Assisted Living in Suffolk County, NY

Assisted Living Costs in Suffolk County

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, the monthly average cost for assisted living in Suffolk County is $1,731 higher than the state average of $4,185, and it’s $1,916 over the national average of $4,000, making it one of the most expensive areas for assisted living in the country.

Suffolk County is one of the costlier counties alongside cities that include Elmira ($5,710), Binghamton ($5,270) and Albany ($5,050). The northern New York cities, such as Utica ($2,625) and Glens Falls ($2,600), are comparatively inexpensive and fall below the state average.

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Suffolk County: $5,916
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $4,185
• Elmira: $5,710
• Kingston: $4,100
• Albany: $5,050
• Binghamton: $5,270
• Utica: $2,625
• Glens Falls: $2,600

Care Cost Comparison

In addition to location being a consideration in cost, the level of care needed is an even greater factor in the cost of senior care. In Suffolk County, the cost of a semiprivate room in a nursing care facility is $12,091, which is $6,175 over the average cost of assisted living. If homemaker ($4,576) or home health aide ($4,767) services are being considering, remember to add in the residential home’s mortgage, upkeep, utility and grocery expenses. Assisted living costs typically include monthly rent, meals, social activities and other amenities with additional fees based on the level of care a resident requires.

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 Suffolk County

Medicaid in New York

In New York, Medicaid can help pay for medical care and services for long-term care, home health assistance and an assisted living facility, and it also provides seniors with the medical equipment, transportation and supplies necessary to ensure quality of life.

Those who have limited financial income may receive low-cost or free medical assistance through the NYS Medicaid State Plan. To be eligible, an individual must be age 65 or older, a resident of the state of New York and a U.S. 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. Non-exempt assets cannot exceed $15,150 for a single candidate and $22,200 for couples.

You may still be eligible for Medicaid if your income is a bit over the limit with the Medicaid Excess Income program, also known as the spend-down or surplus-income program. The amount of your 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 remainder of that month.

Medicaid usually has 45 days to process your application, and if the application requires a disability determination, the agency can take 90 days. Applications may be processed more quickly if:

• You don’t have caretakers able and willing to provide care
• You aren’t receiving the necessary assistance from a home care service agency
• You have no third party insurance or Medicare benefits
• You don’t have the adaptive or specialized equipment required to meet your health needs

Once eligibility has been firmly resolved, you will receive notification in the mail with further instructions.

The NY Assisted Living Program (ALP) is a waiver that pays for the services of a licensed assisted living residence for individuals who require a certain level of care, but doesn’t need the in-depth services of nursing home care. To qualify, individuals must be age 21 and over, have a degree of self-mobility to function in an assisted living environment and meet the income limits of Medicaid recipients. Services paid by ALP include personal care, skilled nursing, room and board, occupational and physical therapy and personal emergency response services. This program is open to Medicaid-eligible and ineligible individuals.

The ALP is regulated by the State Department of Health and has limited enrollment, so it’s not unusual to be placed on a waiting list. 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

Veterans, Survivors and Aid and Attendance Pension plans

Financially stressed veterans and their families who are looking for assistance with assisted living costs can get relief with these pensions. The VA helps wartime veterans, surviving spouses and children with financial challenges by providing monthly supplemental tax-free revenue to those with low income. Also, wartime veterans and surviving spouses who are housebound or need the aid and attendance of another person may be eligible for additional monetary payments on top of the regular monthly pension. While there is extensive eligibility requirements, some qualifications include:

• Veterans having served actively for at least 90 days and one day during a wartime period
• Veterans and surviving spouses must be age 65 or older
• A surviving spouse must have been living with the veteran at the time of death and single at time of claim

To be eligible for the Aid & Attendance pension, veterans must require help with the activities of daily living. Visit the VA pension page for a full list of requirements.

Apply online or call (800) 827-1000.

Elderlife Bridge Loan

Bridge loans provide great flexibility to seniors who don’t qualify for Medicaid or receive enough Social Security Income (SSI) to supplement initial costs. Elderlife bridge loans are designed to be a temporary solution, typically for periods less than two years, 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. The best cases for using a bridge loan include: moving into assisted living, selling a home or awaiting veterans benefits.

For more information about the Elderlife program, please call (888) 228-4500, email [email protected] or fill out an application online.

Assisted Living Resources in Suffolk County

Suffolk County Senior Centers

The senior centers of Suffolk County offer individuals the opportunity to make new friends, explore interests and participate in their communities. These centers offer a variety of classes and clubs geared toward improving and maintaining mental and physical health, including art classes, jewelry crafting, strength training, line dancing and book clubs.

Smithtown Senior Citizens Department
420 Middle Country Road, Smithtown, NY 11787
(631) 360-7616

Southold Town Senior Services Programs
750 Pacific Street, Mattituck, NY 11942
(631) 298-4460

Town of Riverhead Senior Citizen Programs
60 Shade Tree Lane, Riverhead, New York 11901 
(631) 722-4444

Social Security Offices of Suffolk County

The Social Security Administration offers programs and benefits to ensure the welfare of retired seniors and help cover living costs. They also offer assistance with application completion and benefits information.

US Social Security Administration
75 Oak St, Patchogue, NY 11772
(800) 772-1213

US Social Security Administration
526 E Main St, Riverhead, NY 11901
(800) 772-1213

US Social Security Administration
84 N Main St, Freeport, NY 11520
(800) 772-1213

Veteran’s Affairs in Suffolk County

Veterans with low income who need help with assisted living costs can turn to the Veterans Administration for help. Their programs don’t cover room and board, but may pay for extra services veterans need. Your VA social worker or case manager may be able to help you with eligibility guidelines.

Suffolk County Veterans Services Agency
100 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Hauppauge, NY 11788
(631) 853-8387