Many resources are available to help you make decisions about choosing assisted living in Westchester County. One such resource is the handbook, At the Crossroads. It is a directory of residential options that is published by Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services.

This helpful guide provides information on:

  • Understanding different care options
  • The five types of residential care services
  • Determining the right level of care
  • Tips for selecting a care facility
  • Financial costs and assistance programs
  • List of patient rights
  • Directory of adult homes, enriched housing, retirement residences/assisted living and residential care facilities

You may contact the Department of Senior Programs and Services for additional information.

What other options are available?
Both the federal and state governments have information resources that may be helpful.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 7th Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20410
Tel: (202) 708-1112

New York State Department of Housing and Community Renewal
25 Beaver Street
New York, N.Y. 10004
Tel: (866) 275-3427

New York State Office for the Aging – NYSOFA
2 Empire State Plaza
Albany, New York 12223-1251
Tel: (800) 342-9871

New LIFESTYLES: The Source for Seniors. A Guide to Senior Housing and Care
This handbook defines the various types of senior housing, along with contacts for senior residential facilities and developments. The handbook lists all private sector senior residential facilities in the New York Metropolitan region. To order call (800) 869-9549.

What local housing advocacy organizations are approved by HUD?

Westchester Residential Opportunities – WRO
470 Mamaroneck Avenue – Suite 410
White Plains, New York 10605
Tel: (914) 428-9455

Human Development Services of Westchester
930 Mamaroneck Avenue
Mamaroneck, New York 10543
Tel: (914) 835-8906

Reverse mortgages, available to people age 62 or over, are a special type of home loan that lets a homeowner receive a portion of his home equity in regular cash payments. These mortgages can give seniors greater financial security to supplement their retirement income or meet unexpected medical expenses or make home improvements. These mortgages may only be offered by agencies and lenders that have been approved by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Where can I obtain more detailed information?
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has more information about reverse mortgages. The two Westchester housing not-for-profit organizations listed below can provide free and objective counseling. It is important to note that only organizations certified by HUD may offer this counseling.

Also, you may want to visit our Financial Education Web site for more information about mortgages and reverse mortgages.

Westchester Residential Opportunities
470 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, New York 10605
(914) 428-4507
E-mail

Human Development Services of Westchester
28 Adee Street
Port Chester, New York 10573
(914) 939-2005
E-mail

Living on a fixed income is always a challenge. Seniors may want to consult Westchester County's Income Limits to determine income eligibility for affordable housing programs. There may be a waitlist for the Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers program, which is administered by 17 municipalities in Westchester, and assists families in paying their rent.

Some seniors with equity in their homes may be interested in a reverse mortgage to provide additional income or, if purchasing a home, from homebuyer counseling.

The Senior Housing Glossary explains New York State's senior housing terms - such as Assisted Living and Adult Home and can help when making a decision on the type of housing needed. At the Crossroads, a publication that lists options for residential and healthcare facilities in Westchester County, includes adult homes, assisted living, enriched housing, and retirement residences.

Westchester County's Department of Senior Programs and Services provides additional helpful information related to seniors. Seniors may also benefit from the financial education information on the Department of Consumer Affairs' Web site.