When you hear the word “Buffalo,” the first thing that might come to mind is buffalo wings. But there’s so much more to the city than the invention of this popular bar-and-grill staple. The Buffalo, New York, area is rich with history, architecture, and arts — not to mention being home to an extensive parks system. It’s also home to a number of assisted living communities, with a range of residential options that allow seniors to live in an accessible, age-friendly setting with assistance in day-to-day activities, as well as other care-related services, all while surrounded by the beauty of Buffalo.
To help find an assisted living community that’s best suited to your specific needs, A Place for Mom has put together this guide. Below, you’ll find listings for 10 assisted living communities within a 10-mile radius of Buffalo’s city center that partner with A Place for Mom. You’ll also find details on payment options, local and state regulations, transportation, health care, and more on the city itself.
Find Assisted Living Communities Near Buffalo, NY
When you hear the word “Buffalo,” the first thing that might come to mind is buffalo wings. But there’s so much more to the city than the invention of this popular bar-and-grill staple. The Buffalo, New York, area is rich with history, architecture, and arts — not to mention being home to an extensive parks system. It’s also home to a number of assisted living communities, with a range of residential options that allow seniors to live in an accessible, age-friendly setting with assistance in day-to-day activities, as well as other care-related services, all while surrounded by the beauty of Buffalo.Read more
To help find an assisted living community that’s best suited to your specific needs, A Place for Mom has put together this guide. Below, you’ll find listings for 10 assisted living communities within a 10-mile radius of Buffalo’s city center that partner with A Place for Mom. You’ll also find details on payment options, local and state regulations, transportation, health care, and more on the city itself.
Buffalo Assisted Living Facilities | 529 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...
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.
My loved one is currently a resident at Brookdale Kenmore. We are very pleased with the facility and our loved one seems happy there. It it expensive, but much nicer than other facilities that we toured. We...
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.
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...
It's only 3 months but I would give them a 4.5 in all the categories. I am starting to feel comfortable with my choice. The staff are very nice and caring. I think it is a wonderful safe place for our more...
This community was available at the time our loved one needed to be quickly moved, the staff members and residents are all very nice to our loved one and to our family. We have not had a meal ourselves but...
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...
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
My brother is currently a resident at Tennyson Court and everything is perfect for him at this facility. It's a very nice place. I would definitely recommend Tennyson Court to others. The facility is...
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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...
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!
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...
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...
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.
Was expectibg one of the lower tier homes for the price but it’s very nice there!
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...
- Costs of assisted living in the Buffalo area
- How people pay for assisted living in Buffalo
- Understand New York laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- Get to know assisted living in Buffalo
- What to expect from assisted living in Buffalo
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Buffalo? Highlights for seniors
Costs of assisted living in the Buffalo area
Assisted living in Buffalo runs an average of $4,299 per month, according to proprietary data from A Place for Mom.[02] This figure typically includes housing, meals, care fees, and any associated fees. You may also find that the community charges an entrance or admission fee, which is a one-time fee that will go toward the cost of care.
For your reference, the following figures represent the average baseline costs of assisted living communities for the immediate Buffalo area and do not necessarily include additional fees for ancillary services.
Average cost comparisons near Buffalo, NY
Average monthly costs
Buffalo, NY
How people pay for assisted living in Buffalo
Though seniors still live independent lives in an assisted living community, residents do receive care services which makes assisted living more expensive that some other types of senior living (such as independent living or senior apartments). As such, seniors and their families will likely find themselves relying on a combination of private and public resources to cover the monthly costs.
Below, you’ll find more details on a variety of payment methods for assisted living, which might include VA benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, and private funds.
While financial assistance may be available, seniors will often need to dip into their private funds to pay for assisted living – particularly when it comes to room and board. This may include Social Security benefits, retirement savings, pensions, distributions from retirement accounts, income generated by investments, and any one or combination of the following:
Number of veterans who live in Buffalo
About 25% of Buffalo veterans are over the age of 75
Veterans in the Buffalo area have a range of benefits available to them that can help offset the costs of assisted living. The VA Pension will probably be one of the primary resources, as it can be used to cover a variety of costs. After that, many veterans turn to the VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit. Paid on top of the traditional VA Pension, these funds have been earmarked for veterans who need assistance with daily activities (i.e., bathing, grooming, cooking, etc.) and can help cover any costs that improve the vets life.
If you have a service-connected disability, you may also be eligible to receive the VA Disability Compensation. This monthly payment can be used toward housing and health-related needs. And though the reason to apply will be primarily financial, it’s also essential for other purposes. Your disability status will affect your VA copays and what programs you are eligible for. You can apply by mailing the application, filling out the form online, or visiting the Buffalo Regional Veterans Affairs (VA) Office. You can also find additional information about the VA Disability Compensation on the VA website.
Applying for VA benefits isn’t always easy. It can be of benefit to work with a veterans service officer who can provide assistance in not only navigating the VA benefits system but applying for all the available benefits. To connect with a VA-vetted and recognized veterans service officer, check with a local VA office or a Buffalo area veterans service organization, such as the American Legion. A partial list is below.
Resources for Buffalo veterans
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
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
With care being part of the services offered at assisted living communities, New York’s Medicaid program may be of benefit for income-eligible seniors in offsetting the costs of home health services through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). Medicaid won’t cover room and board, however.
You might also want to look into the New York State Partnership for Long-Term Care. This program combines Medicaid and private long-term care insurance to help people protect their assets and remain eligible for Medicaid if they’re in need of long-term care now or down the road. The application process starts at the local Office for the Aging.
If you require additional assistance, you can work with a Medicaid navigator. These certified experts offer free personalized advice in securing the benefits you would need. The local ombudsman can also provide assistance with Medicaid and is trained to answer questions and provide assistance with not just Medicaid but other long-term care-related benefits as well. You can apply online (here are step-by-step instructions) or mail in an application to the Erie County Work Center as well.
Buffalo resident Medicaid resources
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
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
When moving to an assisted living community, residents should know that Medicare does not cover the custodial costs of assisted living, which include room and board. However, you or your loved one can still use your Medicare coverage for medically necessary care expenses at an assisted living community, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and even occasional skilled nursing care – among other home health services.[05]
Seniors in the Buffalo area may also want to look into the Medicare and Medicare-related programs.
The Medicare Savings Program can help low-income seniors cover premiums and copayments. Those who qualify will automatically be enrolled in Extra Help, the program that helps cover medications. The Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program also helps with the cost of Medicare Part D for eligible seniors.
The Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is offered by Catholic Health LIFE and Fallon Health Weinberg in the Buffalo area. The PACE program provides comprehensive health care and social services for qualified seniors who live in the community but qualify for the level of care provided in a nursing home.
Get help with your Medicare application
The Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program (HIICAP) provides free assistance to help seniors with their Medicare questions and applications. The region 15 long-term care ombudsman is also a good source of information and assistance. Reach out to a New York State of Health (NYSOH) navigator to get guidance through the process as well.
You can visit your local Social Security Administration office to apply or fill out a Medicare application online.
Buffalo resident Medicare resources
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.
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
Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program
Phone: 800-701-0501
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 assisted living facilities
In New York, businesses that provide care services must be licensed through the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to operate. An assisted living facility in New York is defined as a business providing residential care services and a homelike setting. For any business considered an assisted living community, it must apply for what’s known as an Assisted Living Residence (ALR) license. Upon licensure, the business would then be subject to inspections by New York’s Department of Health every 12 to 18 months to ensure that the residence meets all required regulations. These inspections include but are not limited to maintenance of indoor and outdoor facilities, medication management, dietary regiment plans, and food storage and preparation. You can search inspection reports via the New York State Department of Health’s website by county, provider name, or type of facility.
Types of assisted living licenses and certifications
Adult Care Facilities (ACF) in New York are simply defined as places that offer long-term housing and some level of personal care for residents who need supervision but not medical or nursing care. There are three types of licensed ACFs in New York:
- Adult Homes (AH): These provide housing, housekeeping, and personal care for five or more residents.
- Enriched Housing Programs (EHP): These provide housing, housekeeping, and personal care for five or more residents 65+ in a setting that provides independent living units.
- Residences for Adults: These provide housing, housekeeping, personal care, case management, and activities for five or more residents.
An ACF can then be licensed as an Assisted Living Residence (ALR) and can also get additional certification to provide a higher level of care. To provide memory care, a ALR would also need a Special Needs Assisted Living Residence (SNALR) certificate. To provide a higher level of care for those with consistent mobility issues or more serious needs, an Enhanced Assisted Living Residence (EALR) certificate would be needed.
Required regulations for assisted living
ALRs are required to provide a host of services, including personal care and case management. They also have to manage medication and coordinate any health care services that are provided by a third party. EALRs must do all of that as well as provide nursing care or arrange for it.
One of the main regulations for assisted living communities involves staffing. To operate and market itself as assisted living, the community must employ:
- Administrator to manage day-to-day operations and maintain compliance
- Case manager to help with housing issues, provide information on local services and activities, and coordinate health-related services
- Resident aides to provide daily personal care assistance
If operating an Enhanced Assisted Living Residence, which provides a greater level of care, then the community would also need registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and home health aides in addition to the above team members. Should the assisted living community also offer memory care, further requirements would involve special training in caring for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s, and different facility parameters (i.e., window stops, delayed egress system on external doors, enclosed courtyards, etc.).
Here are some additional resources for complete information about assisted living in New York:
- New York Residents Rights in Assisted Living Communities
- New York Consumer Information Guide: Assisted Living Residences
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 assisted living facilities
While there are currently no specific COVID-19 mandates for the Buffalo area, the Erie County Department of Health strongly encourages assisted living communities to follow CDC guidelines and safety measures. However, individual facilities may have their own guidelines.
Vaccinations.
Communities do not require but strongly encourage vaccinations and boosters.
Masking.
While not required, wearing a mask if in an indoor area or if experiencing COVID symptoms is encouraged.
Facility cleanliness.
Regular cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces is encouraged, especially in high traffic areas.
Get to know assisted living in Buffalo
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What to expect from assisted living in Buffalo
Assisted living communities in Buffalo offer seniors the opportunity to remain independent in a homelike setting – just with a little assistance in daily activities. You can expect a range of residential options, from those offering more of a no-frills experience to those with a bit more luxury in their accommodations and amenities.
Variety of residential settings
The majority of our partner assisted living communities in the greater Buffalo area are stand-alone assisted living communities, allowing seniors to maintain their independence in an age-friendly environment. However, other residential settings are available. You can find communities that offer a combination of independent living and assisted living, assisted living and memory care, and independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Facilities that offer a combination of care offer a very progressive long-term care option to seniors and their families as elders can begin in their independent or assisted living portion and transition to receive more care, including memory care, if they need it.
Health-related care services
Most assisted living communities provide residents with private living quarters, maintenance services, assistance with activities of daily living, and snacks and dining plans to accommodate almost any dietary need. But they’ll also offer health-related care services – some of which will be included in the monthly fee, while others will come at an additional cost. The most common of care-related services will be medication management which all Buffalo assisted living facilities in A Place for Mom’s network provide. The same can be said for occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and even podiatry, all of which would be provided by visiting practitioners. Some of our partner communities also make available hospice care, on-site nursing, and some level of memory care. Communities that offer these additional levels of care are often combination facilities that offer assisted living along with memory care.[02]
Amenities and activities
Residents at assisted living facilities have access to shared common areas, and depending on the community, these areas may include the likes of an arts and crafts center, movie room, billiards lounge, library, TV lounge, dining room, or enclosed courtyard. And with all our partner communities in Buffalo employing an activity director, expect an array of activities to participate in. Day trips are far from uncommon. You may find yourself visiting a local attraction, like the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens or Shea’s Performing Arts Center. Trivia games are also regular occurrences, as are picnics, happy hours, and live musical performances. At some of our partner communities in Buffalo, you can take part in yoga, chair yoga, brain fitness, art classes, or on-site devotional activities.[02]
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Unfamiliar with Buffalo? Highlights for seniors
35,727
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Buffalo
$33,843
Median annual income for Buffalo seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Buffalo
The Buffalo area has no shortage of health care options for seniors, some of which are ranked as high performing in care services most often used by the senior population
Buffalo General Medical Center
U.S. News & World Report has ranked Buffalo General Medical Center as the area’s No. 1 hospital.
Mercy Hospital-Buffalo
Diabetes care and COPD are two lauded areas of care at Mercy Hospital. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Mercy as high performing in those specialties.
Erie County Medical Center
This general medical center has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a high performer in hip replacements.
Sisters Of Charity Hospital
U.S. News & World Report has ranked Sisters of Charity Hospital as high performing in several areas including the treatment of kidney failure and COPD.
Buffalo VA Medical Center
Buffalo area veterans can seek care at the local VA Medical Center. The facility provides comprehensive services from cancer care to cardiology.
Transportation for seniors in Buffalo
Seniors in our partner assisted living facilities can get where they need to go easily because 70% of our partner facilities offer complimentary transportation while the rest provide it at cost. Otherwise, residents of Buffalo generally get around by car.
The public transit score for Buffalo sits right at 47. Transit scores are based on the transportation infrastructure of cities and their neighborhoods in comparison to other cities, and these scores are based on a scale from 0-100. For a score of 47, there are a few travel options nearby, but traveling can be difficult or time-consuming as travel options may be infrequent — such as bus stops not being close together.[07]
However, don’t mistake the rating as meaning there are no public transit options available for seniors. On the contrary, seniors can readily use the Metro Rail or Metro Bus system. All Metro buses have wheelchair ramps or lifts and a kneeling feature to lower the bus. Service animals are also allowed on the bus and the rail. The Metro Rail stations and trains are also wheelchair accessible. A paratransit option is also available called PAL Direct.
The Going Places Transportation System, a senior-specific, curb-to-curb van service is also available in Erie County. You or your loved one will need to schedule a ride in advance.
Buffalo has an overall walkability score of 67, meaning that walking from place to place in Buffalo is possible but accomplishing some errands by walking may be too arduous and require a car or other transportation. Though active seniors can still get around by bike or foot, especially when living in the neighborhoods of Allen, Grant Ferry, Bryant, Front Park, and the Central Business District.[07] These neighborhoods range anywhere between 85 and 94 in walk scores. Bikeability for the area is almost as good, coming in at 63.[07]
67
Walk Score
47
Transit Score
63
Bike Score
Senior activities in Buffalo
With its rich history, thriving art scene, and extensive park system, Buffalo offers a diverse range of activities for the young and young-at-heart alike. Honestly, it’s just a matter of deciding what you want to do that day – and the area will offer plenty of options.
Just take Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House, for instance. With regularly scheduled one- and two-hour tours, you can roam the halls of this 15,000-square-foot complex of six interconnected buildings: including the Martin House itself, as well as a conservatory, carriage house-stable, and a smaller residence. A day trip can also take you to another of Wright’s constructions: Graycliff, the summer residence of the Martin family.
Buffalo is also home to the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Historic Site, where visitors can tour historically restored rooms and experience a number of interactive exhibits. Make a day of it, and visit the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park as well, where visitors have a variety of tour options that include a museum, the grounds, and four decommissioned Naval vessels.
As far as parks go, there’s no shortage of options. The entire park system was designed by the renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.[01] Of his creations, Delaware Park gets much of the attention, and for good reason. It’s one of the top 10 parks in the world.[01] But there’s also Front Park, Cazenovia Park, and the 22-acre Riverside Park, which has a rain garden, meandering pool, lighthouse, World War I memorial, and Niagara River outlook…and speaking of Niagara, you should never forget Niagara Falls State Park.
For a game of chance, head over the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino for table games, slots, and dining options. You can also tee off at the Seneca Hickory Stick golf course.
Frequently asked questions
Brookdale Williamsville, The Amberleigh and Brookdale Kenmore are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Buffalo, 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 Buffalo is 4160.65 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. (2018). Buffalo’s Frederick Law Olmsted Legacy: The Park System that Started It All.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Medicare.gov. (n.d.) Is your test, item, or service covered?
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Buffalo, NY.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Buffalo.
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