10 Best Independent Living Communities in Ronkonkoma, NY
Long Island, New York, provides a diverse experience for those living there. Rich in cultural activities, access to high-quality health care, beautiful beaches, and proximity to the Big Apple, Long Island has a lot to love for independent and active seniors.
Seniors looking to enjoy all that Long Island has to offer without the worry of home ownership, lawn care, and maintenance may find an independent living facility to be the perfect fit. Long Island is a vast collection of communities, towns, and cities. This guide will cover the independent living market within a 25-mile radius of Long Island, which includes the hamlet of Ronkonkoma and Suffolk and Nassau counties.
We will discuss the common ways seniors pay for independent living along with the laws and regulations that govern these communities. This guide will discuss the many benefits of Long Island for seniors, including car independence, excellent medical care, and a diverse range of activities. These crucial details prove invaluable for seniors considering independent living communities in Long Island.
How do we rank Long Island independent living communities?
Our goal is to help you find high-quality independent living facilities that fit your needs. Using our 20+ years of experience in senior living, we developed a proprietary rating system based on the following:
- Recent, high-quality reviews. We take into account reviews from the past two years. Then, we look for independent living options that people prefer. Communities that have mostly positive ratings in the past two years are prioritized over facilities that have low or no reviews in the past two years. Reviews also help us understand what matters most to families like yours and how you rate communities based on subcategories like meals and dining, staff, and cleanliness.
- Facility transparency. Communities that have robust information are prioritized over facilities that don’t offer the same level of transparency.
- Location. Independent living options vary based on proximity to your desired location.
Ronkonkoma Independent Living Facilities | 988 Reviews
I looked around at a few different independent, living facilities for my mother. I am so happy I chose Atria! I’ve been working with [name removed], who has been so supportive and has been willing to help me...
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...
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
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...
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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...
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...
as a matter fo fact tis wonderful, were moving in first week in september its a beautiful palce and theyre one of the few places we found that were in our budget when we were looking for apartments. we were...
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...
I have lived here for about 20 years (basically since the complex opened) and I have never experienced better service. The landscape has looked absolutely incredible, the people that live here are extremely...
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 independent living in the Long Island area
- What families are saying about independent living in Ronkonkoma
- How people pay for independent living on Long Island
- Understand New York laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Types of independent living on Long Island, NY
- Ronkonkoma independent living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Long Island? Highlights for seniors
Costs of independent living in the Long Island area
The average cost of independent living on Long Island is $4,795 in 2022-2023.[01] This number comes from A Place for Mom’s proprietary data. This fee includes more than just rent. Often, the monthly rent may include the following:
- Room fees
- Utilities
- Activities
- Meals
The pricing model can vary — some communities will charge an all-inclusive price, whereas others will have various cost segments and add-on options.
The following figures represent the average starting costs for independent living communities without considering additional fees. They are useful to compare baseline costs of living, like rent, across the greater.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Ronkonkoma, NY vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Ronkonkoma, NY vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Ronkonkoma vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Ronkonkoma, NY by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in Ronkonkoma over time
What families are saying about independent living in Ronkonkoma
Recent reviews for independent living in Ronkonkoma
The Bristal at East Northport
The Bristal at East Meadow
The Bristal at Massapequa
How people pay for independent living on Long Island
Many people pay for independent living through private pay options. This is because independent living costs are not covered by programs like Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term insurance programs. Nonetheless, seniors should closely analyze whether any public benefit programs can help them pay for the costs of future care in their Long Island independent living facility. Below are brief resource guides that show the key areas seniors should research when considering how to pay for independent living and long-term senior care costs.
Independent living is typically financed by your own resources and accumulated assets, such as savings accounts, pensions, Social Security benefits, investment returns, and retirement accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs. Other sources of income often include rental income or annuities. Seniors should consider all private pay options and seek guidance on the best strategies to fund their senior living needs.
Eligible private income sources can also include any of the following:
Number of veterans who live in Ronkonkoma
Approximately 81.5% of Ronkonkoma veterans are 65+
If veterans receive a Veteran Affairs (VA) Pension, they may be able to utilize it to cover their Long Island independent living costs or associated costs. Moreover, disabled veterans or their surviving spouses may qualify for additional benefits that can potentially stack on top of the VA Pension and assist with senior living expenses. For instance, qualified veterans may be eligible to receive the VA Aid and Attendance benefit.
Below are resources to help veterans navigate the complex world of VA benefits and determine which VA benefits may help them meet their independent living costs.
Resources for Long Island veterans
Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency
- 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 (DAV)
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 (VVA)
Long Island Chapter 11
286 Hawkins Road
Centereach, NY 11730
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
The primary objective of New York State Medicaid is to provide health care access to low-income people. This coverage includes hospital visits, rehabilitation care, and standard medical appointments. Independent living costs are not covered by Medicaid, but if seniors have medical disabilities requiring home-based services, they can apply for home and community based waiver programs. Those services can provide valuable support and mitigate the financial burden of long-term care costs.
There are several ways for New Yorkers to apply for Medicaid. One option is to apply through NY State of Health. Seniors can also apply through managed care organizations (MCOs) by calling the Medicaid helpline or getting in touch with one of two Suffolk County Department of Social Services (DSS) offices. In-person applications must be made at either the DSS office or one of the navigator agencies in the resources below. If you’re 65 or older, you must go the in-person route (or mail an application) and are not allowed to apply online.
The New York City Office of the Aging can also be a beneficial resource for seniors. It provides the long-term care ombudsman program that helps assist seniors in accessing their Medicaid or Medicare benefits. It’s crucial to emphasize that when considering Medicaid benefits, it’s important for seniors to conduct a thorough evaluation and avail themselves of all available resources. This ensures that no significant benefits are overlooked or missed.
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
Family Service League
1444 Fifth Ave.
Bay Shore, NY 11706
Phone: 631-470-6755
Email: yvette.boisnier@fsl.li.org
Medicare does not include coverage for Long Island independent living rent, as these facilities are not considered long-term care facilities. Nevertheless, Medicare can provide coverage for care services at-home care in medically necessary short-term situations. Medicare is a federal health insurance program that serves individuals who are 65 years or older and those with certain disabilities. It may cover costs like doctor office visits, hospital stays, and medical equipment. It may be able to cover some costs associated with long-term care, depending on the medical situation.
You can apply for Medicare by contacting your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. We’ve provided those local contacts in the resources below.
[H4] Ways to save with Medicare
The Medicare Savings Program can provide help for low-income seniors. It can help pay for Medicare premiums or cover copays. New York’s Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) Program assists with covering drug costs for seniors. The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) helps eligible seniors by coordinating care services that can keep them out of a nursing home, if they qualify for that level of care.
Seniors can apply for Medicare online. If you need help with the process, you can reach out to New York’s Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Programs (HIICAP), which offer free counseling to get you through the process.
For Long Island residents, another great resource is the senior advocates from The Suffolk County Office for the Aging. These advocates visit 50 locations across Long Island to answer questions about Medicare and other senior services.
Long Island Medicare resources
Social Security Administration — Patchogue
75 Oak St.
Patchogue, NY 11772
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Social Security Administration — Central Islip
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 independent living communities
Independent living is not regulated as a senior care community in New York. The New York State Department of Health makes it explicitly clear that it does not regulate this particular type of facility.
However, independent living communities follow the state apartment regulations for renters, including all state and federal laws for landlords and tenants. We’ve highlighted some important aspects of those laws in this section.
Federal protections for senior renters
The Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provide seniors or persons with disabilities with key protections. These are two foundational protections that seniors should be aware of. Both protect you from discrimination, while the ADA provides additional protection for people with disabilities.
Reasonable accommodations
Landlords must provide tenants with reasonable accommodations. This means, provided the request does not provide an overly heavy financial burden on the landlord, the landlord must provide the accommodation. If that accommodation is deemed unreasonable, another more reasonable accommodation can be met. What is considered a reasonable accommodation may vary. It can be a good idea to speak with an attorney specializing in tenants’ rights if you feel you are not being accommodated for a disability at your place of residence.
Reasonable modifications
Similar to reasonable accommodations, landlords are required to make modifications for tenants with disabilities, provided the cost isn’t too great. Again, it may be helpful to consult with a skilled attorney in the area of tenants’ rights if you feel your rights are being violated.
Inspections
Suffolk County rental property must meet these pre-rental inspection guidelines. This New York Residential Tenants’ Rights Guide lays out information on all the rights you have as a renter.
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 independent living communities
Independent living communities on Long Island are not under any COVID-19 mandates. General recommendations and best practices are provided by the New York State Department of Health.[03] General Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines include the following:
Vaccinations. It’s recommended that all individuals eligible and willing receive vaccinations do so.
Facility cleanliness. It’s recommended that facility staff prioritize the disinfection of high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces to help reduce the risk of transmission.
Types of independent living on Long Island, NY
Independent living options can vary in terms of cost and amenities due to the population density and range of economic circumstances present on Long Island. Independent living facilities on Long Island may provide on-site amenities that include the following:
- Access to public transit
- Swimming pools
- Cafés
- Bistros
Independent living helps residents age seamlessly
Most independent living facilities on Long Island are designed to minimize the challenges of daily life for seniors experiencing the natural effects of aging. For example, unit and common area layouts often feature the following:
- Ramps in high-traffic areas
- Grab bars in the bathrooms
- Elevators
- Railings
Sometimes, housekeeping and other convenient services or features are also built into the rental costs.
Independent living common areas and amenities provide on-site relaxation and convenience
Long Island independent living facilities often feature an array of convenient amenities. Residents can utilize common social areas. Here are some examples of the types of common areas you can expect from our partner Long Island independent living communities:
- Courtyards
- Game rooms
- Picnic areas
- Fitness centers
- Social lounges
- Clubhouses
- Business centers
More affordable options may not have as many on-site amenities. However, they’re often only a short drive away from numerous city events and attractions, like senior centers, museums, shops, and restaurants.
Independent living facilities empower seniors to feel comfortable and safe
Many facilities feature one-bedroom and occasionally two-bedroom options, with three-bedroom options being far less common. Our partner independent living communities in Long Island often have the following in-unit features:
- Full kitchens equipped with daily appliances
- A washer and dryer
- Personal patios or balconies
- Walk-in closets
- Emergency response systems
Ronkonkoma independent living services and amenities
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Ronkonkoma independent living
Availability of select dining options in Ronkonkoma independent living
Availability of select programs and activities in Ronkonkoma independent living
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Unfamiliar with Long Island? Highlights for seniors
Approximate number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Ronkonkoma on Long Island
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Ronkonkoma population
Median annual income for Ronkonkoma residents
Health care for seniors on Long Island
Long Island’s large population has produced an impressive health care system. Seniors can be comfortable knowing that Long Island hospitals rank toward the top of the country in some of the most important health care areas for seniors. See below for some of the excellent care options available on Long Island.
Long Island Jewish Medical Center
Ranked seventh in the state, Long Island Jewish Medical Center is nationally ranked in six adult specialties. It’s ranked 40th in the nation in geriatrics. Additionally, it’s ranked 41st in the nation in pulmonary and lung surgery.
Stony Brook University Hospital
HealthGrades ranked Stony Brook in America’s 50 Best Hospitals for 2023. This designation places the hospital in the nation’s top 1%.
South Shore University Hospital
Regionally ranked as 15th in New York, South Shore University Hospital is a general medical and surgical facility. It’s also a Northwell Health hospital.
Transportation for seniors on Long Island
For the most part, you’ll be better off if you have your own car on Long Island. However, there are a few public transportation options.
The Nassau Intercounty Express also extends into western portions of Suffolk County. Suffolk County Transit provides transportation within the entire Suffolk County area of Long Island.
For senior-specific transportation, Essential Transportation for Seniors provides door-to-door transportation. The Able-Ride/Paratransit Program is perfect for those who can’t use the public bus system due to disabilities. Finally, there is the Long Island Rail Road. Seniors aged 65+ can use their Medicare cards, driver’s licenses, or birth certificates for half-price fares for trains not destined for New York City.
Long Island also has a couple of ferry services that operate year-round. One ferry crosses the Long Island Sound from Port Jefferson to Bridgeport, Connecticut. The other ferry takes people to Fire Island.
Some of our partner communities may offer complimentary or at-cost transportation to their residents. If on-site transportation is important to you, it’s best to ask each prospective community about what they offer.
Don’t count on getting around on foot or on a bike in Long Island, because the Long Island area is not considered highly walkable or bike-friendly, according to Walk Score. Using the Walk Score rating system, the area doesn’t rank high on a scale of 0 to 100.
Walk Score
Bike Score
Senior activities on Long Island
The bustling suburban atmosphere and quick pace of life on Long Island holds many activities that are easily tailored to seniors and their interests. Read on for a glimpse of some senior- and family-centered highlights of Long Island.
Oceanic activities
Long Island has a long list of activities for seniors and families to choose from.
Explore both the expansive views and experience history at the Montauk Point Lighthouse, which was commissioned by George Washington in 1792. This museum has a virtual tour and live webcams available.
If seniors want a more modern ocean-based experience, they can attend the annual Oyster Festival or brave the sea for whale and seal watching. Note that the Oyster Festival is not an accessible event.
Here are just a few more of the popular Long Island spots perfect for a beach day:
With miles and miles of beachfront, there is no shortage of sun and sand on Long Island.
Outdoor activities
If seniors want a land-based experience, they can enjoy watching the horses run at the Belmont Race Track, which offers accessible seating tickets available for those with disabilities.
For a more casual, less crowded experience, locals can enjoy a spot like the Jamesport Brewery or take a tour of some of the Long island wineries. In retirement, there’s always time to enjoy the beautiful inland areas that Long Island offers.
For those looking for more active options, there are numerous golf and outdoor activities in Long Island, with 13 golf courses available in the area. Some are in gorgeous state parks like Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park. But there are more than 57 parks and reserves in the area to explore. Many of the parks are even accessible for seniors who want to bring their canine companions.
Indoor activities
If you enjoy lifelong learning, head to the Cradle of Aviation Museum or the Firefighter Museum. Enjoy a game of bowling with friends at one of the many bowling allies in Long Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Atria Plainview, Maplewood at Southport and Atria Bay Shore are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Ronkonkoma, NY. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Ronkonkoma is $5,745 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. Ronkonkoma CDP, New York.
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. COVID-19: Data, Maps, and Reports.
U.S. News and World Report. (2022). Long Island Jewish Medical Center at Northwell Health.
U.S. News and World Report. (2022). South Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health.
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