Picturesque Otsego County is located in central New York and gets its name from a Mohawk or Oneida word meaning "place of the rock." The county has a population of just 61,000, 19 percent of whom are seniors aged 65 and older, a demographic that has a higher likelihood of developing dementia or Alzheimer's Disease. The State of New York estimates that 10% of Otsego County's seniors have a memory condition. To house and treat these individuals, Otsego County is home to two memory care facilities.Â
Memory care facilities in Otsego County, as in all of New York, are referred to as Adult Care Facilities and regulated through the state's Department of Health.Â
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Cost of living in Otsego County is lower than the rest of the country, at 87 compared to the 100 national average. Housing costs, especially, are much lower, coming in at just 68. Lower housing costs may mean cheaper operating costs for memory care facilities, making Otsego County an attractive option for families on a budget.Â
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Otsego County weather is characterized by long winters with plenty of snow and January lows dipping into the teens on a regular basis. Summers are mild, with July highs in the high 70s. Seniors with health conditions troubled by cold weather may be uncomfortable here, although those who are affected by high heat may find relief.Â
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Air and water quality in Otsego County are among the cleanest in the nation, which may be a relief for seniors who have respiratory conditions. Air quality is 87, compared to the national average of 58 on a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 being the best. Water quality, measured on the same scale, scores a perfect 10.Â
- Otsego County is home to world-class medical facilities, including those specializing in brain health and dementia care such as Bassett Healthcare Network A. O. Fox Hospital, in the event of medical emergencies or illness.
Note:Â Data reported on this page was updated in 2019 and based on the latest 2018 figures.Â