General Senior Living FAQ's

A continuing care retirement community is a place where you have access to multiple levels of care on a single campus such as independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Choosing the right senior living community for yourself or a loved one involves several important considerations. Start by identifying your ideal location—proximity to family, familiar neighborhoods, or medical providers may all play a role. Evaluate the benefits of community life, such as social engagement, safety, and daily convenience. It's essential to find a price point that aligns with your budget, while also considering your preferences for amenities and services. Don’t forget to plan for future needs, including potential changes in health or mobility. Finally, take time to assess the stability and reputation of the organization to ensure lasting peace of mind.

Deciding on the most appropriate living situation involves more than just reviewing brochures—it’s about experiencing the community firsthand. Start by observing the cleanliness, curb appeal, and attention to design details, which often reflect the level of care throughout the residence. Take time to meet the caregivers and staff, as these are the individuals who will be providing daily support and interaction. An in-person visit is essential to truly understand the community’s culture, programming, and amenities. Be sure to come prepared with important cost-related questions, and assess whether the community can accommodate both current needs and future care considerations.

A buy-in or entry fee community is typically a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). A CCRC offers at least three levels of care on one campus. Although there are rental CCRCs as well, in a buy-in situation you would need to move into independent living and pay an upfront fee in addition to your monthly fee.

Deciding when to move into a senior living community is a personal choice that depends more on individual needs than age alone. While many make the transition between 75 and 84, some choose to move earlier for added peace of mind. If daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, or bathing are becoming more difficult, or if managing health conditions at home is no longer practical, a senior living community may be the right solution. These communities offer not only support with daily routines but also financial simplicity through all-inclusive amenities such as meals, housekeeping, transportation, and healthcare access. Just as important, they provide opportunities for social connection, wellness activities, and a greater quality of life. If these factors resonate with your current situation, now may be the ideal time to explore senior living options that align with your lifestyle and future needs.

You can tour the grounds whenever the property is open. Just give us a call to set up a tour with one of our leasing agents.

Visitors of all ages are welcome. Visitors should check in at the front desk and sign in.

Yes, we welcome visitors including children, family, and friends!

Yes, you may! Visitors are encouraged and welcomed.

Most certainly! Residents can have their cars.

They can age in place and add additional service or help as needed, when that time comes.

The Abbey is a luxury retirement community. If you are interested with our services and activities inside our community, you may visit our website for more information.

You may visit our community and see what services are offered or what you may need. We offer a base rate and you can select other services according to your preference and that is a high-priority on your list of needs. This way you are not paying for unwanted extra services.

You may do a virtual tour or an in person tour. If you have already decided to commit, you may contact us for more details.

Yes, we offer a respite or a trial stay in our community. It can range from a short stay to a 30 day period.

For all fur parents, we do not allow pets to stay inside the community. We do allow your fur babies to come to the community to visit!

If you want to know more about our services in our community, you may browse our website for more info!

The Abbey apartments range from 350 sq ft- 725 sq ft.

Independent living empowers seniors to maintain autonomy and make their own choices—just like any of their non-disabled peers—while enjoying access to support services that enhance daily life. These age-restricted communities offer a variety of housing options, including apartments, cottages, or single-family homes, and feature a wide range of amenities such as fitness classes, game rooms, swimming pools, and social activities. Residents benefit from convenient on-site services like housekeeping, transportation, and medical care, along with optional access to therapies such as physical, occupational, or speech-language support. Many communities also provide flexible dining options, whether through chef-prepared meals in a communal setting or personalized plans to fit individual routines—all designed to support a vibrant, independent lifestyle.

Finding the right assisted residence or independent senior housing in Houston, Texas, requires careful planning, but with the right approach, it can be a smooth and successful process. Start by determining your budget and understanding what services are covered—or not—by Medicare or Medicaid, and ask about available financial assistance like long-term care insurance or veterans’ benefits. Location is equally important; consider proximity to family, neighborhood safety, and nearby amenities to keep your loved one engaged and connected. Each community offers unique services, so explore which amenities—like fitness classes, art programs, or musical events—align with your preferences. Be sure to evaluate safety features such as fire alarm systems, secured entrances, and 24/7 staff monitoring. Finally, check online reviews to get an honest view of each community’s quality of care. By taking these factors into account, you’ll be better equipped to find a senior living option that offers comfort, connection, and peace of mind.

According to SeniorHomes.com, the average cost of independent living in Houston ranges from $2,100 to $3,800 per month, depending on apartment size and amenities. At The Abbey at Westminster Plaza, we believe retirement should be a time of ease and enjoyment, which is why we offer an all-inclusive lifestyle with exceptional amenities and around-the-clock support. Located in Houston’s thriving West Houston area, our community provides convenient access to shopping, healthcare, and entertainment, while offering residents access to a fitness center, library, media room, indoor pool, and outdoor patio—all with utilities included. Whether you're looking for an active, social environment or a peaceful place to unwind, The Abbey delivers the perfect balance of independence, comfort, and peace of mind.

A typical day at The Abbey at Westminster Plaza in Houston, Texas, is designed to let residents enjoy retirement in comfort and style. Mornings might begin with a delicious complimentary breakfast prepared by professional chefs, followed by group activities such as exercise or art classes. Residents can relax or socialize using on-site amenities like the heated indoor pool, sauna, hot tub, or library, which also hosts book clubs and reading groups. Weekly movie nights, Bingo tournaments, yoga sessions, and craft classes offer regular entertainment, while scheduled transportation allows for outings to shopping centers, local attractions, and cultural events. For lunch, residents may dine in our restaurant-style dining room or enjoy a quiet meal in their private kitchenette. Afternoons bring opportunities to stroll landscaped grounds, attend outdoor events, or even play tennis or golf nearby. Evenings may feature concerts, plays, or other outings around Houston, depending on the week’s calendar. Whether staying on campus or venturing into the city, life at The Abbey offers an ideal blend of relaxation, engagement, and ease for those enjoying retirement.

At The Abbey at Westminster Plaza in Houston, Texas, we understand that transitioning to independent senior living can feel overwhelming, which is why our team is dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate support to ensure every resident feels secure and at home. From the moment a new resident arrives, our staff offers tailored services, including on-site social workers who provide emotional guidance and connect individuals with helpful resources. Residents enjoy a wide range of activities—such as educational workshops, exercise classes, and group events—that promote both wellness and meaningful connections within the community. Our team is also trained to assist with medication management and other healthcare needs, ensuring peace of mind for both residents and their families. To further support independent aging, we offer courses in financial literacy, nutrition, and technology, empowering residents to manage their lives with confidence and ease. At The Abbey, we strive to create a welcoming environment where seniors can embrace an active, enriching lifestyle without compromising their independence or well-being.

The Abbey at Westminster Plaza offers a retirement lifestyle designed for seniors ages 55 and older. Residents enjoy the convenience of independent living combined with access to services and amenities tailored to older adults. In addition, independent living communities offer a variety of activities and events specifically designed for their residents, such as group outings, clubs, fitness classes, wellness programs, educational seminars, and social gatherings.

Assisted living is a residence for older people or people with disabilities or whose health or well-being require a higher level of personalized care and support. Assisted living also includes the routines of daily living, social engagement, as well as access to medical care when needed. Such people, or their families, may choose assisted living facilities so that professional help is on hand.

The main difference between nursing home care and assisted living is that nursing homes provide medical and personal care in a clinical setting, while assisted living primarily provides personal care in a home-like, social setting.

Assisted living costs an average of $2,400 and up. Pricing also depends on the apartment size and services needed.

Assisted living is to support and help older adults maintain their good health. Assisted living is a great fit for seniors or couples who are still active and social but just need some extra help with daily life. Seniors and their adult children can take comfort knowing that 24/7 support is available if needed.

Life in a retirement community leads to better health, a study of 2,800 individuals finds. People who live in retirement communities overall are happier and sometimes healthier than older adults who haven’t moved into one, a recent study from ProMatura has found.

Many assisted living communities offer guest apartments where visitors may stay.

Most assisted living offers a nurse call system. A resident would wear a call pendant or have a pull cord in their room or bathroom.

Services offered in assisted living communities are medication management and assistance with using the bathroom, dressing and grooming. Housekeeping, meals, laundry and transportation services, as well as social programs and activities, are typically included.

Medical expenses, such as the part of assisted living fees that goes toward assistance and interventions, can be deductible if those expenses are greater than 7.5% of the person’s adjusted gross income.