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Memory Care in New York

Over 5 million Americans live with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, and that number is projected to grow to 14 million by the year 2050. In New York State, an estimated 410,000 seniors aged 65 and older have Alzheimer's. Because memory loss is progressive and includes symptoms such as disorientation, personality changes and difficulty communicating, over time many people who are diagnosed with dementia will require memory care services. 

Residential memory care provides around-the-clock support, supervision and therapeutic activities for those living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. These facilities are staffed by specially trained professionals who have additional training and skills in dementia care, and a number of security features help keep residents safe from wandering. While memory care services cannot cure dementia, they can help slow the progression of symptoms while giving family caregivers much-needed respite. In New York, the average monthly cost of memory care is $5,788, which is above the national average of $5,064. 

This guide includes an overview of memory care costs in New York and a brief summary of state memory care regulations. There's also information on programs that fund memory care services for low- and moderate-income seniors, and links to a number of free resources for people with Alzheimer's, their family members and caregivers. 


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Memory Care in New York



The SeniorScore gives seniors a snapshot of how suitable a particular destination is for seniors based on over 100 factors such as the climate, availability of health care services and cost of living. New York state has a SeniorScore of 69, which is three points below the national average of 72. 

There are four SeniorScore categories, and New York's highest category score, 70, was for Health and Safety. Seniors in the state have an exceptionally high number of Medicare-registered providers to choose from, and there's also a high number of hospitals and senior living facilities. The state life expectancy of 80.5 is nearly two years longer than the national average of 78.6, although property and violent crime rates are also higher than rates in many other states. 

New York scored just 54 in the Finances category, which includes income, property and sales tax rates, per capita income rates and health care costs. The overall cost of living in the state is exceptionally high compared to the national average, and nursing home, adult day care and home health care costs are also above average. 


The Cost of Memory Care in New York



Memory care statistics aren't available for New York state, so we've estimated the cost of residential memory care services by adding 25% to the monthly assisted living rates listed in Genworth Financial's 2019 Cost of Care Survey. Based on this calculation, the average statewide cost of memory care in New York is $5,788 per month, which is $724 above the nationwide average of $5,064. Costs in neighboring states range from $4,891 in Pennsylvania up to $8,000 in New Jersey, while memory care runs approximately $7,050 per month in Massachusetts and $6,673 in Vermont. 

  • New York: $5,788
  • United States: $5,064
  • Vermont: $6,673
  • Pennsylvania: $4,891
  • Massachusetts: $7,050
  • New Jersey: $8,000

The Cost of Memory Care in New York's Top Cities

Memory care rates throughout New York tend to reflect the local cost of living. Costs are highest in the New York City area, where the average residential memory care rate is $8,688 per month. In the state capital of Albany, memory care averages $5,656 per month, while costs in the northeastern part of the state range from $5,041 in Syracuse to $5,554 in Buffalo and $5,935 in Rochester. 

  • Syracuse: $5,041
  • Buffalo: $5,554
  • Albany: $5,656
  • Rochester: $5,935
  • New York City: $8,688

Senior Care Cost Comparison in New York

Residential memory care is just one of the many types of long-term care available in New York. Assisted living, which includes room and board along with limited personal care, costs an average of $4,630 per month, while a semiprivate room in a skilled nursing facility costs an average of $11,613 statewide. Community-based services include in-home care and home health care, which cost $4,767 and $4,957 per month respectively, based on 44 hours of support each week. Adult day care is the least expensive long-term care option, at an average cost of $1,842 per month. 

  • Memory Care: $5,788
  • In-Home Care: $4,767
  • Home Health Care: $4,957
  • Adult Day Care: $1,842
  • Assisted Living Facility: $4,630
  • Nursing Home Care: $11,613


Top Memory Care Communities in New York



Financial Assistance for Memory Care in New York



Assisted Living Program


Website: https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/longterm/alps.htm

The Assisted Living Program provides Medicaid-eligible seniors with a range of memory care services delivered in a nonmedical setting, such as an assisted living facility. These services are assigned on an as-needed basis and include case management, supervision, room and board, rehabilitation therapies and adult day health programming.

Enrollment is limited to 4,200 participants statewide, and while ALP applicants need to qualify for nursing home placement, they cannot require 24/7 nursing care, be bedridden or pose a danger to themselves or others. 



Medicaid Managed Long Term Care Plan


Phone Number: (888) 401-6582
Website: https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/redesign/mltc_guide_e.htm

Seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or another form of progressive-degenerative dementia who meet the admission criteria for a nursing home may be eligible for enrollment in New York's Managed Long Term Care Plan. The MLTC is designed to delay or prevent nursing home placement by funding a range of services delivered in an assisted living or adult home setting, such as personal care, therapeutic recreational programming and case management. 


New York Memory Care Rules and Regulations



The New York State Department of Health is responsible for regulating all nonmedical residential care services for adults in accordance with state rules, laws and regulations. 

Memory care services are provided in a variety of settings, including adult homes and assisted care facilities, also known as Assisted Living Residences or ALRs. ALRs designated as a Special Needs Assisted Living Residence (SNALR) can offer services to those with special needs including adults with dementia. 

Scope of Care

SNALRs can admit and retain adults diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and/or dementia who require 24/7 supervision and support. These facilities can also admit residents who meet the criteria for nursing home placement, but who can be safely managed in a less intrusive, lower-cost setting. Exclusions include prospective residents with one or more communicable diseases; who are bedridden; and/or who exhibit aggressive behavior that poses a threat to themselves or others. 

Care Plan Requirements

Upon admission, each resident must be assessed by a physician, physician's assistant or licensed nurse practitioner. This assessment includes an interview with the resident and their representative, and information from this assessment is used to develop an individual service plan that is reviewed at least once every six months. 

Medication Management Requirements

Residents who can safely self-administer medication may do so with the assistance of staff. Medication administration can only be done by a licensed medical professional or a caregiver working under the direct supervision of a licensed medical professional. 

Staff Screening Requirements

All staff who have direct contact with residents must complete a comprehensive background check. 

Staff Training Requirements

SNALRs must have at least one registered nurse on-site or on call at all times. These facilities must ensure that all caregivers complete comprehensive orientation training that covers resident rights, emergency procedures and infection control. Dementia care staff must also complete training specific to working with those with memory loss. 

Medicaid Coverage

New York Medicaid's Managed Long Term Care and Assisted Living programs cover the cost of memory care services for eligible seniors aged 65 and older. 

Reporting Abuse

In New York State, health care workers and law enforcement personnel who witness or suspect the abuse of an elder must file a report with the police or Adult Protective Services. 


Free Memory Care Resources in New York



Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is designed to help protect the rights of long-term care residents throughout the state. Residents, their family members and caregivers can contact the Ombudsman Program to learn about their rights, file complaints and seek help resolving concerns related to a long-term care facility. Ombudsman services are available statewide through a network of nonprofit organizations and Area Agencies on Aging. 

Alzheimer's Association - New York State Coalition

The Alzheimer's Association - New York State Coalition is a statewide organization consisting of seven regional Alzheimer's Association chapters. As part of the national AA, this organization offers a wide range of support services for those diagnosed with Alzheimer's, their loved ones and caregivers. Services include referrals to local resources, information sessions, peer support groups and advocacy. 



Area Agencies on Aging in New York State


The 59 Area Agencies on Aging throughout New York administer state and federal programs for seniors aged 60 and older. Seniors and their caregivers can contact their local AAA to connect with memory care resources, access case management services, sign up for free Medicaid counselling and learn about programs that offer memory care funding. 

To contact the nearest AAA, use the online AAA locator. 



Veteran Affairs Offices in New York State


Veterans and their survivors and dependents can access free information on VA health care services, pension programs and other benefits that provide funding towards memory care by contacting the New York State Division of Veterans' Services. 

Vets can also contact the nearest VA location listed in the online VA directory for New York State. 



Social Security Offices in New York State


Low-income seniors aged 65 and older who have minimal assets may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a monthly cash benefit administered by the Social Security Administration. To qualify for SSI payments, seniors must meet the income and resource limits established by the SSA each year. SSI benefits can be used towards the cost of memory care services, and eligible seniors may also qualify for additional support services and assistance programs. 

Seniors can contact the SSA at (800) 772-1213 or visit the nearest field office listed on the SSA website. 

 

Other Cities in New York

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