Assisted Living in Syracuse, NY

Assisted Living Costs in Syracuse

According to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care study, average monthly assisted living costs in Syracuse are on par with the state average of $4,185. Other cities across the state vary greatly from this midrange cost. In both Utica ($2,625) and Glens Falls ($2,600), assisted living is far less than in Syracuse. However, in other areas, such as Albany ($5,050), Watertown ($5,509) and Elmira ($5,710), the average monthly cost is significantly higher. 

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

In Syracuse and throughout New York, the average monthly cost of senior care varies depending on the level of care required. This is especially noticeable when comparing the average monthly cost of assisted living in Syracuse ($4,185) with other types of care. Home health aide services cost about $800 more and homemaker services almost $1,200 more. Nursing home care averages an astounding $7,500 more per month.

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Syracuse

Medicaid in New York

Medicaid provides health coverage to low-income individuals who would otherwise be unable to access affordable health care services. Under the New York Medicaid state plan, a variety of services and prescription medications are covered, including hospital services, medical care, dental treatment, preventative care, diagnostic tests, transportation and nursing home care. 

To qualify for the Medicaid state plan as an elderly person, applicants must be 65 years of age or older with a monthly income that doesn’t exceed $859. Applicants are limited to $15,450 in countable resources, not including a home, a single vehicle and personal property. When applying together, married applicants are allowed an income of $1,267 per month and $22,800 in countable resources. 

To apply for the Medicaid state plan, seniors can contact the Onondaga County Department of Social Services at (315) 435-2700.

In New York, there are two Medicaid waiver programs that may provide services or financial assistance to seniors in an assisted living setting. 

Managed Care Long-Term Care Waiver

The Managed Care Long-Term Care waiver program is available to seniors who require a nursing level of care yet choose to remain in an assisted living facility or at home. The program allows participants to choose a primary care provider who is responsible for directing all aspects of their care, including assisted living or home care services. The program covers all personal care and assisted living costs. 

To qualify for the program, applicants must be 65 years of age, have a chronic illness or be legally disabled and meet the financial requirements of the state Medicaid plan. 

To apply, seniors living in the Syracuse area can contact Nascentia Health at (315) 477-9500.

Assisted Living Program Waiver

The Assisted Living program waiver provides care for seniors who are medically eligible for nursing home care yet choose to continue living in an assisted living facility. The program covers the cost of assisted living room and board, personal care, physical and occupational therapy, nurse visits and medical supplies and equipment. 

To qualify, seniors must be age 65 or older, financially eligible for Medicaid and not bedridden or in need of continual nursing care. The program is limited to 4,200 participants statewide, so those who qualify may have to wait until an opening becomes available.

To apply for this program, seniors can contact the Onondaga County DSS Medicaid Community Unit at (315) 435-2928. 

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

PACE CNY

PACE CNY provides a consolidated program of health care services for qualified elderly individuals. Covered services include assisted living, medical care, dental care and transportation. Those who are Medicaid eligible aren’t required to pay for their care, while those with higher incomes may be required to pay privately for services. 

To enroll in PACE CNY, seniors must be 55 years of age or older, a resident of Onondaga County and eligible for nursing home care. Participants must require more than 120 days of long-term care services and be assessed as able to safely reside in their community with support.

For more information about the program or to apply, call PACE CNY at (315) 452-5800. 

New York State Supplement Program

The SSP program provides a state-funded cash benefit to aged, blind and disabled New York residents. It’s added to a Supplemental Security Income recipient’s monthly benefit to help pay for costs that aren’t typically covered by Medicaid, such as room-and-board expenses in long-term care facilities.  

Eligible applicants must be at least 65 or legally disabled and have limited income and resources. Monthly benefits can be as high as $694, depending on an individual’s living situation.  

To apply for SSI and the state supplement, seniors can visit the Syracuse Social Security Office or call (800) 772-1213. 

Assisted Living Resources in Syracuse

Senior Centers and Community Programs

Syracuse senior and community centers help older residents thrive by providing opportunities to socialize and participate in an assortment of activities and classes. Most of these programs are free of charge or low-cost. Programs offered at different centers can include nutritious weekday lunches, seminars, art and fitness classes, coffee talks and game nights. 

Frank DeFrancisco Eastwood Community Center
401 S Midler Ave., Syracuse, NY 13206
(315) 437-4011

Onondaga Parks and Recreation
4834 Velasko Rd., Syracuse, NY 13215
(315) 469-3464

Bob Cecile Community Center
174 W Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse, NY 13205
(315) 473-2678
Magnarelli Community Center at McChesney Park
2308 Grant Blvd., Syracuse, NY 13208
(315) 473-2673

Area Agency on Aging

In Syracuse, the Onondaga County Office for Aging operates as the local Area Agency on Aging. It provides a range of services to enhance the quality of life and preserve the dignity of elderly persons, including benefit assistance, Medicaid planning, case management and service coordination. 

Onondaga County Aging Office
421 Montgomery St. 10th Floor, Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 435-2362

Veterans Services

Veterans can access a range of benefits and services at no cost through Veterans Affairs. The benefits provided by VA include financial assistance for long-term care and health care, which is free for eligible
veterans at the Syracuse VA Medical Center. 

Veterans Affairs Division
333 E Washington St. #430, Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 428-4046

Syracuse VA Medical Center
800 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210
(315) 425-4400