In 2020, around 410,000 New Yorkers were affected by Alzheimer's disease, and information from the Alzheimer's Association shows that number is projected to grow by 12.2% by the year 2025. Nationwide, almost one-third of senior deaths are associated with Alzheimer's, and 3,753 elderly New Yorkers died from the disease in 2019. Data from the CDC suggests the burden of Alzheimer's and other dementias is likely to double by the year 2060.
Memory care facilities provide those living with Alzheimer's and dementia with care that is tailored to their unique needs. Memory care can take place in its own facility or as part of a designated wing of another residential care community. Staff members of memory care units and facilities undergo specialized training in caring for those with memory impairments, and the facilities often coordinate social activities and schedules specifically for the needs of those living with Alzheimer's or dementia.
This guide will cover the cost of memory care in New York, financial assistance options for paying for memory care, free memory care resources in the state and a directory of memory care facilities in New York.
Because of the specialized staff training and resources required to provide high-quality memory care, memory care typically costs more than other types of residential care. On average, memory care will cost 20-30% more than assisted living.
In order to calculate the cost of memory care, we added 25% to the cost of assisted living as reported in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.
In New York, the average cost of memory care is $5,725 per month, which is similar to the national median of $5,625. Seniors in New York pay on average less than those in the nearby states of New Jersey ($8,119), Connecticut ($6,411) and Vermont ($6,563). However, those residing in Pennsylvania pay slightly less, with an average of $5,125 per month.
The average cost of memory care differs vastly across the state of New York. The most affordable option is Rochester at $4,719 per month, while seniors in Watertown pay almost $6,000 more each month for care. Those seniors living in New York City pay $7,188, and their counterparts in the state capital of Albany pay $6,586 on a monthly basis.
Seniors in New York who are eligible for Medicaid may be eligible for assistance in paying for memory care services through the two waiver programs offered by the state. Both of these programs assist seniors who require a nursing home level of care to continue to live in a community setting, such as an assisted living facility. Low-income residents who meet certain criteria may be eligible for these waiver programs and Medicaid.
Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) Program Waiver
The MLTC is a program that helps seniors with chronic conditions such as memory loss receive the care they require without having to move to a nursing home. The program doesn't cover the costs of room and board in an adult care facility, but it does cover a number of services. These services may include assisted living personal care, care management, occupational therapy, physical therapy and nutritional counseling. Three different plans are offered, and medical services are provided through Medicare, Medicaid or both, depending on the needs and eligibility of the senior.
Assisted Living Program
The Assisted Living Program enables New Yorkers who require nursing home level care to receive care services in the less restrictive environment of an assisted living facility. The program is funded partially by Medicaid and partially by the state and private donations. It only assists a limited number of people, and there's a long waiting list. Services covered by the program include room and board, skilled nursing care, personal care, case management and medical supplies. Physical, speech and occupational therapy services are also covered.
Medicaid in New York helps low-income seniors receive the health care and assistance they need. Eligibility for Medicaid is based on a number of factors, including residency, health and income. Single applicants can't receive income that exceeds $934 per month, and married couples must have an income of less than $1,367 per month. Asset limits are set at $16,800 for single applicants and $24,600 for married couples who are both applying.
2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in New York
family size | annual income limits | asset limits |
---|---|---|
Single Person | $11,200 | $16,800 |
Two-Person Household (Single Applicant) | $11,200 for the applicant spouse | $16,800, plus $137,400 for the non-applicant spouse |
Two-Person Household (Dual Applicants) | $16 | $24,600 |
Additional requirements for Medicaid eligibility in New York include:
When applying for Medicaid, seniors must submit the following documents:
New York has a number of programs available to assist people in applying for Medicaid.
resource | contact | description |
---|---|---|
Department of Social Services | Contact local office | The Department of Social Services local offices receive Medicaid applications and can guide seniors through the process and answer any questions. |
Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program | 800-701-0501 | HIICAP counselors can assist seniors in determining their eligibility for Medicaid and provide unbiased information. They can guide seniors through the application process by phone or in person. |
Navigator | Local office contact information online | Navigator provides in-person assistance to New Yorkers applying for health insurance plans, including Medicaid. |
Unfortunately, Medicare does not generally cover the cost of Memory Care. Most Memory Care Facilities are considered to be "social settings," so Medicare does not cover the cost incurred in these facilities. The only exception to that is if you are receiving memory care services in a Nursing Home. While this situation is much less common, Medicare would sometimes cover the cost, depending on a number of circumstances.
That being said, Medicare does still cover qualified doctor visits, medications, etc., as it would if you were still at home, but it will not cover the cost of care received at the Memory Care Facility.
In addition to the state programs mentioned above, seniors looking for resources to finance memory care may consider:
In New York, the State Department of Health regulates and licenses adult care facilities to provide care for five or more residents, including those who suffer from cognitive impairment. Facilities licensed as adult homes, enriched housing programs and assisted living residences offer advancing levels of care.
ACFs certified as assisted living residences provide the highest level of care, and may be certified as special needs ALRs that serve those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The DOH requires operators of SNALRs to demonstrate how the care needs of residents will be met, and stipulates specific staffing and training criteria for these facilities.
To ensure that facilities stay in compliance with state regulations, the DOH conducts inspections of licensed ACFs every 18 months and in response to filed complaints.
The DOH mandates that adult care facility operators in New York ensure that each resident receives considerate, respectful care that aligns with their needs in a non-restrictive, homelike atmosphere that promotes autonomy and independence. The scope of care differs depending on the type of facility:
Adult care facilities in New York may accept individuals who are no longer able to live independently due to age or various physical and mental limitations or conditions. However, ACFs are not licensed to provide full-time nursing or medical care. The chart that follows provides a general guide on who may be admitted to an ACF:
Residents Who May Be Admitted
Adults and seniors who have:
Residents Who May NOT Be Admitted
Those who:
All adult care facilities licensed by the state of New York must develop an individualized service plan for each resident on move-in, based on assessments of the person's physical, cognitive and mental status. These assessments should include:
The ISP should be developed with the participation of the resident or their representative and the facility's administrator, in consultation with the individual's primary care provider. The plan must address the person's medical, cognitive, functional, nutritional, rehabilitative and other needs.
Functional, medical and mental health assessments should be performed and the service plan updated whenever a change occurs in a resident's care needs. Reassessments must be performed every six months for ALR residents and every 12 months for residents of AHs and EHPs, at minimum.
All types of ACFs may assist residents with self-administration of medications, which may include storing, identifying and opening medication bottles and prompting residents. In ALRs and SNALRs, only trained staff and licensed nurses may administer medication to residents.
There are specific requirements for different types of adult care facilities in New York:
Adult care facilities must employ an administrator who oversees daily operations, a case manager who evaluates residents' needs, an activities director who organizes and implements social and recreational programming and personal care staff who provide direct care to residents.
ALRs and SNALRs must also employ RNs, licensed practical nurses and home health aides. There are no minimum staff-to-resident ratios required for ALR facilities that provide specialized memory care. However, these facilities must have sufficient nursing and home health aide staff on duty 24/7 to meet each resident's care needs based on medical assessments by the resident's physician or service plan.
The DOH requires that all employees of an ACF receive orientation training on the facility's procedures and policies, resident characteristics, emergency evacuation protocols and its disaster plan. Staff who provide direct dementia care must receive training on the needs and characteristics of memory-impaired individuals, including behavioral symptoms, emotional/mental changes and methods of meeting residents' needs.
Administrators who do not have a current New York nursing home administrator license are required to complete 60 hours of continuing education over a two-year period. Direct care staff must have 40 hours of initial training and 12 hours of relevant in-service education annually.
New York Medicaid's MLTC program provides eligible individuals who apply with financial assistance to cover some costs associated with residential memory care, but it does not pay for room and board. Another Medicaid program, the ALP, does pay the housing and meal costs for qualified residents of licensed ACFs and pays for numerous other care-related services. However, the ALP is a waiver program rather than an entitlement, and the program is limited to 4,200 concurrent participants.
Complaints and concerns about conditions or the mistreatment of residents in New York ACFs are handled through the Adult Care Facility Centralized Complaint Intake program. To file a confidential complaint, concerned parties may call the program's hotline at 866-893-6772 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, or leave a detailed voicemail message after hours.
A number of resources are available to seniors and their caregivers in New York. These resources can provide support, information or access to services that make the journey through memory loss a bit easier for everyone involved.
resource | contact | description |
---|---|---|
New York Memory Center | 718-499-7701 | The New York Memory Center is located in Brooklyn and provides a range of services to support seniors and caregivers. It runs a weekly memory cafe where seniors can socialize and take part in art activities. Additional services include support groups, evening respite services and educational lectures. |
Alzheimer's Association New York City Chapter | 800-272-3900 | This chapter of the Alzheimer's Association advocates for the rights of seniors with Alzheimer's and other dementia-related conditions. It hosts fundraising events for research programs and runs support groups for seniors and family members. |
Upstate University Hospital Center of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease | 315-464-6100 | The Upstate University Hospital runs clinical trials involving Alzheimer's that seniors may be eligible for. It also hosts educational workshops and uses a holistic approach towards treatment plans. |
Alzheimer's Association Central New York Chapter | 800-272-3900 | The Central New York Chapter runs a free 24/7 helpline to answer questions and link seniors or caregivers with the services they need. Additionally, it fundraises for research programs and provides support for families and seniors. |
Eddy Alzheimer's Services | Online location information | Eddy Alzheimer's Services is operated by Trinity Health and provides services throughout the state. It hosts memory mixers where seniors can partake in activities and engage in conversations. The organization runs support groups and educational programs. |
Alzheimer's Association Northeastern New York Chapter | 518-867-4999 | The Alzheimer's Association Northeastern New York Chapter serves 17 counties. It provides information on long-term care solutions in the area. The chapter raises funds for local and national research programs. In addition, it runs support groups for seniors and their loved ones. |
Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/13/2022. Since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, be sure to contact your Memory Care Facility or local Area Agency on Aging for the most up-to-date information.
question | answer |
---|---|
Am I allowed to visit my loved one in person? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
Is my loved one required to quarantine after I visit him or her? | No |
Am I required to wear a mask if I visit my loved one in person? | Yes |
Are visitors screened for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
Are residents allowed to leave the facility at-will? | Yes |
Are residents of senior living facilities who leave required to quarantine when they get back? | No (Conditions Apply) |
Are staff members and contractors checked for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
Are staff members and contractors tested for COVID-19? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
Do staff members have to regularly screen residents for COVID-19 symptoms? | Yes |
Do staff members have to regularly check residents for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
Do staff members have to regularly test residents for COVID-19? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |