Waco Nursing Homes

Finding the right Waco assisted living facility (ALF) won't be hard. Most facilities here are relatively inexpensive and we've provided some tools to assist you in your search. But first, let's see what makes this city on Brazos special.

One of Waco's jewels is the 416-acre Cameron Park. One of Texas's biggest municipal parks, Cameron's commanding limestone bluffs overlook the Brazos and Bosque Rivers. The park features over 20 miles of trails, scenic overlooks, a wildflower garden, and pavilions. On the south end is the Cameron Park Zoo. In downtown, there are plenty of fishing docks to drop a line in the Brazos. Buena Vista Park features a pond stocked with trout and catfish. If horseshoes is your game, Brazos Park East and the Jimmy Bryant Horseshoe Complex will accommodate.

Along the Bosque River is the Waco Mammoth Site, a 100-acre wooded parkland displaying the remains of a Columbian mammoth discovered here in 1978. A suspended walkway hovers over the dig site while natural light illuminates the remains. The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum includes artifacts, exhibits, a research center and educational programs covering the history of these famed lawmen from their official creation in 1835 to the present.

For many, one of the biggest factors to consider when selecting a Waco assisted living facility will be cost. Luckily, everything in this Texas city is a little cheaper. Waco's cost of living is 25% below the U.S. average. According to a Genworth Financial survey, a one-bedroom in a Waco assisted living facility averages $2,845 a month compared with the national average of $3,300 a month. A private room in a nursing home averages $5,019 month, while a semi-private averages $3,802. Home health aide services average $3,049 a month and homemaker services (cooking, running errands, etc.) average $2,953.

For tips on selecting a Waco assisted living facility, read, "How to Select a Facility." Also, read reviews of the different facilities where applicable.

Waco has eleven skilled nursing homes, with eight rated by Medicare. The average rating is 2.0 stars out of five, and most homes rate poorly: only one has four stars or better, while six are rated two stars or lower. Families should know that the highest-rated facility in Waco is the only one above average, leaving the majority with significant concerns based on federal data.

Staffing shows limited care: average nursing care is 3.2 hours per resident daily, with only 0.3 hours from a registered nurse. Annual nursing staff turnover is 59%, meaning staff change frequently. This high turnover, combined with low total nursing hours, suggests consistent care may be difficult to maintain across most facilities in the city.

Waco's nursing homes operate at 65% occupancy. The statewide average cost for a shared room is $47,450 yearly, though local prices may vary. Given the low overall ratings and staffing challenges, families should consider checking neighboring towns like Temple or Copperas Cove where better-rated facilities exist.