The 10 Best Home Care Agencies for Seniors in Buffalo, NY for 2024

Buffalo is a northern city that offers a moderate climate and an assortment of activities for seniors. The city is home to over 276,000 residents, and 13% of the population is 65 years or older— somewhat less than the national rate of 16.8%. The cost of living in Buffalo is also relatively affordable, another draw for seniors. There are several hospitals that provide high-quality care, including the VA Western New York Healthcare System.

Home care services cost older adults in Buffalo about $4,957 per month. These include services like light household duties, personal care and limited skilled nursing care. In-home care services are an excellent option for older adults who don’t need much assistance.

Below we’ve compiled a comprehensive directory of every home care provider in Buffalo– complete with services offered and reviews from families who’ve actually used the service. In addition to our in-depth provider listings, we’ve compiled resources to help seniors and their families to access all the tools they need to age in place safely and gracefully.

Home care expenses in Buffalo, NY, are lower than the state and other city averages, but the same as the national average. The average monthly cost of home care in Buffalo is $4,957. This amount is lower than nearby cities, such as Rochester, Albany, Syracuse and Ithaca, and the state’s average is slightly higher at $5,339.

Home care services are about $200 more than assisted living facility care, which costs an average of $4,741 per month in Buffalo. Nursing care is the most expensive option in the city, with a semiprivate room costing more than double the price of home care. Adult day care is an affordable option for seniors who can access transportation to and from the facility.

Given the high cost of in-home care, many people use one or more forms of financial assistance to cover the expenses. Below, we explain some of the most common sources of financial help for paying for in-home care. If none of these options are available to you, you can reach out to your Area Agency on Aging or Aging and Disability Resource Center to learn about local resources.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance covers expenses related to senior care, including in-home care. Depending on the policy type, beneficiaries may receive a cash payment to use towards long-term care or reimbursement for qualifying long-term care expenses. Note that there are limitations- typically a maximum benefit of $150 per day- and exact coverage terms vary depending on the exact policy, so always check the details.
• Medicare: Medicare does not cover in-home care because it is classified as custodial, or non-medical, care. However, some Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, which offer expanded benefits, may cover in-home custodial care.
• Medicaid: Medicaid coverage of in-home care varies between different states because it is not a federally mandated benefit. Currently, all states cover some in-home care either through their standard Medicaid or a waiver program. The specific coverage rules are set individually by each state.
• Veterans’ Benefits: The Aid and Attendance benefit is a monthly cash payment that beneficiaries can use to pay for senior care, including in-home care services. To qualify for A&A, Veterans must already receive the VA pension and meet several additional requirements, including needing assistance with the activities of daily living. Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs to learn more.

• Reverse Mortgages:Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) are federally insured loans that are available to homeowners age 62 and over. Reverse mortgages allow you to access a portion of your home’s equity in cash, tax free. Many seniors use reverse mortgages to finance their care expenses, including in-home care. Note that although there are no monthly payments due on reverse mortgage loans, borrowers do have to repay the loan once the last surviving homeowner passes away, moves, or sells the home.