Where can my mother, who can't be alone during the day, live on Social Security Income alone?

If mom's only income is SS, has no assets, and is age 65+, she will, if she applies, be a "dual eligible" which means eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.

As such, she will have many options depending on the level of care required. Something to be mindful of when accessing resources from public agencies is that, some agencies are more prone to recommend or, at the very least, be much more familiar with, some programs more than others.

It may not surprise you to learn that just as in the corporate world, there is competition in the non-profit world and the social service sectors of government as well. Mostly they are competing for funding whether federal, state, or local or private.

Some agencies are also "lead" agencies for certain programs and not others. To overcome this just make sure you contact both resources mentioned above. Additionally, the Texas Medicaid program is administered by this agency
http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/

To specifically answer your question, your mom will be eligible for low-cost independent housing or, if there is need, she may be able to find an adult family home (an assisted living style residence but much smaller) that Medicaid will help subsidize the cost of.

Parenthetically, if your only concern is here being supervised during the day, you might consider adult day care. Many programs are free or again, mom may be eligible for help.

Lastly, if mom or dad are/were veterans, help is also available. Contact your county elderly and veterans services division.

Here you go.. its for the Texas Office of Aging. Normally they are plugged into a lot of resources! http://www.dads.state.tx.us/

SSI can also enable you to have some caregivers in your home. Check with your state office as mentioned above. They should direct you to the right programs

My aged parent lived in a private 'group' home recommended by a hospice nurse who had first-hand knowledge of the home b/c her relative had lived there. Only 3 people lived there, each contributing their 'share' of the expenses (24/7 caretakers' salaries, utilities, food, various supplies, etc), so the home was not subject to government regulations. (3 unrelated residents is the limit before gov't gets involved). The arrangement was very home-like. I was in & out every day, which I would recommend whether you hire help in your own home or a use a nursing facility or group home. So. besides calling 211 (our local community resource/referral hotline) you might also contact nursing staff in a local hospice facility. They go in & out of a lot of different care-giving arrangements.