Assisted Living in Waverly, NY

Assisted Living Costs in Waverly

According to data from Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, Waverly is one of the most expensive cities for assisted living in this area of New York, with monthly costs of $5,710. Costs here are well above the state average of $4,185 and nearly $500 more than in nearby Binghamton ($5,270). Farther away, costs drop significantly. To the east in Kingston ($4,100), assisted living costs average over $1,600 less per month. To the north in Syracuse, costs are $4,185. Only the metropolitan New York area, which encompasses New York City, Newark and Jersey City, NJ, has a higher average monthly cost at $5,916.

Note: The study didn’t include senior care cost data specifically for Waverly, so data for the closest city, Elmira, was used.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

The cost of senior care in Waverly varies greatly according to the type of care, with nearly $10,000 a month separating nursing home care ($11,682) and adult day health care ($2,015). While in-home assistance options such as homemaker services ($4,814) and home health aides ($5,053) cost less than residential alternatives such as assisted living ($5,710), seniors should also factor in the monthly expenses incurred when staying in their home, including mortgage or rent payments, upkeep, food and utility bills. 

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Waverly

Medicaid in New York

Low-income New York seniors may qualify for health care benefits through the nationwide Medicaid program, funded by the federal and state governments. The New York Medicaid state plan offers comprehensive benefits similar to those of standard health plans, including visits to a primary care physician for preventive and acute care, inpatient hospital stays, ambulance services and nursing home programs.

The state plan’s eligibility guidelines include strict income limits of $859 per month for single applicants and $1,267 for married couples. Assets are limited to a maximum of $15,450 for individuals and $22,800 for couples. All sources of income are considered, while some assets are exempt such as a primary home, furniture, personal effects and one vehicle. 

For seniors who incur significant medical expenses but have too high an income to qualify, the Medicaid Excess Income program may offer a way to deduct medical expenses and reduce their income to the required limit. 

Assisted Living Program

The Assisted Living program is available to Medicaid-qualified seniors who are eligible for nursing home placement but can safely live at home or in an assisted living setting with support. The ALP covers the cost of room and board, case management by a registered nurse and services such as skilled nursing, personal care, physical or speech therapy, medical equipment and a personal emergency alert system. 

An initial assessment is required to determine an applicant’s medical and care needs. To qualify, a senior can’t be bedbound or require continual nursing care. The program is limited to 4,200 residents across the state, so qualified applicants may be put on a waiting list. 

To apply for Medicaid benefits or the Assisted Living program, seniors can visit the Tioga County Department of Social Services in nearby Owego or call (607) 687-8300 for more information. A Medicaid helpline is also available at (800) 541-2831.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

State Supplement Program

For seniors currently living in residential care communities and receiving SSI, supplemental financial aid may be available through the State Supplement program. Qualified individuals in assisted living facilities may receive up to $435 per month, while married couples may qualify for up to $1,255. If approved, the state-funded SSP payment is added onto the recipient’s monthly federal SSI benefit and can be put toward assisted living room and board costs.

To learn more about this benefit, interested Waverly seniors can contact the Social Security Administration office in Horseheads at (866) 964-1715. 

VA Aid and Attendance Benefits

Veterans or their surviving spouses age 65 and older may qualify for a VA pension top-up through the federal  Aid and Attendance program to help offset assisted living expenses. To qualify, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Be legally blind
• Require regular assistance with activities of daily living
• Be primarily bedbound
• Reside in a nursing home due to diminished physical or mental capabilities

Veterans who receive a VA disability pension are excluded from the program.

The Aid and Attendance benefit program has complex eligibility requirements, and individuals are encouraged to reach out to the Binghamton Vet Center at (607) 722-2393 for assistance when applying. 

Assisted Living Bridge Loan

Seniors seeking a short-term source of financing when entering an assisted living facility may benefit from a bridge loan to fund an initial monthly payment or moving expenses.

Applications, which may include up to six borrowers for a single loan, are generally processed quickly and focus less on individual creditworthiness than traditional personal loans. Applicants are expected to secure permanent funding, and this information may be required during the application process. Upon approval, recipients can choose a lump-sum distribution or line of credit.

Contact Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500 for additional information or to apply. 

Assisted Living Resources in Waverly

Community Resource Centers

Serving Tioga County, Tioga Opportunities, Inc., helps seniors maintain an independent lifestyle by connecting individuals in need with relevant community resources. The agency offers health insurance counseling, legal referrals and information about available financial assistance programs. Tioga Opportunities also sponsors social activities at its Countryside Community Center, where seniors can participate in scheduled events such as ceramics, Wii bowling and chair yoga.

Tioga Opportunities, Inc.
9 Sheldon Guile Blvd, Owego, NY 13827
(607) 687-4120

Veteran Services

The Binghamton Vet Center serves area veterans and their families, providing individual and family counseling services, substance abuse assessment and information about eligible benefits and relevant community resources. For Waverly veterans with medical needs, the VA outpatient clinic in nearby Sayre, PA, offers primary care, specialty care and mental health services. Veterans who served in foreign wars can find community and support through Waverly’s chapter of the VFW, which meets the fourth Monday of every month at 6:00 PM.

Binghamton Vet Center
53 Chenango St, Binghamton, NY 13901
(607) 722-2393

Sayre VA Clinic
1537 N Elmira St, Sayre, PA 18840-9254
(570) 888-6803 or (570) 824-3521 x2009 for mental health services 

Waverly VFW
206 Broad St, Waverly, NY 14892-1322
(607) 565-8082