2 Assisted Living Communities in Clarence Center, New York

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $3,895 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 2 Assisted Living Communities in Clarence Center and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Clarence Center, NY

• Assisted Living: $3,895
• Nursing Home Care: $11,285
• In-home Care: $4,385
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,083

Seniors in Clarence Center pay an average of $3,895 per month for assisted living according to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study. This is relatively affordable compared to the state ($4,185) and national ($4,000) averages. In the nearby cities of Syracuse ($4,185) and Rochester ($4,396), prices are within a few hundred dollars of the rate in Clarence Center.

Throughout New York State, seniors can encounter a wide range of assisted living prices. The state’s most affordable care is found in Glens Falls ($2,600), and Utica ($2,625) is the second least expensive city. New York City’s average prices are the highest at $5,916 per month, although Elmira is not far behind at $5,710.

Note: Senior care cost data wasn’t available for Clarence Center. Data for Buffalo, the closest major city, was used.

Location isn’t the only factor that influences the cost of senior care. The type care a senior needs is also significant. Adult day health services offer the least expensive option in Clarence Center. At $1,083 per month, these services are about one-quarter the price of assisted living. Nursing home care costs an average of $11,285 per month, which is nearly three times the price of assisted living. Homemaker services and home health aides cost approximately $500 and $800 more than assisted living, respectively. Rent, groceries, utilities and other monthly household expenses aren’t included in the price of in-home care, but they’re usually covered by assisted living facility fees.

 

In New York State, nearly 5.9 million people are enrolled in Medicaid. This government-run health insurance program helps low-income people access the medical care they need. Children, pregnant women and seniors are some of the groups covered by Medicaid.

New Yorkers receive a variety of health services through the state’s Medicaid plan. Covered services may be provided for free or at a low cost and can include:

• Inpatient and outpatient hospital services
• Laboratory services
• Preventive health care
• Nursing home care
• Treatment in psychiatric hospitals
• Medical equipment and appliances
• Emergency ambulance transportation
• Nonemergency medical transportation

People aged 65 years and older may qualify for Medicaid if they meet the program’s income and resource limits. Single seniors are limited to $859 in monthly income and $15,450 in total assets. For couples, the monthly income limit is $1,267 and the asset cap is $22,800. Some assets don’t count toward the cap, such as a home and one car.

Seniors with incomes above the Medicaid limit may qualify through the Excess Income program, which provides coverage after an applicant’s out-of-pocket medical costs reach a predetermined threshold. 

Assisted Living Waiver

The Assisted Living program is a Medicaid waiver designed to help seniors avoid nursing home placement. Services covered by the waiver include personal care, home health aides, physical therapy, medical supplies and case management. The AL waiver is unique in that it also covers room and board costs in assisted living facilities.

Seniors may qualify for ALP waiver services if they’re medically eligible for nursing home placement but can safely live in an assisted living facility. Only 4,200 people can participate in the ALP waiver at any given time, so there may be a waiting list.

Applications for Medicaid can be submitted through New York’s Health Plan Marketplace. Application assistance is available through the Medicaid Helpline at (800) 541-2831. For information and help applying for the ALP or Excess Income program, contact the Erie County Department of Social Services at (716) 858-8000.

New York State Supplement Program

The New York State Supplement program provides top-up cash benefits to seniors who receive federal Supplemental Security Income payments. These extra funds can be used to pay for room and board in assisted living facilities.

Single seniors who live in residential care facilities may receive as much as $405 per month from the SSP for a combined benefit payment of $1,176. Couples can receive up to $1,195 in SSP benefits for a combined monthly payment of $2,352. Seniors who have countable income may receive less than the maximum amount.

To apply for the New York SSP benefit, contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.

Elderlife Bridge Loan

Seniors who don’t qualify for Medicaid or other assistance programs may be able to secure short-term funding through a bridge loan from Elderlife Financial. Approved seniors receive a line of credit they can use to pay move-in costs, rent and other assisted living fees. For convenience and security, payments can be sent directly to the borrower’s assisted living facility.

Seniors approved for a bridge loan make affordable monthly payments for a term of up to 18 months. This term length gives seniors time to sell a home or arrange other long-term funding.

To learn more or apply for a bridge loan, call Elderlife Financial at (888) 228-4500. You can also complete an online application. 

For Clarence Center seniors, the closest Veterans Affairs resources are located in Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Buffalo is home to the regional benefit office, which can help seniors with VA pensions and other benefits, and the VA hospital, which provides comprehensive medical care. The Niagara Falls VA clinic offers primary care and laboratory services.

Buffalo Regional Benefit Office 
130 S Elmwood Ave., Ste. 601, Buffalo, NY 14202
(800) 827-1000

Buffalo VA Medical Center 
3495 Bailey Ave., Buffalo, NY 14215
(716) 834-9200

Niagara Falls VA Clinic 
2201 Pine Ave., Niagara Falls, NY 14301
(716) 862-8580

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.