10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Ronkonkoma, NY
If your loved one needs memory care on Long Island, A Place for Mom can help. Long Island’s access to a wealth of medical expertise enhances its care, with many memory care facilities in the area offering visiting podiatrists, occupational therapists, and more. With a strong network of memory care facilities on Long Island within a 10-mile radius Ronkonkoma, we’ll work with you to find the right fit for your family member’s budget, interests, and care needs.
Memory care on Long Island incorporates memory care activities and therapies to reduce residents’ confusion and agitation. Long Island memory care also provides security features and supervision, along with trained staff to monitor your loved ones.
A Place for Mom has 14 partner memory care facilities that will provide a safe setting for your senior relatives. This guide will provide an overview of memory care, a discussion of how memory care is paid for, and a discussion of the New York regulations for memory care and hospital access, as well as an overview of transportation and activities in the area.
Ronkonkoma Memory Care Facilities | 928 Reviews
My aunt was living with me for a few years when tragedy struck my house. My husband passed away and I needed more help with my aunt. I tried having help at my house but it got to be more than anticipated. I...
They've really been equipped of my mom's mental health struggles and have gone out of their way to accommodate her and understand her needs. The staff has good communication with us as a family and listen to...
Sunrise of Holbrook is very clean, and smells good. Apartment is kept tidy and clean by housekeeping. The staff has been quite the best of this experience. They are willing to go above and beyond, know my...
After visiting a number of Assisted Living facilities My choice was The Arbors East in Islandia. I’ve been asked, “ What helped me make the decision?”. I would like to say it is a very difficult decision to...
The staff is very professional and effective. My mother has had a very difficult adjustment and her dementia deteriorated rapidly and the organization responded quickly and effectively reflecting their...
All in all they do a good job. Of course some more then others. The activity staff are excellent . Unfortunately my mom does not participate even though they do try hard to get her involved. As in most...
There are truly caring, hard working employees. We chose Sunrise of East Setauket because it was not a large facility, it it smaller and that makes it more personable.
Facility is very clean, they host a lovely brunch for residents and their families (there is a fee), food is hit or miss, daily activities like bingo, crafts etc offered
Arbors Hauppauge is an exceptional assisted living facility. I gave a 4 out of 5 rating for activity ONLY bc there is no gym/exercise equipment on site, of which my brother and probably other residents would...
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We find Artis a good experience for dad. Not too crowded, residents are all levels of functioning. Good companionship. It is clean. Recreation is a plus. Common areas are nice.
My mom is at the Bristal Lake Grove and is doing well in their memory care area. The facility is convenient and they have many great activities going on for the residents to participate in. The food is not...
My loved one is currently a resident at Lake Shore Assisted Living Residence. The facility was just recently mostly remodeled, so it's in very nice shape. It's very clean. The staff that I have met is...
The nurse and aids know the sweet side as well as the ugly side of my mother who has severe Alzheimer's. They are patient, understanding and work with her. She is kept comfortable and content "most" of the...
After selling the home she lived in for over 60 years, my mom moved into a beautiful apartment While there she became unhappy and lonely, and after giving up her license and car, felt isolated. We heard...
We really couldn't be any happier with the entire facility. The cleanliness and friendliness being on the top along with good food and a great menu. Care has been very good too. Activities are ok the only...
Excellent assisted living program, so Medicaid is accepted. Makes assisted living affordable and an option for all.
I have no complaints about how things are going for my mother since she has made the move into this community . The staff are always polite and I am comfortable with the care they have provided her. She has...
They're doing a good job taking care of my Dad here. It's a nice place, not overcrowded at all, and it has a nice homey feel. Dad complains about the people there being "too old", so they could use more...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Ronkonkoma community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Ronkonkoma 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 Long Island area
- What families are saying about memory care in Ronkonkoma
- How people pay for memory care on Long Island
- Understand New York laws and regulations for memory care facilities
- What to expect from memory care living on Long Island
- Ronkonkoma memory care services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Health care for seniors on Long Island
- Transportation for seniors on Long Island
- Senior activities on Long Island
Costs of memory care in the Long Island area
The average monthly cost for Long Island memory care is around $6,482, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This does include housing, meals, associated fees, and add-on service fees, such as specialized therapies, 24-hour supervision, and other ancillary services. This is the average, however, and the cost for a facility and its services will vary by location, level of care provided, and any additional service fees.
Long Island offers a wide range of choices, ensuring that seniors and families can find safe and secure care in their price range. Long Island area seniors and their families should also consider New York’s favorable tax laws which exempt Social Security benefits from taxation, and up to $20,000 of income from retirement accounts or private pensions are deductible as well.[02]
The following figures represent the average baseline costs for the area and do not include additional fees for services.
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Ronkonkoma, NY vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Ronkonkoma, NY vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Ronkonkoma vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Memory Care in Ronkonkoma, NY by room type
Average cost of Memory Care in Ronkonkoma over time
What families are saying about memory care in Ronkonkoma
Recent reviews for memory care in Ronkonkoma
The Bristal at East Northport
The Bristal at East Meadow
Sunrise of Smithtown
Ronkonkoma review score based on 164 family reviews
This proprietary review score is based on 164 reviews of 30 Ronkonkoma memory care communities. All reviews were submitted in the past two years by verified community residents and family members.Ronkonkoma review score compared against nearby cities
Review subcategories for Ronkonkoma 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 164 reviews of 30 Ronkonkoma memory care communities. This chart helps you compare Ronkonkoma 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 on Long Island
Payment for memory care often involves a mix of private and public funding sources, such as personal savings or Medicaid and Medicare benefits. Below are sections that provide information on payment options for memory care facilities on Long Island. These payment sources can include private pay, Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare.
When planning for memory care, seniors often depend on their personal income and saved assets, including 401(k)s, Roth and traditional IRAs, taxable brokerage accounts, Social Security benefits, pensions, traditional savings accounts, and annuities.
In addition, these can be helpful resources about some common ways that seniors pay for memory care:
Number of veterans who live on Long Island
About 30% of Long Island veterans are 75+
It’s crucial for prospective memory care residents and their families to explore potential benefits on Long Island, as it has a significant population of veterans. VA Pension benefits are a crucial source of funding and should be the first option considered, especially for those in need of assisted living, including memory care. These benefits can help cover the expenses associated with such care.
Apart from VA Pension benefits, it is also important for veterans to look into the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit (A&A). This benefit can be provided to veterans who are enrolled in VA health care and require assistance with daily activities such as eating, bathing, and dressing, among others. The A&A Pension benefits may cover some in-home care costs in memory care facilities. However, veterans must meet certain eligibility criteria. It is crucial for veterans to carefully review these benefits and determine which ones are applicable to their specific situation.
Navigating the complex world of VA benefits can be daunting, but there are several resources available to help veterans, with Veteran Service Organizations being particularly useful in obtaining these benefits. Seniors should be aware of these key resources to access the benefits they are entitled to.
Resources for Long Island veterans
Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency
H. Lee Dennison Building
100 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788-0099
Phone: 631-853-8387
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
New York State Department of Veterans’ Services
Suffolk County Center
300 Center Drive, 2nd Floor, Room N207
Riverhead, NY 11901
Phone: 631-852-1413
Disabled American Veterans
Northport VA Medical Center
79 Middleville Road, Building 200, Room B1-36
Northport, NY 11768
Phone: 631-754-7980
Suffolk County Vietnam Veterans of America
Long Island Chapter 11
286 Hawkins Road
Centereach, NY 11730
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Department of New York VFW
Phone: 518-426-8904
William Francis Taylor VFW Post 9486
570 4th St.
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
Phone: 631-219-5678
Col. Francis S. Midura VFW Post 12144
1218 Old Nicholas Road
Islandia, NY 11749
Phone: 631-285-2379
New York State Medicaid offers health care access to low-income individuals. The coverage includes hospital visits, rehabilitation care, and standard medical appointments. However, it’s important to note that New York State Medicaid does not generally extend to covering memory care stays.
However, the Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) Waiver Program will provide coverage to those who qualify. It’s a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Program that helps cover medical care for people who need the level of care provided in a nursing home. This program, however, coordinates that care to be provided in a community setting, like a memory care facility, instead. The waiver will not cover room and board costs though. Certain age, care level, and income requirements apply.
To apply for Medicaid or a waiver, this online portal is the place to start. However, it is not available to individuals aged 65 and above. For seniors, applying in person at a navigator agency or at one of the two Suffolk County Department of Social Services (DSS) offices is required.
The New York City Office of the Aging is also a valuable resource as it provides the long-term care ombudsman program. To address their Medicaid needs, Long Islanders should review and utilize the resources listed below.
Long Island Medicaid resources
NY State of Health
Phone: 855-355-5777
TTY: 1-800-662-1220
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Suffolk County Department of Social Services (West)
200 Wireless Blvd.
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Phone: 631-853-8408
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Suffolk County Department of Social Services (East)
300 Center Drive
Riverhead, NY 11901
Phone: 631-852-3570
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Medicaid application mailing address
PO Box 18100
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Nassau/Suffolk Hospital Council
Phone: 631-656-9783
Community Health Advocates
Phone: 888-614-5400
Public Health Solutions
Phone: 646-632-5986
Yvette Boisnier, Ombudsman Coordinator
Family Service League
1444 Fifth Ave.
Bay Shore, NY 11706
Phone: 631-470-6755
Email: yvette.boisnier@fsl.li.org
While Medicare doesn’t directly cover room and board costs of memory care facilities, this benefit can be applied toward certain medically necessary expenses and/or programs associated with providing memory care. This could include physical therapy, prescription drugs, physician fees, dietary counseling, and other related services.
In addition, seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia may be eligible for Medicare Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) Model, which provides reduced cost sharing and more flexibility in Medicare plans. Note that if a memory care facility is considered a skilled nursing home, Medicare may be able to cover some of the costs.
For more information on what may or may not be covered, seniors and their families can visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227). Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Programs (HIICAP) are also available in New York to offer detailed information about Medicare and provide free counseling services.
Assistance is also available from advocates from the Suffolk County Office for the Aging, who visit 50 locations across Long Island to provide support. You can track their schedule using this online calendar to determine when they will be available near your location. Additionally, the long-term care ombudsman can be a valuable resource to answer your questions related to Medicare.
Additionally, seniors may qualify for savings through the Medicare Savings Program, which can provide valuable budget relief. To minimize drug costs, seniors can explore New York’s Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) Program, which helps pay for Medicare Part D drug costs.
PACE, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, organizes comprehensive health care for seniors 55 and above who meet the eligibility criteria for nursing home admission. The services provided by PACE are covered by both Medicare and Medicaid on a limited basis.
Long Island Medicare resources
Social Security Administration
75 Oak St.
Patchogue, NY 11772
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Social Security Administration
730 Federal Plaza, No. 7
Central Islip, NY 11722
Phone: 866-931-4494
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Suffolk County Ombudsman
Yvette Boisnier
1444 Fifth Ave.
Bay Shore, NY 11706
Phone: 631-470-6755
Email: yvette.boisnier@fsl-li.org
Suffolk County Office for the Aging
100 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Phone: 631-853-8200
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Understand New York laws and regulations for memory care facilities
In New York, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) regulates assisted living facilities under the Assisted Living Residences (ARLs), which can also be certified to provide memory care. That would then be referred to as a Special Needs Assisted Living Residence or SNARL.
New York codes, rules, and regulations apply to both ARLs and SNARLS. The certification for memory care, however, adds some additional provisions. A memory care unit, whether standalone or part of a larger facility, is required to be self-contained with a delayed-egress system on all external doors and windows. However, fully locked units are not permitted. Enclosed courtyards must be provided for residents. An additional layer of fire safety regulations is also added to SNARLs.
Staff must also be given additional special training on caring for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia that help them meet their needs and understand their behaviors. Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and home health aides are required to be on staff. There is no set number that must be present. The regulations only state that the coverage must be sufficient to meet residents’ needs.
Like any assisted living facility, a memory care facility must provide three meals a day, take care of housekeeping and laundry, provide 24-hour supervision and personal care, and case management.
Assisted Living Residences are regularly inspected by the NYSDOH every 18 months to ensure they’re meeting standards. You can find inspection reports at the NYS Health Profiles website.
New York Department of Health contact information
Metropolitan Area Regional Office — Long Island (MARO)
320 Carleton Ave., Suite 5000
Central Islip, NY 11722
Phone: 631-851-3898
COVID-19 regulations for Long Island memory care facilities
Long-term care facilities on Long Island, including those providing memory care, do not have specific COVID-19 mandates to follow. However, the below guidelines are the New York State Department of Health’s best practices.
Vaccinations. It is recommended that all individuals who are eligible and willing receive vaccinations.
Masking. Personnel and visitors follow the 2023 masking guidance provided by the New York State Department of Health. This includes wearing masks or face coverings in health care facilities and when in groups of people.
Facility cleanliness. Regular disinfection of high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces is important in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19. It is recommended that facility staff prioritize the disinfection of these areas to help reduce the risk of transmission in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
Staff safety. Facilities should ensure their staff wears personal protective equipment and follow CDC guidance on hand-washing protocols and transmission-based precautions.
Social distancing. Visitors should wear masks and keep a distance of six feet when possible, including with other guests and seniors.
Quarantining. Quarantining should be implemented in accordance with federal and state guidelines when necessary.
What to expect from memory care living on Long Island
Memory care on Long Island offers a range of services with a focus on functionality and security. It is designated to provide a safe and secure living environment, specialized care, and personalized services for seniors with memory-related conditions. It offers a supportive and structured environment that is designed to help residents maintain their independence and quality of life.
The services are mainly provided for comfort and meeting seniors’ needs, including facilities that are secured to prevent wandering, built to support seniors with loss of directionality, and tend to diverse physical needs as well as cognitive. While there are other amenities such as meals, social gatherings, and dedicated transportation at many facilities, the primary focus is on a safe and dignified care plan.
Facilities to meet every need
Several facilities are integrated into larger communities and are meant to provide minimal disruption as seniors transition through cognitive and life stages. One of our partner Long Island facilities is considered a standalone memory care facility, meaning its sole focus is on helping patients with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Long Island is also home to eight facilities we partner with offering a combination of assisted living and memory care; five of Long Island’s facilities are a combination of memory care and group home living. Called Adult Homes by the state, group homes can provide assistance and supervision but not nursing or medical care.
Memory care in the broader Long Island area
For those looking for more specialized care, expanding their radius to a 25-mile range of Long Island’s Ronkonkoma provides more possibilities. Not only does the expanded area offer an additional 14 assisted living/memory care combination facilities, as well as another memory care facility combined with group home living, but it also offers four facilities offering a combination of assisted living, independent living, and memory care. This progressive care classification is appealing to careseekers and provides a broader range of options for seniors with memory care needs.
Specialized memory care amenities
Communities that offer memory care are designed to accommodate the specific needs of those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. On Long Island, nearly all memory care facilities offer redirection, cuing, and disorientation care, as well as provide care for restlessness, pacing, and wandering. A secured community and 24-hour awake staff is also a common feature, ensuring Long Island seniors and their families feel safe within their facilities’ setups.
Long Island has access to some of the country’s best medical facilities, and this accessibility is showcased in its memory care facilities’ offerings. More than 70% of Long Islands’ memory care facilities offer visiting nurses and podiatrists for residents. In addition, more than half host visiting occupational therapists and speech therapists.
These specialized services provide comfort and heightened awareness; several facilities are integrated into larger communities to ensure seniors receive the safe and continuous care they need as they navigate memory loss and other forms of dementia.
Ronkonkoma memory care services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Ronkonkoma memory care
Availability of select dementia care services in Ronkonkoma memory care
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Ronkonkoma memory care
Availability of select dining options in Ronkonkoma memory care
Availability of select programs and activities in Ronkonkoma memory care
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in the region
Median annual income for Long Island seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors on Long Island
Long Island hospitals provide specialized care for seniors and have expert physicians catering to specific health care requirements. They are well-equipped to meet the changing and complex needs of seniors in memory care facilities. Please see below for a list of the resources available for Long Island senior residents.
Long Island Jewish Medical Center
Long Island Jewish Medical Center touts specialties in surgical oncology, thoracic surgery, and women’s services. It also boasts a ranking from U.S. News & World Report of 40th in the country for geriatrics.
Stony Brook University Hospital
Stony Brook is one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals, according to Healthgrades. It’s the only medical facility on Long Island with this ranking that puts it in the nation’s top 1%.
South Shore University Hospital
South Shore University Hospital is ranked first in New York for cardiac surgery by Healthgrades for 2023. It has an overall designation of 15th in the state from U.S. News & World Report.
Transportation for seniors on Long Island
Seniors in memory care, and their families, want to ensure there is reliable and safe access to transportation for trips like medical needs or outings. A large percentage of the partners in A Place for Mom’s network — 62% — offer complimentary transportation to and from their facilities; the rest provide it at-cost.
More than half are located conveniently to public transportation for seniors with their caregivers. In the event that external transit is needed, the following three options are excellent resources:
- Essential Transportation for Seniors: This is a door-to-door transportation service that prioritizes medical appointment transit but can be used for other errands, too. The ride service won’t venture outside city limits, but it operates in several towns in both Suffolk and Nassau counties.
- Able-Ride/Paratransit Program: This program provides transportation services for individuals who have difficulty using public transportation due to their unique needs. Attendant caregivers are welcome to ride along. The fare is $3.75, but Medicaid recipients can apply for free transportation. Contact Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) Bus at 516-228-4028 for an application.
- Long Island Rail Road: This busy commuter railroad offers seniors aged 65 and above a half-price fare on trains as long as their destination isn’t New York City. Families or caregivers may be able to help their loved ones find cheaper fares for longer trips and accompany them.
Senior activities on Long Island
Long Island is in the greater New York City ecosystem, so it shouldn’t surprise prospective residents that the area is home to many activities. From gardens to museums, many of Long Island’s attractions are well-suited to seniors and their visitors.
Memory care residents have unique needs and their families want to make sure that, in addition to excellent care, those residents maintain a quality of life appropriate for their abilities. Many Long Island memory care facilities will schedule group outings for residents to the wide range of destinations available. If you want to take your loved one out and about, there’s plenty to do.
Outdoor Activities
Bailey Arboretum offers a 42-acre preserve full of gardens and wildlife viewing opportunities, offering a serene and placid environment for those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. The park has paved paths and benches for breaks, and there are interactive activities like nature walks and bird watching. Sands Point Preserve and Clark Botanic Garden offer similar outdoor activities for seniors seeking memory care and their loved ones.
Of course, beaches stretch for miles on Long Island if you and your loved one want to take in the sunshine and fresh sea air. You can find Jones Beach State Park, Fire Island, and Montauk State Park on the Atlantic Ocean side of the island.
Historical Activities
If seniors want to explore Long Island’s history, they should explore the Cradle of Aviation Museum and learn about Long Island’s importance in the development of flight and contributions to the continued exploration of the skies. This museum offers wheelchair accessibility and assistive listening devices. The Long Island Museum offers similar opportunities to explore history and has a diverse range of exhibits to explore.
Shopping excursions
You and your loved one can spend time perusing the adorable Village Town Shops in Suffolk County. From restaurants and boutiques to spa products and chocolate, there is something for everyone to enjoy. For bargain hunters, one of the area’s outlet malls might be the right stop for you.
These activities are in addition to the abundance of activities at our partner facilities and external senior centers that cater to those with memory care needs. Long Island families can be confident that there is an activity that will meet their loved one’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Atria Plainview, Maplewood at Southport and Atria Bay Shore are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Ronkonkoma, 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 Ronkonkoma is $6,064 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
The 34 memory care facilities near you in Ronkonkoma, New York typically provide housing, therapies, and care tailored to those who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. To find memory care in Ronkonkoma, New York, browse our detailed listings showing photos, floor plans, amenities, activities, and reviews from real families.
Browse A Place for Mom’s listings for memory care in Ronkonkoma, New York, to take a virtual tour. Our local senior living experts can arrange for a live tour of these communities as well.
The cost of memory care facilities in Ronkonkoma, New York ranges from $352 to $14835. The average Memory Care cost in Ronkonkoma, New York is $6,064. Prices often vary based on care provided, amenities, unit size, and more.
The cost of memory care in Ronkonkoma, New York typically starts at $352. A Place for Mom’s local, expert senior living advisors can help you find affordable memory care facilities near you and offer advice on how to lower costs and pay for care with VA benefits or public payment options.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
SmartAsset. (n.d.). New York retirement taxes. SmartAsset.
U.S. News & World Report. (2022). Long Island Jewish Medical Center at Northwell Health.
U.S. News & World Report. (2022). South Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health.
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