The Best Assisted Living in Rochester, New York
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With a vibrant assortment of activities and a lower-than-average cost of living, it’s easy to see why Rochester is an appealing home for older adults. Thanks to the many assisted living communities in the city, seniors can access the care and support they need.
With so many assisted living communities available, how do you choose the right one? You’ll want a facility that fits your budget, offers the care you need, and has the atmosphere you want.
Our team thoroughly researched the assisted living communities in Rochester to help you narrow your search to the best options. We’ve included some must-know information about each community, plus some facts about senior living in New York. We’ll also share some tips to help you explore the communities and find the right one.
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Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Assisted Living in Rochester
Since there are so many assisted living communities in Rochester, we used a detailed process to narrow down the options and determine which ones are the best. We spent over 50 hours researching and evaluating the facilities and used the following criteria to identify the best communities.
- Cost: Assisted living costs can vary. Rather than focusing strictly on cost, we looked at the value each community delivers. We also considered whether a community has extra fees, like entrance fees, or excludes any necessary services from its base fees. Any costs listed came from facility websites or conversations with staff.
- Care availability: We considered the different types of care each community offers, including extra care options such as physical therapy and rehabilitative care. We also evaluated safety features, including emergency-alert systems, and considered how well each community could work for residents with different care needs.
- Amenities: Since amenities can shape a resident’s experience, we looked for facilities with a various options, such as libraries and game rooms. We also looked for amenities designed to enhance wellness, including fitness rooms and gyms.
- Location: We considered the pros and cons of each community’s location. We looked for communities that offer convenient access to local amenities, including healthcare facilities.
- Staff: Since staff play an integral role in delivering quality care, we looked for communities that maintain appropriate staff-to-resident ratios. We also considered whether communities invest in their staff with ongoing training and support.
- Reviews: Our team spent hours reading reviews of the assisted living communities to get an insider’s perspective on resident experiences. We looked for common themes that reviews repeatedly mentioned and included those themes in this article.
The 5 Best Assisted Living Communities in Rochester
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1. St. John’s Meadows
Enhanced Assisted Living
STARTING PRICE
N/A
ADDRESS
1 Johnsarbor Drive West, Rochester, NY 14620
Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:
(855) 241-1699Source: St Johns Meadows
Highlights
- Numerous housing options available, including cottages and apartments
- Assisted living apartments include a walk-in shower, kitchenette, all utilities, and cable TV
- Enhanced assisted living services include an on-site doctor’s office and lab services, podiatry assistance, diabetes management, medication management, and more
- Residents are given a personal emergency-response system for safety
- Concierge services are available daily for extra support
Overview
St. John’s Meadows is home to more than 400 residents who can enjoy cottage or apartment living options. The community has no entrance fee, which we appreciate. Pricing options are customized so you can get the specific care you need without paying for services you don’t. Pets are welcome, too. That’s important because pet ownership provides older adults with many benefits, including companionship, reduced stress, and lower blood pressure.1
Pro Tip: Worried about paying for care? Learn about the cost of assisted living and ways to pay for it.
The community features 38 one-bedroom apartments for enhanced assisted living. In New York, communities that offer enhanced assisted living have received an extra certification from the New York State Department of Health. The certification allows residents to age in place while receiving more care than what’s provided to traditional assisted living residents.
At St. John’s Meadows, enhanced assisted living residents can access extra services, including diabetes management, podiatry assistance, medication management, and an on-site doctor’s office and laboratory services. Transportation is available to medical and personal appointments, and concierge services are available seven days a week to address any other resident needs. Enhanced assisted living is ideal for older adults who may need more care than traditional assisted living offers but don’t need more advanced types of care, such as memory or rehabilitative care.
» Related Reading: Transportation for Seniors
St. John’s Meadows is a large community with extensive care options. If you’re looking for a community with a more small-town feel, consider Legacy at Cranberry Landing.
Types of Care
St. John’s Meadows residents can access multiple services, including independent living, enhanced assisted living, nursing home care, rehabilitation and transitional care, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, respite care, and comfort care. Because of its numerous care options, the community is an excellent choice for older adults who want to remain in one place even if their needs change over time.
Feedback and Reviews
St. John’s Meadows has received many positive reviews. Several reviewers write that the staff is helpful and friendly, and the community is clean and beautiful. Most negative reviewers didn’t leave specific comments about their negative ratings. One guest wrote that they experienced food poisoning after dining in the community.
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2. Legacy at Cranberry Landing
Small-Town Vibe on the Outskirts of Rochester
STARTING PRICE
$3,120 per month
ADDRESS
300 Cranberry Landing Drive, Rochester, NY 14609
Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:
(855) 241-1699Source: Legacy at Cranberry Landing
Highlights
- Busy activities calendar that includes holiday celebrations, pet visits, manicures, fitness activities, games, sing-alongs, and more
- Resident call response system for safety
- Memory support services, move-in coordination services, and salon and barber services available
- Dining options include heart-healthy, low-carb, gluten-free, vegetarian, and low-sodium options
- Wide range of fitness programs and classes helps residents stay active
Overview
With its location on the outskirts of Rochester, Legacy at Cranberry Landing combines a small-town, close-knit feel with convenient access to Rochester’s amenities. Shopping, restaurants, museums, and numerous other attractions are close by, making for a fulfilling lifestyle.
Assisted living residents can choose from studios and suites that include a kitchenette. Dining services are also available in the community dining room. The facility features a busy activities calendar, which includes fitness programs and classes to help keep residents active. The focus on fitness and exercise is particularly important, since physical activity may help prevent or delay many of the health issues that come with aging.2
» You Might Also Like: Workouts and Exercises for Seniors
Types of Care
Legacy at Cranberry Landing offers independent living, assisted living, enhanced assisted living, memory care, and short-term stays. The enhanced assisted living option is ideal for older adults who need more care than what is typically available for assisted living residents. The services include around-the-clock diabetes care, medical equipment, access to mechanical lifts, oxygen management, mobility transfers, managing incontinence, and more. Those comprehensive services are available for many, but the community doesn’t offer rehabilitation services or physical therapy. If you anticipate needing such services, a community like St. John’s Meadows may be ideal.
Feedback and Reviews
Most reviews of Legacy at Cranberry Landing are highly positive. Reviewers praise the delicious food, the kind and pleasant staff, and the spacious, warm, and clean community. Several reviews describe the community as being updated and having a cozy feeling. Many negative reviews described poor experiences with directorial staff.
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3. Wolk Manor Assisted Living
Assisted Living With an Intergenerational Program
STARTING PRICE
N/A
ADDRESS
4000 Summit Circle Drive, Rochester, NY 14618
Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:
(855) 241-1699Source: Wolk Manor Assisted Living
Highlights
- Wellness center is open 24 hours, and fitness programs such as Zumba and tai chi are available
- Events calendar includes activities such as sing-alongs, movies, fitness classes, music classes, and painting
- Studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments are available
- Enhanced assisted living services include transfer assistance, incontinence care, and assistance with medical equipment
- Long-term and short-term rehab available
Overview
Wolk Manor Assisted Living, part of the greater Jewish Senior Life campus, offers enhanced assisted living services, including options such as incontinence care and assistance with medical equipment. Residents can choose from six residence layouts, including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom. The assisted living community features a busy calendar of activities, including music classes and sing-alongs, and the wellness center is open 24 hours a day to help keep residents active.
» Learn More: Activities for Seniors
In addition to activities to keep residents engaged, the community offers an intergenerational program to provide enriching interactions with younger generations. The community partners with local K-12 schools so students and residents can experience meaningful interactions and establish social connections. Residents can increase their feelings of belonging and self-esteem and also have the chance to put Jewish values and traditions into practice.
» Related Reading: Jewish Assisted Living
Types of Care
The larger Jewish Senior Life campus provides independent living, assisted living, memory care, plus short- and long-term rehab. The community does not offer hospice. If you’re concerned about the eventual availability of hospice care, you may want to consider a community like St. John’s Meadows.
» Learn About: Hospice Care for Seniors
Feedback and Reviews
Jewish Senior Life has received many positive reviews, many of which praise the leadership team for being dedicated to their work and the staff for being kind and supportive. Several reviewers wrote that their parents received quality care while in the community. Some negative reviews, however, state that the community is dirty and residents don’t receive attentive care.
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4. Crimson Ridge Meadows
A Focus on Ongoing Caregiver Training
STARTING PRICE
N/A
ADDRESS
1 and 3 Treeline Drive, Rochester, NY 14612
Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:
(855) 241-1699Source: Crimson Ridge Meadows
Highlights
- Pet-friendly community
- Amenities include a beauty parlor, restaurant-style dining room, beautiful outdoor spaces, and enclosed outdoor courtyards
- Residents can access an on-site primary-care physician, pharmacy, lab services, podiatry care, and dental services
- Transportation is available, and outings are scheduled to local attractions and events
- Caregivers participate in weekly learning initiatives for ongoing education
Overview
Crimson Ridge Meadows is located on the same campus as Crimson Ridge Gardens, a memory care community, so residents can access a variety of care. Residents can enjoy the beauty of Lake Ontario and a robust activity calendar that provides entertainment and engaging experiences. Community amenities include restaurant-style dining rooms with guest meals available, an on-site spa, and an ice cream and soda shop. The facility also provides services such as time-capsule building and writing each resident’s biography. We love these personal touches! Spiritual programs are available, but you might want to consider Rochester Presbyterian Home if you would like a community heavily focused on spirituality.
» Explore Your Options: Assisted Living in New York City
To ensure that the staff delivers quality care, the community features ongoing caregiver training. Weekly learning initiatives help ensure that the staff has the skills needed to deliver quality care, including behavioral management, personal care, family support and service, and pain recognition.
Types of Care
Crimson Ridge Meadows offers assisted living, personal care, and memory care. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are also available on-site. Residents can access an on-site primary-care physician, pharmacy, lab, and dental services, making the community suitable for many residents with varying care needs. We also appreciate that memory care is available since moving can be a very stressful experience for people with memory loss. If the need for memory care arises, residents can stay in the community they’ve grown accustomed to.
» Related Reading: Changing Health Care Needs
Feedback and Reviews
Crimson Ridge Meadows has received positive reviews praising the staff for being warm, welcoming, and attentive. Several reviewers said their parents received excellent care while in the community, and they were treated with respect and kindness. Some negative reviews described the community as understaffed and said the quality of the food was poor.
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5. The Homestead — Rochester Presbyterian Home
Faith-Based Assisted Living
STARTING PRICE
$3,090
ADDRESS
256 Thurston Road, Rochester, NY 14619
Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:
(855) 241-1699Source: The Homestead — Rochester Presbyterian Home
Highlights
- Amenities include a living room, dining hall, library, country store, gift shop, greenhouse, ice cream parlor, beauty salon, and fitness center
- Services include medication management, personal care, and 24/7 support
- Pets are allowed
- Community features a chapel and hosts religious services
- Secure entry systems and emergency-response systems help ensure staff safety
Overview
The Homestead — Rochester Presbyterian Home is a faith-based assisted living community that features a chapel and offers regular religious services for residents. If you’re looking to stay connected with your faith and other Christians, the Homestead is a great place to build community.
Amenities include an ice cream parlor, greenhouse, country store, gift shop, and beauty salon available on-site. The community uses safety features such as secure entry systems and emergency-response systems. The safety measures are important because about 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year.3
Pro Tip: Safety features like emergency alert systems can give you peace of mind and help keep you safe. Learn about the best medical alert systems.
Pets are allowed with a fee, and local transportation is available. The community schedules field trips and other social outings, and meals and snacks are freshly prepared on-site. Support is available to residents 24/7. The community also has a calendar of engaging activities.
» Related Reading: Pet-Friendly Senior Living
Types of Care
The Homestead offers assisted living, four levels of memory care, and respite care. We appreciate including respite care since it can help prevent caregiver burnout. Medication-management assistance is available, too. The community offers some excellent assisted living and memory care services but doesn’t provide rehabilitation care. If you’re looking for that type of care, you may want to look into St. John’s Meadows.
Feedback and Reviews
Reviews of the Homestead are very positive. Many reviewers described the community as a true family for their parents. They praised the care their parents received and how connected they felt while living in the community. Most negative reviews were left by job applicants who weren’t hired, but one reviewer noted that his mother sometimes didn’t receive prompt care.
- St. John’s Meadows
- Legacy at Cranberry Landing
- Wolk Manor Assisted Living
- Crimson Ridge Meadows
- The Homestead — Rochester Presbyterian Home
How to Find the Right Assisted Living Community for You
These top-rated facilities are a great place to start your search but ultimately, you’ll need to decide which community is best for you. The below tips can help you narrow down your choices.
- Determine your care needs. Start by listing the specific types of care and support you need, such as medication management or help with bathing. It’s also useful to list the types of care you’re likely to need in the coming years, so you can find a community that will be able to meet those needs.
- Think about the right atmosphere. Take some time to envision the atmosphere where you would like to live. Think about the ideal community size and values, as well as the overall feel you want your new home to have.
- Calculate your budget.Add up your savings and calculate the maximum amount you can comfortably spend on your assisted living costs per month. Look for a community that costs less than your maximum so you can handle any price increases that may occur. Remember that Medicare usually won’t cover your assisted living costs, so you’ll need to base your budget on Social Security benefits, long-term care insurance, and retirement savings.
- Consider location. Think about your ideal location within Rochester. Consider access to amenities, areas you particularly like, and how easily your friends and family can get to those areas.
- Read reviews. As part of your research, read the reviews others have written about each assisted living community. Remember that every place is sure to have some negative reviews. Look for common themes that are frequently mentioned, rather than focusing on any one review.
- Visit the communities. As you start to focus on a few options, visit the communities. Go in prepared with a list of questions and interact with staff and current residents. You should listen to your gut when deciding which community is best for you.
What Is Living in Rochester Like for Seniors?
Rochester is a busy city with lots to offer older adults regarding health care, entertainment, and amenities such as museums and restaurants. Below is a glimpse into what life is like for older adults living in Rochester.
- Climate: Rochester experiences warm and sunny summers, while the winters are very cold, snowy, and windy. Older adults living in Rochester should consider snow-removal practices when they look for senior care communities.
- Health care: Rochester has a robust healthcare system that includes many specialty practices, as well as major medical centers such as the Strong Memorial Hospital of the University of Rochester, Highland Hospital, and Rochester General Hospital.
- Cost of living: Rochester is an affordable city, with a living cost significantly lower than the national average. In 2022, national average housing costs were about $384,000, but Rochester’s housing costs averaged just $195,000.4
- Activities: Rochester is home to historic museums, various music venues such as the Eastman Theater, some top-rated golf courses, and a fantastic assortment of dining venues. There’s always plenty for older adults to do in the city.
- Taxes: New York State income tax rates range from 4 percent to 10.9 percent.5 Estate taxes range from 3.06 percent to 16 percent. It’s important to consider those taxes when budgeting for senior care and estate planning.6
- Crime rate: As of 2020, Rochester’s violent crime and property crime rates were lower than the national average, making it a safer city for older adults.4
How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Rochester, New York?
According to Genworth, the monthly median cost of assisted living in Rochester is an estimated $5,493. That’s less than the national median cost of $5,511 per month. Assisted living costs are generally lower in Rochester than in other areas, but it’s important to remember that several factors will impact your costs.
The type of care you need will majorly impact how much you’ll pay. You’ll save money if you have only minimal care needs. Your costs will increase if your needs change, for example. It’s best to choose a community with fees you can comfortably afford so you can handle the cost increase if you need more care down the line.
You may also be able to save money with your room choice. Costs vary depending on your apartment, and smaller spaces usually have lower monthly fees. Look into whether sharing a two-bedroom apartment with another resident could give you a larger space without the extra cost.
The Tribune. (2023). Benefits of pets goes beyond companionship for seniors | Guest column.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). How much physical activity do older adults need?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Keep on Your Feet—Preventing Older Adult Falls.
U.S. News. (2024). What’s it like to live in Rochester, NY?
Forbes. (2024). New York Income Tax Calculator 2023-2024.
New York Legacy Lawyers. (2024). Estate of Affairs: A Handy and Essential Guide to New York Estate Tax.