I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Nassau County, NY
With its location between Suffolk County and Queens, Nassau County offers residents access to beautiful beaches and diverse villages that are driven by the pulse of the big city. With more than 1.3 million residents, including an above-average population of seniors, Nassau is one of the most populous counties outside New York City. It encompasses two cities, three towns and more than 100 incorporated and unincorporated villages ranging from bustling towns like Hempstead to coastal communities like Inwood.
Although the cost of living in this affluent county is 60% higher than the national average, you have access to an impressive array of amenities and attractions, including Jones Beach State Park, Eisenhower Park, Old Westbury Gardens and the championship Bethpage Golf Course. Crime rates are very low, and the climate is more pleasant than other parts of the state. As a senior, you can take advantage of the county’s strong public transportation system that includes the Long Island Rail Road, the Nassau Inter County Express and curb-to-curb paratransit services like Able-Ride. This part of Long Island also has numerous government agencies and longstanding charities that provide in-home care and services to support older adults like you who want to live independently.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Nassau County, NY
According to research from Genworth Financial, an organization that’s been tracking long-term care costs for more than 15 years, home care in Nassau County and New York City typically costs $4,957 per month. This covers homemaker services that can help with errands, chores and meal preparation as well as home health aides who can assist with personal care and skilled nursing services such as wound care and medication management. Estimates assume that seniors require 44 hours of weekly care. This equates to a daily rate of $26 per hour, which is $2-$2.50 higher than the national average. Your costs may differ depending on the number of hours and type of service you need.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Home health care costs in Nassau County are on par with the state median of $4,957, while nonmedical home care costs $143 less than average. Nassau County seniors spend about $381-$467 more for home care than their peers in other parts of the nation. Rates in Nassau County are $572 higher than in Kingston, where home care costs $4,385 per month. Local prices are the same as in Poughkeepsie and slightly lower than in Albany, where home care agencies charge $5,148 to $5,196 per month.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
When compared to other forms of long-term care, home care and home health care provide a competitive value. These services cost $1,034 less than assisted living for full-time care, and you have the freedom to personalize your service level to accommodate your needs and budget. In-home care services also cost $6,814 less than skilled nursing facilities. Older adults who are willing to travel to a community center can access meals, recreational activities and personal care through adult day care programs, which cost just $1,950 per month on average.
Note: Data for Nassau County was unavailable, so data for the New York City area was used instead.
III. How to Find Home Care in Nassau County, NY
Finding a home care provider for yourself or a loved one can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Below, we explain the process of how to find a home care provider in 5 simple steps. Use the infographic below to help guide your search for in-home care in Nassau County, NY.
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.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Nassau County, NY
Nassau County Department of Human Services, Office for the Aging
What You Should Know
This Area Agency on Aging manages more than 70 programs to support the county’s 300,000 senior citizens and promote healthy, independent aging. If you need help with activities of daily living, you can access care through the Expanded In-home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP). In addition to funding local transportation services, meal deliveries and congregate dining sites, it supports more than a dozen senior community and recreation centers located in Great Neck, Hempstead, Long Beach and surrounding areas. You can also sign up for social adult day services that provide meals, recreational activities and individualized assistance. These services are free although you’re encouraged to make a voluntary donation.
Who Is Eligible?
Free assistance is available if you’re a Nassau County resident and aged 60 or older.
How to Get Started
To learn more about countywide programs that can help you age in place, contact the Office for the Aging at (516) 227-8900.
EAC Network
What You Should Know
Founded in 1969, the EAC Network manages 100 programs that benefit more than 43,000 children, seniors and families every year. Its goal is to deliver community-based services that meet residents’ basic needs and empower them to live healthy, independent lives. EAC provides services through five branches, including a Senior & Nutrition Services division. It’s Nassau County’s largest Meals on Wheels provider, and it manages four Senior Community Service Centers that provide social and recreational activities as well as educational programs, technology classes and healthy aging services. In-home respite care is available to relieve unpaid family caregivers, and its Expanded In-home Services for the Elderly Program are available if you require assistance with activities of daily living but aren’t eligible for other government-sponsored programs.
Who Is Eligible?
Services are available if you’re a Nassau County resident and aged 60 or older. Individual programs, such as Meals on Wheels and EISEP may have additional financial and needs-based eligibility requirements.
How to Get Started
For more details about these programs or to sign up for Meals on Wheels and similar programs, you can call EAC’s administrative office at (516) 539-0150, or reach out to one of the organization’s eight local service centers in Nassau County.
Catholic Charities of Long Island
What You Should Know
Since 1957, Catholic Charities of Long Island has been providing compassionate care to support seniors and other vulnerable residents. It’s the area’s largest provider of affordable senior housing, with 1,329 units located across Long Island. Thanks to funding from the Nassau County Office for the Aging and other partners, it offers a wide range of social services that can help you age in place while maintaining your physical and emotional well-being. Case management services and in-home care are available through the Expanded In-home Services for the Elderly Program. Additionally, this charitable organization manages three senior community service centers that offer recreational activities, transportation and hot meals plus educational programs and wellness services.
Who Is Eligible?
You’re eligible for senior services if you live in Nassau or Suffolk counties and are aged 60 or older. Meals on Wheels deliveries are available if you’re homebound and unable to prepare your own food. EISEP services may require a share of cost contribution.
How to Get Started
You can reach Catholic Charities’ main office by calling (516) 733-7000. To learn more about seniors services, such as EISEP and Nassau County Meals on Wheels, dial (516) 771-3410.
The Long Island Center for Independent Living
What You Should Know
The Long Island Center for Independent Living is a nonprofit cross-disability advocacy organization. Since 1980, it has been providing community-based services that encourage self-sufficiency and help residents lead healthy, safe and productive lives. Staff members provide information about community living options that can help you age in place, and its peer counseling program can match you with a mentor who has been in a similar situation. It offers medical equipment loans, wheelchair-accessible van transportation and information about consumer directed personal assistance programs. Additionally, it can help you access public benefits, such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
Who Is Eligible?
The LICIL serves Nassau County seniors, veterans and residents of all ages who need help coping with a disability or living independently.
How to Get Started
For more information, you can call (516) 796-0144, or visit the organization’s office at 3601 Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown.
Jewish Association Serving the Aging
What You Should Know
For more than 50 years, the Jewish Association Serving the Aging has been providing vital services to support seniors and families throughout the New York area. Every year, it helps more than 40,000 individuals by providing affordable housing, free legal services and other supports. It offers caregiver assistance, recreational activities, elder abuse prevention workshops and peer-to-peer support groups if you’re a senior facing a health-related challenge. You can access in-home assistance 24 hours a day and seven days a week through JASACare.
Who Is Eligible?
Services are available to caregivers and older adults of all faiths who live in the New York City metropolitan area. It also offers guardianship programs and adult protective services for individuals who are aged 18 or older.
How to Get Started
To learn more about JASA and its services, you can call the Sally and Henry Pearce Help Center at (212) 273-5272 or the Long Island Center for Dignity and Support at (347) 547-7127.