Rockland County has a large senior community, with adults aged 65 and over comprising nearly 16% of the county's population of 326,000 people. It's projected by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that 11.5 percent of seniors who receive Medicaid services have Alzheimer's disease. The county is served by the Hudson Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, which provides informational resources to seniors and families who have been affected by Alzheimer's and dementia.Â
In Rockland County, and in all of New York, memory care services are provided in assisted living facilities that are certified as special needs assisted living facilities, and they are licensed by New York’s Department of Health. Families can find four memory care facilities in Rockland County.Â
- New Yorkers age 65 and over do not pay state income tax on Social Security benefits, and there is a sizable deduction on all other types of retirement income. This may allow seniors and families to put more money toward memory care services in Rockland County.
- According to the American Lung Association, ozone pollution levels in Rockland County are very high, with the county earning an F for this type of pollution. This may have a negative impact on seniors' health and quality of life, particularly for those with conditions like heart disease or COPD.
- Rockland County has warm summers and chilly winters, with year-round temperatures ranging between 20 degrees and 84 degrees. Average annual snowfall is 33 inches, which is 7 inches more than the national average. To ensure their loved one's comfort, families may want to seek out memory care facilities that have bedrooms equipped with individual climate control.Â
- Rockland County's overall cost of living is high, even in comparison to the statewide average. The main drivers behind the region's cost of living are high housing, utilities and transportation costs, all of which may result in higher memory care expenses. Â
Note:Â Data reported on this page was updated in 2019 and based on the latest 2018 figures.Â