New York City’s senior citizens comprise 14.5% of its 8.8 million residents. This is about 2% below the national average and may partly explain why the city has the lowest Alzheimer’s mortality rate in...
the country. However, according to a 2020 study by the Alzheimer’s Association, the number of Americans living with the disease will more than double by 2050, so while there may be fewer deaths linked to memory loss in New York, their frequency is expected to rise. This worry is supported by data from the CDC, which reveals Alzheimer’s-related deaths in New York increased by 33.66% from 2014 to 2018. For comparison, deaths from all causes during the same period rose by 6.6%.
Dementia does not imply a loss of quality of life, as New York’s memory care communities continue to prove. They provide structured environments for their residents that simultaneously keep them safe, help them socialize without fear of embarrassment with others in their age group and be treated by licensed therapists skilled in delaying dementia’s advance. This guide considers the benefits and drawbacks of living in New York City, the costs of memory care and other types of senior care. It also lists senior-friendly resources that can help families, too.
"My husband moved into Sunrise at East 56th. The place is gorgeous. The care is very empathetic and professional. I couldn't be happier. The food is delicious. They have a variety of activities. They have a lot of music, singing, walking, arts, and cr..."
430 East 80th Street, New York, NY 10075, New York, NY, 10075
4.5
(9 reviews)
"For several years I kept my wife at home with home care. Then I realized that I was doing a disservice to her as life was becoming more isolating for her. Not to mention, I was exhausted managing the caregivers, medications, activities and meals.
..."
"Sunrise of Edgewater was well maintained and and had friendly staff. They were very helpful and answered all my questions. The dining area looked fine. They have exercise classes, memory games, and outdoor areas...."
"Signature Senior Living was a very nice place. The rooms in the memory care were private. They're very roomy, spacious, clean, and airy with windows in them. They have a lot of activities and they have a beauty salon. They also have dinners and trips..."
"Finally found the right place
After researching and touring multiple locations to place my dad, I found The Belvedere in Brooklyn I immediately felt so comfortable and knew I found the right place to care for my dad. He is diagnosed with dementia an..."
The New York State Department of Health issues licenses to its city’s memory care facilities. Successful applicants have satisfied all license conditions related to health and safety, staff training, insurance and fire safety. The department inspects facilities regularly and conducts unannounced inspections, revoking licenses from those who do not correct deficiencies identified by inspectors.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Memory Care in New York
There are over 60 hospitals in the New York metro area, with many regarded as world-class. New York-Presbyterian Hospital and NYU Langone Hospital are regularly featured in the top 10 lists of the country’s best, while Mount Sinai Hospital is usually in the top 20 and has a department dedicated to the care of seniors with Alzheimer’s disease.
Statistically, violent crimes and property crimes in New York City are above the state and national averages. This shouldn’t be too surprising, as major cities tend to attract more crime. NYC isn’t even in the top 100 of America’s most dangerous cities, and some areas are safer than others. However, Memory care facilities provide excellent security, such as specialized access control and video surveillance.
New York City’s average cost of living index of 187.2 is very high, particularly when compared to the state and national ratios of 120.5 and 100, respectively. It’s in the top 5 of the most expensive cities to retire in the country. Although this may cause some to reconsider moving, for others, the abundance of world-class medical facilities and highly regarded memory care communities in NYC may be significant enough to warrant the costs.
New York’s humid subtropical climate gives the city crisp winters where temperatures average 26 degrees and fine summers of around 84 degrees. New Yorkers get 19 more sunny days than the national average of 205 and rainfall that’s almost 10 inches more than the normal 38. About 25 inches of snow falls annually, too. Overall, the city’s weather for most of the year is comfortable for older residents but it pays to take extra care during winter.
Project CART is a free transportation service for seniors in Manhattan Community Districts No.1 to No. 8. The organization’s shared-ride vans transport seniors for any purpose, including medical appointments, shopping trips and visiting relatives. Several community groups across NYC provide free transit services funded by the Department of Aging.
Paying for Memory Care in New York
Since memory care support is an addition to standard assisted living services, its fees are typically 20-30% higher. To find an average memory care cost, we’ve taken the assisted living fees published in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey and added 25%. Memory care services in NYC cost around $7,188 per month, which is $1,463 more than the state average and $1,563 more than the national average.
The Cost of Memory Care in Nearby Cities
Families looking for more affordable memory care services within 90 minutes of NYC may like to consider Poughkeepsie, where the average is $5,963, or Kingston, where it’s $5,625. Those thinking of moving out of state should know costs can be higher, such as in Bridgeport, where $7,841 is average.
New York City
$7,188
New York
$5,725
The United States
$5,625
Poughkeepsie
$5,963
Kingston
$5,625
Bridgeport, CT
$7,841
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Adult day centers offer the most affordable senior care option, at $1,950 per month. Fees then leap to $5,529 for homemaker services, $5,720 for a home health aide and $5,750 for assisted living, although the latter can easily transition to memory care if it’s within the same facility. A typical semiprivate room in an NYC nursing home costs $12,471, with an additional $760 per month for a private room.
Homemaker Services
$5,529
Home Health Aide
$5,720
Adult Day Health Care
$1,950
Assisted Living Facility
$5,750
Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)
$12,471
Nursing Home Facility (private room)
$13,231
Financial Assistance for Memory Care in New York
In Ashland, there are options for seniors who need financial assistance paying for Memory Care. For more information about other options, who qualifies, and how to apply, Memory Care in New York page.
More Ways to Pay for Memory Care
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for memory care, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance memory care costs include:
Veterans Benefits
Life Insurance Policy
Long-Term Care Insurance
Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in New York page.
Free Memory Care Resources in New York
Older New Yorkers can get help from many nonprofit organizations operating in the city. Resources listed here include help for seniors in memory care communities who may not be getting the quality of care they should. Adults with memory loss and their families can use these resources to connect with advisors who can help them plan for a future with dementia, as well as medical experts who may be able to lessen the condition’s impact.
The ombudsman is an advocate for seniors in memory care facilities. It investigates complaints and tries to negotiate resolutions with the care providers. Education also plays a role in the program's wider purpose, with ombudsmen regularly visiting facilities to speak in confidence to residents and inform them of their rights.
In New York City, there are several Alzheimer’s Disease Centers of Excellence. They treat patients with the disease and refer them to community-based resources that can provide long-term care. The centers also research the causes and effects of Alzheimer's, ultimately focusing on finding a cure. Additionally, they manage the Alzheimer's Disease Community Assistance Program, which provides 24/7 support to seniors and their families.
NY Connects is a multi-resource program managed by the state government that supports older residents, people with disabilities and their families. The program connects seniors with memory loss to local agencies that can assist them with a variety of issues related to their condition, including support groups, medical assistance, and legal advice. It can also help low-income seniors apply for the benefits they're entitled to.
CaringKind is a well-established nonprofit agency that administers a helpline staffed by specialists in dementia care. Callers to the helpline can receive information relevant to their unique circumstances, in addition to learning more about Alzheimer's and gaining referrals to local agencies that can also help. Some of the dementia care specialists are social workers who can provide personalized support for seniors and families trying to plan for a future that will involve memory care.
Memory Care Laws and Regulations in New York
New York Memory Care Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Memory Care Facilities in New York are required to follow. Visit our Memory Care in New York page for more information about these laws.
Reviews of Communities Nearby
Memory Care
A.W.111
5.0
I visited this facility
Review of Sunrise at Mill Basin
I went to Sunrise at Mill Basin. They knew I had an appointment. The lady who gave the tour was wonderful. Never rushed, answered every question, went over everything they have available, and then...
Provider response
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your tour at Sunrise at Mill Basin and found our community to be welcoming and beautiful. We...
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
Review of Sunrise at Mill Basin
My mother-in-law stayed in Sunrise at Mill Basin. It was very done very well. It was clean. They did a great job taking care of her. They have various activities for the residents there. They have...
Provider response
David, thank you for sharing your positive experience with Sunrise at Mill Basin! We're thrilled your mother-in-law received exceptional care and enjoyed the variety of activities offered. We take...
I like that Atria Riverdale was immaculate. It was high end as far as comfort, their rooms, and the overall look and feel of the community. In terms of one-to-one service for each member that was...