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Rochester, which is situated on Lake Ontario in the western region of New York, is home to over 211,000 people, about 12% of whom are aged 65 and over. This community is listed on the AARP Age-Friendly Network and may be a good retirement option for those seeking affordability, high access to public transportation and diverse housing options. Overall, the city’s cost of living is about 20% lower than the national median and 40% below the state average, and the state’s income tax laws are fairly retiree-friendly.
Assisted living provides a balance between on-demand personal care services and privacy, making it a good option for older adults who are largely independent but need assistance with activities, such as personal grooming or meal preparation. On average, seniors in Rochester pay $3,775 per month for this type of care, making it the cheapest surveyed city in New York for assisted living.
In this guide, you can learn more about long-term care costs in Rochester and how local assisted living rates compare to other senior care options. The guide also highlights ways to pay for services, a list of free resources to help you obtain necessary care and an overview of the rules facilities in Rochester and the rest of New York comply with.
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 >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in New York. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
According to information in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, seniors in Rochester pay $3,775 per month for assisted living.
In Rochester, assisted living rates are relatively affordable at $3,775 per month. This is well below the respective state and national medians of $4,580 and $4,500.
Rochester seniors pay $3,775 per month for assisted living, making this the most cost-effective surveyed city in New York to obtain this type of care. In Utica, care costs are on par with the national average at $4,500, and in Buffalo, fees exceed the state median at $4,741. Assisted living residents in Albany pay $5,269 per month, and in New York City, fees come in at $5,750. In Ithaca, care costs average $8,075, and in Watertown, monthly fees are the highest observed in the state at $8,415.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in New York.
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Resource |
Contact |
Service |
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(585) 753-6280 |
The Monroe County Office for the Aging provides free and low-cost programs and services to those aged 60 and over in Rochester and the surrounding region, which can help you supplement the services you receive through assisted living and make informed decisions regarding your long-term care plans. It has benefits counselors that can screen you for public benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid, as well as information and referral specialists who help you access community-based resources. The agency also organizes special events throughout the year, including the annual Salute to Seniors Concert, Intergenerational Fall Cleanup and Senior Day at Lilac Festival. | |
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(585) 753-6040 |
The Monroe County Veterans Service Agency assists local veterans with accessing the state and federal benefits they’re entitled to, including tax breaks, pensions and Aid and Attendance. Through this office, you can also get one-on-one help with obtaining services in the community including wellness screenings and services, transportation and social and recreational opportunities. | |
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(585) 244-8400 |
Lifespan houses the region’s long-term care ombudsman program, which advocates for those in assisted living facilities in the Rochester area. You can talk to the ombudsman for personalized help with finding assisted living services that fit your budget, as well as assistance with finding your best options for paying for services. Lifespan also operates the local Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, which provides exclusive volunteer opportunities to older adults. | |
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Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program |
(800) 701-0501 |
HIICAP is a statewide program that’s staffed with trained volunteers who provide free health insurance options counseling for Medicare-eligible individuals. You can talk to a HIICAP advisor for information on Original Medicare benefits and private Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans available in your region. HIICAP advisors can help you determine whether you’re eligible for Medicaid or a waiver program that can cover long-term care services. They can also help you understand how to protect yourself from health insurance fraud and dispute denied health insurance claims or canceled policies. |
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(585) 288-0021, ext. 228 |
Community Place of Greater Rochester operates the local senior center where those aged 60 and over can participate in computer classes, exercise programs, congregate meals and day trips. The organization also hosts the Foster Grandparent Program and the Senior Companion Program, which provide volunteer opportunities for older adults in exchange for benefits, such as noontime meals, transportation reimbursement and tax-free stipends, which can help supplement retirement income. | |
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(585) 730-8800 |
Rochester Oasis is a regional nonprofit organization that operates in-person and online classes for older adults. Through this organization, seniors can participate in classes that cover Medicare-related topics, as well as fitness, hobbies, culture, U.S. and world history, current events and technology. Membership is free, and some classes are available at no cost, while others have enrollment fees. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Rochester area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
