10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Queens, NY

Assisted living costs, on average, $6,300 per month in Queens, placing it in the mid-range for NYC, according to proprietary data from A Place for Mom’s partner communities. For comparison, the following list shows the average monthly costs of assisted living in the neighboring NYC boroughs:

• Brooklyn: $4,300
• Staten Island: $6,700
• Bronx: $7,000
• Manhattan: $12,000

What’s included in the cost of assisted living?

The averages above reflect what families actually paid at our partner assisted living facilities in Queens. In addition to rent, the following services and amenities are also typically included:

• Personal care services such as bathing and dressing
• On-site activities
• Daily meals and snacks
• Apartment or room maintenance
• Housekeeping services
• Internet access

Assisted living in Queens is more expensive than the national average of $4,600, but actual costs for Queens facilities may vary based on several factors like location, apartment or room size, care needs, and community amenities.

Many families combine private and public pay methods to pay for assisted living. Depending on a senior’s financial situation, they may start by using private pay methods and eventually shift to public options such as VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Private pay options for assisted living in Queens

Private pay methods might include personal savings, income from a pension or selling a house. Some seniors may use Social Security benefits or funds from a health savings account (or HSA). Common examples of other private pay options for assisted living can include the following:

• Taking out a home equity loan, such as a reverse mortgage
• Selling or cashing out a life insurance plan
• Using benefits from a long-term care insurance plan

The payment section of our New York City assisted living page provides additional details and resources for seniors and their families as they explore the variety of ways to pay for assisted living. You will also find useful payment information in our guide to paying for long-term care.

Using federal health insurance to pay for assisted living in Queens

It’s common for seniors to use Medicaid, Medicare, or a combination to cover senior care costs. Seniors automatically qualify for Medicare at 65 and may be able to use it to cover some care costs. A senior must meet income requirements to qualify for Medicaid.

Medicaid

Funded by the federal government and the state of New York, Medicaid provides health insurance for residents with low incomes and individuals with disabilities. In some cases, seniors who exhaust their personal funds on medical care or senior living may eventually meet eligibility requirements for Medicaid.

While the state Medicaid program doesn’t pay for room and board expenses at assisted living facilities, some seniors may qualify for the New York Assisted Living Program (ALP). This program offers financial support with some care and services in an assisted living facility, including room and board. Seniors eligible for nursing home care can receive the following services through the ALP:

• Support with activities like daily hygiene and meal preparation
• Care at an adult day health center
• Intermittent nursing services
• Case management services
• Housekeeping
• Medical supplies and equipment
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapies
• Supervision

There are several ways to apply for Medicaid in New York, be it online, over the phone, or in person. The following resource list includes Medicaid offices in Queens where seniors can receive information and apply for Medicaid benefits in person. The Queens Community Medicaid Office employs Certified Application Counselors who help guide seniors through the application process.

Queens Community Medicaid Office

32-20 Northern Blvd., 3rd Floor
Queens, NY. 11101
Phone: 718-784-6729
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Jamaica Community Medicaid Office

165-08 88th Ave., 8th Floor
Jamaica, NY. 11432
Phone: 929-252-3193
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Far Rockaway Medicaid Office

219 Beach 59th St., 2nd Floor
Far Rockaway, NY. 11693
Phone: 719-634-6910
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Medicare

Medicare is federal health insurance for seniors 65 and older. Most seniors already receiving Social Security benefits will be automatically enrolled in Medicaid. For those who are not, they can enroll online or visit their nearest Social Security Administration office.

Medicare doesn’t cover room and board expenses, but may cover certain medical care needs and services for Queens’ seniors living in assisted living facilities including the following:

• Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
• Hospice care
• Some home health care
• Doctors’ visits
• Prescription medications

For New York seniors who qualify, there are several Medicare Savings Programs to help them pay for Medicaid premiums, coinsurance, and deductibles. Our New York City page provides additional details about Medicare Savings programs.

Using VA benefits to pay for assisted living in Queens

There are many VA benefits that veterans and their surviving spouses can utilize to help pay for assisted living costs in Queens.

Because applying for benefits can be complicated, veterans are encouraged to utilize benefits counseling assistance provided at veteran service organizations (VSOs). These VA-vetted, nonprofit organizations are committed to serving the needs of Queens’ 31,474 veterans — 58% of whom are over the age of 65 — with several borough offices. Locations and information can be found through the NYC Department of Veterans Services Queens office.

New York City Department of Veteran’s Services

Queens Borough Hall
120-55 Queens Blvd.
Kew Gardens, NY 11423

Phone: 718-286-3000
Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The borough is made up of diverse neighborhoods as unique as the residents who call Queens home. Assisted living communities in Queens are also varied. You can find single-story facilities spread out over beautifully manicured campuses in residential neighborhoods. And in the more densely populated areas, facilities have an urban feel with multi-level buildings and cozy central courtyards. With numerous options, it’s easy to find a community to fit your loved one’s lifestyle.

Accessing all that New York City has to offer is convenient at most assisted living communities in Queens. Over 80% of our partner communities offer off-site activities such as day trips to museums and parks. They also offer on-site activities that appeal to a variety of interests. Residents can join clubs, practice hobbies, and keep their bodies fit with exercise classes.

Assisted living facilities in Queens also have excellent community amenities including:

• Beauty salon/barbershops
• Outside common areas
• Movie or theater rooms
• Arts and crafts rooms
• Indoor community room

Assisted living facilities in Queens are regulated by the New York State Department of Health and licensed as Adult Care Facilities (ACF). New York State requires facilities to provide supervision, care, and services which include the following:

• 24-hour supervision and monitoring for changes in behavior and health
• Personal care such as support with bathing, dressing, toileting, and eating
• Individualized care plans
• Case management services

Facilities are inspected annually and reports are available for review using the adult care facilities search on the New York State Department of Health website. The search provides information on recent inspection dates, citations, and enforcement actions against the facility. The following instructions will help you navigate the site:

• Choose “Queens” from the “Select a Region/County” drop down menu.
• From the list of facilities, click on the name of the facility you would like to view.
• Then click on the “Inspections” button above the facility name.
• Click on the citations or enforcement buttons to review any enforcement actions taken against the facility.

Additional information about assisted living laws and regulations in Queens can be found on our New York City page.

Much like its neighboring boroughs, Queens offers its own take on the city’s culture, entertainment, and public spaces. As the seasons transform the city, seniors in Queens enjoy access to numerous indoor and outdoor activities.

Inside in Queens

Art lovers will never be at a loss for fresh works from contemporary artists and classics by the old masters on display at Queens’ art galleries and museums. Highlights include the following:

• The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) PS1 is housed in a 19^th century school building and embraces artwork that pushes boundaries with experimental art and ideas.
• The Queens Museum, originally built for the 1939-40 World’s Fair, holds World’s Fair relics and exhibits focused on the history of Queens.
• Dedicated to contemporary works of the world’s renowned sculpture artists, the Sculpture Center features several exhibitions each year.
• Located in the historic Astoria Studio Complex, the Museum of the Moving Image provides a look into the past and future of film, television, and digital media.

Outside in Queens

While the warmer months bring everyone out, even during the cooler days of winter, it’s not uncommon to find Queens’ residents out and about, enjoying their slice of New York City. While there’s a lot to explore, the following are a few Queens’ favorites:

• Catch the borough favorite New York Mets when they play home games at Citi Field.
• The iconic Flushing Meadows Corona Park offers historic sites and plenty of space for walking or relaxing beneath a tree.
• Take a leisurely stroll along Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk. Cool off with an ice cream cone from one of the vendors or sit on a bench and enjoy people watching.
• The Queens Zoo is a great place to take the family for an afternoon of exploring both exotic and domestic animals.

The iconic New York City subway system is internationally recognized and one of the reasons many residents of Queens don’t own a car. However, public transportation can be challenging for some seniors. Almost 90% of our Queens assisted living partners offer complimentary or at-cost transportation options, making getting to doctor’s appointments or running errands a little more convenient for residents.

Seniors experienced at getting around the city or comfortable navigating with a loved one have several public transportation options available to them. New York City Transit operates buses, subways, and paratransit in Queens and the greater New York City area. Seniors 65 and older can receive discounted transportation on buses and subways by applying for a Reduced Fare Metro Card. The NYC311 website is a great place to learn more about senior transportation options in Queens.

Queens is home to several quality health care options for seniors. The following overview gives a brief look into Queens’ hospitals with high ratings for care specialties, procedures, and treatment of specific conditions.

New York Presbyterian Queens Hospital. A general medical and surgical facility, this hospital is highly ranked for the treatment of certain cancers, including leukemia, colon cancer, and myeloma. It also provides high-level care for people experiencing heart attacks and kidney failure.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. Recognized for its high performing stroke center, this hospital also provides geriatric care for seniors and a variety of other medical care to Queens residents.