What elder housing options are available in New York State?

There are several housing options available for New York State elders:

• Independent Housing. Provides no or few services.
• Supported Independent Housing. Meals, housekeeping, security, and activities are offered.
• Enriched Housing. Provides meals, some help in the apartment, and activities.
• Assisted Living. Meals, housekeeping, personal care, security, and activities are offered.
• Dementia-specific Assisted Living. For cognitively impaired elders, meals, housekeeping, personal care, security, and activities are provided.
• Continuing Care Communities. These communities generally offer three levels of care: Independent, Assisted and Skilled Nursing Care.
• Nursing Homes. Provide a total care environment.

Each type has different eligibility requirements, costs, and payment options.

Eligibility requirements are determined by:

• the level of care needed and the facility’s mission
• the person’s finances

Cost of care depends on:

• the location of a facility
• supportive services provided. Click here for a list of support services
• whether the facility is for profit or not for profit 

Payment options are determined by:

• whether the living space is rental or purchase 
• the facility’s licensure  (payment options may include: private pay, Medicaid, long term care insurance, Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans)