Page 4 of Best Independent Living in Texas

The Buckingham occupies a 130-bed facility at 8580 Woodway Dr in Houston’s Mid West neighborhood, 11.4 miles from downtown Harris County. Operated by Greystone Management Services Company LLC and administered by Elise Green, the facility opened in August 2006. The license designates it a long-term care facility offering independent, assisted, and memory care alongside nursing home services.

Current occupancy sits at 51% (66 of 130 beds), trailing the Texas average of 63.5%. The community operates on a Medicare-and-private-pay model: 69% of new residents are Medicare-funded short-stay rehabilitation patients (averaging 18 days), while 31% are private-pay residents with typical stays of 1–2 years. Medicaid is not accepted.

Daily nursing hours/resident total 5 hours 5 minutes; 34% above the Texas average of 3 hours 47 minutes, positioning The Buckingham 18th among 289 state nursing homes.

The RN component, at 1 hour 31 minutes daily, surpasses the average by 250%, delivering markedly stronger clinical oversight than peer facilities. LPNs contribute 1 hour 18 minutes (37% above average), and certified nursing aides 2 hours 56 minutes (45% above average). Weekend nursing sustains 4 hours 13 minutes/resident, 41% above state benchmark; with weekend RN hours at 1 hour 6 minutes, 230% above average. Physical therapy hours run 7 minutes/day, 75% above average.

Personnel comprise 22 registered nurses, 18 licensed practical nurses, 47 certified nursing aides, seven speech language pathologists, four clinical nurse specialists, and auxiliary therapy staff.

Health inspection ratings stand at 2 stars, 30.8% below Texas average.

Three-year citation totals reach 25, including 2 critical and 23 moderate violations, with quality-of-life-and-care deficiencies comprising 36%.

Federal penalties imposed over 2023–2025 total $138,000 across nine assessments; 71% above the Texas average and 866% above the typical fine count.

An administrative penalty in January 2025 ($2,250) specifically addressed inadequate staffing for resident supervision.

Pressure ulcer prevalence in high-risk long-stay residents registers at 34.8%, drastically, 687%; above state benchmark of 4.4%. Urinary tract infections affect 4.6% of residents, 467% worse than the 0.8% average. High-risk clinical events score 13.2, 53% worse than Texas average. Functional decline metrics, conversely, run 39% better.

Short-stay rehabilitation outcomes show 60% of residents successfully discharged to home or community, 19% better than average.

Financially, The Buckingham reports gross revenue of $32.2 million but carries a net operating loss of $12.7 million. Payroll comprises 48.1% of revenue, ranked 123rd of 297 Texas facilities; below the typical 51–63% investment.

Occupancy declined 12.5%age points between 2022 (63.4%) and 2023 (50.8%).

The Buckingham accommodates Medicare-funded short-term rehabilitation and private-pay long-term residents, supported by high nursing staffing levels yet marked by clinical risks and regulatory penalties.

Overview of Buckner Westminster Place

Buckner Westminster Place is a 20-bed skilled nursing facility at 2201 Horseshoe Lane in Longview, Gregg County, Texas. Operated by the nonprofit Buckner Retirement Services, Inc., and managed by Executive Director Mr. David Ummel, the community admits Medicare and private-pay residents for short-term post-acute rehabilitation stays averaging 22 days. Current census stands at 14 residents, reflecting a 69% occupancy rate; higher than the Texas statewide average of 63.5%.

The facility carries a 1-star CMS Health Inspection rating, running 30.8% below state performance standards. Over the past two years, four health citations emerged at the facility compared to two for a typical Texas nursing home; a significant 100% elevation above average. Two of these citations were classified as serious violations, nearly four times the state norm for serious findings. Recent deficiencies in June 2025 involved resident rights compliance, infection prevention, pharmaceutical management, and nutrition administration.

Federal fines totaled $30,000 across two separate penalties between May 2024 and March 2025; considerably less than the state average of $80,000. The facility reported no Medicare payment denials.

Buckner Westminster provides 5 hours 20 minutes of nursing care daily per resident, meaningfully above the Texas average of 3 hours 47 minutes, and certified nursing assistants deliver 4 hours 5 minutes per day; double the state standard. Registered nurses average 48 minutes of direct oversight daily, 85% more than typical. Weekend staffing maintains 5 hours 24 minutes per resident per day, ensuring continuity when administrative support typically drops. Physical therapy averages 2 minutes per day, below state norms.

Short-stay discharge outcomes reflect effective rehabilitation. Eighty-two percent of residents maintain or improve their ability to perform self-care upon discharge, well above the state rate of 54%. Two in three successfully return home or to community settings. However, 27.6% of residents require hospital readmission within 30 days of discharge, marginally above state benchmarks.

Long-stay residents show excellent fall prevention and pressure ulcer management but demonstrate elevated urinary tract infection prevalence and above-average antipsychotic medication use.

Buckner Westminster Place suits residents pursuing intensive short-term rehabilitation with strong nursing support, positioned for discharge and community return.

Overview of Coryell County Memorial Hospital Authority

Operated by owner Kara Cox, Coryell County Memorial Hospital Authority is a nursing facility in Gatesville, Texas, with 70 beds. The home serves residents who need skilled nursing care and rehabilitation. Most stay an average of approximately 415 days, including short-term post-acute patients and those requiring longer-term care. The facility’s occupancy rate is 95%.

Cardiac rehabilitation, orthopedic care, pain management, and dialysis are available on site. The facility also provides diagnostic imaging and wound care services. Residents who need oncology or infectious disease management can access coordinated clinical support. These services support the facility’s focus on complex medical care and rehabilitation needs.

Total nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 33 minutes per resident each day. Registered nurses provide 13 minutes of daily care, while nurse aides contribute approximately 2 hours of direct support. Supporting residents with daily care needs and medication management, the staffing team provides hands-on assistance throughout the facility.

The facility’s location on West Main Street has a Walk Score of 59. Some errands can be reached while walking, but other trips require driving. In this setting, family members can visit and conveniently spend time in the community.

Recent state inspections have shown a pattern of maintaining standards with minimal deficiency citations. No Life Safety Code violations or enforcement actions have been recorded.

Overview of Brookdale Galleria

Tucked away in Houston, Texas’ vibrant Galleria district, Brookdale Galleria offers a refined senior living experience tailored to independence and comfort. The community provides both Independent and Assisted Living options, ensuring personalized care that adapts to evolving needs, while our newly renovated apartments offer a modern, welcoming retreat. Residents enjoy easy access to shops, restaurants, and medical facilities, enhancing convenience and peace of mind. Nearby landmarks like the Galleria Mall and tranquil Waterwall Park provide opportunities for leisurely outings.

Brookdale Galleria aims to enrich the lives of residents through engaging activities and exceptional amenities. From chef-prepared meals served daily to a variety of enriching activities such as tai chi, live music, and themed events, there’s always something enjoyable to participate in. We prioritize creating a vibrant community where every resident feels valued and supported, allowing them to embrace each day with comfort and fulfillment. Whether relaxing in our beautifully landscaped grounds or participating in a stimulating activity, residents find a place where they can thrive and live life to the fullest.

Overview of The Villages of Dallas

The Villages of Dallas is a licensed skilled nursing and memory care community in Dallas, Texas, offering skilled nursing services, post-acute rehabilitation, memory care support, or long-term residential care. In affiliation with Eastland Memorial Hospital District, the community is operating under Alice Branch Healthcare LLC, with 160 beds. This large community is also certified for both Medicare and Medicaid, making it an accessible option for families navigating healthcare coverage and long-term care planning.

The most recent inspection, conducted on August 8, 2023, identified no Health Code or Life Safety Code deficiencies, and no enforcement actions have been recorded. Reported staffing levels also provide additional insight into the community’s operations. Licensed practical nurse staffing hours per resident are significantly above the Texas state average, while nurse aide staffing and weekend nursing coverage also exceed statewide benchmarks. Physical therapy staffing levels are especially strong, reflecting a substantial rehabilitation focus and a robust in-house therapy program. However, registered nurse staffing levels are lower than the state average, which may be an important consideration for families evaluating higher-acuity clinical needs.

Quality outcome measures also reflect strong performance in several key areas, with emergency department visit rates for long-stay residents lower than the Texas average, while rehospitalization rates for short-stay residents perform better than statewide benchmarks. Rates of successful return to home or community settings following rehabilitation are also above the state average, suggesting positive outcomes for many residents completing post-hospital recovery programs.

Services include skilled nursing care, rehabilitation therapies, Alzheimer’s and dementia support, and residential living options. The availability of in-house therapy services also helps streamline care coordination and may improve continuity of treatment for residents recovering from surgery, illness, or injury. The community’s Medicare and Medicaid certification broadens access for residents with varying financial and insurance circumstances.

Featuring strong therapy services, above-average aide staffing, and access to Medicare or Medicaid-covered care, The Villages of Dallas is particularly well-suited for older adults who need short-term rehabilitation following hospitalization, ongoing skilled nursing oversight, or structured memory care support in the Dallas area.

Overview of Discovery Village at Southlake

Discovery Village at Southlake is a skilled nursing community in Southlake, Texas, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Operated by DSL Tenant II, LLC in Tarrant County, the community accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private funds, ensuring diverse financial options for residents. Serving 29 residents with a 41-bed capacity, the community is currently operating at a 71% occupancy rate, which is higher than the state average. It also maintains an overall CMS score of 3 out of 5 stars, matching the typical Texas state average.

The health inspection score is 3 out of 5 stars, placing it slightly higher than the state average of 2.9. Furthermore, the staffing score of 3 out of 5 stars indicates strong performance, as the community ranks 65th out of 240 Texas skilled nursing locations for total adjusted nursing hours. With 3 hours and 59 minutes of care provided per resident daily, it surpasses the state mean by roughly 5%, reflecting stable care access. Weekend care is noted at 3 hours and 24 minutes daily, which is suggested for families to review in comparison to weekday levels. The quality measures score of 3 out of 5 stars is one point below the state average of 4.0, which points to potential areas for enhancing clinical data tracking.

The resident population is composed of approximately 37% Medicare recipients, 37% Medicaid recipients, and 26% private pay residents. With an average stay lasting 28 days, the population largely consists of those receiving short-term rehab or transitional medical support.

The SHINE® memory care program also offers a specialized and structured framework for those living with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Its larger campus also promotes an energetic lifestyle for those in independent and assisted living through a wide array of social, health, and leisure activities for older adults.

Discovery Village at Southlake is a practical option for older adults who need various stages of support under one roof, ranging from active retirement to skilled nursing recovery in the Southlake area, particularly those looking for a local community that accepts both Medicare and Medicaid.

Overview of Cornerstone Retirement Community

Cornerstone Court is an assisted living and memory care community on North Ruby Road in the Fairwood neighborhood of Spokane. Led by RyLee Mason, the 40-bed home has a strong 95 percent occupancy rate, signaling solid local demand.

The facility specializes in caring for occupants with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, plus those managing mental health issues and diabetes. All residents benefit from 24/7 licensed staff who provide attentive support with daily activities, including housekeeping, medication management, and meal preparation. Accepted are Medicaid, private pay, and long-term care insurance, offering families numerous ways for coverage. Situated in an average walkable area with a Walk Score of 51, Cornerstone Court sits near the Avalon Care Center at Northpointe, roughly 1.74 miles away for those needing more medical resources. Some errands can be done on foot, with most trips requiring a quick drive.

Strong compliance has been shown by state inspections. The latest inspection in October 2025 found no deficiencies and affirmed that medication-related issues marked in earlier visits had been corrected. Subsequently addressed was a July 2025 fire safety inspection that documented missing documentation for annual system testing.

Overview of Carillon Senior Living

Located in Lubbock, TX, Carillon Senior Living exemplifies a commitment to exceptional independent living, and assisted living services for its residents. The community offers a variety of living options, from one-to-three bedroom apartments to cottage-style units. Each residence is thoughtfully designed with a private toilet and bath, a comfortable living area, and a convenient kitchenette. Carillon ensures a carefree lifestyle with amenities such as a flexible dining program, interior and exterior maintenance, and twice-monthly housekeeping services.
Carillon Senior Living prioritizes holistic well-being by providing a comprehensive array of amenities and programs. Residents can engage in exercise classes, including Tai Chi, cardio, balance, and stretching sessions, promoting physical health. Wellness programs addressing emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects contribute to a fulfilling lifestyle. The community’s extensive schedule of social and recreational activities, along with outings to Texas Tech sports, entertainment, and cultural events, ensures residents can actively participate in their interests and the broader community. With thoughtful features like 24-hour security, personal emergency pendants, and pet-friendly accommodations, Carillon Senior Living creates a supportive and vibrant environment for residents to thrive.

Seventy years is a long time for any nursing home to keep its doors open, and Holly Hall has managed it from the same address in Houston’s Astrodome Area: 2000 Holly Hall Street. Dana Short administers the place now. It’s nonprofit, 62 beds, laid out as a single-story cottage-style building with one- and two-bedroom units, currently running at 76% occupancy with 47 of those beds filled.

The neighborhood itself sits at a Walk Score of 56, moderately walkable, enough for some errands on foot without eliminating the need for a car entirely.

Here’s the number that actually tells you something about care quality: nearly 4 hours and 45 minutes of total nursing care per resident, per day, split across RNs, LPNs, and nurse aides. That’s a meaningful daily commitment, and it lines up with what Holly Hall is actually built for.

The average stay runs just 26 days, which points toward short-term, rehabilitation-focused care rather than long-term residency. Medicare covers 38% of admissions, mostly for rehab. Private pay accounts for 61%, and Medicaid rounds out the picture.

Regulatory attention here has centered on emergency preparedness and food service, the kind of routine categories inspectors look at across nursing homes broadly, not anything specific to this address.

What seventy years and a 4-hour-45-minute daily staffing commitment add up to is a nursing home built around short-stay, rehabilitation-focused care, backed by real nursing hours and broad payment access, in a long-standing Houston institution that’s outlasted most of its neighbors.

Briarview Senior Living is a multi-awarded senior assisted living and memory community in Carrolltown. The senior living community near Rowlett is committed to encouraging all residents to live on their terms. The senior living community boasts a friendly and professional atmosphere. The premier senior assisted living and memory care home promotes a growth and fulfillment lifestyle in every resident’s life.

Life at Briarview boasts a future at their retirement home because it allows residents to choose a lifestyle that fits their needs. The residential services are focused on the comfort and convenience that extends to independent living seniors residing in Cottages that encourage an active lifestyle. Its all-inclusive assisted living amenities and services include apartments, spacious common areas, recreational rooms, housekeeping, and transportation services. Memory care benefits include private studio apartments, the GRACE dining program, and interactive activities.