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Known for its world-famous group of waterfalls and attractions such as boat tours, Niagara Falls is a popular vacation destination that sees over 8 million visitors annually. It has nearly 49,000 residents and a senior community that accounts for about 16% of its population. Despite its amenities, the city’s cost of living is nearly 25% lower than the national average, and health care is affordable at 12% below the national median, which may enable older adults to maintain a high standard of living throughout their retirement years.
Many older adults in Niagara Falls who need personal care opt for assisted living, where they obtain personalized care, meals and recreational activities for a set monthly rate. There is one assisted living facility in Niagara Falls and seven more in surrounding cities within the county. Monthly fees range depending on a facility’s location and amenities, but on average, seniors in Niagara Falls pay $4,565 per month for care.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
According to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, assisted living residents in Niagara Falls pay $4,565 per month, which is higher than the national median of $4,300 but over $200 lower than the state average of $4,800. Seniors seeking more affordable care may consider assisted living in Pennsylvania, where average rates are several hundred dollars lower than in Niagara Falls, at $3,955. However, in New Jersey, Vermont and Connecticut, monthly fees are considerably higher at $6,650, $5,310 and $6,300.
Niagara Falls is among the more cost-effective options in New York for assisted living. Glens Falls is among the few surveyed cities where facilities charge less, at an average of $4,235. In the Albany area, rates are consistent with the state median at $4,800, and in Utica, fees are higher at $4,905. In Elmira and New York City, respective monthly fees average $5,624 and $5,991, and in the Watertown area, rates are among the highest in the state at $6,034.
Note: Data for Niagara Falls was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Buffalo Area, was used instead.
The New York State Assisted Living Program is a provision under the state’s Medicaid program for older adults in assisted living. It covers a broad range of services, including room and board, personal care, housekeeping and medication management. To qualify for services, individuals must be eligible for Medicaid and require nursing home level care.
To learn more about this program and other options for covering assisted living services in Niagara Falls, see our Assisted Living in New York page.
| Contact | Description | |
| John Duke Senior Center | (716) 297-9324 | The John Duke Senior Center offers a full activities calendar for members, including free programs, congregate meals, knitting and crocheting groups and Silver Sneakers. The center also hosts AARP driving classes, blood pressure screenings and legal professionals who provide one-on-one assistance. |
| Niagara County Office of the Aging | (716) 438-4020 | The Niagara County Office of the Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for the Niagara Falls region. It administers a broad range of free and low-cost programs to those aged 60 and over, including free online educational classes, information and assistance regarding long-term care and health insurance options counseling. |
| Long Term Care Ombudsman Program | (855) 582-6769 | The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is staffed by certified volunteers who help those in assisted living facilities understand their rights, obtain the services in their care plans and resolve issues related to the quality of care. The ombudsman can serve as a mediator for families and assisted living residents. |
| Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program | (800) 701-0501 | HIICAP is a statewide program that serves Medicare beneficiaries. It has a helpline seniors can call for free where they receive unbiased one-on-one assistance with understanding Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans and long-term care insurance, which can help older adults manage care expenses. |
| Veterans Service Agency | (716) 438-4090 | The county’s Veterans Service Agency provides information, advocacy and referrals for veterans in the Niagara Falls region. Through this agency, veterans can get help with obtaining community-based services such as tax assistance, financial counseling and medical services. The agency can also help veterans obtain VA benefits that may help pay for assisted living. |
| Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. | (716) 284-8831 | This local nonprofit agency provides free civil legal services to qualifying individuals in the community. Through this agency, seniors can get help with obtaining public benefits such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid, which can help them pay for assisted living. |
| Retired and Senior Volunteer Program | (716) 285-8224, ext. 216 | RSVP connects older adults with volunteer opportunities in the community. Through this program, seniors can find ways to give back that fit their interests and prior work experience. These may include volunteering in the local art museum or cultural center, tutoring local school children or proving patient support in hospitals. |
The New York Department of Health licenses assisted living facilities in Niagara Falls and the rest of the state. This department ensures a high standard of care for residents through an initial and annual licensing process and regulations regarding staffing, care planning and intake and discharge procedures.
For state-specific information on assisted living regulations, see our Assisted Living in New York page.
