12 Jan The Ultimate Guide to Senior Housing Options in New York
If you’re looking for affordable New York City senior housing, whether it’s for yourself or an elderly relative, it can seem like a daunting task.
Maybe you’ve lived in the city for a long time, have family in the area, and want to continue living close to the community you love.
But if you have a fixed income from social security and your pension, the rent in New York may seem to be out of your budget. It is also possible that you have mobility problems and need to find a building that caters to older people like you.
Therefore, you may be wondering if there are options for you in the city. How do you find them and who do you contact to start the process?
The problem is that there is often a waiting list for these units. So you may need to keep exploring a few different options before you can find one that suits your needs and budget.
What housing options are available to seniors living in New York?
Before we delve into some of the top housing agencies in New York, let’s take a quick look at the different types of housing options that are available to you. Knowing what to look for will help you when you start contacting various housing agencies.
Low-income housing
If you are 62 or older and meet specific income guidelines, you may be eligible for low-income senior housing in New York.
The New York Department on Aging (DFTA) administers the program and will review your financial situation to determine your eligibility.
DFTA will assist you with information on the various options that may be available to you. But they cannot help you find a specific housing unit.
Nursing homes
You will get help with activities of daily living, such as personal hygiene tasks, getting out of bed, dressing, grooming, and more. You will also receive a high level of medical care according to your needs.
Your family members or caregivers may feel more secure with a nursing home because they will know that you are receiving the care you need, something that could be challenging if you continued to live at home.
But you do lose some independence, so be sure to consult with family members and care professionals before deciding if a nursing home is right for you.
Assisted living programs
Eligible residents may qualify for assisted living programs at New York State licensed living facilities.
Assisted living programs are ideal for seniors who do not require nursing home level care, but only a little assistance with activities of daily living and occasional therapy.
Services generally include three meals a day and housework such as cleaning, laundry, etc. Assisted living programs may also include speech therapy, occupational therapy, and some nursing services.
Some facilities host social activities among residents, and you may be able to live with your spouse, depending on the facility.
Enriched housing programs
Each program’s budget is carefully managed to maximize value to the senior community. Apartments generally include kitchen facilities that are easy for seniors to use.
The program includes light assistance with tasks of daily living but does not include nursing or medical care. Residents can expect help with meal preparation (or even ordering), personal hygiene, housework, shopping, and transportation to run errands and medical appointments.
In New York, the New York Foundation for Older Citizens (NYFSC) runs the enriched housing program.
Homes for the elderly
Homes for the elderly can be ideal for seniors who do not require medical or nursing care. But who want assistance with housework such as cleaning, personal care, meals, etc. Homes for the elderly can also organize social activities.
They are similar to assisted living facilities but do not include kitchen facilities. 24-hour supervision is also part of the services.
The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) runs the Homes for Older Adults program. All homes and care facilities must be certified by the NYSDOH.
New York Senior Shared Housing
New York City Senior Housing Sharing is a program that matches well-matched elderly roommates through a safe and reliable process. To qualify, one of the roommates must be over 60 years of age.
One of the biggest challenges older people face is that they feel disconnected from their communities. Sharing a home with another senior with whom you get along can provide a vital emotional boost for some older people.
The program also allows hosts 55 and older to open their homes to adults with developmental disabilities who can live independently.
Otherwise, two people, one of whom is 60 or older, are combined by the New York Foundation for Senior Citizens (NYFSC) to share a home.
The program is run by the NYFSC but funded by the New York Department on Aging (DFTA).
You can download a New York home exchange brochure and apply to be a guest or host.
New York City Housing for Seniors with Disabilities
If you or an older family member is living with a disability, dementia, or Alzheimer’s. The New York Department of Aging may be able to provide you with information on housing that meets your needs. There may be housing options in New York that provide medical and personal care to seniors with disabilities.
Your housing options may include nursing homes, nursing homes, assisted living, or enriched housing. The NYC DFTA will determine what best suits your needs depending on your specific condition, requirements, and financial situation
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