10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Buffalo, NY
With a name like “City of Good Neighbors,” it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that Buffalo has an extremely strong sense of community. Even being the second largest city in New York, its culture is one of support, especially when it comes to the senior population. Not only will you find an array of senior centers and activities but a number of senior living facilities, including five in our partner network, that offer memory care — a subset of assisted living designed to meet a range of medical, functional, safety, and social needs of people who have Alzheimer’s disease or a dementia-related diagnosis.
And while any one of the memory care facilities in the Buffalo area will provide a safe and structured environment with dementia therapies, A Place for Mom is here to help you find a place that matches the distinct needs of your loved one. To better assist you, we’ve put together a guide detailing our partner memory care facilities within a 10-mile radius of Buffalo’s city center, ranked by a variety of categories. In this guide, you can also review payment options, local and state regulations, transportation services, health care, and more.
Buffalo Memory Care Facilities | 582 Reviews
Recently moved my 95 year old Mother from out-of-state Independent Living to Amberleigh Assisted Care since she needs the availability of 24 hour monitoring and nursing/aide care. Overall experience with...
We have peace of mind that our Mom is being well taken care of and treated well. Nursing staff is wonderful and very attentive to mom's needs. Dr. appointments are made whenever necessary or when requested...
Facility is all private rooms. Nice sitting area outside during summer, under cover from sun and rain. Many activities and staff encourage residents participation. Nursing staff communicates resident's needs...
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.
We had a great experience with Brookdale & we are grateful for the assistance A Place for Mom provided. My mother in law passed away two years ago, but we do appreciate the recommendation for Brookdale!...
Overall, good experience. Staff are nice, friendly, and helpful. Place is very clean. Seems to be understaffed. They have PT / OT services and a doctor and nurse that come on site per a schedule. They do...
My mom loves the food and they are very kind to her. She misses her home, of course, but she likes the facility and adjusted very quickly. Her memory has declined further but still doing ok in Assisted...
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 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...
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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.
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 turned out to be an excellent fit for my Uncle. The staff is warm and welcoming; they made sure to give him the time he needed to adjust to his new environment. It's very clean, and bright and there is...
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!
Our methodology
How we rank order the Buffalo community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Buffalo 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
Costs of memory care in the Buffalo area
The average monthly cost of a memory care facility in Buffalo, New York, comes in at $4,396, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This figure includes housing, meals, associated fees, and add-on service fees, such as 24-hour supervision, medication management, dementia therapies, and memory-enhancing activities — to name only a few.
Being an average, however, costs do vary based on a range of factors, including location, floor plan, layout, and level of care. You may also find facilities that offer additional amenities and services, which could increase the monthly cost. Additionally, seniors and their families often run into what’s known as an admission or entrance fee, which is a one-time, upfront expense to secure a place in the facility.
The following figures represent the average baseline costs of memory care for the immediate Buffalo area and do not necessarily include additional fees for ancillary services.
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Buffalo, NY vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Buffalo vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Memory Care in Buffalo, NY by room type
Average cost of Memory Care in Buffalo over time
What families are saying about memory care in Buffalo
Recent reviews for memory care in Buffalo
Peregrine Senior Living at Cheektowaga
River Road Retirement Residence in Niagara Falls, ON
Juniper Glen Memory Care Assisted Living in Amherst, NY
Buffalo review score based on 115 family reviews
This proprietary review score is based on 115 reviews of 27 Buffalo memory care communities. All reviews were submitted in the past two years by verified community residents and family members.Buffalo review score compared against nearby cities
Review subcategories for Buffalo memory care
When memory care residents and family members submit a review on our site, they rate each community on categories such as cleanliness, activities, meals, and more. The chart below is based on 115 reviews of 27 Buffalo memory care communities. This chart helps you compare Buffalo resident and family memory care satisfaction rates against national averages. Use it to assess your needs and develop criteria for your own search. If you know that one of these categories is important to you or your loved one, our senior living advisors can help you find communities to match your needs.How people pay for memory care in Buffalo
Paying for memory care often entails utilizing a combination of private and public resources. Below, you can find details on a variety of payment methods, including Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, and personal funds.
For many seniors, a portion of the costs for memory care comes from personal funds. These might include personal savings accounts, pensions, Social Security benefits, distributions from retirement accounts, income generated from investments, and any of the following:
Number of veterans who live in Buffalo
About 25% of Buffalo veterans are over the age 75
Fortunately, a range of benefits are available to Buffalo veterans that can help offset the costs associated with memory care. For many veterans, the VA Pension will often serve as a good starting point, as the benefit can be used for a variety of purposes. The VA Aid and Attendance (A &A) benefit is another option available to some senior veterans. The A&A benefit can be used by veterans who require assistance with bathing, grooming, cooking, and other daily activities, have poor eyesight, are primarily bedbound, or are in a nursing home.
Additionally, veterans with service-connected disabilities may also be eligible for VA Disability Compensation. Much like the VA Pensions and the A&A, the VA’s Disability Compensation can be applied toward health-related expenses. Please note that your disability status affects VA copays and program eligibility. If your loved one has been evaluated for a disability and have not sought VA Disability Compensation, make sure to apply by mailing an application to your VA Regional Office or filling out the online form. Find further details about the VA Disability Compensation on the VA website. It’s worth checking to see if your loved one is eligible.
Assistance in applying for VA benefits
Navigating the VA benefits system isn’t as straightforward as one might hope. Many veterans and their families often find it helpful to work with a veterans service officer, who can provide assistance in the application process and connect you with the resources you might need. If you’re interested in working with a local VA-vetted and recognized expert, contact a local VA office or a Buffalo Area veterans service organization (VSO). Here is a complete list of Buffalo area VSOs; 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
New York’s Medicaid program provides health coverage for low-income seniors and can help cover some of the costs associated with residential memory care. Medicaid can also help cover the monthly costs of long-term care through the Special Needs Assisted Living Residence (SNALR) voucher program. The SNALR program is for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or a dementia-related diagnosis and awards vouchers to approved applicants to cover up to 75% of the regional monthly private pay rate. A Managed Long-Term Care program may also be of benefit as it can be used for long-term care and provides several different plans for you or your loved one to choose from.
With each individual’s circumstances being different, it’s important to first review you and your loved one’s options and compare Medicaid plans prior to application. New York’s Medicaid program also offers enrollment navigators, who are certified experts that can offer free personalized advice on benefits. Additionally, you can also work with the local ombudsman to help navigate Medicaid. Ombudsmen are trained professionals who can answer questions, advocate for your rights, and provide assistance with Medicaid, Medicare, and long-term care.
A range of options are available for application. You and your loved one can print out an application for Medicaid and mail it to the Erie County Work Center. You can also help your loved one apply online. New York provides a step-by-step instruction site for how to apply for Medicaid online.
The New York State Partnership for Long-Term Care might be another program to check into. It combines Medicaid and private long-term care insurance to ensure seniors can stay eligible for Medicaid if they need long-term care. The local Office for the Aging is the first stop for information and applications for this program.
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
Medicare does not cover the costs associated with living in a memory care facility. The benefit can, however, be used toward other services related to Alzheimer’s or dementia residents’ health care, which may include inpatient hospital stays, some medical equipment, and short-term skilling nursing care for up to 100 days.
Additionally, seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or a dementia-related diagnosis may be eligible for Medicare Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) Model. The program was set up to provide additional benefits, cost savings, and more flexible health care plans for people with chronic conditions — Alzheimer’s and dementia included.
What many people don’t know is that Medicare can be used toward the cost of care planning for people with Alzheimer’s disease or a dementia-related diagnosis. For example, a cognitive and functional evaluation would be covered by this benefit. The same can be said for a safety evaluation, medication reconciliation, measuring neuropsychiatric symptoms, community services referrals, and establishing care directives.[04]
Beyond the traditional Medicare benefits, you should also look into the eligibility for the Medicare Savings Program, which can cover copays and premiums (or at least part of them) for low-income seniors. Low-income seniors can also get Extra Help, the program that helps pay for medications, while the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program helps with the cost of Medicare Part D.
Catholic Health LIFE and Fallon Health Weinberg both offer the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in the Buffalo area. Comprehensive health care and social services are provided by PACE for seniors who would otherwise need to be in a nursing home.
Find answers for your Medicare questions
The Social Security Administration office can provide assistance and answer questions when you sign up for Medicare. Determining eligibility for almost any health care benefit can be difficult, but there is help. Your local ombudsman, for one, is not only trained to offer additional help on Medicare programs but also to provide assistance in the application process, resolve billing problems, and advocate for your rights in getting the care you might need.
The Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program (HIICAP) is a free counseling program created to help seniors understand and apply for Medicare. New York State of Health (NYSOH) has navigators ready and willing to help you through the process, too.
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 memory care facilities
In the State of New York, memory care is considered a form of assisted living. As a result, any community providing memory care requires a license and a special certification through the New York State Department of Health to operate – not only an Assisted Living Residence (ALR) license, but also a Special Needs Assisted Living Residence (SNALR) certification as well.
The community would then be subject to inspections by the New York State Department of Health every 12 months to 18 months to ensure the residence meets all required regulations, which would include but not limited to the following:
- Staffing. Memory care facilities must have an administration, case manager, and enough staff to cover the needs of all residents. A registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse must be on staff both the day and evening shifts.
- Activities. An activities director must provide at least 10 hours per week of planned activities
- Training. Operators of memory care facilities must make available dementia-related training, such as how to deal with behavioral symptoms, mental and emotional changes, and methods to meet the precise needs of individuals with dementia.
- Facilities. Memory care facilities must meet different environmental standards than other senior living communities. Units should be designed as self-contained facilities with safe and structured community and dining room spaces. They should also be equipped with mechanisms to limit window opening and a delay-release of all exit doors, as well as a secure outdoor space.
- Residents. Operators must create a comprehensive plan for assessing applicants prior to admission, identifying interventions for behavioral issues should the need present itself, and establishing thresholds for termination of residence to ensure the safety of memory care residents.
If you’d like to review past inspection reports, you can do so via the New York State Department of Health’s website. To find inspection reports, look up the facility by name. Then, click the inspection tab for more information, or look up facilities by county or type.
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 memory care facilities
Although the state of New York does not have any COVID-19 mandates on memory care facilities, It isn’t uncommon for senior living communities to have their own COVID-19 regulations, the majority of which will follow the CDC’s guidelines and safety measures. The Erie County Department of Health also provides guidelines.
Vaccinations.
Communities do not require but strongly encourage vaccinations and boosters.
Masking.
People may choose to mask at any time, and it is especially encouraged for those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
Facility cleanliness.
Guidelines recommended cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces regularly.
What to expect from memory care living in Buffalo
Within the 10-mile radius of Buffalo’s city center, you will find two stand-alone memory care facilities, two assisted living facilities that provide memory care, and one that offers a combination of independent living, assisted living, and memory care in A Place For Mom’s network.[01]
Care-related services
There’s no such thing as a cookie-cutter approach to memory care. It depends on the individual and stage of dementia, which is why you’ll find both stand-alone memory care facilities and assisted living communities that also offer memory care. This type of arrangement allows seniors in the early stages of the disease to live somewhat independent lives through assisted living. All of the Buffalo memory care facilities within A Place for Mom’s network provide redirection, cuing, and disorientation care as well as restlessness, pacing, and wandering care.[01] In the Buffalo area, residents can also take advantage of occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy while living in a memory care facility.[01]
Safe and secure environment
Facilities that offer memory care in Buffalo must meet very different housing standards than other senior living communities. For one, the community must provide 24-hour awake staff.[01] The same is true for providing an enclosed courtyard to allow residents a safe and secure outdoor environment. Some of our partner communities are also equipped with wander guards or similar systems.[01]
Activities and amenities
Memory care facilities generally offer activities that promote engagement, cognitive training, and physical activity. All the communities we partner with employ an activity director to ensure residents engage their brains and bodies regularly.[01] Many of the communities also have an onsite arts and crafts center, game room, movie room, and TV lounge.[01]
When it comes to maintaining familiarity, keeping a treasured pet with your loved one can be extremely important to make a space feel like home. Thankfully, 60% of the memory care facilities in A Place for Mom’s network allow residents to keep pets.[01]
Unfamiliar with Buffalo? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors 65 and older currently living in Buffalo
Median annual income for Buffalo seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Buffalo
A wide range of health care options are available in the Buffalo area, many of which offer care services that can be of great benefit to the senior population.
Buffalo General Medical Center
U.S. News & World Report ranked this hospital at the top of the list for Buffalo medical care. It is also ranked in 13 areas as a high performer, inducing aortic valve surgery, heart bypass surgery, and stroke care.
Mercy Hospital-Buffalo
U.S. News & World Reports give the high performance ranking to Mercy in heart attack care and three other adult specialties.
Erie County Medical Center
Erie County Medical Center is known for being top-notch in hip replacements, earning a high performance rating in this area from U.S. News & World Report.
Sisters of Charity Hospital
Kidney failure and COPD care are two of the three areas that U.S. News & World Report says Sisters of Charity performs highly in.
Buffalo VA Medical Center
Buffalo’s veteran population can get primary medical care as well as specialty health services at the VA’s main medical center in the area.
Transportation for seniors in Buffalo
Whether for a doctor’s visit, errand, or group outing, 80% of our partner memory care facilities in Buffalo provide complimentary transportation for residents, while the rest provide it at cost. But other options are available for you and your loved one to get around if you want to take them out for something special.
The Metro Rail is one line in Buffalo and the Metro buses run a fleet of more than 320 buses across both Erie and Niagara counties. Both options are wheelchair accessible, and 60% of our partner memory care facilities are conveniently located close to at least one of these options.
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) has also established the Paratransit Access Line (PAL), a shared ride service that provides curb-to-curb transportation for riders who cannot travel alone or require more assistance than an average accessible stop would provide. More importantly, NFTA has also established a Personal Care Attendant (PAC) program for people who are unable to travel independently. When applying for PAL, make sure to indicate the need for PAC assistance. For more information on eligibility requirements or the application process, visit the NFTA website or call 716-855-7267. Seniors with Alzheimer’s or a dementia-related illness should always travel with a caretaker, and this is especially the case with public transportation.
Much like PAL, Accessible Dispatch is a curb-to-curb ride service for individuals with disabilities. However, there are no eligibility requirements to use the service other than being needs-based. Door-to-door assistance is also available. Rides can be scheduled either through the mobile app or by calling 646-599-9999. 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
With Buffalo’s rich history, thriving arts scene, and stunning parks, there’s no shortage of things to do in the area with your loved one. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the extensive park system, which was designed by the renowned landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, would be ideal for taking your loved one to.[06]
Delaware Park, in particular, is a must, with 350 acres of rolling meadows, expansive green spaces, trees, gardens, a picturesque lake, and myriad walking paths. You can even take in a game of croquette. Just don’t forget to visit the other parks in the Olmsted parks system, which are just as breathtaking, like Front Park, Cazenovia Park, Riverside Park, and South Park, to name only a few.
In fact, South Park is home to the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, another Buffalo destination spot. Visitors get a chance to soak in not only the sights and smells of a wide variety of exotic plants from around the world but the amazing architecture of this historic site. Plus, the facilities are entirely wheelchair accessible.
Activities within the memory care facilities themselves are great for your loved one to do independently or for you to join in on as well. With 80% of our Buffalo memory care facilities in A Place for Mom’s network having an arts and crafts center, you and your loved one can bond while you craft memories together to display in their room. Your loved one will also be able to watch movies or play games with you or friends they make in their new homes as 60% of Buffalo memory care facilities in A Place for Mom’s network have dedicated movie and game rooms.[01]
Frequently Asked Questions
Brookdale Kenmore, The Amberleigh and Brookdale Niagara (MC) are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Buffalo, NY. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in Buffalo is $4,204 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
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.
Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. (2018). Buffalo’s Frederick Law Olmsted Legacy: The Park System that Started It All.
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