About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2024 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2024 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2024 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
Veteran ResourcesVA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care.Guide to VA benefits for long-term care
Senior Living Home
10 Best Nursing Homes in Buffalo, NY

Answer a few questions to get personalized results

Who are you searching for?

Buffalo has long been known for the beauty of its seasons: moderate summers, cool autumns, beautifully white winters, and not terribly rainy springs. Buffalo is a bit like that proverbial porridge: not too hot, not too cold – it’s just right, which certainly makes it an ideal location for the senior population.

So if you’re looking for a nursing home in Buffalo, you may actually be searching for assisted living or memory care senior living facilities. Nursing homes have become an umbrella term used to describe a range of residential senior care facilities, such as assisted living and memory care facilities. Assisted living facilities provide seniors, who are somewhat independent, with the support they need to successfully complete daily activities. Memory care facilities specialize in 24/7 care and long-term accommodations for the elderly with memory loss, while nursing homes provide constant medical care.

While A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with stand-alone skilled nursing facilities, we do have relationships with 12 senior living communities in the Buffalo area that offer assisted living and memory care. To make the process of finding a senior living community that is perfectly suited to you or your loved one’s needs easier, we’ve put together a detailed guide on assisted living and memory care facilities within a 10-mile radius of Buffalo’s city center. Each is ranked by a variety of categories. You’ll also find additional information on costs, payment options, local and state regulations, transportation services, health care, and more.

Nursing Homes Facilities near Buffalo, NY
Showing 47 communities
Last Updated: 3/27/24
Sort by
Filter by
Awards
Best of Senior Living

The top senior living communities stand out for their exceptional care and support of seniors in independent living, assisted living, memory care, and in-home care. Our Best of Senior Living Award winners represent the top 1-2% of senior care providers nationwide based on reviews from those who matter most: residents and families.

Review Score
Distance
See communities with
Amenities
Providers
Types of care available in Buffalo, NY
Nursing Homes
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Assisted Living
Assisted Living
Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Memory Care
Memory Care
Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Independent Living
Independent Living
Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Residential Care Home
Residential Care Home
Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Senior Apartments
Senior Apartments
Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Home Care
Home Care
Home care relies on trained aides to provide companionship and non-medical care for seniors living at home.
Recent reviews of Nursing Homes in Buffalo, NY
5 / 5.0

The people and the care here are really good, I love it. I'm kind of bored at times, but that's because I'm picky about the activities that I choose to participate in that the facility offers. There are so many staff that I liked, they are all good. They keep everything clean, from the outside to th...

5 / 5.0

The staff at River Road are very friendly and attentive to the residents. My sister in law enjoys the food and they have a variety to choose from. They have activities for the residents, however she does not participate in any. The community is well maintained inside and out.

4.5 / 5.0

Small community (52 beds)which makes it nicer for a resident to assimilate into the community as well as navigate the property. Memory care facility only so the staff is well trained on how to care for memory care residents They do a great job of coordinating activities for the residents so they kee...

Photo of Brookdale Williamsville
88 Photos available
22 Floor plans available
9.5
Review score
23 reviews
9.5
Review score
23 reviews
5 star
57%
4 star
22%
3 star
17%
2 star
4%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
I'd say my biggest complaint would be the lack of communication. The front staff has been great. Some of the nurses and aids that work with residents can be difficult to deal with or just generally...
Provides: Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
A place that is familiar and comforting—that’s home. Our Alzheimer's and dementia care community, also known as Clare Bridge, is rooted in “a person-centered approach”. That means we help our residents find a sense of belonging and purpose while also helping them preserve who they are. For people...
See details
Photo of The AmberleighCommunity card badge
99 Photos available
66 Floor plans available
9.5
Review score
146 reviews
9.5
Review score
146 reviews
5 star
58%
4 star
25%
3 star
4%
2 star
3%
1 star
10%
See all reviews
The staff is wonderful. The housekeeping is okay. The meals need improvement and are served cold. I would recommend the facility, but not the food.
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Explore new interests at The Amberleigh, where our blend of desired amenities and convenient services offers residents a vibrant lifestyle that encourages health and independence through innovative recreational, educational, health and wellness programs. Our Williamsville, New York, Independent...
See details
Photo of Peregrine Senior Living at Orchard Park
77 Photos available
9.5
Review score
28 reviews
9.5
Review score
28 reviews
5 star
72%
4 star
14%
3 star
0%
2 star
7%
1 star
7%
See all reviews
My loved one is a resident at Peregrine Senior Living at Orchard Park and everything has been great so far. I would recommend this facility to others.
Provides: Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Peregrine Orchard Park Memory Care Community is located in Orchard Park, New York, an outstanding suburb southeast of Buffalo. Our care specialty is focused on the memory impaired; but not only that, our resident's are revered and respected for their contribution to society as a whole as well as...
See details
Photo of Brookdale Kenmore
1313 Photos available
22 Floor plans available
9.4
Review score
52 reviews
9.4
Review score
52 reviews
5 star
38%
4 star
31%
3 star
23%
2 star
4%
1 star
4%
See all reviews
We were told and paid for two showers a week, for 8 months we had trouble getting her one shower per week sometimes it would stretch to 10 days now we have withheld the fee for the showers hoping to motivate...
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Here you’ll get to redefine your independence, pursue new hobbies and live your life your way. At our enhanced assisted living community, you’ll have choices for how to spend your time. With enhanced assisted living, you’ll have assistance with medications, dressing and bathing, as well as...
See details
Photo of Peregrine Senior Living at CheektowagaCommunity card badge
1111 Photos available
9.2
Review score
53 reviews
9.2
Review score
53 reviews
5 star
39%
4 star
25%
3 star
15%
2 star
6%
1 star
15%
See all reviews
A place for mom called me back within a minute of my request online. She was so helpful. Gave me direction where to start and make appointments to tour. Gave me names of who to contact. I was given the...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
At Peregrine's Landing Senior Community, every day you will be greeted by members of our friendly, caring staff who will offer freshly prepared, restaurant-style meals in our elegant dining room. Participate in exciting, fulfilling daily activities. Or, visit with friends and family, enjoy a...
See details
Photo of Elderwood Assisted Living at West Seneca
1010 Photos available
8.8
Review score
24 reviews
8.8
Review score
24 reviews
5 star
55%
4 star
29%
3 star
8%
2 star
8%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
We think the facility is very nice. Our experience the past year has been very good. Overall I think our complaint would be with the day of arrival entry process. It was VERY long, often duplicative of...
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Elderwood Assisted Living at West Seneca offers an independent lifestyle with caring personal attention. The community in West Seneca, New York, features comfortable common spaces and private studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. The backyard patio features a lovely koi pond and overlooks a...
See details
Photo of Elderwood Village at Bassett Park
99 Photos available
8.4
Review score
72 reviews
8.4
Review score
72 reviews
5 star
38%
4 star
38%
3 star
18%
2 star
6%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Staff is very friendly. Housekeeping and maintenance do an excellent job. Communication with family is lacking at times, but has definitely improved after my mom has been there for a few months. My mom...
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Elderwood Village at Bassett Park offers exceptional assisted living services in the historic village of Williamsville, New York. As part of the Buffalo Metro Region, Williamsville is a great place to call home offering all the charm of small town living and the conveniences that come from being...
See details
Photo of Tennyson Court
1111 Photos available
8.2
Review score
27 reviews
8.2
Review score
27 reviews
5 star
48%
4 star
22%
3 star
15%
2 star
4%
1 star
11%
See all reviews
After touring 5 communities in the area, we settled on Tennyson Court. I cannot understate how happy I am with the decision we made. This family run business has some of the sweetest employees I've ever...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
While it is easy to boast about the true beauty of Tennyson Court our dedicated and professional team members are our true offering. Tennyson Court Assisted Living and Memory Care has been providing outstanding care to the WNY community for over 20 years. Our Nurses and Care Aides have been...
See details
Photo of Elderwood Village at Williamsville
1111 Photos available
33 Floor plans available
7.8
Review score
26 reviews
7.8
Review score
26 reviews
5 star
49%
4 star
27%
3 star
8%
2 star
8%
1 star
8%
See all reviews
I would recommend. We toured only two facilities and really liked Elderwood in Williamsville. My mom is very happy there. And I'm so grateful for the assistance I got from you.
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Elderwood Village at Williamsville offers an independent lifestyle with a caring, personal touch. Our community, located close to the Village of Williamsville, features studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes. Our experienced and attentive staff handles cooking, housekeeping and...
See details
Photo of Heathwood Assisted Living and Memory Care
1818 Photos available
55 Floor plans available
7.8
Review score
12 reviews
7.8
Review score
12 reviews
5 star
50%
4 star
25%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
25%
See all reviews
Overall, the place is very, very nice staff is very good. You get a few like everywhere that it's just the job. The big thing is the cost. And they just have a large increase
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Inline cta image

Our free advisors can help

  • Compare local facilities
  • Determine care type
  • Schedule tours
  • Evaluate pricing
Photo of Autumn View Health Care Facility
33 Photos available
5 star
72%
4 star
21%
3 star
5%
2 star
0%
1 star
2%
See all reviews
The facility is perfect, very neat and very clean. I could only eat the meals towards the end, but they were okay. I think the staff should pay more attention to the patients.
Provides: Nursing Homes
Care types provided by this community
Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
The McGuire Group’s Autumn View Health Care Facility provides a variety of services including 24-hour skilled nursing care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, palliative care and respite/short-term care. Our rehabilitation program encompasses a breadth of therapy services for joint...
Photo of Garden Gate Health Care Facility
77 Photos available
1.0
Review score
17 reviews
1.0
Review score
17 reviews
5 star
41%
4 star
29%
3 star
18%
2 star
0%
1 star
12%
See all reviews
I like the rooms and the friendliness of the staff. There are different staff, from different areas, that stop by every day to see if there is anything they can do and how the coordination is going. The...
Provides: Nursing Homes
Care types provided by this community
Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
At The McGuire Group’s Garden Gate Health Care Facility, we’ve found that transitions into a health care facility are easier when you’re knowledgeable about the options that exist. While each individual’s situation is unique, it’s wise to conduct research and tour the facility before the need...
Photo of Brompton Heights
22 Photos available
5 star
44%
4 star
31%
3 star
13%
2 star
6%
1 star
6%
See all reviews
Brompton Heights does a good job at working with you to make sure your loved one has the best care possible. They are compassionate, and skilled at different levels of care for the residents. The meals...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Assisted LivingFor the active senior who seeks to maintain a healthy and enriched lifestyle without the worries of maintaininga home, the Assisted Living services and accommodations at Brompton Heights offerthe perfect solution. Our community is more like home than ever before. In addition to...
Photo of Elderwood Assisted Living at Tonawanda
1212 Photos available
2.5
Review score
14 reviews
2.5
Review score
14 reviews
5 star
36%
4 star
21%
3 star
29%
2 star
7%
1 star
7%
See all reviews
it's going okay with my loved one being here so far. i've personally spent some time at another Elderwood community and did not like it. they have several locations, and this one gets a FIVE!
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
While we may be new to the Elderwood family, our facility has been located in Tonawanda for over 20 years. Formally Tonawanda Manor, Elderwood Assisted Living at Tonawanda prides itself on the staff that have worked here for decades. Our administrator, Ann Marie, has been a part of our community...
See details
Photo of Ellicott Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing
55 Photos available
1.0
Review score
4 reviews
1.0
Review score
4 reviews
5 star
50%
4 star
0%
3 star
25%
2 star
0%
1 star
25%
See all reviews
Everybody provides great care and if I need anything answered, one of the nurses gives you what you need. They give my loved one the rehab he needs. You can smell that it is clean. If I ask them to do...
Provides: Nursing Homes
Care types provided by this community
Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
Our mission is to provide Ellicott Center's community with the finest rehabilitation and skilled nursing services. Excellence is our goal and excellent outcomes in recovery and rehabilitation are our daily measures of progress. We strive to maintain a comfortable, dignified environment where our...
Photo of Seneca Health Care Center
88 Photos available
5 star
50%
4 star
17%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
33%
See all reviews
I've been very satisfied. I have been so pleased, I can't tell you how pleased I've been. I'm a retired nurse, so I'm familiar with good and bad nursing care, and they're fantastic. They try their best to...
Provides: Nursing Homes
Care types provided by this community
Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
The McGuire Group’s Seneca Health Care Center provides a variety of services including 24-hour skilled nursing care, inpatient rehabilitation, palliative care and respite/short-term care. Our rehabilitation program encompasses a breadth of therapy services for joint replacements, cardiac care,...
Photo of Harris Hill Nursing Facility
77 Photos available
1.5
Review score
8 reviews
1.5
Review score
8 reviews
5 star
49%
4 star
13%
3 star
0%
2 star
13%
1 star
25%
See all reviews
Therapy has been excellent. My loved one is starting to get some movement back in her legs. The nurses have been nice. The meals are great. The doctors come by on a regular basis.
Provides: Nursing Homes
Care types provided by this community
Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
The McGuire Group’s Harris Hill Nursing Facility provides a variety of services including 24-hour skilled nursing care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, memory care, palliative care and respite/short-term care. Our rehabilitation program encompasses a breadth of therapy services for joint...
Photo of Elderwood Assisted Living at Cheektowaga
1010 Photos available
5 star
20%
4 star
20%
3 star
20%
2 star
0%
1 star
40%
See all reviews
Overall our experience with Elderwood Assisted Living has been a good one. The staff is very compassionate, and they do a great job explaining everything that is going to be going on. We had a few difficult...
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Elderwood Assisted Living at Cheektowaga is a assisted living community located in the growing town of Cheektowaga, NY. Cheektowaga is located in Erie County, close to Buffalo, and home to just over 88,000 people. Cheektowaga has a lot of great stores, shopping, and restaurants giving residents...
See details
Photo of Eden Heights of West Seneca
8.0
Review score
22 reviews
8.0
Review score
22 reviews
5 star
63%
4 star
18%
3 star
9%
2 star
5%
1 star
5%
See all reviews
Eden Heights was a wonderful facility. We chose them because it was quick, they had availability, and they took her on short notice. The room sizes at the facility were adequate for what she needed. The...
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Eden Heights of West SenecaEden Heights is an assisted living community that is found among the rolling hills and wide open skies of West Seneca, NY. Our community is only minutes from downtown Buffalo, which gives visiting relatives plenty of lodging and dining choices during their visit. Eden...
5 star
100%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Was expectibg one of the lower tier homes for the price but it’s very nice there!
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
There’s something for everyone at Glenwell, a senior living community that offers the comforts of home, a commitment to enhancing quality of life, and personal care services in a supportive environment. Our welcoming community is conveniently located in a quiet setting just around the corner from...
5 star
33%
4 star
33%
3 star
34%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
I have regularily been going there for over six years and It has never had a smell of any kind. It is very clean and the food is very good. I have had two relatives there, one of which is my mom. I...
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Elderwood St. Gregory Court offers a home like setting and cheerful smiles from our professional staff who greet you every day. Our caring staff offers the assistance you need while respecting your independence.Our peaceful setting, restaurant style dining experience, activities, and beautiful...
5 star
0%
4 star
60%
3 star
20%
2 star
20%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
We are very pleased with the Bristol home. Mom is also very happy there. She has made friends and is much more active. All personnel are friendly. We feel she is safe and well cared for.
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
The Bristol Home is a non-profit assisted living facility located in the theatre district of Downtown Buffalo. The Bristol Home has served the needs of the area's elderly women for more than one hundred and thirty-five years. Our mission is to continue providing exceptional care and services to...
Photo of Oakwood Senior Living
5 star
33%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
33%
1 star
34%
See all reviews
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
There’s something for everyone at Kenwell, a senior living community that offers the comforts of home, a commitment to enhancing quality of life, and personal care services in a supportive environment. Our welcoming community is conveniently located just around the corner from shopping,...
5 star
50%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
50%
See all reviews
She recovered enough to the point that we were able to move her to Assisted Living. The building was older and the rooms were smaller.
Provides: Nursing Homes
Care types provided by this community
Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
Photo of Elderwood Skilled Nursing at Williamsville
1.0
Review score
1 review
1.0
Review score
1 review
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
100%
See all reviews
Provides: Nursing Homes
Care types provided by this community
Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.

Costs of nursing homes in the Buffalo area

Nursing home facilities in Buffalo average about $12,994 per month for a semi-private room or $13,559 for a private one.[01] According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, assisted living in the area costs an average of $4,299 per month.[02] Memory care, on the other hand, is slightly higher, averaging about $4,396 per month.[02] These assisted living and memory care cost figures account for room, board, care services, and other associated fees and add-ons and represent total cost.

Services do vary by facility but often assisted living and memory care involve medication management, snacks and meal services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and dementia therapies, to name only a few. You can also expect a facility to provide an age-friendly environment, amenities, and a range of activities such as live music, day trips, picnics, and holiday parties. Nursing homes, on the other hand, are focused on round-the-clock medical care.

Average cost comparisons near Buffalo, NY

Average monthly costs

Buffalo, NY

$4,332

How people pay for a nursing home in Buffalo

Paying for a nursing home, assisted living, or memory care facility often involves a combination of private and public resources. Below, you’ll find additional information on some common means of paying for care, including VA benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, and personal funds.

Private pay methods

Some portion of the costs for skilled nursing, assisted living, or memory care will likely require some private funds. These might include personal savings accounts, pensions, Social Security benefits, distributions from retirement accounts, income generated from investments, and any one or more of the following:

Caregiver Resources
Can You Use Your HSA for Long-Term Care Costs?
By Celia Searles
Caregiver Resources
Reverse Mortgages and Long-Term Care: The Pros and Cons
By Merritt Whitley, senior living writer and editor
VA benefits
9460

Number of veterans who live in Buffalo

About 25% of Buffalo veterans are over the age of 75

Veterans living in the Buffalo area will have a range of VA benefits available, often starting with the VA Pension. The VA Pension is a needs-based benefit that supplements a veteran’s income, so it can go toward the costs of a skilled nursing home, assisted living community, or memory care facility. The VA Aid and Attendance benefit can also be helpful in offsetting the cost of care, but only for veterans or survivors requiring assistance in their day-to-day activities (i.e., bathing, dressing, eating, etc.) or who meet other requirements, such as having vision impairments, a need to be bedfast, or who reside in a nursing home.

If you have a service-related disability, you may be eligible for VA Disability Compensation, as well. This benefit can be applied toward health-related expenses. It also bears mentioning that your disability status affects VA copays and program eligibility. If you’re eligible and haven’t yet applied, do so by mailing an application to your VA Regional Office or filling out the online form. You can find additional information about the VA Disability Compensation on the VA website.

Assistance in applying for VA benefits

With the level of complexity involved in the VA benefits system, you may also want to consider working with a veteran service officer. These experts can be a wealth of information and provide much-needed assistance in the application process. To connect with a VA-vetted and recognized advisor, contact any one of the Buffalo area’s veterans service organizations or a local VA office.

Resources for Buffalo veterans

VA offices

VA Buffalo Regional Office
130 S. Elmwood Ave., Suite 601
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Erie County Veterans Service Agency
Rath Office Building
95 Franklin St., Suite 800
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-862-8902

VSOs

Disabled American Veterans
130 S. Elmwood Ave., Suite 620
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-858-6363
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Erie County American Legion
609 City Hall
65 Niagara St.
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-852-6500

AMVETS Post 72
1881 Clinton St.
Buffalo, NY 14206
Phone: 716-825-6207

Vietnam Veterans of America Post 77
57 Main St.
Tonawanda, NY 14150
Phone: 716-693-4479

VFW Post 898
Col. John B. Weber Post
2909 S. Park Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14218
Phone: 716-823-9605

Medicaid

Medicaid in New York provides comprehensive health coverage for income-eligible seniors and can go a long way in helping offset the costs for a wide range of services. And though the benefit does not pay for custodial care (i.e., room and board) at assisted living communities or memory care facilities, it does pay for custodial care at nursing homes.

However, those living in assisted living or memory care facilities might be eligible for in-home health care coverage through a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver.

If you require long-term care, Medicaid Managed Care has several different plans available through its Medicaid Managed Long-Term Care Program. These plans generally provide home care and community-based services and may also offer assistance in paying for personal care, adult day care, and specialty health, like physical therapy, speech therapy, audiology, and more. For any senior with Alzheimer’s disease or a dementia-related diagnosis, the Special Needs Assisted Living Residence (SNALR) voucher program is often of benefit, as it can provide vouchers for up to 75% of the regional monthly private pay rate for approved applicants.

The local Office for the Aging has information and applications for the New York State Partnership for Long-Term Care. This is a program that helps seniors protect their assets and remain qualified for Medicaid by using a combination of private long-term care insurance and Medicaid to help with long-term care.

Before choosing a Medicaid plan, it’s always advisable to review your options. You can also get more personalized assistance by contacting a Medicaid enrollment navigator. Your local ombudsman can also help guide you through the process of applying and using your benefits. If you’re not familiar, ombudsmen are trained to help answer health coverage questions, advocate for your rights, and provide assistance with Medicaid, Medicare, and long-term care.

For the application process, you have a number of options available. For one, the enrollment assistants not only can answer questions but help with your application. Additionally, you can apply through any one of the following ways: online (here are step-by-step instructions) or by printing out a paper application for Medicaid and mailing it to the Erie County Work Center.

Buffalo resident Medicaid resources

Apply for Medicaid

Medicaid application mailing address
P.O. Box 120
Buffalo, NY 14201-9903

Erie County Work Center
159 Pearl St.
Buffalo, NY 14202
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Office for the Aging
Erie County Department of Senior Services
95 Franklin St., Room 1329
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-858-8526
Email: nyconnects@erie.gov

Medicaid application assistance

New York State of Health Customer Service Center
Phone: 855-355-5777
TYY: 800-662-1220
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Local Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – Region 15
Contact: Susan Fenster, ombudsman coordinator
2447 Main St.
Buffalo, NY 14214
Phone: 716-817-5626
Email: sfenster@people-inc.org

Medicare

Medicare does not cover custodial care (room and board) in assisted living or memory care facilities. It does, however, cover skilled nursing care but only on a short-term basis to help pay for the following when medically necessary:

  • Skilled nursing care
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Speech-language pathology
  • Dietary counseling
  • Medical social services
  • Medications, medical supplies, and equipment
  • Ambulance transportation
  • Semi-private room and board in a nursing home

For seniors with Alzheimer’s or a dementia-related diagnosis, Medicare Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) Model provides additional benefits, cost savings, and more flexible health care plans – not to mention, improved care coordination. Medicare also covers many of the costs associated with care planning for people with dementia, such as cognitive evaluations, safety evaluations, and other related services.[05]

Other programs to look into include the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). There are two providers in the Buffalo area. PACE is a program that helps seniors avoid nursing home placement by providing a variety of social and medical services in their homes or senior living facilities.

The Medicare Savings Program provides extra assistance to low-income seniors who need help paying copayments or Medicare premiums. Those seniors will also qualify for Extra Help, which provides additional medication coverage. The Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program helps with drug costs.

When submitting an application for Medicare, the Social Security Administration office can provide additional information and help with the Medicare application process. The New York State of Health (NYSOH) provides trained navigators that you can connect with in your area for help with the Medicare process. Another excellent program is the Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program (HIICAP). The long-term care ombudsman for region 15 is also a helpful source of information and assistance.

Buffalo resident Medicare resources

Apply for Medicare and programs

Social Security Administration Office
478 Main St., Suite 200
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

EPIC Application and Contact Information
Phone: 800-332-3742
TYY: 800-290-9138
Email: nysdohepic@magellanhealth.com

 

Catholic Health LIFE PACE Program
55 Melroy Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14211
Phone: 716-819-5433
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Fallon Health Weinberg PACE
461 John James Audubon Parkway
Amherst, NY 14228
Phone: 855-665-1112
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Advocacy and assistance

Local Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – Region 15
Contact: Susan Fenster, ombudsman coordinator
2447 Main St.
Buffalo, NY 14214
Phone: 716-817-5626
Email: sfenster@people-inc.org

NYSOH Navigator Program – Erie County
237 Main St., Suite 400
Buffalo, NY 14203
Phone: 716-847-0650
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Understand New York laws and regulations for nursing homes

Nursing homes are regulated by both the federal and state governments. Once licensed, nursing homes are subject to regular inspections conducted by the New York State Department of Health’s Division of Nursing every nine to 15 months. These nursing home inspections often fall into one of two categories: standard health or life safety code. The former involves observing resident care, staff-resident interactions, and the facility itself, while the latter involves fire safety code requirements. If a facility has an infraction, a subsequent post-survey visit would also occur.

If you’d like to review inspection and complaint information, you can do so through NYS Nursing Home Profiles website. First, select a nursing home from the left of the map or search for a specific nursing home on the map graphic itself.

Assisted living facilities

Assisted living facilities are not federally regulated, but they are licensed and regulated by the state. In New York, that’s done through the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)

In New York, assisted living facilities fall under the umbrella of Adult Care Facilities, and there are three types that are licensed in the state: Adult Homes, Enriched Housing Programs, and Residences for Adults. An Adult Care Facility is then licensed as an Assisted Living Residence (ALR).

Assisted living facilities provide room and board, housekeeping, case management, medication management, and coordination of any nursing care all in a homey setting. Facilities can also be certified as an Enhanced Assisted Living Residence (EALR), giving them the option to provide nursing care to meet greater medical needs.

Memory care facilities

Assisted living facilities offering memory care services would also require a Special Needs Assisted Living Residence (SNALR) certification in addition to an ALR license. This ensures that memory care facilities have staff who are specially trained in how to care for residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s. There are also additional specifications around the building itself to ensure security for memory care facilities to keep those with memory loss safe from wandering.

Assisted living and memory care inspections

Licensed assisted living and memory care facilities are inspected every 12 to 18 months by New York’s Department of Health to ensure all laws and regulations are being met. If there is a complaint, the inspections can happen more often. Information about inspections and complaints can be found on the New York State Department of Health’s website, which is searchable by facility type, facility name, or by county.

New York Department of Health contact information

New York State Department of Health
Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12237
Phone: 866-881-2809
Email: dohweb@health.ny.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m

COVID-19 regulations for Buffalo nursing homes

New York recently updated its COVID-19 guidelines for nursing homes to align with the federal guidelines. The guidelines cover testing, screening, and visitation, but are not mandates. Each nursing home, assisted living, and memory care facility might have its own rules.

An illustration of a syringe

Vaccinations.

Communities must facilitate but do not require vaccinations and boosters.

An illustration of a protective breathing mask

Masking.

Masks are recommended but not mandatory.

An illustration of a broom

Facility cleanliness.

Regular sanitization and cleaning, as well as good ventilation, are recommended.

An illustration of a list with a check mark

CDC guidelines.

New York follows CDC guidance that recommends passive screening by providing education and posting instructions on signage throughout the facility.

Get to know senior living in Buffalo

12Number of in-network assisted living facilities in market
3.9/5.0 average in-network rating
58% of our Buffalo partner communities are pet-friendly
50% of our partner communities offer memory care
83% of our partner communities in Buffalo offer on-site hospice
50% of our partner communities have on-site nursing
50% of these communities offer doctors on-call
2978
Number of people we have referred to our partner communities in Buffalo
84
Average age of resident we have referred to partner communities in Buffalo
Gender split: 67% female

What to expect from nursing homes in Buffalo

Senior living facilities come in many shapes and sizes. You’ll find that nursing homes, assisted living communities, and memory care facilities offer a range of services and activities that help residents maintain their quality of life while providing whatever level of assistance is necessary. You and your loved one will also have options ranging from more budget-friendly to luxury, which can affect room styles and additional amenities. Needless to say, a move is often a big decision – and one you want to get right. Fortunately, Buffalo is home to a dozen senior housing options within our partner community for you to choose from.[02]

Facilities in the Buffalo area

Six of the Buffalo senior living communities in A Place for Mom’s network would fall under the category of stand-alone assisted living, where residents remain mostly independent in a home or apartment setting with some assistance in day-to-day activities. Your other options for communities include stand-alone memory care facilities, focusing more so on providing a safe and structured environment with dementia-related therapies; a combination of assisted living and memory care, independent living and assisted living; and independent living, assisted living, and memory care.[02] Facilities that offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care are especially valuable options for seniors that are living independently now but would like to remain in one community to receive additional care as they need it.

Care-related services

It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that care-related services will vary from one community to the next, often dependent on the type of senior care. While all Buffalo communities in A Place for Mom’s network offer medication management, staff members awake 24 hours, and visiting specialists in occupational, physical, and speech therapy, it does begin to diverge in offerings from there.[02] About half the communities offer memory care.[02] The same can be said for those that have an on-call physician.[02] With memory care, facilities will often provide redirection, cuing, and disorientation care as well as restlessness, pacing, and wandering care.[02]

Activities and amenities

As with care-related services, activities, and amenities will vary among senior living communities. That said, there will be no shortage of things to do, as all the communities in our partner network staff an activity director.[02] Expect plenty of day trips and outings to enjoy all that Buffalo has to offer. But living in a senior community isn’t just about what you can do around town. Most offer an array of activities on-site, like live musical performances, holiday parties, stretching classes, art classes, devotional activities, and trivia games. You’ll also find those that schedule regular yoga classes, chair yoga classes, brain fitness, and happy hours.

Explore senior care with confidence

content with icon image

Know where to start.

Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.

content with icon image

See what you can afford.

Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.

content with icon image

Find top facilities for you.

Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.

content with icon image

Tour your favorite facilities.

Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.

Unfamiliar with Buffalo? Highlights for seniors

35,727

Number of seniors 65 and older currently living in Buffalo

13%
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Buffalo population
$33,843

Median annual income for Buffalo seniors 65 and older

Health care for seniors in Buffalo

Buffalo is home to a wide variety of health care options for the senior population, some of which are ranked nationally for their care services:

A graphic of a capital letter H in a circle

Buffalo General Medical Center

Recognized as Western New York’s No. 1 hospital, Buffalo General has received high-performance ratings in 13 specialty areas including colon cancer surgery, heart bypass surgery, hip and knee replacements.

Find a doctor
Find a location

A graphic of a capital letter H in a circle

Mercy Hospital-Buffalo

Serving the communities of Buffalo and Western New York, Mercy Hospital provides full-serve medical care and ranks highly in heart attack care and three other areas.

Find a doctor
Find a location

A graphic of a capital letter H in a circle

Erie County Medical Center

Certified as a level I adult trauma center, Erie County Medical Center is also a teaching and research facility for the University of Buffalo.

Find a doctor
Find a location

A graphic of a capital letter H in a circle

Sisters of Charity Hospital

Established in 1998, Sisters of Charity Hospital provides care across Western New York as part of a large nonprofit health care system. The hospital is ranked as high performing in kidney failure care.

Find a doctor
Find a location

A graphic of a capital letter H in a circle

Buffalo VA Medical Center

From cardiology care to comprehensive cancer care, the Buffalo VA Medical Center is set up to provide medical services to Buffalo’s veteran population.

Find a doctor
Find a location

Transportation for seniors in Buffalo

In Buffalo, 67% of Buffalo senior living communities in A Place for Mom’s network provide residents with complimentary transportation, and the rest provide at-cost transportation. Facility-provided transportation also provides a safe option for seniors to travel as residents receiving memory care should travel with a caregiver.

However, other transit options are available. Going Places Transportation System, for one, provides curb-to-curb van service for the senior population and their caretakers. All that’s necessary is to schedule the ride ahead of time. The Paratransit Access Line (PAL), a curb-to-curb rideshare service offered through the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) is another option for eligible seniors. The service also provides a Personal Care Attendant (PAC) for people unable to travel independently. You will need to apply for PAL and request PAC assistance. Visit the NFTA website or call 716-855-7267 for further details on eligibility requirements and the application process.

The Buffalo area is also home to Accessible Dispatch, another curb-to-curb ride service with the option for door-to-door assistance. Rides can be scheduled either through the mobile app or by calling 646-599-9999.

Apart from that, the Erie County Department of Senior Services offers transportation assistance to individuals who are 60 and older through its “Going Places” program. Call 716-858-RIDE or 716-858-7433 to schedule the service.

Senior activities in Buffalo

Being the second largest city in New York State, it’s no wonder that Buffalo has more than a few attractions, historical sites, and activities that may be of interest to the senior community. You and your loved one are sure to find something to do for a fun day out and about.

The parks system alone is quite the draw, as it was conceived and designed by renowned landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted.[07] Take your loved one to visit the likes of Delaware Park, Cazenovia Park, Front Park, Riverside Park, and South Park to stroll the walking paths and soak in the gardens, trees, and green space – among a variety of other features. In fact, South Park is home to the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, which not only have a wide variety of native and exotic plants from every corner of the globe but the architecture is a sight to see.

Buffalo also has the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Historic Site, where people can take a tour of historically restored rooms and see interactive exhibits. Military history buffs will enjoy the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, where visitors can go through the museum and see four decommissioned Naval vessels.

Within the senior care facilities, residents can enjoy their indoor and outdoor common areas. Assisted living and memory care facilities have arts and crafts activities that you can participate in with your loved one. Assisted living and memory care facilities in particular have many options for activities within their communities, such as live music, barbecues and picnics, day trips scheduled through the facility, holiday parties, trivia games, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Buffalo, NY. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.

The average cost of Nursing Homes in Buffalo is per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.

References

  1. Genworth. (2021). Cost of Care Survey: Buffalo Area, NY.

  2. A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.

  3. United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.

  4. United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.

  5. Medicare.gov. (n.d.) Is your test, item, or service covered?

  6. U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Buffalo, NY.

  7. Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. (2018). Buffalo’s Frederick Law Olmsted Legacy: The Park System that Started It All.

Photo cta image

More questions?

Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
Back to top
1.

Genworth. (2021). Cost of Care Survey: Buffalo Area, NY.

2.

A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.

3.

United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.

4.

United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.

5.
6.

U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Buffalo, NY.

7.