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Buffalo is located in the northwestern part of New York State, only 28 miles from the Canadian border and spectacular Niagara Falls. Seniors aged 65 and older make up over 12% of the population in Buffalo and have an array of interesting sights to keep them busy. Over $1 billion has been invested in the city, which is home to seven structures designed by pioneering American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, the Buffalo Waterfront, where seniors can enjoy freshwater fishing and other water adventures, and the Niagara River Strait, designated an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).
While taxes on property and private retirement accounts are high in NYS, seniors won’t be taxed on Social Security, federal, NYS state, military and railroad retirement benefits. The cost of living in Buffalo is about 20% less expensive than the rest of the nation, although crime rates are significantly higher than the U.S. average. However, assisted living communities often provide residents with top-notch security measures. The average cost of assisted living in Buffalo is $4,443 per month, but prices vary according to location and amenities.
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 Cost of Care Survey 2019, assisted living in Buffalo, at $4,443 per month, costs less than the New York State average of $4,630 but more than the national average of $4,051. It’s also less than three out of the four surrounding states; only Pennsylvania seniors pay less for assisted living care.
Assisted living costs in New York State vary significantly based on location. Care in Buffalo is affordable at $4,443, compared to the rest of the state. In the closet city surveyed, Rochester, fees average $300 more per month than in Buffalo, and to the southeast, prices in Elmira and Ithaca average $1,095 – $2,657 more per month. The most expensive area surveyed is northeast of Buffalo in Watertown at $7,290 per month. Seniors in Albany, on the eastern NYS border, pay similar care costs as those in Buffalo, but in Glens Falls and Syracuse, seniors save a bundle.
New York State’s Assisted Living Program (ALP) helps seniors who qualify for nursing home care, but would rather reside in assisted living at a lower cost while still receiving the medical care and socialization they need. The program is open to seniors who are on Medicaid and those who are not, although the majority are Medicaid recipients. The program is limited to 4,200 residents, so there may be a waiting list.
Learn more about the ALP program on our Assisted Living in New York page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | 1-855-582-6769 | Ombudsmen are well-trained citizens who volunteer to advocate for residents of long-term facilities, such as assisted living. They make sure seniors know and exercise their rights for adequate care and file complaints on behalf of seniors. |
| Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage Program (EPIC) | 1-800-332-3742 | Administered by the Department of Health, EPIC helps to defray the out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare’s drug plan, Part D. |
| NYS Division of Veterans’ Services | 1-888-VETS-NYS(1-888-838-7697) | Advocates at the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services make sure veterans and their family receive all eligible benefits. |
| Going Places Transportation Program | (716) 858-7433 | The Department of Senior Services in Erie County runs this curb-to-curb van service for seniors who can’t take public transit. Rides are given for nonemergency medical appointments, grocery shopping, personal business and social activities. Donations of $3 – $6 per trip are appreciated. |
| Center for Law and Justice | (716) 853-3087 | Located in Buffalo, this center provides free legal services to seniors in nine Western New York counties, including Erie County. Services include health care advocacy, consumer protection and elder abuse prevention. |
| Erie County RSVP | (716) 858-7548 | This program connects seniors with over 90 nonprofit and public organizations where they can volunteer in the Buffalo area. |
| Senior Centers | (716) 858-8526 | There are eight senior centers in the city Buffalo where older adults can socialize with their peers while participating in fun activities, such as bus trips, recreational games and exercise classes. |
Assisted Living communities in New York must comply with state laws and regulations, including policies put in place to ensure residents’ health, safety, medical care and rights. Read more about these rules on our New York State Assisted Living page.