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Historically, New York has been a hub for culture, art, and nature. It’s also a wonderful place to grow older, with retiree perks like tax breaks and a free state parks program for seniors, as well as a strong dedication to further improve aging services. New York became the first state to join the AARP Age-Friendly Communities in 2017, and NYC was one of the first communities to join when the project began in 2012.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in New York

There are many types of adult care homes in New York, and finding the right home can be a challenge. See our directory of 523 assisted living facilities in the state of New York to start that process. Locate information about amenities, size of the facility, pricing, health insurance, and more using the tool below.

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Paying For Assisted Living in New York

The Cost of Assisted Living in New York

The monthly median cost of assisted living in New York is $4,185, which is only slightly more expensive than the national average of $4,000. According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care Survey, assisted living on the East coast is typically much higher priced than the national median, and Pennsylvania is the only neighboring state that’s less expensive than New York.

 

Average costs for assisted living vary drastically across New York. Some more rural areas, such as Utica at $2,167, are far cheaper than the national average, but most areas are slightly to significantly more expensive, such as the New York City at $5,916 a month.

 

The state median cost of assisted living is much more than independent living. However, assisted living costs far less than memory care and under half the cost of living in a semi-private room in a nursing home.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in New York

Social Security

For elders that qualify for Social Security benefits, there are special assisted living programs that may assist in the cost of assisted living. Many facilities accept SSI payments and offer reduced rents for residents who meet income guidelines. The New York State Supplement Program (SSP) provides additional benefits to qualifying participants in the monthly benefits as well as an additional $25 personal needs allowance for residents.

Who Is Eligible?

To receive social security benefits or SSP benefits, one must meet age and low-income requirements. The program is available for citizens aged 65 or older. Income must not exceed certain limitations and assets cannot be larger than $2,000 or $3,000 for couples.

How to Apply

Contact your nearest Area Agency on Aging or Social Security Office, or call 1-800-772-1213 to reach the Social Security Administration.

Medicaid Assisted Living Programs

New York has created a hybrid payment system to try to meet the increasing needs of the aging population that require assistance in daily life but not at a nursing home level of care. Assisted Living Programs, or ALPs, are licensed assisted living facilities that house five or more residents that qualify for Medicaid payment assistance in New York State. While a facility must have a special license to participate, the services and care offered are typically no different than any other assisted living facility in the state..

ALPs are subsidized assisted living rooms offered at a lower rate for low-income residents. Payment for the Assisted Living Program is split between the Medicaid program and the resident. Because the ALP is funded only partially by Medicaid, the program operator can only take in a limited amount of residents with the program. The state is continuing to expand the ALP program and each year more rooms are available, but there is usually a long waiting list for this program.

Because the expense of assisted living is so high, residents usually have no income once the ALF bill has been paid. For this reason, residents on this program receive a Personal Needs Allowance, or PNA. A PNA is taken from a resident’s income before payment is sent to the facility to be used as the resident desires. This payment is provided to the resident every month.

PNA is protected by NYS law and ALP administrators may not request any portion of a resident’s PNA, regardless of debts owed. Residents may use a portion of their PNA for medication co-pay if they choose, and they may revoke this choice at any time. This practice is now heavily regulated and PNA accounts must be reconciled monthly to maintain state compliance. As of 2018, the PNA is $144-$198, depending on care level.

Who Is Eligible?

The program has limited enrollment due to low budgets. Applicants to this program must meet age, income, and disability requirements. For a single applicant in 2018 over age 65, monthly income cannot exceed $842 ($1,233 for a couple), and net annual income cannot exceed $10,100 ($14,800 for a couple). Applicants may still have a house and a vehicle and possibly qualify. Other resources may not exceed $15,150 ($22,200 for a couple).

How to Apply

Contact your nearest Area Agency on Aging, Social Security Office, visit the Medicaid website, or reach out to the ALP facility that you would like directly. The ALP will conduct an initial screening to determine eligibility with a registered nurse.

More Ways to Finance Assisted Living

Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

  • Veterans Benefits: Veterans can take advantage of several different pension programs to help cover the cost of assisted living. For more information, see the article on benefits.va.gov.
  • Life Insurance Policies: Even if a spouse or loved one hasn’t died, certain types of life insurance policies can be used to pay for assisted living. More information is available at longtermcare.acl.gov.
  • Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance is a type of insurance policy that pays for long-term care when it becomes necessary, including the cost of assisted living. For more information on the benefits and drawbacks of this financing method, visit longtermcare.acl.gov.
  • Reverse Mortgages: Reverse mortgages allow seniors to access the equity from a home that they own, and these funds can be used to pay for assisted living. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers a federally insured reverse mortgage program.

Free Assisted Living Resources in New York State

NYS Aging App

New York has created the first statewide comprehensive services directory app for seniors. The app is designed for seniors who want to remain as independent as possible and use community services to age healthily. Search for senior centers, areas on aging, and senior service agencies in your area with GPS.

This app is free to all and is available for iOS and android devices. Services available provided by New York are generally available to residents aged 60 and older.

NY Connects

NY Connects is a social service agency that has partnered with the State of New York to expand access to the vast network of senior service agencies in the state. Their website contains a searchable directory of all senior services available throughout the state.

NY Connects is a free service for all residents. Service eligibility varies by the program, please make sure to check specific program guidelines or call to ask about eligibility. Call 718-559-4400 or visit the NY Connects website to find programs near you.

Golden Park Program

New York offers a free and reduced fare park admission program to seniors in the state. The program provides a pass that allows for free entrance (barring holidays, weekends, and a few areas) to state parks, arboretums, and boat launches. The pass also reduces fares to New York run golf courses and historical landmarks.

This program is for residents of New York state ages 62 or older. Participants must hold a NYS drivers license or ID card. Additional benefits are available for veterans. Call or visit your local NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation office to find local attractions, operating hours, and available discounts.

New York Park Regions Address Phone
Niagara Niagara Falls State Park PO Box 1132
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
(716) 278-1770
Allegany 2373 ASP Route #1-Suite 3
Salamanca, NY 14779
(716) 354-9101
Genesee 1 Letchworth State Park
Castile, NY 14427
(585) 493-3600
Finger Lakes 2221 Taughannock Road
Trumansburg, NY 14886
(607) 387-7041
Central 6105 E Seneca Turnpike
Jamesville, NY 13078
(315) 492-1756
Taconic PO Box 308- 9 Old Post Road
Staatsburg, NY 12580
(845) 889-4100
Palisades Palisades Interstate Parkway
Bear Mountain, NY 10911
(845) 786-2701
Long Island 625 Belmont Ave
West Babylon, NY 11704
(631) 669-1000
Thousand Islands 45165 NYS Route 12
Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
(315) 482-2593
Saratoga/Capital District 19 Roosevelt Drive
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 584-2000
New York City 163 West 125th St, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10027
(212) 866-3100

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman, or LTCO, is the guiding office for assisted living facility code compliance and resident rights such as access to care and dignity in life. Volunteers for the LTCO Program regularly:

  • Visit long-term care facilities
  • Respond to resident complaints
  • Educate the community

To reach your New York State LTCO, call 1-855-582-6769.

Area Agencies on Aging

New York has an Area Agency On Aging Office in most counties. These organizations are a combination of governmental and nonprofit groups dedicated to providing information about aging in the area. Find the nearest office to find resources pertaining to affordable housing, medical issues, and mental health.

These are also hubs for social programs in the community such as transportation by taxis or a senior bus pass, exercise groups, senior centers, local activities, and community meals. Most services are for citizens aged 60 and older.

Area Agency on Aging Address Phone Number
New York State Office for the Aging 2 Empire State Plaza
Albany, New York, 12223
(800) 342-9871
Albany County Department for Aging 162 Washington Ave
Albany, NY 12210
(518) 447-7198
Allegany County Office for the Aging 6085 Route 19 N
Belmont, NY 14813
(585) 268-9390
Broome County Office for the Aging 60 Hawley Street, 4th Floor
Binghamton, NY 13902
(607) 778-2411
Cattaraugus County Department of Aging One Leo Moss Drive, Suite 7610
Olean, NY 14760-1101
(716) 373-8032
Cayuga County Office for the Aging 160 Genesee Street
Auburn, NY 13021-3483
(315) 253-1226
Chautauqua County Office for the Aging 7 North Erie Street
Mayville, NY 14757
(716) 753-4471
Chemung County Department of Aging & Long Term Care 425 Pennsylvania Avenue
Elmira, NY 14902
(607) 737-5520
Chenango County Area Agency on Aging County Office Bldg., 5 Court St.
Norwich, NY 13815
(607) 337-1770
Clinton County Office for the Aging 135 Margaret Street, Suite 105
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
(518) 565-4620
Columbia County Office for the Aging 325 Columbia Street
Hudson, NY 12534
(518) 828-4258
Cortland County Area Agency on Aging 60 Central Avenue
Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 753-5060
Delaware County Office for the Aging 97 Main Street, Suite 2
Delhi, NY 13753
607-832-5750
Dutchess County Office for the Aging 27 High Street
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
(845) 486-2555
Erie County Dept. of Senior Services 95 Franklin Street, Rm 1329
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 858-8526
Essex County Office for the Aging 100 Court Street
Elizabethtown, NY 12932
(518) 873-3695
Franklin County Office for the Aging 355 West Main Street, Ste 447
Malone, NY 12953
(518) 481-1526
Fulton County Office for Aging and Youth 19 N. William Street
Johnstown, NY 12095
(518) 736-5650
Genesee County Office for the Aging 2 Bank Street
Batavia, NY 14020
(585) 343-1611
Greene County Department for the Aging 411 Main Street
Catskill, NY 12414
(518) 719-3555
Herkimer County Office for the Aging 109 Mary Street, Ste 1101
Herkimer, NY 13350
(315) 867-1121
Jefferson County Office for the Aging 175 Arsenal Street 2nd Floor
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 785-3191
Lewis County Office for the Aging 7660 N. State Street
Lowville, NY 13367
(315) 376-5313
Livingston County Office for the Aging 3 Murray Hill Drive
Mt. Morris, NY 14510
(585) 243-7520
Madison County Office for the Aging 138 Dominic Bruno Blvd.
Canastota, NY 13032
(315) 697-5700
Monroe County Office for the Aging 435 E. Henrietta Rd, 3rd Floor West
Rochester, NY 14620
(585) 753-6280
Montgomery County Office for the Aging, Inc. 135 Guy Park Avenue
Amsterdam, New York 12010
(518)843-2300
Nassau County Department of Human Services Office for the Aging 60 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Ste #260
Uniondale, NY 11553
(516) 227-8900
New York City Department for the Aging 2 Lafayette Street, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10007
311 or (212) 639-9675
Niagara County Office for the Aging 111 Main Street, Suite 101
Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 438-4020
Oneida County Office for the Aging/Continuing Care 120 Airline St., Ste. 201
Oriskany, NY 13424
(315) 798-5456
Onondaga Department of Adult & Long Term Care 421 Montgomery Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 435-2362
Ontario County Office for the Aging 3019 County Complex Drive
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(585) 396-4040
Orange County Office for the Aging 18 Seward Avenue
Middletown, NY 10940
(845) 615-3700
Orleans County Office for the Aging 14016 Route 31 West
Albion, NY 14411
(585) 589-3191
Otsego County Office for the Aging 140 Co Hwy 33W Ste. 5
Cooperstown, NY 13326
(607) 547-4232
Putnam County Office for Senior Resources 110 Old Route 6, Bldg. A
Carmel, NY 10512
(845) 808-1700 Ext. 47105
Rensselaer County Unified Family Services 1600 Seventh Avenue
Troy, NY 12180
(518) 270-2730
Rockland County Office for the Aging 50 Sanatorium Road, Bldg B
Pomona, NY 10970
(845) 364-2110
St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging 80 State Highway 310, Suite 7
Canton, NY 13617
(315) 386-4730
Saratoga County Office for the Aging 152 West High Street
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
(518) 884-4100
Schenectady County Department of Senior & Long Term Care Services 107 Nott Terrace, Suite 202
Schaffer Heights, Schenectady, NY 12308
(518) 382-8481

Ext. 9313

Schoharie County Office for the Aging 113 Park Place, Suite 3
Schoharie, NY 12157
(518) 295-2001
Schuyler County Office for the Aging 323 Owego Street, Suite 165
Montour Falls, NY 14865
(607) 535-7108
Seneca County Office for the Aging 2465 Bonadent Drive, Suite 4
Waterloo, NY 13165
(315) 539-1765
Steuben County Office for the Aging 3 E. Pulteney Square
Bath, NY 14810
(607) 664-2298
Suffolk County Office for the Aging 100 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
(631) 853-8200
Sullivan County Office for the Aging 100 North Street
Monticello, NY 12701
(845) 807-0241
Tioga Opportunities, Inc. 9 Sheldon Guile Blvd.
Owego, NY 13827
(607) 687-4120
Tompkins County Office for the Aging 214 W. Martin Luther King Jr./State St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-5482
Ulster County Office for the Aging 1003 Development Court
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3456
Warren/Hamilton Counties Offices for the Aging 1340 State Route 9
Lake George, NY 12845
(866) 805-3931
Washington County Office Of Aging & Disability Resource Center 383 Broadway
Fort Edward, NY 12828
(518) 746-2420
Wayne County Department of Aging and Youth 1519 Nye Road, Suite 300
Lyons, NY 14489
(315) 946-5624
Westchester County Department of Senior Programs & Services 9 South First Avenue, 10th Floor
Mt. Vernon, NY 10550
(914) 813-6400
Wyoming County Office for Aging 8 Perry Avenue
Warsaw, NY 14569
(585) 786-8833
Yates County Area Agency on Aging ProAction of Steuben & Yates 417 Liberty Street, Suite 1116
Penn Yan, NY 14527
(315) 536-5515

Veterans Affairs

Veterans in New York can receive various services through the VA. There are housing programs, veterans and survivors benefits, health care and mental health resources available for qualifying veterans and survivors.

VA Office Address Phone Number
New York Regional Benefits Office 245 W. Houston St.
New York, NY 10014
(800) 827-1000
Buffalo Regional Benefits Office 130 South Elmwood Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14202
(800) 827-1000
Albany Vet Center 17 Computer Drive West
Albany, NY 12205
(518) 626-5130
Babylon Vet Center 100 West Main Street
Babylon, NY 11702
(631) 661-3930
Binghamton Vet Center 53 Chenango Street
Binghamton, NY 13901
(607) 722-2393
Bronx Vet Center 2471 Morris Ave., Suite 1A
Bronx, NY 10468
(718) 367-3500
Brooklyn Vet Center 25 Chapel St. Suite 604
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 630-2830
Buffalo Vet Center 2372 Sweet Home Road
Amherst, NY 14228
(718) 862-7350
Harlem Vet Center 2279 – 3rd Avenue, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10035
(646) 273-8139
Manhattan Vet Center 32 Broadway 2nd Floor, Ste 200
New York, NY 10004
(212) 951-6866
Middletown Vet Center 726 East Main Street, Suite 203
Middletown NY 10940
(845) 342-9917
Nassau Vet Center 970 S. Broadway
Hicksville, NY 11801
(516) 348-0088
Queens Vet Center 75-10B 91 Avenue
Woodhaven, NY 11421
(718) 296-2871
Rochester Vet Center 2000 S. Winton Rd., Bldg 5, Ste. 201
Rochester NY 14618
(585) 232-5040
Staten Island Vet Center 60 Bay Street
Staten Island, NY 10301
(718) 816-4499
Syracuse Vet Center 109 Pine St, Ste. 101
Syracuse NY 12310
(315) 478-7127
Watertown Vet Center 210 Court St., Ste. 20
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 782-5479
White Plains Vet Center 300 Hamilton Ave. Ste., C 1st Floor
White Plains, NY 10601
(914) 682-6250

Social Security Offices

Some retirees qualify for Social Security benefits, as well as health care coverage and other forms of assistance. In New York, ALFs are able to use social security income to help pay for some of the cost of assisted living. To see if you or your loved ones qualify, visit your nearest office or call 1-800-772-1213.

Address Zip Code Area
237 West 48th Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10036
10036 NYC
123 William St
New York, NY 10038
10038 NYC
11306 Rockaway Beach Blvd
Rockaway Park, NY 11694
11694 Rockaway Park
650 E 12th St
New York, NY 10009
10009 NYC
7, 195 Montague St
Brooklyn, NY
11201 Brooklyn
2501 Grand Concourse
Bronx, NY
10468 Bronx
31-08 37th Ave
Long Island City, NY
11101 Queens
1540 Fulton St
Brooklyn, NY
11216 Brooklyn
820 Concourse Village West, 2nd Floor
Bronx, NY
10451 Bronx
155-10 Jamaica Ave
Jamaica, NY
11432 Queens
7714 17th Ave
Brooklyn, NY
11214 Brooklyn
4941 Broadway
New York, NY
10034 NYC
2250 Nostrand Ave
Brooklyn, NY
11210 Brooklyn
85 Harrison St
New Rochelle, NY
10801 New Rochelle
159 Montague St.
Brooklyn, NY
11201 Brooklyn
1829 Southern Blvd
Bronx, NY
10460 Bronx
2389 Richmond Ave
Staten Island, NY
10314 Staten Island
4th floor, 302 W 126th St
New York, NY
10027 NYC
345 East 102nd Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY
10029 NYC
6344 Austin St
Rego Park, NY
11374 Rego Park
138-50 Barclay Ave
Flushing, NY
11355 Queens
526 E Main St
Riverhead, NY
11901 Riverhead
84 N. Main St.
Freeport, NY
11520 Freeport
5th Floor, 211 Station Road
Mineola, NY
11501 Mineola
1121 Walt Whitman Rd
Melville, NY
11747 Melville
240 W Nyack Rd
West Nyack, NY
10994 Nanuet
20 S Broadway 10th floor
Yonkers, NY
10701 Yonkers
297 Knollwood Rd
White Plains, NY
10607 Westchester County
4th floor, 302 W 126th St
New York, NY
10027 NYC
1380 Parker St
Bronx, NY
10462 Bronx
1871 Rockaway Pkwy
Brooklyn, NY
11236 Brooklyn
1111 Myrtle Ave
Brooklyn, NY
11206 Brooklyn
3247 Laconia Ave
Bronx, NY
10469 Bronx
1029 East 163rd Street, 3rd Floor
Bronx, NY
10459 Bronx
1510 Hylan Boulevard, 2nd Floor
Staten Island, NY
10305 Staten Island
75 Oak St
Patchogue, NY
11772 Patchogue
510 Park Ave
Lindenhurst, NY
11757 West Babylon
3386 Fulton St
Brooklyn, NY
11208 Brooklyn
26 Federal Plaza
New York, NY
10278 NYC
ODAR Hearings, 730 Federal Plaza
Central Islip, NY
11722 Central Islip
SS Card Center, 154 Pierrepont Street, 6th Floor
Brooklyn, NY
11201 Brooklyn

New York Senior Centers

There are many government and non-profit groups that operate centers for seniors to access resources in the community. Communal meals, exercise programs, art lessons, and community events can be found in these centers. Seniors in need may also qualify for other services that a senior center can refer them to, such as Meals On Wheels and transportation to appointments.

Below are a few of the senior centers operating in New York. Not all senior centers have a website at this time, see the local Area Agency on Aging Office or NY Connects directory to find one of the over 600 senior centers and over 1,000 senior communal meal sites in New York that aren’t on this list. Most senior centers are free of charge for elders but have suggested donations, and some have a low annual membership fee.

Senior Center Address Phone Number
Stein Senior Center

(Manhattan, NYC)

204 E 23rd St
New York, NY 10010
(646) 395-8083
Clay Senior Center

(Syracuse County)

4948 Route 31
Clay, NY 13041
(315) 699-2844
Johnson City Senior Center

(Broome County)

30 Brocton Street
Johnson City, NY 13790
(607) 797-3145
Saratoga Senior Center

(Saratoga County)

5 Williams St.
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 584-1621
Aurora Senior Center

(Erie County)

101 King St, Ste. A
East Aurora, NY 14052
(716) 652-7934
Vestal Senior Center

(Broome County)

201 Main St
Vestal, NY 13850
754-9596
Riverhead Senior Center

(Long Island County)

200 Howell Avenue
Riverhead, NY, 11901
(631) 722-4444 Ext. 290
Guilderland Senior Center

(Albany County)

141 Bavarian Way
Altamont, NY 12009
(518) 280-7607
Scotia-Glenville Senior Center

(Schenectady County)

32 Worden Road
Glenville, NY
(518) 393-1946
Ten Eyck Senior Dining Center

(Schenectady County)

375 Broadway
Schenectady, NY
(518) 374-5511
Watervliet Senior Center

(Albany County)

14th St. & 1st Ave.
Watervliet, NY 12189
(518) 235-2420
Cohoes Multi-Service Senior Citizen Center

(Albany County)

10 Cayuga Plaza
Cohoes, NY 12047
(518) 235-2420
Niskayuna Senior Center

(Schenectady County)

2682 Aqueduct Road
Niskayuna, NY 12309
(518) 372-4969
Narrows Senior Center

(Brooklyn, NYC)

930 54th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11219
(718) 232-3211
Seneca-Babcock Community Association

(Erie County)

1168 Seneca Street
Buffalo, NY 14210
(716) 822-5094
RiseBoro Community Partnership Centers

(Brooklyn, NYC)

Centers throughout Brooklyn, NYC (718) 366-3800
Senior Service Centers Directory

(Bronx, NYC)

Centers throughout Bronx, NYC
Kingsbury & Fort Edward Senior Center

(Washington County)

78 Oak Street
Hudson Falls, NY 12839
(518) 747-9352
Moreau Community Center

(Saratoga County)

144 Main Street
South Glens Falls, NY 12803
(518) 792-6007
Southport Community Center

(Chemung County)

83 Personius Road
Pine City, NY 14871
(607) 732-4265
Andy Murphy Midtown Neighborhood Center

(Ulster County)

467 Broadway
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 331-0080
The Parkway Center

(Oneida County)

220 Memorial Parkway
Utica, NY 13501
(315) 223-3973

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in New York

Assisted Living Definitions in New York

The state of New York licenses adult homes to provide personal services such as light housekeeping and meals to residents. An assisted living facility (ALF) for the elderly can house from 5-200 residents unrelated to the operator. There are many types of ALFs in New York, and three specifically for seniors without significant cognitive impairments or ongoing medical issues that require 24-hour skilled nursing.

  • Assisted Living Residence (ALR): These New York licensed assisted living facilities provide on-site monitoring, housekeeping, 24-hour personal care, all meals and snacks, medication management, and care plan management. All ALRs must have an operator responsible for managing staff and residents and coordinating services, both in-house and 3rd party provided.
  • Enriched Assisted Living Residence (EALR): These are ALRs that provide more skilled care for elderly residents with mobility issues and/or incontinence problems, that aren’t typically provided by an ALR, in order to keep residents out of nursing homes longer. There is also a Special Needs program for residents needing memory care.
  • Assisted Living Program (ALP): Adult homes are able to subsidize fees for a portion of their residencies with the Medicaid-funded Assisted Living Program. Most policies and regulations for ALPs are identical to ALRs. Not all facilities participate in this program, make sure to ask when inquiring about a facility.

Assisted Living Admission Requirements

An assisted living operator is to perform a pre-admission evaluation on any prospective resident to make sure they are an appropriate match for the facility. There are limitations on the level of care that can be provided in an assisted living facility (ALF). Residents must require a high level of care, which is defined as requiring assistance 60% of the time with one or more of three ADLs (assistance with eating, using the restroom, or transferring from sitting/laying to standing), but not be in need of skilled nursing care.

It is the duty of the facility operator to ensure the safety and comfort for all residents, so facilities are only able to admit residents that pose no threat to the existing population. An ALR is not able to provide care for the seriously mentally ill, and those with minor mental disorders, such as clinical depression, may make up no more than 25% of the resident population of the facility.

Admissions Process

To be admitted to an ALF in New York, potential residents need to provide a variety of information to the facility. These are the 4 forms of that are completed by staff with the resident and their care team.

  • The Resident Personal Data Form details information like name, insurance company, healthcare providers as well as personal info like background, preferences and current network of friends and family.
  • The Resident Evaluation includes info like medical equipment such as hearing aids or glasses needed, physical functionality such as the ability to feed oneself, and resident preferences like daily activities and language spoken.
  • Patient Review Instrument, or PRI, and SCREEN. The PRI is used to determine the level of care a resident will need, medically and psychosocially. The SCREEN is used to determine cognitive status and check for advanced behavioral concerns that would require a higher level of care. These assessments can be done by two different staff members but they must both be licensed. These documents need to be completed within 30 days prior to admission and are valid for 90 days, except after a hospitalization when it must be completed again.
  • Individual Service Plan, or ISP. This plan outlines the scope of services that the facility will provide to the resident, as well as any third party service providers. This document acts as an assessment and a service guarantee and is to be updated every 6 months with updated physician’s approvals for service.

No later than 3 days after admission, a resident must meet with their doctor and submit their written report to the facility. This is to prove the need for service and provide an outline of recommendations for the resident’s lifestyle like diet and exercise. Assessments and updated reports must be completed at least annually.

Assisted Living Scope of Care

While ALRs don’t provide 24-hour skilled nursing and can’t care for those who have serious medical needs, they do offer assistance with activities of daily living, such as:

  • ALRs must provide 3 daily meals and all snacks to residents.
  • They must help with personal hygiene, such as shaving, bathing, and grooming.
  • Mobility assistance is provided by ensuring that there is sufficient care staff to help residents sit, stand, and walk when needed, like going up or down a set of stairs or getting out of bed.

In the event of a sudden change in a resident’s condition, such as a hospitalization for injury or unexpected illness, he or she may need temporary care from a hospital. As long as the resident is appropriately discharged with written documentation, they may immediately return to their assisted living residence.

Assisted Living Medicaid Policy

Medicaid may assist with the costs of an ALF in New York. The Assisted Living Program, or ALP, is a state-subsidized system that allows assisted living facilities to offer lower priced rooms to residents that qualify based on income. Residents may also use Medicaid to pay for services provided by the facility and 3rd party providers such as physical therapists.

Assisted Living Facility Requirements

Assisted living residents in New York can have their own rooms, or share a room if the roommate is deemed appropriate by the facility. There must be at least one toilet and sink for every resident, as well as one bathtub or shower for every 10 residents, and there must also be plenty of space to conduct activities like games and watching TV.

There are strict safety policies, such as the number of fire alarms, sprinklers, and co2 detectors that must be in each facility. Restrooms are where most slip and fall incidents happen in the home, so in New York restrooms must be equipped with handrails and non-slip floor mats. Every private area, like a bedroom or restroom, must be equipped with an emergency call system.

Medication Management Regulations

Medication management is an aspect of every individual service plan. Activities such as opening bottles, reminding residents to take medications, and writing down when the medication was taken can be done by any staff member. In order to physically administer medication (such as a tablet taken by mouth or any injections), one must be a licensed health professional.

Staffing Requirements

New York ALRs are required to have care staff available at a facility whenever there are residents present. ALRs must hire a facility administrator, a case manager to oversee ISPs and resident needs, an activities director, and personal care staff. In larger facilities with more than 25 residents, the administrator must be on site 40 hours a week, and additional care staff and activity directing is required as facility sizes increase.

Personal care staff must be provided to every resident individually for 6 hours a week, to take care of personal needs like housekeeping, medication management, and meals. Each resident is required to have at minimum of 3.75 hours of personal services time with a staff member each week, in addition to the services outlined in the resident’s ISP, and a case manager must be able to meet with each resident for 30 minutes a week. There is no minimum number of resident aides needed, but the administrator must ensure all residents needs are met at all times.

Staff Training Requirements

Administrators of adult homes must meet educational and professional licensure requirements. Every adult home and enriched housing program facility is required to provide initial and in-service training to employees and volunteers on topics such as patients rights, health in aging, care coordination, emergency plans, and identifying and reporting incidents. All ALR personnel must also receive training on the facility’s policies, including evacuation plans.

Administrators of ALRs need to have at least 60 hours of formal education, while resident aides need 40 hours of education and 12 hours of continuing education a year. In Medicaid subsidized ALPs, administrators need at least an AA, or to be a licensed RN. If a home is not required to have an administrator, the on-site manager must meet those educational and professional requirements instead.

Background Checks for Assisted Living

All staff of any medical facility in NYS, including ALFs, are investigated prior to hiring at any facility. Most staff must meet background check and medical requirements, such as a negative TB test. Everyone working in an adult care home is subject to Statewide Central Database Checks, the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) check, and a criminal history record check (CHRC).

Requirements for Reporting Abuse

Elder abuse in New York is defined as any physical, sexual, emotional, financial, neglectful, or self-neglectful crime against a person aged 60 or older. To report any suspected or witnessed abuse of an elder, please contact your local Area Agency of Aging, or call 1-844-697-3505.

New York COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living Facilities

Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/13/22. Since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, be sure to contact your assisted living facility or local Area Agency on Aging for the most up-to-date information.

COVID-19 Rules in New York
Are loved ones allowed to visit residents in their assisted living community? Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are residents required to quarantine after their loved ones visit? No
Are loved ones required to wear masks when visiting residents? Yes
Are Hairdressers and other non-medical contractors allowed in assisted living communities? Yes
Are visitors screened for elevated temperatures before entering the assisted living community? Yes
Are residents allowed to leave the assisted living community for non-medical reasons? Yes
Are residents who leave required to quarantine when they get back to the assisted living community? No (Conditions Apply)
Are assisted living communities required to cancel all group outings? No
Are assisted living communities allowed to host group activities within the community? Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are staff members regularly checked for elevated temperatures? Yes
Are staff members regularly tested for COVID-19? Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are residents regularly screened for COVID-19 symptoms? Yes
Are residents regularly checked for elevated temperatures? Yes
Are residents regularly tested for COVID-19? Yes (Conditions Apply)

 

Sources: coronavirus.health.ny.gov www.cms.gov

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