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Albany is located along the banks of the Hudson River in upstate New York. This 400-year old city is the state’s capital, and rich in US history. There are various festivals and celebrations in the area, with “The Egg” venue being one of the most popular locations. Although state politics are one of the most notable aspects of the city, it’s also centered in a part of the state known for natural beauty. In the fall, tourists flock here to pick apples and admire the fall foliage. While winters are cold and snowy, summers in Albany are warm and pleasant. It’s also only 130 miles from New York City, giving seniors access to the conveniences and international transportation offered by that major metro area.
The cost of living in Albany is slightly below the national average, which may benefit seniors, about 13% of the city’s 96,000 residents, who may be looking into assisted living. The average monthly fees for assisted living in Albany are $4,525, although the price for individual facilities will vary according to the amenities offered.
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 >
The average monthly fees for assisted living in Albany are $4,525, which is several hundred dollars higher than the national average of $4,051. Albany is a bit lower per month for assisted living than the state of New York overall, which is $4,630. Among its neighboring states, New York is in the middle for monthly assisted living costs. New Jersey is considerably higher, averaging $6,400 per month for assisted living, while Pennsylvania to the south is much less expensive, at $3,913 per month. Connecticut is closer in costs to New York, at $4,880, while Massachusetts ($5,640) and Vermont ($5,338) are hundreds of dollars higher.
Within the state, Albany is close in monthly average assisted living fees to other large upstate cities Buffalo and Rochester, which are $4,443 and $4,748, respectively. New York City is considerably higher than the other metro areas in the state, averaging nearly $7,000 per month. Utica and Syracuse, both fairly close to Albany, are considerably lower for monthly assisted fees, at $3,930 and $4,033, respectively.
New York offers two different Medicaid waivers for assisted living, with the intention of the programs to allow seniors to delay moving into a nursing home. The first is the Managed Long Term Care Waiver (MLTC), which gives recipients flexibility to pay for senior care, such as moving into assisted living accommodations or paying for a homemaker and home health care aid service so they can remain in their own home.
The second Medicaid waiver in New York is the Assisted Living Program (ALP), which helps those eligible pay for accommodations in assisted living. Recipients of this program must qualify for a nursing home level of care but may opt for an assisted living home instead.
Learn more by visiting our New York State page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Long Term Care Ombudsman Services | (855) 582-6769 | Ombudsman services advocate for the interests of residents in long term care communities. This government agency investigates complaints from long-term care residents and their families. |
| Albany County Aging Department | (518) 447-7177 | This government agency helps Albany County seniors access resources that they’re eligible for, including assistance applying for Social Security and other government programs, accessing food benefits and meal deliveries, offering caregiver support counseling and providing information and assistance for agencies relevant to the elderly. |
| Legal Aid Services of Northeastern New York | (800) 462-2922 | Seniors aged 60 and older who meet certain income eligibility requirements or live in a long term care community may receive pro bono representation from area attorneys. Cases handled by this program include government benefits issues, adult protection cases including elder abuse, drafting wills and living wills and grandparents’ rights cases. |
| Colonie Village Senior Center | (518) 869-7172 | Seniors have opportunities to socialize and develop relationships at the senior citizens’ center. Games, holiday celebrations and physical fitness classes are part of weekly activities. |
| Capital District Transportation Authority | (518) 437-8300 | Seniors may be eligible for reduced fares on the city’s fixed-route bus system. Handicapped and paratransit services are available by appointment. |
| Albany Vet Center | (518) 626-5130 | Military veterans and their surviving spouses and dependents receive help locating VA resources here. These include enrolling for health care benefits, death benefits and help connecting seniors with mental health resources, including PTSD and grief counseling. |
| Medical Equipment Loan Closet | (585)-794-7045 | Local seniors may borrow durable medical equipment, such as walkers, wheelchairs and other mobility aids, from this agency, sponsored by the local Lions Club. |
The New York Department of Health licenses and regulates assisted living facilities. Regulations include the appropriate certification and training of staff, including nursing professionals, as well as the safety and evacuation protocols, composition of meals, handicapped accommodations and general livability of each facility. Residents who require 24-hour, hospital-level of medical care are forbidden by law to be accepted into New York assisted living facilities. Visit our New York State assisted living page for more information.