Assisted Living in Brooklyn, NY

Assisted Living Costs in Brooklyn

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, the monthly average cost for assisted living in Brooklyn is almost $2,000 over the national average of $4,000, and it’s significantly higher than the state average of $4,185.

Brooklyn is much costlier than northern New York cities, such as Utica ($2,625) and Glens Falls ($2,600). In fact, the Brooklyn area is the most expensive region for assisted living in the entire state. Nearby areas, including Kingston ($4,100), Albany ($5,050) and Binghamton ($5,270), are also at the higher end of the price range.

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Brooklyn: $5,916
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $4,185
• Kingston: $4,100
• Albany: $5,050
• Binghamton: $5,270
• Utica: $2,625
• Glens Falls: $2,600

Care Cost Comparison

The type of care needed is undoubtedly the biggest factor contributing to the cost of senior care. In Brooklyn, the cost of a semiprivate room in a nursing care facility is $12,091, which is over twice the amount of assisted living ($5,916). If homemaker ($4,576) or home health aide ($4,767) services are to be considered, don’t forget to factor in the expense of a residential home’s upkeep, utility and grocery costs.

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $5,916
• Homemaker services: $4,576
• Home health aide: $4,767
• Adult day health: $1,950
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $12,091

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Brooklyn

Medicaid in New York

New Yorkers who have limited financial income may receive low-cost or free medical assistance through the NYS Medicaid State Plan. It can help to pay for care in a nursing home or through home health agencies, and it also provides seniors with the medical equipment, transportation and supplies necessary to ensure quality of life.

To qualify, you must be age 65 or older, a resident of the state of New York, a U.S. national citizen or have satisfactory immigration status. To meet financial requirements, single seniors’ income must be $842 per month or less, and couples must have an income of less than $1,233 per month.

Even if your income is a bit over the limit, you may still be eligible for Medicaid with the Medicaid Excess Income program, also known as the spend-down or surplus-income program. The amount of excess income is similar to a deductible; once your medical bills meet the requirements for a particular month, Medicaid pays your additional medical bills for the rest of the month.

The Medicaid agency usually has 45 days to process your application, and if the application requires a disability determination, the agency can take 90 days. Once eligibility has been decided, you will receive notification in the mail with further instructions.

NY Assisted Living Program (ALP) is a waiver that pays for the services of licensed assisted living residences for individuals who require a high level of care, but not so intensive that nursing home care is necessary. Services paid by ALP include personal care, room and board, housekeeping, recreational activities and personal emergency response services. This program is open to Medicaid-eligible and ineligible individuals.

To apply for Medicaid, call (855) 355-5777, apply online or visit the local office in your area.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is open to both Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and is intended for families that wish to have seniors live at home instead of in a skilled nursing home. However, if an individual can no longer be safely supported at home or in an adult day care, the program will help pay for care in a nursing facility.

Assisted living residents can also take advantage of the PACE program. While it doesn’t cover the cost of room and board, the program does provide medical services and equipment that would otherwise be an added expense. To qualify, participants must be at least 55 years old, require skilled nursing and be enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid. If you don’t have Medicare or Medicaid, you can pay for PACE privately. Benefits are determined on a case-by-case basis and are specified only for medical and care services.

For more information on the Brooklyn PACE program, call (833) 252-2737, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. TTY users should call 711.

New York State Supplement Program (SSP)

SSP is part of the monthly benefit paid to most Supplemental Security Income (SSI) individuals. It provides financial assistance to individuals who are age 65 and older, blind or disabled, a New York resident, limited by income and resources and a U.S. citizen or otherwise meet citizenship requirements. Seniors are automatically eligible for Medicaid if they’re eligible for SSP.

You must submit an application for federal SSI benefits, which will serve as your SSP application. Unfortunately, there is no online SSI application, but you can schedule an appointment with your local Social Security office by calling (800) 772-1213.

Elderlife Bridge Loan

Seniors who don’t qualify for Medicaid or receive enough Social Security Income (SSI) can open a line of credit to help pay for assisted living. Bridge loans are a temporary solution while permanent funding is sought out. Loans are based on credit worthiness, but several cosigners are allowed, and payments can be split amongst family members. Lenders typically require a plan for permanent funding be in place before approving a loan.

To find out more information about the Elderlife program, please call (888) 228-4500, email [email protected] or fill out a contact form.

Assisted Living Resources in Brooklyn

Brooklyn Agencies on Aging

Brooklyn provides its senior population and their families with valuable information for daily living and planning ahead, and these agencies promote health and independence for a better quality of life. These resources include advocacy, benefits, caregiver assistance, housing and counseling services.

New York City Department for the Aging
2 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10007
(212) 602-4180

Jasa 
247 West 37th Street, New York, NY 10018 
(212) 273-5272

Brooklyn Senior Centers 

The Department for the Aging (DFTA) funds numerous senior centers throughout each borough, and they’re free to individuals age 60 and older. Activities available vary per center and include art, music, dance classes, chronic disease self-management classes and recreational trips.

Albany Neighborhood Senior Center
196 Albany Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11213
(718) 773-2600

Grant Square Neighborhood Senior Center
19 Rogers Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11216
(718) 363-3133

Ridgewood Bushwick Senior Center
319 Stanhope St, Brooklyn, NY 11237
(718) 366-3038

Veterans Affairs

Brooklyn veterans may be eligible for medical or financial assistance and other programs through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Seniors can visit their nearest VA office for more information.

Brooklyn Vet Center
25 Chapel Street, Suite 604, Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 630-2830

Brooklyn Campus of the VA NY Harbor Healthcare System
800 Poly Place, Brooklyn, NY 11209
(718) 836-6600