They've always been there. Now it's your turn.
Helping your parents navigate a new chapter? From home safety and healthcare to financial planning and finding support, here's your guide to caring for aging parents in Texas, one step at a time.
A new chapter.
For the whole family.
Maybe your parents are slowing down. Maybe they're perfectly independent but starting to think about the future. Or maybe a recent health change means your family needs a plan.
Wherever you're starting, caring for aging parents is about balancing their independence with the support they actually want and need. Here's where to begin.
Ask questions. Listen first.
The best plan starts with understanding what your parents want. Before making decisions, talk about their priorities, concerns and the kind of support they'd welcome.
Where do they want to live?
Would they prefer to stay in their current home, move closer to family or explore a senior community?
What feels harder lately?
Ask about transportation, cooking, shopping, household maintenance and getting to appointments.
Who's on their care team?
With their permission, learn about their doctors, medications, upcoming appointments and preferred hospital.
Who's available to help?
Talk with siblings and other trusted family members about responsibilities, availability and realistic expectations.
Make it a conversation, not a takeover.
Aging doesn't automatically mean someone needs help making decisions. Include your parents in planning and respect their choices whenever possible.
Home sweet home. Let's keep it that way.
Many older adults want to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. A few practical changes can make everyday life easier.
Improve lighting, secure loose rugs, clear walkways and consider grab bars where appropriate.
Consider accessible storage, bathroom modifications and help with cleaning, groceries or meals.
Encourage regular medication reviews with their healthcare professional and discuss ways to keep prescriptions organized.
Explore family rides, local transportation programs and other options if driving becomes difficult.
Plan for extreme heat, power outages, severe storms and any evacuation needs. Keep emergency contacts easy to find.
Consider a home safety assessment.
An occupational therapist or qualified aging-in-place specialist can help identify modifications suited to your parent's specific needs.
You don't have to
figure it out alone.
Texas has programs and local organizations that help older adults and their caregivers navigate healthcare, meals, transportation and long-term support.
Area Agencies on Aging
Local Area Agencies on Aging can connect eligible older Texans and caregivers with information about meals, benefits, transportation, caregiver support and other services.
TEXAS AGING SERVICES ↗2-1-1 Texas
Looking for help close to home? Call 2-1-1 or use the online directory to explore available community resources.
FIND LOCAL SUPPORT ↗Texas Health and Human Services
Explore programs related to long-term care, Medicaid, disability support and services for older adults. Eligibility varies by program.
EXPLORE TEXAS HHS ↗Texas Medicare assistance
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling to eligible individuals and their families.
FIND MEDICARE COUNSELING ↗Know what's covered. And what isn't.
Healthcare coverage and long-term care are two different conversations. Understanding the distinction early can help families plan for future costs.
Healthcare coverage.
Medicare covers eligible medical services and certain qualifying short-term skilled care. It generally doesn't pay for ongoing custodial care when that's the only care needed.
EXPLORE MEDICARE ↗Potential long-term support.
Eligible Texans may qualify for Medicaid programs that help cover certain long-term services and supports. Financial and medical eligibility requirements apply.
Extra help at home.
Home health services, personal care aides and companion services offer different levels of assistance. Coverage depends on the service and payer.
Explore living options.
Assisted living, memory care and nursing facilities offer different services. Compare staffing, licensing, costs and care needs.
Don't assume Medicare covers assisted living.
Medicare generally doesn't pay for assisted living room and board or long-term custodial care. Ask each provider for a detailed cost breakdown and confirm coverage directly.
Have the conversations before you need the paperwork.
Financial and healthcare planning can feel uncomfortable, but getting organized while everyone can participate makes future decisions easier.
Ask whether your parents have current wills and whether their wishes are clearly documented.
A properly executed document may authorize a trusted person to handle specified financial matters. Speak with a Texas attorney about appropriate options.
Ask about medical powers of attorney, advance directives and who should be contacted during a medical emergency.
With permission, create a secure record of insurance policies, healthcare contacts, financial professionals and important documents.
Where to start in Texas?
Texas Health and Human Services provides information about advance directives and related forms. An elder law attorney can help tailor legal documents to your family's circumstances.
TEXAS ADVANCE DIRECTIVES ↗A family emergency plan. Just in case.
Texas weather can change quickly. If your parents live alone, have mobility limitations or rely on medical equipment, an emergency plan is especially important.
Know who to call.
Keep an updated list of family, neighbors, doctors and emergency contacts in an accessible place.
Plan for backup needs.
Discuss refrigeration for medications, backup power for essential equipment and safe places to stay during extended outages.
Have a way out.
Identify transportation, accessible shelters, necessary supplies and a destination outside the affected area.
Explore the state registry.
The State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry helps emergency planners identify people who may need assistance. Registration doesn't guarantee a rescue.
EXPLORE STEAR ↗Oh yeah.
Insurance.
As your parents' needs change, their home, vehicle and insurance needs may change too. A thoughtful policy review can help identify gaps or unnecessary coverage.
Homeowners insurance
If your parents are aging in place, review their dwelling coverage, deductibles and any changes to the property.
Auto insurance
Driving less? Sharing a car with a family member? Changing vehicles? Make sure the policy reflects how the vehicle is actually used.
Life insurance
Review existing policies, beneficiary designations and whether the coverage still serves your parents' financial goals.
Long-term care insurance
If your parents already have a policy, review its benefits, elimination period, covered services and claims requirements. New coverage options depend on eligibility and underwriting.
Umbrella insurance
Consider whether additional liability protection is appropriate for their home, vehicles and overall financial circumstances.
Hey Charley is independent, so we can help families compare available insurance options and review coverage as their needs evolve.
Life changes.
Let's review their coverage.
Helping your parents downsize? Reviewing their home or auto insurance? Planning for a new chapter? Let Charley take a look.
LET CHARLEY TAKE A LOOK →