but it can also cover long-term services like home and personal care.
If you qualify for Medicare but have someone else in your household who is on employer-sponsored health insurance, the Texas Health Insurance Premium Payment Program (HIPP) will cover their premium. You can apply for HIPP online.
To get started with your Medicaid application, go to the Your Texas Benefits portal. To get help with this process, contact the North Central Texas Aging and Disability Resource Center, which serves both Collin and Denton Counties. The center assists with applying for Medicaid at no cost. This Medicaid Made Simple video from Area Agency on Aging of North Central Texas is another helpful resource. You can also reach out to the long-term care ombudsman with questions.
Plano resident Medicaid resources
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)
1059 S. Sherman St.
Plano, TX 75081
Phone: 972-480-5000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
HHSC Benefits Office
5455 Blair Road
Dallas, TX 75231
Phone: 214-750-4619
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
North Central Texas Aging and Disability Resource Center
616 Six Flags Drive
Arlington, TX
Phone: 877-229-9084
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Phone: 817-695-9196
Managing Local Ombudsman: Tina Rider
Email: trider@nctcog.org
The federal government provides health insurance through Medicare for those who are 65+ or have qualifying disabilities. You can find out about many of the services covered by Medicare online. The cost of room and board in an assisted living facility is not a covered expense.
Medicare cost savings is also available through Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) and Extra Help. Just like it sounds, Extra help provides extra assistance with the coverage of medication costs, while MSPs can cover or reduce Medicare copayments and even premiums.
If you haven’t already, you can sign up online for Medicare or go in person to the nearest Social Security Administration (SSA) office, which is in McKinney. If you want to take a paper copy of an application with you, you can download the enrollment forms.
The Texas Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) provides the Texas Medicare Helpline to give you access to free one-on-one advisors to assist you with your application. Benefit counselors are also available through the North Central Texas Aging and Disability Resource Center, The long-term care ombudsman can also answer your questions.
Plano resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration Office
3250 Craig Drive
McKinney, TX 75070
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Texas Medicare Helpline
Phone: 800-252-9240
North Central Texas Aging and Disability Resource Center
616 Six Flags Drive
Arlington, TX
Phone: 877-229-9084
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Phone: 817-695-9196
Managing Local Ombudsman: Tina Rider
Email: trider@nctcog.org
Texas defines assisted living facilities (ALFs) as establishments that offer residents room and board, supervision, personal care, and medication administration.
In Texas, assisted living facilities operate under stringent licensing requirements and regulations. These regulations are laid out in the Texas Administrative Code and Health and Safety Code.
The licensing and inspection of ALFs fall under the jurisdiction of the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. ALFs can obtain two types of licenses. A Type A license is for facilities where residents typically do not require assistance during the night and can effectively follow instructions in case of an emergency. On the other hand, a Type B license is intended for facilities where residents do, in fact, require overnight assistance and would need help evacuating during an emergency.
Assisted living facilities in Texas undergo inspections by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, generally conducted every two years. These inspections are conducted to ensure compliance in two critical areas: health and life safety code.
The health component of the inspection verifies that the facility maintains appropriate staffing levels, conducts mandatory training programs, and ensures that all staff members have passed criminal background checks. It also looks for anything that could potentially compromise the health of the residents. The life safety code inspection focuses on assessing whether the facility has implemented adequate precautions to mitigate risks associated with emergencies, such as fires.
To ensure transparency and protection, ALFs are obligated to give each resident a copy of the Residents’ Bill of Rights and display it prominently in the facility as well. Within two weeks of a resident’s arrival, an individualized service plan (ISP) must be created, outlining the specific care required and how those needs will be met.
Texas Department of Health and Human Services
North Austin Complex
4601 W. Guadalupe St.
Austin, TX 78751
Phone: 512-424-6500
There are no mandatory COVID-19 preventative measures in place for Plano area assisted living facilities. Collin County Public Health provides some guidance, as does the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Texas offers a long-term care provider search portal. This online platform enables individuals to access inspection reports, complaint information, and additional details pertaining to assisted living facilities in the state.
Vaccinations. COVID-19 vaccinations are highly encouraged by the CDC, and Collin County Health Care Services provides free vaccines. A mobile vaccination team will visit groups of five or more who schedule an appointment by calling 844-908-3927 and selecting option three.
Masking. Wearing a mask is not a requirement in Plano.
Facility cleanliness. Improving ventilation is something the CDC suggests as a COVID-19 preventative measure.
Quarantining. If you test positive for the virus, the CDC suggests a five-day isolation period.
If you want all the comfort of an assisted living facility in a peaceful area with easy access to big-city amenities, Plano has you covered. You’ll be happy to know that Plano ranked fifth in the entire U.S. for being one of America’s safest cities to live in 2023, according to Kiplinger.[06]
A Place for Mom partners with 67 assisted living facilities in the Plano area, and there are a variety of arrangements that may best suit your needs within this number. Seventeen of our partner assisted living facilities are residential care homes, which are smaller, more residential home-like providers. Four of our partners are standalone assisted living facilities, and the rest provide a combination of options.
While some of these facilities are beautiful homes in residential neighborhoods, others are boutique assisted living facilities with luxury options — and everything in between.
Individual choice and personal preferences are top of mind at our partner Plano assisted living facilities, no matter which one you choose. For example, you can enjoy restaurant-style dining, take room service, or stop by an on-site bistro. Options like low-sodium diets and vegetarian options are also commonly offered. In addition to housekeeping and laundry service, some of our partner facilities also offer dry cleaning, grocery shopping, and errand services.
There are plenty of activities and options for relaxation, and you can choose how to spend your time. Spend time in outdoor courtyards and backyards with your dog. Don’t have your own pet? Don’t worry; some of our partner facilities bring in animals for visits so everyone can have cuddles. You may enjoy dropping a line at on-site fishing ponds available at some partner assisted living facilities. At some of our partner facilities, you can take part in therapeutic activities like Dakim BrainFitness or social events like on-site live musical performances or happy hours.
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Plano
Median annual income for Plano seniors 65 and older
As one of the principal suburbs of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you might expect access to great health care. What might surprise you is that you can get it right in Plano without even having to take a short trip to Dallas.
Medical City Plano is a 600+ bed medical center that also boasts a designation as a Level I Trauma Center. U.S. News & World Report rates it as a high performer in colon cancer surgery, uterine cancer surgery, heart failure, and two other procedures.
Baylor Scott and White The Heart Hospital Plano lives up to its name. It’s ranked in the Top 50 hospitals in the nation for cardiology and heart surgery. It also has seven high-performance ratings from U.S. News & World Report in all areas of cardiology, as well as lung cancer surgery and more.
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano is considered a high performing by U.S. News & World Report stroke care, knee replacements, and two other specialty areas.
Residents at our partner assisted living facilities in Plano can get around the city for free at 57% of our partner assisted living facilities, and at-cost transportation is available at 48% of our partners.
If you need public transportation options, you’ll be glad to hear that Plano is one of 12 suburbs of Dallas to opt into the Dallas Area Rapid Transit System (DART) so that Plano can be serviced by the DART light rails, buses, and on-demand transportation.
In Plano, you can catch the Orange or Red Lines of the DART Rail System at the Downtown Plano Station or the Parker Road Station. If you need to know how these lines connect to others, check this rail system map. The DART Bus System has two park-and-ride locations in Plano, which are the Jack Hatchell Transit Center and the Northwest Plano Park-and-Ride.
If this all seems a bit overwhelming, a travel training program is provided by DART for people with physical or mental disabilities. One-on-one time with an instructor will teach you how to use the DART system, from purchasing a ticket to recognizing bus numbers to understanding the route system. Call 214-828-8676 to sign up or inquire about the program.
For on-demand rides, use GoLink. This DART On-Demand service is available seven days a week from 5 a.m. to midnight. A door-to-door paratransit service is also available for those with disabilities who can’t use the regular DART buses or light rails. Other options include using My Ride North Texas — which covers a 16-county area — Alto, Uber, and Lyft.
If you’re interested in striking out on foot or by bike, Plano has a decent walk score and bike score. Walk Score provides this number by comparing the infrastructure for walking and biking among cities and rating them on a scale of 0 to 100.[08] With more than 70 miles of recreational trails in Plano and 1,600 miles of sidewalks, you can find a way to get around by using this park and trail system map.
There are plenty of fun things to get out and do in Plano, but you can also hop on the DART Orange Line or Red Line and head into Dallas for even more options.
You can start out in Downtown Plano Arts District, where you can find events such as the Third Thursday Sip and Shop or a Jazz Concert Under the Starz. Nearby Haggard Park is a great place for a stroll or relaxing in the gazebo taking in the lakeside views. While you’re there, you can wander over to the Interurban Railway Museum, where admission is free! Due to the historic nature of some of the structures, there are accessibility challenges, so you’ll want to check before you go.
Explore the historic grounds of the Heritage Farmstead Museum. This facility brings the North Texas Blackland Prairie to life.
You can enjoy the 800-acre Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, which has a lake for fishing and miles of trails for a nice stroll. Eight miles of the trail system are concrete, which is perfect if you are looking for something accessible. Another great Plano park is Bob Woodruff Park North, where you can enjoy a fishing pier and trails — and do some people-watching in the equestrian area, where you can enjoy seeing horses, too.
There’s no shortage of places to get out and drive a golf ball if that’s something you enjoy. The Courses at Watters Creek, The Golf Ranch, and Ridgeview Ranch are just a few of the beautiful fairways you can find in Plano.
Do a little sightseeing by heading just north of Plano to the Southfork Ranch. It bills itself as the World’s Most Famous Ranch because it has been seen by millions of people on T.V. as the Ewing mansion on the show “Dallas.”
Speaking of Dallas, history buffs will want to head into The Big D and check out the George W. Bush Presidential Center. It’s not only a Presidential library and museum, it is also a gorgeous 15-acre prairie and a Texas rose garden. For even more presidential history, head over to Dealy Plaza and visit The Sixth Floor Museum, which is located inside the former Texas School Book Depository from where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.
If sports are more your thing, there are plenty of options to enjoy. Get a behind-the-scenes look at pro football by taking a tour of AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. You can also take in a game and root for the Cowboys, the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, the NHL’s Dallas Stars, or MLB’s Texas Rangers.
To be amazed by nature, you won’t want to miss the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, where you’ll see more than a million colorful plants and flowers along with beautiful water features and sculptures. Wheelchairs and trams are available, making the gardens accessible. Seniors get discounted admission.
Sunrise at Hillcrest, The Heritage at Twin Creeks and Iris Memory Care of Turtle Creek are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Plano, TX. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Plano is 4674.55 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2023, March 17). Plano. Encyclopedia Britannica.
Smart Asset. (2020). Most Livable Cities in the U.S.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Kiplinger. (2023). The 5 Safest Cities in the U.S. 2023.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Plano.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Plano.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2023, March 17). Plano. Encyclopedia Britannica.
Smart Asset. (2020). Most Livable Cities in the U.S.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Kiplinger. (2023). The 5 Safest Cities in the U.S. 2023.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Plano.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Plano.