Assisted Living in New York

The “Empire State” boasts a population estimated at 19,467,789, making it the third most populous state in the U.S., following California and Texas. However, New York City, with a population of around 8.1 million people, is the most populous city in the United States.

In a state where there is always something to do, whether visiting popular tourist destinations or enjoying a more easy-going afternoon outside of the big city, assisted living in New York is ideal for those with a sense of adventure.

Assisted Living in New York Defined

Assisted living residences in New York are required to provide housing, 24-hour monitoring, daily meals and personal care services to five or more adult residents. However, depending on the needs of the residents and the level of service offered, the State classifies assisted living residences in these three ways:

• Basic Assisted Living Residence (ALR) – ALRs are for seniors who are medically stable and relatively independent, but need some assistance with the activities of daily living such as bathing, toileting, dressing or eating.
• Enhanced Assisted Living Residence (EALR) – Enhanced residences were designed for seniors with more limiting physical conditions, such as severe arthritis, who require more intensive assistance with the activities of daily living such as walking or transferring in and out of bed.
• Special Needs Assisted Living Residence (SNALR) – Special needs residences are certified to care for adults with conditions such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. SNALRs develop individualized plans of care tailored to the unique needs of each resident.

Regulation of Assisted Living in New York

Assisted Living in New York is regulated by the New York State Department of Health. The Department is responsible for issuing licenses to communities providing assisted living. Facilities are inspected every 12-18 months and are required to renew their license every two years.

The New York Department of Health enforces strict regulations regarding assisted living homes, and all facilities must be satisfactory in several categories, including the structural and environmental aspects of the facility itself, meeting fire safety standards, and undergoing a thorough background check of all employees.

Cost of Assisted Living in New York

The cost of assisted living in New York averages about $43,920 annually, or $3,660 per month. This is the state-wide median cost for a private, single-occupancy room. However, prices range from as low as $1,190 in some cities to as high as $7,443 in others. While this cost covers standard care, any special or additional services may include extra fees.

Here is a list of the average monthly rates* broken down by city for a one-bedroom, single-occupancy apartment in a New York assisted living residence:

*Genworth Financial 2011 Cost of Care Survey.

Assisted living care is often paid for privately by the resident, or by his or her family. However, costs can also be covered by a long-term care insurance plan or in some cases by Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Medicaid and Medicare will not cover assisted living costs in New York, but may be used to pay for other/additional medical services.

Find Assisted Living in New York

Browse our comprehensive directory to find assisted living in Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Rochester, Syracuse and other areas of New York.

Written by senior housing writer Stacy Rost.