Southmayd Home gives women 60 and older an affordable alternative to working into their late 70s just to pay the bills. All-inclusive monthly rates start at $1,900, which is in line with the Social Security many women already receive, and one fee covers a private room, three meals a day, medication management, housekeeping, laundry, and activities. Residents keep their independence, and they do not have to keep working to make ends meet.
Last week, NBC Nightly News aired a story as part of its "Affording America" series about a 77-year-old grandmother in Houston who still works a part-time job. Even with her Social Security check, she can only just cover her basic living expenses, and she has accepted that she may have to work for the rest of her life.
Her story is not unusual. Many women reach retirement with less saved than they need. Years spent raising children or caring for family can mean smaller Social Security checks, and rising costs for rent, food, utilities, and insurance stretch a fixed income further every year. For a lot of women, retirement looks less like rest and more like a constant budget problem.
It does not have to be that way. That is why Southmayd Home exists.
A monthly rate that fits a real budget
At Southmayd, one all-inclusive monthly fee covers the essentials:
- A private room for every resident
- Three meals a day served in the dining room
- Medication management by certified staff
- Weekly housekeeping and laundry
- Activities and programs throughout the week
- 24-hour support whenever it is needed
There are no utility bills to juggle, no grocery runs, and no home repairs to worry about. One payment, and daily life is taken care of.
Support without giving up independence
Southmayd residents come and go as they please, have visitors, and live their lives on their own terms. The difference is that help is right down the hall when they need it. For many women, that balance of independence and support is exactly what has been missing.
Less pressure on families
Because the rate is affordable, adult children often do not need to step in financially. Women do not have to spend down everything they have saved just to have a safe, comfortable place to live, and families can focus on visiting and spending time together instead of covering bills.
How Southmayd makes this possible
Southmayd has been a nonprofit since 1898. In 2026, the Southmayd Foundation subsidized more than half the cost of living for the women who live here. That support comes from the legacies of past residents and the generosity of donors in our community, and it is the reason Southmayd can offer care that would cost far more almost anywhere else.
A different path forward
No woman should have to work into her late 70s just to keep a roof over her head. At Southmayd, women 60 and older can stop worrying about how to make the numbers work and start enjoying a supportive, community-centered home.
If you would like to help keep Southmayd affordable for the women who need it, you can make a gift here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a woman afford Southmayd Home on Social Security?
For many women, yes. All-inclusive monthly rates at Southmayd start at $1,900, which is in line with the Social Security many women receive each month.
What is included in the monthly rate?
The monthly rate includes a private room, three meals a day, medication management, weekly housekeeping and laundry, activities, and 24-hour support.
Can residents come and go and have visitors?
Yes. Residents come and go as they please and are welcome to have visitors. Southmayd is built around independence with support close by.
Do families have to help pay?
Often they do not. Because Southmayd's rates are affordable, many families do not need to contribute financially.
How does Southmayd keep its rates low?
Southmayd is a nonprofit. In 2026, the Southmayd Foundation subsidized more than half the cost of living for its residents, thanks to the legacies of past residents and generous community donors.
Who can live at Southmayd Home?
Southmayd serves women 60 and older who want or need some daily assistance to keep their independence. Residents can walk independently or with a cane or walker.
