New York Independent Living

Independent living communities allow seniors to remain active while providing services for them when necessary. Whether it's a studio apartment, a small cottage, or anything in between, independent living is quickly becoming one of the most popular long-term care options for seniors.

Find INDEPENDENT LIVING Facilities In NEW YORK

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Cost Comparisons of New York's Independent Living

City Monthly Minimum Monthly Maximum Monthly Median
East Northport $3,000 $5,300 $4,150
Staten Island $1,234 $2,500 $1,867
Rochester $3,500 $4,355 $4,041
Buffalo $2,795 $3,478 $3,136
Ithaca $1,995 $3,225 $2,610

New York has 148 independent living facilities with the average cost of $3,895 per month.

With each community offering its own unique amenities and services, costs will vary based on location, size, and the housing options available. It is likely that your community will provide medical services, however, they often come at an additional cost. Here are a few prices found throughout New York.

Recreation & Attractions in New York

When you hear the words New York you can't help but think about the bright lights and a life of chasing dreams in the city. And while attractions like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Central Park may top your list of places to see in New York City, the rest of the state also has much to offer.

Located in upstate New York, the Niagra Falls State Park is home to one of America's natural wonders. At the park, you can ride the Maid of the Mist and explore the falls or visit the 230-foot overlook observation tower. 

Near the town of Ithaca, Taughannock Falls State Park has one of the highest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains. The park offers many hiking and nature trails, beach swimming, fishing and more. There are also many wineries and a group of 11 narrow lakes in the Finger Lakes region.

New York's Climate, Geography & Culture

New York has an average high temperature of 62 degrees and a low of 48 degrees. The summers are hot and humid and the winters are very cold, commonly reaching temperatures below freezing.

New York receives about 46 inches of rainfall and snowfall can range anywhere between 2 and 4 feet depending on your location. January is the coldest month, July is the hottest month, April is the wettest month, and October is the driest month. Despite the uncomfortable heat, summer is the most visited time of year thanks to a variety of outdoor activities. 

New York City is a place with many distinct cultures co-existing to form a most interesting melting pot of people. Ethnic cultures flourish in places like Chinatown, Little Italy, Little India, and in Queens. Elsewhere in the state, you can find plenty of outdoors lovers and hard working people just the same. 

New York Independent Living Regulations and Laws

All rules and regulations of New York independent living communities are overseen by the Department of Health and Human Services. These regulations ensure that all communities meet the appropriate health, safety, and medical conditions. Annual reports are made public upon request, detailing any past violations and the steps taken to correct them. Your safety and satisfaction are of utmost importance to your community and fellow residents, so never feel discouraged from airing your grievance if you think a violation has been made. 

Crime & Safety in New York

Sperling’s Best Places ranked New York 45 on a scale of 100 (1 being the lowest crime) for violent crime and 32 for property crime; the United States overall ranked 41 for violent crime and 44 for property crime. 

LocationViolent Crime Per 1,000 ResidentsProperty Crime Per 1,000 Residents
Malverne Village0.472.46
New Castle Town0.114.31
Cornwall 0.104.40

(source: safewise.com)

Payment Options for New York Independent Living

Considering that Medicare and Medicaid do not pay for independent living communities, most people end up using their own private funds, pensions, or assets to achieve this. That being said, it could be beneficial to explore other payment methods.  

U.S. citizens over 65 can apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to receive an average of $733 a month. To qualify you must have a disability (including blindness), support a dependent, or lack a sustainable income otherwise. 

Another popular option is to open a senior living line of credit. This can allow up to $50,000 of unsecured credit to pay for your care option as needed. The money is sent directly to your community and the repayment options are usually very flexible. 

Senior & Elderly Rights for Independent Living in New York

As a resident of an independent living community in New York, you retain your rights. You should never be subjected to mental or physical abuse, and retain the right to be autonomous over your medical care and finances. If you believe that your rights have been violated, contact a lawyer versed in elder law to understand what actions can be taken. 

For more information and assistance in learning about your rights, you can review the New York Ombudsman.

NY Independent Living Medical Record Rules & Regulations

State and federal laws require all resident records and medical reports are recorded, maintained, and available to residents in a timely manner. These records are required by law to be maintained for a total of 6 years following your discharge from a community or medical facility. Also, you must be informed in order to authorize any disclosures of this information. To receive a copy of your records, a small fee may be required depending on the nature of the request. 

Finding the perfect senior care community is only part of making your loved one’s senior living transition smooth. At SeniorCaring, we know that it is also equally important to be aware of what other community services and resources are available to your family’s senior. Choose your location and find local resources for your senior.