Elder Care, Brain Health & Memory Support

For families navigating aging, safety, or memory changes — access to trusted guidance matters. This section brings together New York–based professionals, clinics, and programs that promote independence and provide compassionate support for older adults at every stage of cognitive and emotional health.

Planning and Care Providers in New York

Navigating aging, cognitive change, and long-term planning in New York can involve complex medical systems, legal decisions, and day-to-day support needs. This section brings together trusted professionals and programs that help older adults and families understand options, coordinate care, and make informed decisions with confidence. From legal and financial planning to safety, housing, and care management, these resources offer practical guidance and compassionate expertise at every stage.

Geriatric Care Managers

Professionals who help families navigate New York’s medical and community systems, coordinate appointments, assess home safety, and plan for evolving care needs. They serve as care navigators and advocates across NYC, Long Island, and upstate regions.

Fiduciaries & Daily Money Managers

New York does not license private fiduciaries the way California does, but Daily Money Managers (DMMs) and financial care specialists help older adults manage bills, budgeting, financial organization, record-keeping, and fraud prevention.

Senior Real Estate & Housing Specialists

Professionals who assist with downsizing, selling a home, navigating co-ops/condos, assessing accessible housing options, or coordinating moves within NYC, Long Island, or suburban communities.

Care Navigation & Aging Support Programs

Programs offered through community organizations, senior centers, JCCs, NORCs (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities), and Area Agencies on Aging that help older adults understand services, connect with benefits, and plan next steps.

Medicare, Medicaid & Long-Term Care Advisors

Specialists who help families understand Medicare, Medicaid eligibility, long-term care insurance, pooled trusts, and financial supports unique to New York’s system.

Elder Law Attorneys

Attorneys specializing in estate planning, trusts, Medicaid planning, guardianship, and advance directives. They help protect autonomy, assets, and decision-making through later life and cognitive change.

Residential Options for Older Adults

Choosing the right living arrangement in New York can feel overwhelming, especially with options ranging from community programs in the neighborhood to full-time care settings. Whether someone is experiencing normal age-related changes or more significant cognitive or medical needs, New York offers a variety of environments designed to support safety, independence, and quality of life. These summaries can help families understand what each level of care provides so they can make decisions with confidence and compassion.

Community-Based Living

For older adults who want to remain at home or in their neighborhood, New York’s community supports include in-home care, companion services, senior centers, Adult Day Health Care, and NORC programs (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities). These services can be added as needs increase, supporting safety, social connection, daily routines, and aging in place.

Assisted Living (including NY’s “Enhanced” and “Special Needs” ALs)

Designed for individuals who need support with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, medication management, or mobility. New York also offers Enhanced Assisted Living and Special Needs Assisted Living for residents with greater physical or cognitive needs, though not as intensive as memory care environments.

Independent Living

Best for active older adults who want a maintenance-free lifestyle with built-in community. Independent living communities offer social programming, dining, housekeeping, and wellness activities. Residents live autonomously but enjoy convenient amenities and opportunities for connection.

Memory Care Communities

Secure, structured communities designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Staff are trained in memory-specific care, communication support, and behavioral understanding. These settings provide safety, predictable routines, and meaningful engagement throughout all stages of cognitive decline.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)

New York’s CCRCs offer independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care on one campus. Residents can transition between levels of care as their needs change, offering long-term stability and continuity.

Nursing Homes / Skilled Nursing Facilities

Provide the highest level of medical support, including 24-hour supervision, rehabilitation services, and hands-on assistance with all activities of daily living. Appropriate for individuals with significant medical needs, late-stage dementia, or complex care requirements.

Community & Organizations

Across New York, local and state organizations work to strengthen resources for older adults and caregivers. From city and county aging departments to the New York State Office for the Aging, these networks help connect families with education, support services, and programs that foster independence and community.

LOCAL CHAPTERS OF ASSOCIATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS

NYC & LONG ISLAND ORGANIZATIONS

  • Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center
    The ADRC, which has been serving Long Island families since 1983, provides care consultations, information & referrals, community education, support groups, life-enrichment and therapy programs for caregivers and their loved ones. They offer educational training to professional healthcare workers, graduate students, and other organizations throughout Long Island.

  • Long Island Alzheimer’s and Dementia Center
    LIAC helps seniors and families cope with the mental health issues such as depression, isolation, grief and sleep disorders that are commonly experienced by Alzheimer’s families. Social workers help caregivers – typically an elderly spouse – develop a support network and coping skills, maintain a positive mental attitude and ensure they remember to take care of their own health needs as well.

  • NYS Caregiver Guide (2021)

  • Local nonprofit specializing in dementia care training, support groups, and helplines. www.caringkindnyc.org

  • Resources and Area Agencies on Aging for each county. aging.ny.gov

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IMPORTANT NY RESOURCES

ASSISTANCE FOR THE ELDERLY IN NYC & LONG ISLAND

NY Adult Protective Services (APS: https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/adult-svcs/aps/) provides services for physically and/or mentally impaired adults. APS works to help at-risk clients live safely in their homes. APS clients can be referred by anyone. Find more information on referrals or make a referral here or call DSS OneNumber at 718-557-1399. If an individual is eligible for an assessment, a home visit will be made in three business days or in 24 hours if the situation is life-threatening.

Connect & Next Steps

We’re actively building our New York network of elder-care specialists to make navigating support and services easier for individuals and families. If you need help identifying a trusted provider, or if you’re a professional interested in being included, we’d be glad to connect.

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