Home Care in Bronx, NY

For seniors who want to continue living independently at home, the Bronx’s biggest draw is the services it can offer. The borough is home to almost 1.5 million people, and 13.3% of the population is aged 65 and above. This senior population shares services with the rest of New York City, which is home to more than a million older adults and has extensive programs and resources available to help people age in place. Seniors also have access to excellent healthcare, including some of the country’s best hospitals for geriatric services.

New York’s state income tax policies can also help seniors age in place. The state doesn’t tax Social Security retirement benefits and has a large deductible for other forms of retirement income. Although sales taxes are high, some essentials are exempt, including groceries and medicine, which can help stretch your retirement budget. Seniors who own property in the Bronx can also get property tax relief.

Services and support aren’t the only attractions of the Bronx. Despite the borough’s high population density, more than a quarter of its land is open space, so seniors have plenty of parks where they can enjoy the warm summers. The Bronx also offers plenty of recreational opportunities, from galleries and theaters to professional sports.

The Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey shows that the cost of home care and home health care in the Bronx averages $4,957 per month. Home health care often costs more than home care because it offers medical services in addition to home care.

Genworth calculates the average cost for home care based on an individual requiring 44 hours of care per week. This means your exact costs can vary widely depending on the number of hours care you receive each week, so it’s helpful to know the hourly cost of care. In the Bronx, home care and home health care cost seniors an average of $26 per hour.

The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities

The average cost of home care and home health care in the Bronx falls in the middle of the range compared to nearby cities. In Kingston, the cost for both types of care is $4,385, $572 less than the price in the Bronx. Poughkeepsie’s average prices are equal to the Bronx’s at $4,957. Albany is the least affordable of nearby cities. Home care in the state’s capital is $5,148, while home health care averages $5,196.

Remember that there’s not necessarily a right or wrong choice – it comes down to choosing a provider that you feel comfortable with and who’s capable of meeting your specific needs. No matter which provider you choose, you should always have a formal arrangement with your expectations and the payment rate in writing. Doing so will prevent confusion or potential disagreements down the line so that the focus remains on helping the person receiving care.

NYC Department for the Aging 

What You Should Know
NYC Department for the Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for New York City’s five boroughs. It has a wide range of services available to help older adults live independently as they age. Aging Connect is the department’s information line that can refer people to local resources and also maintains a list of available resources on its website. If you are living at home, you can use the case management service that arranges personal care, home-delivered meals and other services to help you age in place. The department’s other services include legal help, housing support and transportation.

Who Is Eligible?
New York residents aged 60 and over, as well as their families and caregivers, can access services through the NYC Department of Aging. Some services and programs may have additional eligibility criteria.

How to Get Started
If you want to access any NYC Department of Aging programs or services, start by contacting Aging Connect at (212) 244-6469.

Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption

What You Should Know
The Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) program is part of the NYC Rent Freeze program. It freezes the rent of eligible seniors, which helps keep their housing affordable. This benefit can continue to be renewed as long as you’re eligible, meaning that if you freeze your rent today, you could be paying the same amount for rent as long as you live in the property. Your landlord receives a property tax credit for the difference between what you pay and the actual rent.

Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for the SCRIE, you must be at least 62 years old and be the primary tenant on the lease or rent order. To be financially eligible, your household can’t exceed the income limit. In 2021 the income limit was $50,000 and includes the combined income of everyone in the household. In addition, you must spend at least one-third of your monthly household income on rent. Lastly, you must live in a rent-regulated apartment, which means it must be rent-controlled, rent-stabilized, hotel-stabilized or Mitchell-Lama.

How to Get Started
You can download application and renewal forms on the NYC Department of Finance website. For more information about the program, call 311, ask at your local senior center or arrange an appointment at an assistance center.

Long Term Care – Home Care Services Program

What You Should Know
The Long Term Care – Home Care Services Program looks after the Medicaid-funded programs that provide long-term care, such as the Long Term Home Health Care Program. The programs provide care and services that can help you remain living in your home rather than move into a nursing home. The supports offered differ based on the exact program you’re enrolled in, but can include home health care, housekeeping services and physical therapists. Generally, case management is also provided to help you identify the support you need and access helpful resources.

Who Is Eligible?
To access these programs, you must be eligible for Medicaid by meeting the income and asset limits. Each program has different functional eligibility criteria, but in most cases, you must require a nursing home level of care.

How to Get Started
The Human Resources Administration Office of Special Services oversees the Home Care Services Program in the Bronx. You can visit the local office at 890 Garrison Avenue, 3rd Floor, Bronx, or call (929) 252-4564.

Specialized Senior Centers

What You Should Know
NYC’s Department for the Aging operates nearly 250 senior centers across the five boroughs. Exact services differ between each center to meet the needs of the local community, but often include fitness and social activities, educational workshops and wellness activities. Generally, the centers also provide assistance to help seniors access other resources, such as benefits and health insurance counseling. Many centers offer lunch and transportation, and some centers provide mental health services. The department also funds centers for specific populations, including LGBT seniors.

Who Is Eligible?
If you are aged 60 or older, you can join any department-funded senior center. Membership is free.

How to Get Started
You can find a local senior center by contacting Aging Connect at (212) 244-6469 or searching on the department’s website.

Jewish Association Serving the Aging

What You Should Know
The Jewish Association Serving the Aging provides a range of services to older adults across New York City that help people remain living in their homes and communities. You can access legal help, mental health services and social work support through JASA. Other services provided by the organization include a helpline, meals, senior centers and community health programs.

Who Is Eligible?
Services are available to older adults of all races, religions and economic backgrounds, with programs aimed at people aged 55 and older. Some programs may have additional eligibility criteria.

How to Get Started
To access services provided by JASA, you can contact the helpline at (212) 273-5272 or by email at [email protected].