13 Assisted Living Communities in Niagara County, New York

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $3,895 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the county, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 13 Assisted Living Communities in Niagara County and several in surrounding areas.

• Assisted living: $3,895
• Nursing home semiprivate room: $11,285
• In-home care: $4,385
• Adult day health services: $1,083

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, Niagara County is one of the least expensive areas for assisted living in this region of New York. The county falls below the national average of $4,000 and the state average of $4,185. Nearby cities, such as Rochester ($4,396) and Syracuse ($4,185), have higher monthly expenses for assisted living, and several cities average over $1,000 higher per month, including Elmira ($5,710) and the Watertown area ($5,509).

Senior care cost data was not available for Niagara County, so data for the Buffalo area, the closest region, was used.

Senior care expenses may vary widely depending on the services sought, and this is true in Niagara County. Average monthly service costs range from $1,083 for adult day health care to $11,285 for a semiprivate room in a nursing home, which is nearly three times the cost of assisted living ($3,895). In-home care is slightly more expensive than assisted living, with homemaker services costing an average of $4,385 per month and a home health aide averaging $4,690 monthly. Seniors weighing the cost of at-home care versus care in a residential facility should factor in housing expenses such as rent and upkeep, which are generally included in the monthly cost of assisted living. Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,895

• Homemaker services: $4,385

• Home health aide: $4,690

• Adult day health: $1,083

• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $11,285

Low-income New Yorkers ages 65 and over may be eligible for Medicaid services. Medicaid provides comprehensive health care services, including preventative care, inpatient hospital stays, ambulance services and nursing facility care.

Single applicants must have an income of no more than $859 a month with assets not exceeding $15,450. Married couples must not exceed $1,267 monthly in income and $22,800 in assets. All sources of income are counted in these amounts, including, but not limited to, wages, pensions, alimony and Social Security. Seniors do not need to meet a specific level-of-care need to qualify for Medicaid.

For older residents who don’t meet Medicaid’s financial requirements, assistance may still be available through New York’s Medicaid Excess Income Program, which assists people who have high medical bills. The program allows individuals to spend down their income on medical bills until they reach Medicaid eligibility levels, at which point Medicaid kicks in.

New York State also offers Medicaid planning programs, in which over-income or over-asset individuals are matched with a Medicaid professional who can guide them toward Medicaid eligibility.

New York’s Medicaid program also offers several specific waivers for older residents seeking assisted living services.

The New York Managed Long-Term Care Program Waiver is for seniors who need a skilled nursing facility level of care but prefer to receive care in an assisted living residence instead. For eligible individuals, MLTC may provide needed services, such as personal care assistance, to enable seniors to maintain their independence.

Assisted Living Program

The New York Assisted Living Program provides financial aid to seniors residing in assisted living facilities who may require additional care, such as housecleaning, skilled nursing or personal emergency response systems. 

For further information on Medicaid and any associated waivers or to be paired with a Medicaid planner, interested New Yorkers should visit the American Council on Aging’s Medicaid Planning Assistance page or the NYS Department of Health. To apply for Medicaid, seniors can visit their Local Departments of Social Services or call the Medicaid Helpline at (800) 541-2831.

Veterans Aid and Attendance Program

The VA Aid and Attendance Program offsets the costs of assisted living services for eligible veterans and surviving spouses aged 65 and over. Program requirements state that applicants must need assistance with bathing, dressing or other activities of daily living in order to be eligible.

The local VA benefits office can offer additional program information and assist applicants with the often complicated application process. Interested individuals can also write to New York’s Pension Management Office with detailed information and documentation as to why they qualify for this benefit.

Optional State Supplementation

Administered by the Social Security Administration, OSS provides a personal needs allowance for individuals in residential care facilities. SSI recipients in nursing homes may receive $25, while individuals in other facilities may receive $5. For qualified individuals, the state supplement is added directly to the federal payment. Resource limitations and income exclusions follow federal SSI regulations. 

Interested individuals should apply at their local Social Security Administration field office or call (800) 772-1213 for further information. 

Assisted Living Bridge Loans

Seniors in need of alternative funding for assisted living can pursue assisted living bridge loans offered by Elderlife Financial Services. These loans may provide up to one year of assisted living payments. Only seniors awaiting more permanent funding should apply as the lender requires this information.

While interest rates may be high, these loans can have multiple co-borrowers, minimizing the necessity for individual creditworthiness. This option is available to families looking to share in the financing of senior care.

For further information on bridge loans, individuals can contact Elderlife Financial Services directly.

Area agencies on aging provide assistance, referrals and advocacy for seniors in need. Offerings include financial counseling, legal services and housing resources. Outreach staff visit countywide locations to provide information and to answer questions about available services. Niagara County Office of the Aging
111 Main Street, Suite 101, Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 438-4020

Ensuring the well-being of local veterans, Niagara County veteran centers offer support, benefits information and referrals. Outpatient VA clinics provide preventative screenings, mental health counseling and other health services to local veterans.

Niagara County Veterans Service Agency
111 Main Street, Suite 200, Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 438-4090
Resources, benefits counseling, referrals

Lockport Community-Based Outpatient Clinic
5883 Snyder Drive, Lockport, NY 14094
(716) 863-3117
Routine care, urgent care, mental health counseling

Niagara Falls Community-Based Outpatient Clinic
2201 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14301
(716) 862-8580
Primary care, behavioral health services

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