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Assisted Living in New York

Home to Niagara Falls, the Statue of Liberty and Times Square, the state of New York attracts millions of visitors every year. The state is more than just a tourist attraction though, with more than 3 million seniors aged 65 and older calling it home. While many likely choose to spend their retirement years in New York so they can enjoy the convenience of its many big cities, some choose to settle in the more scenic, quiet towns that are sprawled across Upstate New York.

Throughout the state, many seniors require some sort of long-term care to help them perform day-to-day tasks such as dressing, grooming and moving around safely. Thankfully, there are more than 500 assisted living facilities in New York State that can provide this type of care. According to the Genworth 2019 Cost of Care Survey, these facilities cost seniors an average of $4,630 per month, which is $579 more than the average cost across the United States.

In this guide, seniors and their family members can find everything they need to know about the cost of assisted living in the New York area, as well as financial assistance programs and other resources that are available to seniors throughout the state.


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in New York



SeniorAdvice's Senior Score exists to help older adults and their loved ones determine the best place to spend their golden years. The score is based on 100 data points from local and government resources and is graded on a linear curving method. New York State's Senior Score, which is 69, is just three points below the national median. This overall score is based on four individual categories: Health & Safety, Recreation & Leisure, Finances and General Quality of Life.



SeniorScore™ for New York



The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.

69

SeniorScore™ Overview

  • New York's SeniorScore™ of 69 is lower than the national average of 72.
70

Health & Safety

  • New York has very high access to Medicare registered healthcare providers.
  • New York has a high number of hospitals within the state.
  • New York has a high number of senior living facilities within the state.
  • New York has a high number of home healthcare providers operating in the state.
  • The average life expectancy in New York is 80.5, compared to the national average of 78.6.
  • New York has a very high overall property crime rate compared to national averages.
  • New York has a very high overall violent crime rate compared to national averages.
64

Recreation & Leisure

  • 29% of the population in New York are seniors, compared to 29% nationally.
  • New York has 815 golf courses in the state.
  • New York has an average number of municipal parks throughout the state.
  • New York has 5,187 churches in the state.
54

Finances

  • The property taxes average 5.15% of total income in New York, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.79%.
  • The property taxes average 1.48% of property value in New York, which is significantly higher than the national average of 1.09%.
  • The average sales tax in New York is 6.50%, which is lower than the national average of 6.97%.
  • The average state income tax in New York is 4.81%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.38%.
  • The mean household income in New York is $81,518, which is significantly higher than the national average of $64,580.
  • New York's median household income is $61,967, which is significantly higher than the national average of $51,560.
  • The average per capita income in New York is $31,841, which is significantly higher than the national average of $25,611.
  • Assisted living costs in New York average $42,609 per year, which are lower than the national average of $42,700.
  • Nursing home costs in New York average $128,583 per year, which are significantly higher than the national average of $92,481.
  • Costs for adult daycare in New York average $24,811 per year, which are significantly higher than the national average of $17,931.
  • Costs for home healthcare in New York average $49,557 per year, which are higher than the national average of $46,197.
  • The unemployment rate is about 8.26% in New York, which is the same as then national rate of 8.26%.
  • The overall cost of living in New York is very high compared to national averages.
  • 0.68% of the senior population in New York are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
57

General Quality of Life

  • New York receives an average of 41.3 inches of rain per year.
  • New York has an average annual temperature of 48.5 degrees fahrenheit.
  • New York has an average low temperature of 38.5 degrees fahrenheit.
  • New York has an average high temperature of 57.5 degrees fahrenheit.
  • New York has an average population density of 4,381 people per square mile.
  • New York has a low public school quality ranking.
  • New York has an average public school safety ranking.
  • New York has an average graduation rate of 84.26%.

New York's highest individual score was for Health & Safety. Its score of 70 was determined based on several factors, including the area's access to services such as hospitals, including world-renowned NewYork-Presbyterian, as well as senior living facilities and Medicare-registered health providers. Additionally, New York's life expectancy is nearly two years longer than the U.S. average. However, points in this section were deducted due to the state's above-average property and violent crime rates.

With a score of 64, Recreation & Leisure is the category New York scored second-highest in. The state has an average number of senior citizens who call it home. Most major cities throughout New York host large municipal parks, such as Central Park in New York City, and the state is home to more than 855 golf courses.

Finances and General Quality of Life scored slightly lower than the above categories. With a score of 54, New York took a hit in the Finance category due to above-average property and income tax rates. However, New York's sales tax is nearly a half-percent below average, and its average household income is more than $10,000 above the U.S. median. When it comes to General Quality of Life, New York's score of 57 was based on the city having chilly winters and moderate levels of precipitation, as well as low-ranking schools.



Top Assisted Living Facilities in New York




 
 

The Cost of Assisted Living in New York



Throughout the New York area, the average cost of assisted living varies greatly. While New York's average sits at $4,630 ?— just a little less than $500 over the national median, neighboring state New Jersey has an average cost that's nearly $2,000 higher. In Pennsylvania, seniors can expect to pay far less for assisted living care, as the average cost is just $3,913 per month. Connecticut's cost is just slightly higher than in New York at $4,880 per month while in Vermont, the cost is quite a bit higher at $5,338 per month.

  • New York: $4,630
  • National Average: $4,051
  • New Jersey: $6,400
  • Pennsylvania: $3,913
  • Connecticut: $4,880
  • Vermont: $5,338

The Cost of Assisted Living in New York's Top Cities

While most cities in New York have above-average assisted living costs, none are quite as high as New York City, where the average cost of assisted living is $6,950 per month ?— $2,320 more than the state average. More reasonable assisted living costs can be found in other large cities across the state, including Albany and Buffalo, where average prices are $4,525 and $4,443 per month, as well as in Rochester, where the cost is only a bit higher at $4,748 per month. In Syracuse, the cost of assisted living is below both the state and national average at $4,033 per month.

  • New York City: $6,950
  • Albany: $4,525
  • Buffalo: $4,443
  • Rochester: $4,748
  • Syracuse: $4,033

Senior Care Cost Comparison in New York

Throughout New York State, the cost of assisted living is only slightly less than in-home care and home health care, which average $4,767 and $4,957. However, the cost of nursing home care in the state is more than double that of any other type of full-time senior care. At an average of $11,613 per month, nursing home care in New York costs seniors $6,983 more than assisted living care. Seniors who only need part-time supervision pay far less for adult day health care, which averages just $1,842 per month.

  • Assisted Living: $4,630
  • In-Home Care: $4,767
  • Home Health Care: $4,957
  • Adult Day Health Care: $1,842
  • Nursing Home Care: $11,613

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in New York



Assisted Living Program


Phone Number: (800) 963-5337
Website: https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/longterm/alps.htm

The Assisted Living Program (ALP) pays for the cost of services in assisted living facilities throughout the state. It may pay for personal care, 24-hour supervision, intermittent visits from a skilled nurse and case management services. While this program is primarily used by those who receive Medicaid, it is open to private payers.

To qualify for the ALP, seniors need to be medically eligible for nursing home care. All beneficiaries of this program must be able to safely live within an assisted living facility without receiving continuous nursing care. The program is capped at 4,200 participants, and as such, there is usually a waiting list for participation, and preference is given to Medicaid beneficiaries.


New York State Supplement Program


Phone: (800) 772-1213
Website: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/ssp/

The New York State Supplement Program is available to aged, blind and disabled individuals throughout the state. It provides a monthly cash benefit, which as of 2020 could be as high as $694 per month, although the exact amount is dependent on the beneficiary's age, health, income and living situation. This benefit is intended to help its recipients pay for costs not covered by Medicaid or other financial assistance programs, including room-and-board in assisted living facilities.

To qualify on the basis of age, seniors must be at least 65 years old. Additionally, this benefit is only available to those who reside in New York State, have limited income and resources and meet citizenship requirements.


Managed Long-Term Care Plans


Website: https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/managed_care/mltc/aboutmltc.htm

Managed Long-Term Care Plans help seniors access services such as assisted living and nursing care, as well as dentistry, medical equipment and ambulatory services. These programs accept payment from Medicaid but also may be paid for out-of-pocket if the participant is ineligible for Medicaid assistance. These plans include services such as hospital care and primary care.

To qualify for participation in a managed long-term care plan, seniors must reside within New York State and be at least 65 years of age. They also must be eligible for nursing home admission.


Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly


Website: https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/managed_care/mltc/aboutmltc.htm

Programs for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a set of comprehensive managed care programs that work with Medicare and Medicaid to provide a broad range of health care services. These programs provide case managers, who are responsible for coordinating all health care services on behalf of participants. This includes primary and specialist care, as well as services such as long-term care, hospital care and laboratory services.

To qualify for entry into a PACE program, seniors must be a minimum of 55 years old and eligible for care in a nursing facility. They must be willing to pay their share of the plan should it be required of them and live within a service area that's covered by PACE.


New York Assisted Living Rules and Regulations



The New York Department of Health — Managed Long Term Care Department is responsible for licensing and overseeing assisted living and other senior care facilities throughout New York. This department conducts regular inspections of the facilities it licenses. The table below contains information about some of the rules and regulations assisted living facilities in New York are required to follow.

Scope of Care

Assisted living facilities in New York may provide residential and personal care, meals, housekeeping services and supervision for self-administration of medication. Additionally, they must offer case management and coordination of health services. Those licensed to provide nursing care must also ensure residents have access to medication administration and management services.

Care Plan Requirements

Facilities must create an individualized service plan for each resident. The resident must be involved in the development of this plan, and it must address medical, nutritional, rehabilitation, functional and cognitive needs. Plans must be reviewed and revised every six months.

Medication Management Requirements

All caregivers in assisted living facilities may provide assistance with self-administration of medications. Medication administration must be provided by a licensed nurse.

Staff Screening Requirements

All assisted living facilities must conduct criminal history fingerprint checks on all employees. Additionally, applicants are required to provide a sworn statement indicating whether they have a prior history of patient abuse.

Staff Training Requirements

All staff must receive training in the facility's policies and procedures, resident characteristics and disaster plans. Aides must undergo a minimum of 40 hours of training.

Medicaid Coverage

Seniors can apply for assistance from Medicaid under the Assisted Living Waiver.

Reporting Abuse

Abuse can be reported to New York's Long Term Care Ombudsman Program by calling (855) 582-6769 or emailing [email protected]


Free Assisted Living Resources in New York



Assisted Living Complaint Intake Program

Seniors who are concerned about nonmedical services they've received from an assisted living facility can log complaints with the New York Department of Health via the Adult Care Facility Centralized Complaint Intake Program. Callers have the option to remain anonymous and should be prepared to provide information including the facility name and address, names of residents or staff involved in the complaint and detailed information about the incident when calling.

Contact: Complaints can be filed via telephone by calling (866) 893-6772.

MyBenefits

MyBenefits is an online program that helps seniors and other New York residents access federal and state assistance programs. This tool allows users to input their information before providing them with detailed information about benefits programs that they may be eligible for, including those that may help seniors to pay for the cost of assisted living.

Contact: Call (518) 473-1090 for more information.

NY Connects

NY Connects helps connect older adults and their family members with long-term services and supports, including benefits counseling, transportation services and nutrition programs. The program can also help seniors and their loved ones navigate the long-term care system in New York and determine what their best options are when it comes to long-term care.

Contact: Call (800) 342-9871 for more information.


New York Agencies


Area Agencies on Aging in New York

Website: https://www.ny.gov/agencies/office-aging

Area Agencies on Aging connect seniors with local resources and provide a variety of services that help them to live as independently as possible. These agencies offer case-management services through more than 50 locations throughout the state of New York. Services provided include Medicaid and Medicare counseling, wellness programs and advocacy and support for seniors in long-term care facilities.


Veterans Affairs Offices in New York

Website: https://veterans.ny.gov/

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helps veterans and their spouses by providing health care and financial benefits, as well as counseling and volunteer programs. VA's Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit is available to veterans who require long-term care in assisted living facilities. This cash benefit is paid monthly and can be used to cover costs associated with assisted living, including personal care or room-and-board costs.


Social Security Offices in New York

Website: https://www.ssa.gov/ny/

The Social Security New York Region serves the states of New York and New Jersey, providing income for seniors and other individuals and families who have no other financial source. This office administers Supplemental Security Income, as well as other Social Security benefit programs such as death and disability payments. Additionally, Social Security provides extra help with prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries. Without the assistance provided by this office, many seniors in New York would be unable to afford the cost of assisted living.

 

Other Cities in New York

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