Best Assisted Living in Queens, NY | Compare Top Options
Named for the then Queen of England, Queens is both the largest borough in New York City and has the highest population of seniors 65+ at nearly 410,000. Queens County is one of the most diverse counties in the U.S. with over 140 languages spoken. This spirited melting pot offers seniors a variety of activities, entertainment, iconic public spaces, and a seemingly endless sample plate of the world’s cuisine.
A Place for Mom’s partner assisted living communities in Queens cost an average of $6,300 per month. Assisted living offers seniors the opportunity to maintain their independence by providing care, housing, and a social environment that supports physical and emotional well-being.
Queens Assisted Living Facilities | 1145 Reviews
Always super kind and helpful, very responsive to feedback. Very well kept, clean, pleasant, lots of activity areas, easy transport options
My husband was with Atria in the memory unit for a year. He could not return as he lost mobility and had a catheter that was in place. Atria was so great--there were many activities-he did not participate...
What impressed me is how much there is to do! My uncle has become more social than ever—he loves the Bingo games, crafts, and music nights. It’s been amazing to see him smiling and laughing again. The staff...
The place could use a facelift, however the warmth and charm of my moms room definitely is great. The entire staff, the owner, yummy food! QUALITY OF CARE-- all excellent--value for the money, YES!!!
Everyone is so friendly and ready to help whatever you need, they also have activities that they do with the clients after lunch, such as Bingo, Dominoes or puzzle solving. The facility is very clean and...
What we like the most about this community are the staff. The staff is incredibly kind, caring and friendly. Facility is comfortable and welcoming. We would absolutely recommend this community to other...
I love Sunrise at East 56th. I have only good things to say. It is so expensive $ [fee removed] a month plus a $[fee removed] move in community fee for a studio apartment on memory care but her room is right...
Everyone is very caring, helpful, and attentive to the community of the seniors living there and relatives of the seniors are always welcomed and treated as part of the family at Atria. The entire staff is...
The Plattduesch Senior Home has absolutely everything I’ve been hoping for and looking for. The food is excellent and changes for my diet are available any time I need or desire. The hardworking employees...
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This past weekend my family went to visit my aunt at the Esplanade. We were so happy to see the incredible care she is getting there. Every staff member who passed her in the hallway greeted her by name and...
The quality of care perhaps receives a 4 - not exactly an assisted living place, the people are enjoying life and they seem less in need of care than other senior living facilities. The quality of the...
So many wonderful aspects of this facility. The room and bathroom are spotless. I'm jealous of the menu for meals. My brother loves their word search etc, cognitive activity time. It's very bright and airy...
On the day I was going to see The Apsley and another place, I ended up canceling the second appointment. The Apsley's decor was impressive, and everyone I met that day was very nice. I wanted my husband to...
Honestly the Atria appears to be a very good place, the people are excellent. I am not there that often so I can't give a relevant answer about activities although I know they do offer a good amount.
My experience overall with staff has been positive, sometimes it takes a couple of days to get a response from heads of departments, but I understand that they have their hands full. As far as cost, I know...
My wife was transferred to Bristal from another Memory-care organization. The best decision i ever made. If I was aware of this facility it would have been my first choice. Place is clean, spacious and staff...
Overall a very friendly and helpful staff. As far as the food - They have many options, we signed my dad up to a few so far, he has missed them all and I haven't received a satisfactory answer for any.
Overall 4 - My mom is not happy there but that's because she misses her old life and does not recognize her limitations. Her children would give it a 5. Cleanliness - 5. Friendliness - 4 - The employees work...
I love the level of care, the staff were all personable and kind. Very dedicated to the residents. I wish there were more mentally stimulating activities for the residents.
My mother spent several quality years living at Brandywine both in assisted living and memory care. She had always resisted the idea of assisted living but from the first day there she loved it. She enjoyed...
My Uncle is so happy here. When I visit him he just looks so alive and he doesn’t want to leave. The staff members are so nice and are very well mannered. Everyone is so helpful and understanding. If they’re...
Cannot say enough about the staff at the Bristal at North Hills. They all get to know both residents as well as families - not just their names but on a personal basis as well. My parents were so well taken...
The facility is very clean. Care quality is very good. Staff is friendly, caring and attentive to the residents. The only negative thing about Amber Court is that they do not have activities for the...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Queens community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Queens community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
Cost of assisted living in Queens
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:[02]
- 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.
How to pay for assisted living in Queens
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.[03] 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.[04] 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.
What to expect from assisted living in Queens
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.[02]
Assisted living facilities in Queens also have excellent community amenities including: [02]
- Beauty salon/barbershops
- Outside common areas
- Movie or theater rooms
- Arts and crafts rooms
- Indoor community room
Assisted living laws and regulations in Queens
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:[06]
- 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.
Activities for seniors in Queens
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 19th 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.
How do seniors in Queens get around?
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.[02]
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.
Health care for seniors living 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.[05]
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.[06]
Frequently Asked Questions
Arden Courts A ProMedica Memory Care Community in West Orange, The Belvedere and Van Dyk Park Place are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Queens, 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 Queens is $6,843 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over (S0103) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
New York State Department of Health. (2014, August). Assisted Living Program.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101). [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Hospitals in Queens, NY.
New York State Department of Health. (2023). Adult care facility services.
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