How Much Does Senior Home Care Cost in New York City?
Did you know that 90% of seniors prefer to spend their later years right in the comfort of their own homes? That’s a huge number, and it’s exactly why home care has become such an essential part of aging in place. But here’s the thing: the costs associated with these services can really vary. It all depends on factors like where you live, the specific types of help you need, and how often you need it.
If you’re thinking it might be time to seek out some extra support at home for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to have a clear picture of what you might be getting into, financially speaking. So, let’s take a closer look at what you need to know about the costs of senior care at home, especially if you’re in New York City.
What is Senior Home Care?
Home care can mean a lot of different things. Basically, it’s any care or service that can be obtained and used in the comfort of your own home. It’s meant to help maintain your quality of life and ensure safe aging in place. Types of home care include:
- Companionship – This service provides seniors with a friendly presence and social interaction, reducing feelings of loneliness and enhancing their emotional well-being.
- Personal Care Assistance – Help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
- Skilled Nursing – Provided by registered nurses, this service includes wound care, administering medication, monitoring vital signs, and coordinating with doctors.
- Physical Therapy – Physical therapists work with patients to improve mobility, manage pain, and recover from injuries or surgeries.
- Occupational Therapy – Occupational therapists help seniors regain or maintain their ability to perform daily tasks independently, focusing on areas like cooking, cleaning, and dressing.
- Speech Therapy – Speech-language pathologists offer therapy to seniors experiencing difficulty with speech, swallowing, or cognitive issues.
- Meal Prep or Meal Services – This service includes planning, preparing, and delivering nutritious meals.
- Homemaker Services – These services assist with household chores like laundry, cleaning, and shopping, enabling seniors to live in a clean and organized environment.
- Transportation – Providing safe and reliable transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores, social events, and more.
- Health Monitoring – Regular check-ups and monitoring of health conditions, including blood pressure, heart rate, and glucose levels.
- And many, many more…
About New York City
On the island of Manhattan, spreading across the boroughs, New York City, often dubbed “The Big Apple,” is a place where iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and Times Square draw in millions. A city celebrated for its remarkable blend of architectural grandeur and cultural diversity, New York City is a melting pot of lifestyles and traditions. Here, you can start your day with a stroll through the expansive greenery of Central Park, enjoy a bagel and coffee that rivals any other, and then explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art, home to over two million works of art spanning 5,000 years!
How Much Does Senior Home Care Cost in New York, New York?
The national average cost of home care is just over $5,000 per month. Though the actual cost will vary depending on needs and whether a service or independent caregiver is employed, the average monthly cost in New York City is $5,815.
Homemaker Services in New York
The national average cost of homemaker services for seniors is $4,957 per month. The average in New York State is $5,148 per month. And, in NYC, also $5,148.
Home Health Aides in New York
The national average cost of a home health aide is $5,148 per month. The average in New York State is $6,673 per month. And, in NYC, $6,483.
Adult Day Care in New York
The national average cost of adult day health care is $1,690 per month. The average in New York State is $2,275 per month. And, in NYC, also $2,275.
How Much Does Home Care Cost Compared to Other Senior Care Options in New York City?
Actual costs will always vary by facility and from one agency to another. It should also be noted that if a senior requires extended care or overnight care, the price will go up considerably. The national average for 24/7 care at home (168 hours) is $19,292.
Now, let’s take a look at the basic monthly averages. These totals are based on a 44-hour week:
| Type of Care | National Average Monthly Cost | New York State Average Monthly Cost | NYC Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Care (all services) | $5,053 | $5,910 | $5,815 |
| Homemaker Services | $4,957 | $5,148 | $5,148 |
| Home Health Aide | $5,148 | $6,673 | $6,483 |
| Assisted Living | $4,500 | $5,850 | $6,508 |
| Adult Day Health Care | $1,690 | $2,275 | $2,275 |
| Nursing Home, Semi-Private Room | $7,908 | $13,976 | $12,471 |
| Nursing Home, Private Room | $9,034 | $14,813 | $13,535 |
How to Pay for Senior Home Care in NYC
Besides personal savings, seniors and retirees have several possibilities that can help pay if and when it’s time for home care!
Long-Term Care Insurance
Traditional health insurance rarely pays for costs associated with long-term care. Help with daily activities and mobility are a pretty big part of receiving long-term care. So, that’s where long-term care insurance can help. It can cover custodial care, meal services, and even housekeeping services.
Veteran Benefits
The VA will cover the cost of many services under standard health benefits.
To see a full list of long-term care services and to apply for assistance, check out these resources:
Department of Veterans’ Services
New York State Department of Veterans’ Services
Medicare
Medicare is government-provided health insurance for seniors who are over 65. It will not pay for custodial care but will cover the cost of skilled care at home.
Medicare Part A and Part B will pay for things like:
- Part-time skilled nursing care
- Physical, occupational, or speech therapy
- Medical supplies for home use
- Part-time home health aides
Medicare will pay if:
- Services are part of a plan of care created and reviewed regularly by a doctor.
- A doctor prescribed skilled nursing care or therapy for a specific medical condition.
- You are certified homebound by a doctor.
Medicare will not pay for:
- 24-hour care
- Meal services
- Homemaker services
- Personal care assistance
For Medicare help, visit these resources:
Health Insurance Assistance – NYC Aging
Medicaid
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps low-income individuals pay for care. It can help with the cost of both custodial and medical care. Every state has different qualification requirements.
For eligibility and enrollment in New York, visit these resources:
Need Help Finding Home Care?
Having an in-home care provider can be an essential part of aging in place. And, choosing the best provider is an important decision! If you’re looking for the best senior home care in New York, New York then start with the Senior Resource NYC Home Care Directory!
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Originally published March 26, 2024
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