Home Care in Staten Island, NY

When you cross New York Bay and enter Staten Island, you know you’ve reached a unique community. Staten Island is the least-populated of New York City’s five boroughs, but the third-largest in land area, which gives residents more room to spread out. Staten Island is home to 476,143 people, making it almost like its own city within the New York City metro area, and approximately 16.7% of the population is aged 65 and older.

Staten Island’s location makes it convenient to other areas of New York City and Newark, New Jersey, putting an array of amenities and an international airport within easy reach. Residents also benefit from Staten Island University Hospital, located right on the island, when they need quality healthcare.

The many cultural venues, like the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and the Staten Island Museum, are part of what makes the borough so appealing. Retirees can enjoy an outing in one of over 140 parks and green spaces, or take a stroll around the Staten Island Zoo, which has 800 species within its eight-acre space.

Seniors who choose to age in place can find home care options in Staten Island to make it easier. The 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey indicates the average cost for home care is $4,957 per month. Seniors who need some basic healthcare pay the same rate for home health care services.

Genworth figures the cost for home care and home health care based on an average of 44 hours of care per week. The cost you pay could vary from the average based on whether you need more or fewer hours of in-home assistance each week. The average cost for both types of in-home care is $26 per hour in the Staten Island area.

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

The $4,957 average cost for home care and home health care in Staten Island is comparable to what seniors pay in some nearby New York cities and higher than others. To the north in Kingston, seniors pay almost $600 less at $4,385 for both types of care. In Elmira, the averages are $4,814 for home care and $4,839 for home health care. In Glens Falls, the average costs are $4,910 for home care and $5,243 for home health care.

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.

Community Agency for Senior Citizens

What You Should Know
The Community Agency for Senior Citizens, Inc., is a local agency that provides support and referral services to seniors living on Staten Island. Through CASC, you can get case assistance, which helps connect you to the benefits and entitlements you need to live comfortably at home. This might include transportation services, nutritional services, Medicaid and Medicare help and utilities assistance. In addition, CASC is the starting point to get help for suspected elder abuse or neglect, and the Agency offers assistance for elderly scam victims who may need legal help.

Who Is Eligible?
Services through CASC are available to any Staten Island senior aged 60 and over. They’re also available to caretakers of elderly residents.

How to Get Started
For more information or to apply for CASC services, call the Agency’s intake department at (718) 981-6226 and select option 2.

Neighborhood Senior Centers

What You Should Know
As part of its services, CASC operates two senior centers in Staten Island, the Cassidy Coles Neighborhood Senior Center and the New Lane Neighborhood Senior Center. These locations give you a chance to enjoy the camaraderie of other seniors and connect with case managers who can help you find services. The senior centers serve breakfast and lunch, offer healthcare screenings and services, provide craft and education classes and have exercise programs. At the senior centers, you can also access a shopping bus that goes to popular shopping destinations around Staten Island. The senior centers have a monthly event calendar with filled with a range of life-enriching activities and events, and transportation is available to get you back and forth from your home.

Who Is Eligible?
If you’re aged 60 or older, you can take advantage of the programs and services available at the senior centers.

How to Get Started
To learn more about the programs and services offered, you can call the nearest center directly. Cassidy Coles Neighborhood Senior Center is located at 125 Cassidy Place, and New Lane Neighborhood Senior Center is located at 70 New Lane. You can reach New Lane at (718) 448-5936 and Cassidy Coles at (718) 273-6808.

Senior Citizens Homeowner’s Exemption

What You Should Know
Senior citizens who own their own homes, including multifamily homes and cooperative apartments, can get a property tax break through the Senior Citizens Homeowner’s Exemption. This deduction works by reducing the home’s assessed value, which reduces the resulting tax bill. Exemptions of up to 50% are available, and the percentage you receive is based on your income.

Who is Eligible?
Any senior living in New York City with an annual income of $58,399 or less is eligible for this exemption. This is based on the total combined income if you’re married. To qualify, you must be aged 65 or older by December 31st of the current year, and you must be applying for a reduction on your primary residence that you’ve owned for at least 12 months prior to your application.

How to Apply
The SCHE isn’t automatic, and you must submit an application to the Department of Finance by March 15th each year. Applications are available online, or you can call 311 to get a paper one mailed to you.

Access-A-Ride Paratransit Service

What You Should Know
Access-A-Ride Paratransit Service is a public transportation option for individuals with disabilities or health conditions that make it impossible to use the regular public bus service to get around town. Standard rates for public transit apply for this service.

Who Is Eligible?
AAR service is available if you can’t get transportation assistance through other programs. To take advantage of the AAR paratransit service, you must be aged 60 or older or have a qualifying disability. Depending on your qualification category, you be able to apply for a reduced fare card to lessen the cost of Access-A-Ride service.

How to Get Started
To learn more about the AAR paratransit service and how to apply, you can call 311 or (877) 337-2017.

Meals on Wheels Staten Island

What You Should Know
If you can’t go to a Neighborhood Senior Center for congregate meals, Meals on Wheels Staten Island is an option. This program delivers two nutritious meals a day for homebound seniors. One meal is delivered hot and one is delivered cold, five days per week. Special dietary needs are accommodated with a physician’s written order. The volunteers who deliver meals also provide a basic wellness check and an opportunity for you to interact with other members of the community.

Who Is Eligible?
Staten Island residents aged 60 and older who have a disability or illness that makes it impossible to go grocery shopping or prepare food can apply for Meals on Wheels. You can apply yourself, or a family member or a social service agency can refer you to the program.

How to Get Started
If you qualify for Meals on Wheels, you can apply online for the service. You can also call (718) 727-4435 for more information.