I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Queens, NY
With over 2.4 million residents, Queens is the second-most populous borough in New York City. It’s noted for outstanding amenities such as Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk, where residents enjoy scenic beach views and festivals throughout the year. The borough is home to one of the largest public library systems in the nation, offering a Mail-A-Book service for housebound individuals, art courses for seniors and clubs for interests ranging from quilting to board games. Queens is served by world-class medical facilities such as NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens, a facility that offers primary, specialty and emergency care.
Queens is one of the most expensive places to live in the New York metro area, with a cost of living that is about 30% higher than the region’s median. However, the state’s income tax laws are favorable to retirees, which may make the region affordable for older adults. The weather is fairly comfortable throughout the year, especially during the summer months, and property and violent crime rates have been declining for the past several years. These benefits make home care an attractive option for older adults.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Queens, NY
According to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, seniors in Queens typically pay $4,957 per month for home care. This type of care includes attendant services, companionship, transportation and housekeeping and laundry services. Home health care is similar but also includes limited skilled nursing. It’s typically more expensive than home care, but in Queens, monthly rates are the same.
These monthly rates assume 44 hours of care per week at an hourly rate of $26. Your costs will be higher if you need more than six hours of daily care. However, if you rely on friends and family for some help or if you obtain free or low-cost services through the community, you may pay less.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
The cost of home-based care varies considerably throughout New York. Kingston is one of the least expensive surveyed cities in the state for this type of care, with residents paying $4,385 per month for home care and home health care. In the Watertown area, rates are a little higher at $4,553 for home care and $4,934 for home health care. Rates are comparable in Queens, where you can expect to pay $4,957 for either level of care. In Rochester, agencies charge $4,814 for home care and $5,243 for home health care, and in Ithaca, respective rates average $5,554 and $5,625.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Depending on your care needs and budget, you have access to several types of care in Queens. Compared to other senior care options, home-based care is moderately priced at $4,957 for home care and home health care. If you want to live at home but have a limited budget, adult day care is more affordable at $1,950. Assisted living is similar in scope to home care and is a little pricier at $5,991, a fee that includes personal care, housing, meals and recreation. Those who need medical monitoring may need nursing home care, which costs $11,771 monthly.
Note: Data for Queens was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, New York Area, was used instead.
III. How to Find Home Care in Queens, 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 Queens, 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 Queens, NY
NYC Department for the Aging
What You Should Know
NYC Department for the Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Queens. The agency operates over 250 senior sites throughout the city, including about 62 in Queens, where you can participate in social and recreational programs. It provides community-based services such as civil legal assistance and advocacy, health insurance options counseling and home-based care for those who need help with daily living activities. The agency’s Friendly Visiting and Friendly VOICES programs to reduce loneliness and social isolation for those who are housebound.
Who Is Eligible?
You’re eligible for services through the Department for the Aging if you’re at least 60 years old and within the service area. You may need to meet income or functional need requirements to be eligible for certain programs such as home-delivered meals or home-based care.
How to Get Started
To learn more about these services or to speak with an aging specialist, you can call the department’s main office at (212) 244-6469. The office is open on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Outside these hours, you can get help by calling 3-1-1.
Citymeals on Wheels
What You Should Know
Citymeals on Wheels provides home-delivered meals throughout New York City, including to Queens residents. Each meal has a third of your daily nutritional requirements and is made up of an entrée, a single-serve container of skim milk, a slice of whole-grain bread and a small, no-sugar-added dessert. In some cases, special meals based on religious or medical dietary restrictions may be available. One meal is provided daily, and you can qualify for services whether you need them temporarily or on a long-term basis.
Who Is Eligible?
Home-delivered meals are available to those aged 60 and over who are unable to prepare nutritious meals themselves or have someone do so for them. You must also be able to live at home safely if you obtain this service.
How to Get Started
To begin the application process, you must contact your Case Management Agency, which you can find by submitting your zip code at the bottom of this page. The agency will arrange an in-home assessment to determine your eligibility and create a plan that meets your needs. You can get general information on this program by calling (212) 687-1234 or submitting a request for contact online.
Center for Independence of the Disabled
What You Should Know
Center for Independence of the Disabled is a local nonprofit agency that administers a broad range of services to help older adults maintain their independence and reduce home care costs. Through this agency, you can get information and referrals for local services. The agency also has a Nursing Home Transition and Diversion program to help seniors move out of a nursing home facility and back into their homes.
Who Is Eligible?
Services through CIDNY are available to Queens seniors who meet income guidelines. Some programs have additional requirements, such as eligibility for Medicare or Medicaid or functional impairments.
How to Get Started
To contact the agency for more information, including eligibility criteria for specific programs, call the Queens Intake Line at (646) 442-1512.
CenterLight Healthcare
What You Should Know
CenterLight Healthcare is the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly provider. PACE offers a comprehensive range of services to older adults who need nursing home level care but want to continue living in their own homes. Through CenterLight Teamcare, you get an all-inclusive customized plan that’s administered by a team that includes a doctor, nurse, nutritionist, social worker and rehab specialists. The program includes medical care, home care, social and recreational activities, transportation and congregate meals.
Who Is Eligible?
Services through PACE are available to those aged 55 and over. To be eligible for this program, you must live within the service area. You must need nursing home level care but be able to remain in your own home by obtaining services. You also must either be enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid or able to pay for services out-of-pocket if you don’t qualify for either health insurance program.
How to Get Started
You can begin the application process by calling (877) 212-8877. The office is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Those with hearing impairments can call 7-1-1. You can also submit an online form to request a call from a PACE representative.
Queens Vet Center
What You Should Know
If you’re a U.S. veteran, Queens Vet Center advocates on your behalf and helps you access services and benefits you’re entitled to, including those that may help pay for home care. Through the center, you can get local nonemergency medical transportation, emergency financial assistance and help with enrolling in pension or Aid and Attendance benefits.
Who Is Eligible?
Services through the local vet center are available to all U.S. veterans. For community-based programs or benefits such as Aid and Attendance, you may be required to meet additional eligibility criteria.
How to Get Started
To learn more about the services and benefits available through the vet center or to speak with a benefits counselor about options for paying for home care, you can call the center at (718) 296-2871. The office is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For assistance outside of regular business hours, including weekends, evenings and holidays, call (877) 927-8387.