With a rich history dating back to colonial times, proximity to the Big Apple, and miles of beaches, Long Island has a lot to offer.
Long Island assisted living offers a diversity of choices that’s reflective of the vibrant community around it. If you’re looking for individualized care that meets your personal needs, A Place for Mom’s advisors can find the match for you on Long Island. Assisted living facilities are state-licensed residences that offer personalized care, supervision, meals, and a range of other options to give seniors a safe and secure living space. With 15 facilities in a 10-mile radius of Ronkonkoma — the central hub of Long Island — A Place For Mom can help find the living situation that meets your needs and budget.
This guide will detail Long Island assisted living options, explore common payment methods, and walk through regulations that protect seniors living in these environments. The guide will conclude with a discussion of the excellent health care in the area, transportation options, and the lifestyle that Long island offers to seniors.
Find Assisted Living Communities Near Ronkonkoma, NY
With a rich history dating back to colonial times, proximity to the Big Apple, and miles of beaches, Long Island has a lot to offer.Read more
Long Island assisted living offers a diversity of choices that’s reflective of the vibrant community around it. If you’re looking for individualized care that meets your personal needs, A Place for Mom’s advisors can find the match for you on Long Island. Assisted living facilities are state-licensed residences that offer personalized care, supervision, meals, and a range of other options to give seniors a safe and secure living space. With 15 facilities in a 10-mile radius of Ronkonkoma — the central hub of Long Island — A Place For Mom can help find the living situation that meets your needs and budget.
This guide will detail Long Island assisted living options, explore common payment methods, and walk through regulations that protect seniors living in these environments. The guide will conclude with a discussion of the excellent health care in the area, transportation options, and the lifestyle that Long island offers to seniors.
Ronkonkoma Assisted Living Facilities | 856 Reviews
My loved one is currently a resident at Lake Shore Assisted Living Residence. The facility was just recently mostly remodeled, so it's in very nice shape. It's very clean. The staff that I have met is...
Overall, the care is much better at the Arbors. Her room is bigger, the people are friendlier, and they take care of all her needs promptly. She is much happier.
The Arbors at Hauppauge was a 5 across the board .We will be using your services again in the near future. We were very pleased with everything. We would definitely recommend this community to other families
I would say that everyone is very warm, caring and responsive. They have helped my Mom adapt to her new living arrangements fairly quickly. She is now much more social than she has ever been. She takes part...
I am very impressed with the people and the facility at Sunrise of East Setauket. The level of care is impressive and everyone is so so so helpful!
I am confident that my parents are well cared for in by well trained, caring people.Would definitely recommend. The staff on the memory unit seems to know each resident's likes and dislikes and their...
With the care services I wish they had more aides for the amount of residents they have on the memory care side, however the value for cost is really good compared to other facilities I had visited. They...
My husband was so difficult with everything at home. At Artis everything is managed now. His meals, meds, activities and showers. I can be his wife again and it feels good. I am so thankful for the entire...
My mom is currently a resident at The Arbors at Islandia West in the transitions community and the care and oversight is very good. It is a small unit, which is good for patients with dementia. They keep the...
The people are wonderful, it is inclusive and they make everyone feel welcome and at home. We picked this community because of the staff, activites and location.
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Very welcoming community from the first introduction. Concierge, administration, nursing and Sales team. Very clean. Staff very caring. Communication is top notch. Activity coordinator wonderful. My mother...
It’s been a long journey with Alzheimer’s and I called A Place For Mom to help guide me in the process of finding placement for my Mom. It’s a very emotional and overwhelming experience to find care outside...
Based on the experience we have had so far, we are very pleased with The Village Walk at Patchogue community. So far we do not have one single complaint about the community. The staff members that work there...
The thing that worries me right now is a staff member that went to [facility name removed]. For more money and seems a lack of staff recently which I know is a common problem these days - they just...
My mom is at the Bristal Lake Grove and is doing well in their memory care area. The facility is convenient and they have many great activities going on for the residents to participate in. The food is not...
After selling the home she lived in for over 60 years, my mom moved into a beautiful apartment While there she became unhappy and lonely, and after giving up her license and car, felt isolated. We heard...
When my 97 year old father fell in July we knew it was time to move him closer to us. My husband I looked at 8 different places. We were looking for the right fit as well keeping within his budget that he...
Excellent assisted living program, so Medicaid is accepted. Makes assisted living affordable and an option for all.
I have no complaints about how things are going for my mother since she has made the move into this community . The staff are always polite and I am comfortable with the care they have provided her. She has...
They are always answering any questions, that I may have. They could improve on the morning routines. They have been great with taking care of my loved, and I am very pleased. I would recommend to other...
- Costs of assisted living in the Long Island area
- How people pay for assisted living on Long Island
- Understand New York laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- Get to know assisted living on Long Island
- What to expect from assisted living on Long Island
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Long Island? Highlights for seniors
- Health care for seniors on Long Island
- Transportation for seniors on Long Island
- Senior activities on Long Island
Costs of assisted living in the Long Island area
The average cost for a Long Island assisted living facility is around $5,859, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] These figures include associated fees and add-ons to represent the total cost and not just a baseline average.
Long Island offers a wide range of choices, ensuring that seniors can find a home that meets their needs and their budget. Long Island area seniors and their families should also consider New York’s favorable tax laws when considering their options. New York exempts Social Security benefits from taxation, and up to $20,000 of income from retirement accounts or private pensions are deductible as well.[02]
The following figures represent the average baseline costs for the area and do not include additional fees for services.
Average cost comparisons near Ronkonkoma, NY
Average monthly costs
Ronkonkoma, NY
How people pay for assisted living on Long Island
Assisted living is typically paid for with a blend of private sources and public sources. Private methods can include items like personal savings or investment accounts. Public sources can include Medicaid and Medicare benefits. The sections below include information on how to pay for a Long Island assisted living facility.
Seniors planning for an assisted living stay often rely on personal income and assets they’ve saved, such as 401(k)s, Roth and traditional IRAs, taxable brokerage accounts, Social Security benefits, pensions, traditional savings accounts, and annuities. New York’s retirement tax laws can be beneficial in stretching seniors’ income when considering senior apartments.
In addition to these methods, seniors may pay for assisted living with any of the following as well:
Number of veterans who live on Long Island
Long Island is home to a large veteran population, so it’s important for prospective residents and their families to research potential benefits. VA Pension benefits are a significant potential funding source and should be the first option explored.
In addition to VA Pension benefits, another crucial program for veterans to research is the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit. If a veteran is enrolled in VA health care and requires assistance with daily activities, they may qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits that can cover some costs of in-home care in assisted living facilities. It’s important for veterans to carefully examine these benefits to determine which ones may be applicable and helpful for their specific situation.
Navigating the VA application process can be challenging and time-consuming, so veterans should work with qualified organizations to improve their chances of success and reduce application processing times. Long Island veterans can connect with veterans services officers who are trained and vetted to provide guidance. Veterans Service Organizations and VA offices are the best places to find these experts.
Resources for Long Island veterans
Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency
H. Lee Dennison Building
100 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788-0099
Phone: 631-853-8387
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
New York State Department of Veterans’ Services
Suffolk County Center
300 Center Drive, 2nd Floor, Room N207
Riverhead, NY 11901
Phone: 631-852-1413
Disabled American Veterans
Northport VA Medical Center
79 Middleville Road, Building 200, Room B1-36
Northport, NY 11768
Phone: 631-754-7980
Suffolk County Vietnam Veterans of America
Long Island Chapter 11
286 Hawkins Road
Centereach, NY 11730
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Department of New York VFW
Phone: 518-426-8904
William Francis Taylor VFW Post 9486
570 4th St.
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
Phone: 631-219-5678
Col. Francis S. Midura VFW Post 12144
1218 Old Nicholas Road
Islandia, NY 11749
Phone: 631-285-2379
New York State Medicaid offers health care access to low-income individuals. It doesn’t cover the cost of assisted living facilities. There is one exception: Coverage can be provided for people who qualify for an Assisted Living Program, which is a Home and Community-Based waiver that allows Medicaid to pay for personal care and additional services for people who live in assisted living facilities. It still won’t cover room and board, but can pay for the costs of services provided while in the facility, such as medication management, personal care, and nursing. Eligibility varies and not all assisted living facilities accept the waiver.
New Yorkers have multiple options for Medicaid applications. Individuals commonly apply through the NY State of Health; however, that’s not an accepted option for those who are 65+. Seniors can apply in person or by mailing an application to one of the two Suffolk County Department of Social Services (DSS) offices or a navigator agency. The New York City Office of the Aging can also be a great resource. It provides the long-term care ombudsman program.
Below is a list of resources Long Islanders should review and use when considering their Medicaid needs.
Long Island Medicaid resources
NY State of Health
Phone: 855-355-5777
TTY: 1-800-662-1220
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Suffolk County Department of Social Services (West)
200 Wireless Blvd.
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Phone: 631-853-8408
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Suffolk County Department of Social Services (East)
300 Center Drive
Riverhead, NY 11901
Phone: 631-852-3570
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Medicaid application mailing address
PO Box 18100
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Nassau/Suffolk Hospital Council
Phone: 631-656-9783
Community Health Advocates
Phone: 888-614-5400
Public Health Solutions
Phone: 646-632-5986
Yvette Boisnier, Ombudsman Coordinator
Family Service League
1444 Fifth Ave.
Bay Shore, NY 11706
Phone: 631-470-6755
Email: yvette.boisnier@fsl.li.org
Medicare will not cover room and board costs in an assisted living facility; however, it will pay for certain medically necessary costs associated with assisted living, such as prescription drugs or inpatient hospital admissions.
Medicare.gov is a place where seniors can submit applications for coverage and learn about their Medicare options. New Yorkers also have access to Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Programs (HIICAP) that are available to provide in-depth information about Medicare and also provide reliable and impartial counseling services.
The Suffolk County Office for the Aging also provides assistance through advocates that visit 50 locations across Long Island. This calendar will let you track when they’ll be near you. The long-term care ombudsman is another helpful resource to answer your Medicare questions.
Seniors may also be able to realize some savings under the Medicare Savings Program. These programs can create some valuable savings in seniors’ budgets. Those looking for options to minimize the impact of drug costs on their budget can explore New York’s Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) Program, which helps pay for Medicare Part D (drug costs) for seniors.
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) organization offers a comprehensive system of health care for members 55 and older who would be otherwise eligible for nursing home admission.
Please see below for Medicare resources for Long Island seniors.
Long Island Medicare resources
Social Security Administration
75 Oak St.
Patchogue, NY 11772
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Social Security Administration
730 Federal Plaza, No. 7
Central Islip, NY 11722
Phone: 866-931-4494
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Suffolk County Ombudsman
Yvette Boisnier
1444 Fifth Ave.
Bay Shore, NY 11706
Phone: 631-470-6755
Email: yvette.boisnier@fsl-li.org
Suffolk County Office for the Aging
100 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Phone: 631-853-8200
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Understand New York laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
In New York, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) regulates assisted living facilities under the Assisted Living Residence program. The facilities must follow the New York codes, rules, and regulations set forth for Assisted Living Residences that provide an Assisted Living Program, which is defined as housing for five or more adults that provide personal and home care, 24-hour supervision, food services, and case management.
There are also Assisted Living Residences that are certified to provide Enhanced Assisted Living (EAL), which requires a higher level of care to be provided. More physical assistance is needed for seniors who require this type of care, such as help getting in and out of a chair, a bed, or on and off of a toilet. They may also need some medical help and be reliant on medical equipment occasionally.
Staffing and training
Assisted Living Residences must have an administrator, a case manager, and resident aides to provide the personal assistance to residents. Facilities certified to provide Enhanced Assisted Living must also have registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and home health aides. There are no set staff to resident ratios, but regulations require there to be enough staff to meet residents’ needs around the clock.
Continuing education is required for both administrators and staff members alike. In addition to 40 hours of initial training, they must also receive 12 hours per year of additional relevant education and training. They must all pass a criminal background check as well.
Inspections
The NYSDOH inspects all assisted living facilities every 18 months to ensure they’re meeting the standards. Long Islanders and their families can find the results of inspections at NYS Health Profiles and review reports.
New York Department of Health contact information
Metropolitan Area Regional Office — Long Island (MARO)
320 Carleton Ave., Suite 5000
Central Islip, NY 11722
Phone: 631-851-3898
COVID-19 regulations for Long Island assisted living facilities
Assisted living facilities currently do not have specific COVID-19 regulations governing them. The below best practices are general recommendations from the New York State Department of Health.
Vaccinations. It is highly recommended that all eligible and consenting individuals receive vaccinations.
Facility cleanliness. All high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces must be regularly disinfected. Facility staff should be familiar with CDC protocols to prevent infection.
Staff safety. Staff should ensure they wear personal protective equipment and follow CDC guidance on hand-washing protocols and transmission-based precautions.
Quarantining. Quarantining must be implemented as necessary, in accordance with federal and state guidelines.
CDC guidelines. All residents and staff must follow all relevant CDC and New York State Department of Health guidelines.
Get to know assisted living on Long Island
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What to expect from assisted living on Long Island
Long Island is a bustling metropolitan area with millions of residents, and the care offerings are reflective of the vibrant and diverse community. Many of the assisted living facilities have staff members who speak Spanish and Italian in addition to English.
Accessibility and Assistance
All of the partner assisted living facilities on Long Island offer 24-hour awake staff. All offer on-site nursing, and nearly all (93%) offer full medication management. In addition to these standard care options, there are visiting nurses, occupation therapists, physical therapists, and podiatrists available to help minimize health problems and maximize the enjoyment of the offerings that are reflective of the broader community.
In addition to the above, seniors should find offerings like nutritious snacks and meals, accessible facilities and bathrooms, and other standard amenities appropriate for the setting. With a wide variety of options, seniors can be confident they will find the right Long Island assisted living facility for their needs.
Activities and Amenities
There is a sensitivity and dedication to individual needs, with many facilities providing vegetarian dining options and low- or no-sodium services. Additionally, the vast majority (93%) offer day trips and outings and arts and crafts centers. Most offer fitness classes to maintain seniors’ health and overall quality of life. Two-thirds offer game rooms, and nearly three-quarters of the facilities host live musical performances.
Aging-in-Place
While there are four standalone assisted living facilities on Long Island, you will also find 11 facilities that will offer a variety of care on the same campus. Eight of the facilities on Long Island offer both assisted living and memory care. One facility offers a combination of assisted living and independent living; this progressive approach to long-term care ensures that as residents continue to progress in age, they will not need to move into an entirely new facility that they are not familiar or comfortable with.
Another offers a combination of assisted living and adult day care; one is considered a group home. Group homes — called Adult Homes by the state — can provide assistance and supervision but not nursing or medical care.
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Unfamiliar with Long Island? Highlights for seniors
3,068,689
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living on Long Island
$44,136
Median annual income for Long Island seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors on Long Island
Long Island has numerous hospitals and medical centers to serve its large population. Here are some of the top facilities.
Long Island Jewish Medical Center
Long Island Jewish Medical Center is a teaching hospital as well as a general and surgical medical facility. It carries a national ranking in six adult specialties. It ranks 40th in the country for geriatrics.
Stony Brook University Hospital
Stony Brook is on HealthGrades list of America’s 50 Best Hospitals for 2023. It’s the only hospital on Long Island to receive this designation that puts it in the nation’s top 1%.
South Shore University Hospital
South Shore University Hospital is ranked 15th in the state of New York by U.S. News & World Report. It considered its areas of expertise to be in orthopedics, neurosciences, and heart and lung care.
Transportation for seniors on Long Island
Although the majority of households on Long Island own a car, there are some other options for getting around. At A Place for Mom’s partner assisted living facilities, free transportation is offered at more than half while at-cost transportation is available at 40%.
Suffolk County Transit and the Nassau Inter-county Express are the main public transportation providers on Long Island. This map of the Suffolk County bus system shows you where it can take you. This map gives you an idea of where the Nassau Inter-county Express goes, which dips into the western portion of Suffolk County.
Long Island also has a couple of ferry services that operate year-round. One ferry crosses the Long Island Sound from Port Jefferson to Bridgeport, Connecticut. The other ferry takes people to Fire Island.
Long Island isn’t great for walking or bike as a form of transportation. According to Walk Score. It doesn’t rank high on a scale of 0 to 100 earning only a 26 walk score and a 33 bike score.
26
Walk Score
33
Bike Score
Senior activities on Long Island
Long Island has millions of people and a dynamic offering of activities to complement its stable, historic pedigree. Seniors will find no shortage of activities and opportunities for engagement and entertainment while living on Long Island.
Outdoor Activities
For seniors who enjoy the outdoors, there are numerous things to do. For those looking for active options for visitors, there are golf and outdoor activities, with 13 golf courses available around Long Island like Bethpage State Park (where five miles of the Long Island Greenbelt Trail can also be accessed).
Seniors can hit the beach at Jones Beach State Park, Montauk Point State Park, Robert Moses State Park, and Orient Beach State Park.
Historical Activities
History buffs will find no shortage of opportunities to explore the past. Unique attractions like the Second House or the Montauk Point Lighthouse can be explored through the Montauk Historic Society. If seniors want a more modern exploration of history, they can explore the Cradle of Aviation Museum and learn about Long Island’s importance in the development of flight and contributions to continued exploration of the skies. This museum offers virtual museum tours, as well as wheelchair accessibility and assisted listening devices, to address a broad spectrum of accessibility needs.
Culinary Activities
Those looking for casual and relaxing venues with friends can explore places like the Jamesport Brewery. Many Long Island areas host food truck festivals as well.
Long Island is brimming with opportunities for a wide range of interests and needs. There is no shortage of activities, and everyone will find something to enjoy on Long Island.
Frequently asked questions
Maplewood at Southport, The Arbors at Bohemia and The Arbors at Hauppauge are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Ronkonkoma, NY. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Ronkonkoma is 5701.64 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
SmartAsset. (n.d.). New York retirement taxes. SmartAsset.
U.S. News & World Report. (2022). Long Island Jewish Medical Center at Northwell Health.
U.S. News & World Report. (2022). South Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health.
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