Senior Housing, Caregiving, Financial Assistance & Downsizing
As we grow older, our housing, healthcare, and financial needs often change. Fortunately, finding reliable senior resources in Queens and Long Island can make these transitions easier. Whether you’re planning to remain in your home, helping an aging parent, researching assisted living, or preparing to sell a longtime family home, having access to trusted information can make a meaningful difference.
We are Nancy and David Legaz, REALTORS® and Seniors Real Estate Specialists® (SRES®), serving Queens, Manhattan, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. Through our experience, we’ve learned that decisions involving aging, independence, caregiving, and housing frequently affect the entire family.
To help you navigate these important choices, we’ve assembled the following senior resources. In addition to housing guidance, you’ll find organizations offering financial assistance, healthcare information, caregiver support, and professional services.
Aging in Place: Growing Older at Home
National Institute on Aging: Aging in Place
Many older adults prefer to remain in their homes as they age. Fortunately, the National Institute on Aging offers practical information about maintaining independence, improving home safety, arranging personal care, and accessing transportation. Its educational materials also help families understand which services can make aging at home more manageable.
National Association of Home Builders: Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS)
National Association of Home Builders
Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists help homeowners identify modifications that improve accessibility, safety, and independence. For example, recommended improvements may include grab bars, better lighting, accessible bathrooms, and stair modifications. As a result, older adults may find it easier to navigate their homes while maintaining independence.
Senior Benefits and Government Assistance
New York State myBenefits
New York State’s myBenefits website helps residents explore available public assistance programs. Through this senior resource, individuals can review potential eligibility for food assistance, heating assistance, and other essential benefits for Queens and Long Island. The website also provides information on how to apply for qualifying programs.
BenefitsCheckUp: National Council on Aging
BenefitsCheckUp is a free service provided by the National Council on Aging. Specifically, it helps older adults identify programs that may assist with prescription medications, housing, utilities, food, and healthcare expenses. Consequently, eligible seniors may discover financial assistance programs they were previously unaware of.
AARP
AARP.org | 888-687-2277
AARP provides extensive educational resources covering retirement planning, Medicare, caregiving, housing, and financial security. Older adults and their families throughout Queens and Long Island can also explore information on healthy aging, independent living, and preparing for retirement.
Caregiving and Family Support
New York Elder Caregiver Support Program
Caring for an aging family member often involves emotional, financial, and practical responsibilities. Fortunately, New York’s caregiver support services assist spouses, adult children, relatives, and others who care for older adults. Depending on eligibility and local availability, services may include counseling, caregiver education, respite care, and referrals to community programs.
Eldercare Locator
Eldercare Locator | 800-677-1116
The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide public service that connects older adults and caregivers with local assistance. For example, available resources include home healthcare, transportation, adult day programs, nutrition services, and housing assistance. Families can also find information about legal services, home modifications, and long-term care support.
Healthcare, Medicare and Alzheimer’s Support
Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP)
New York State HIICAP | 800-701-0501
Understanding Medicare coverage can be confusing, especially when comparing different plans. Fortunately, HIICAP provides free, unbiased health insurance counseling to New York residents. Through this program, older adults can receive guidance about Medicare, Medicare Advantage, prescription drug coverage, Medigap, and related insurance concerns.
Medicare
Medicare.gov | 800-633-4227
The official Medicare website provides information about healthcare coverage, eligibility, and available plans. Visitors can also compare participating providers, review prescription drug coverage, and explore potential out-of-pocket expenses.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
CMS oversees federal Medicare and Medicaid programs. As part of its responsibilities, the agency provides information about healthcare coverage, program policies, and eligibility requirements. Therefore, individuals seeking authoritative information about these federal healthcare programs can use its website as a reference.
Alzheimer’s Association
ALZ.org | 800-272-3900
An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can create significant challenges for individuals and their families. However, the Alzheimer’s Association offers educational resources, caregiver support, and information about dementia care. Furthermore, families can connect with local services and learn more about treatment, care planning, and available support programs.
Financial Assistance for Seniors
Emergency Assistance for Adults (EAA)
800-342-3009
Unexpected financial emergencies can be especially difficult for older adults living on fixed incomes. In New York State, Emergency Assistance for Adults may help certain individuals who receive or are eligible for Supplemental Security Income. Depending on eligibility, assistance may cover essential expenses and qualifying emergencies, including eviction or utility shutoff.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration | 800-772-1213
Supplemental Security Income provides monthly financial assistance to eligible older adults and people with qualifying disabilities who have limited income and resources. Specifically, adults aged 65 and older may qualify based on financial eligibility. The Social Security Administration also provides information about applications, benefit amounts, and program requirements.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Heating expenses can place a significant burden on low-income households. Fortunately, New York’s Home Energy Assistance Program helps eligible households manage certain energy-related costs. Depending on the program and circumstances, assistance may cover regular heating expenses, energy emergencies, and qualifying equipment repairs or replacements.
Reverse Mortgage Information
A reverse mortgage may allow eligible older homeowners to access a portion of their home’s equity without selling the property immediately. However, these loans involve costs, obligations, and important financial considerations. Therefore, homeowners should carefully evaluate the potential benefits and risks with an independent housing counselor or qualified financial professional before deciding.
Senior Housing and Assisted Living Options
AARP Assisted Living Resources
Choosing an assisted living community requires careful consideration of personal needs, services, and costs. To assist families, AARP provides information about independent living, assisted living communities, and other senior housing alternatives. Its resources also explain different levels of care and suggest questions to ask when evaluating a community.
Eldercare Locator: Housing and Long-Term Care
Eldercare Locator | 800-677-1116
Families exploring senior housing often need assistance identifying suitable options. Through the Eldercare Locator, they can connect with local agencies offering information about assisted living, nursing facilities, independent living, and home-based services. As a result, older adults and caregivers can better understand the housing and care options available in their communities.
Nutrition and Meal Assistance
New York State Congregate and Home-Delivered Meals
New York State Office for the Aging
Proper nutrition plays an important role in maintaining health and independence as we age. For this reason, New York State supports nutrition programs that provide meals in community settings and home-delivered meals for eligible older adults. Some programs also offer nutritional counseling and related services to support healthy living.
Elder Law, Estate Planning and Legal Resources
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)
Planning for later life often involves important legal and financial decisions. Accordingly, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys provides information about estate planning, wills, trusts, probate, Medicaid planning, long-term care, and powers of attorney. Families can also use its resources to locate attorneys who focus on elder law.
For families seeking local elder law guidance in Queens and Long Island, Ann-Margaret Carrozza, Esq. is another professional resource to consider, as she is a great senior resource.
Downsizing, Moving and Selling a Family Home
National Association of Senior and Specialty Move Managers (NASMM)
Moving from a longtime family home can be both emotionally and physically challenging. Fortunately, the National Association of Senior and Specialty Move Managers helps older adults and their families locate professionals who specialize in these transitions. For example, services may include organizing belongings, downsizing, coordinating movers, managing estate sales, and preparing for a move to a smaller residence or senior living community.
Helping Seniors and Their Families Navigate Real Estate Decisions
As a husband-and-wife real estate team, we’ve helped homeowners and families throughout Queens, Nassau County, Suffolk County, and New York City since 1994.
We’ve both earned the Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation and completed specialized education focused on the real estate needs of older adults and their families. Moreover, our decades of experience have taught us that every family’s circumstances are different.
Selling a longtime family home is often much more than a financial decision. After all, a home can represent decades of memories, family milestones, and personal history. At the same time, changing healthcare needs, maintenance responsibilities, and financial considerations may make a move worth exploring.
Whether you’re considering downsizing, relocating closer to family, transitioning to senior housing, or selling an aging parent’s home, we’re here to provide knowledgeable guidance, patience, and personalized support.
Above all, our goal is to help you explore your options, understand the real estate process, and make informed decisions that respect your family’s needs and circumstances.
Allow Nancy & David Legaz to be your senior resource in Queens and Long Island.
Seniors Real Estate Specialists® (SRES®)
The Legaz Team | Keller Williams Realty Landmark
Call us: 718-475-2800
Additional Senior Housing Resource
Next Steps: Navigating Housing Options for Seniors and Their Families
Published by the Center for REALTOR® Development, this guide explores important housing decisions facing older adults and their families. In particular, it covers aging in place, senior housing alternatives, financial considerations, legal planning, downsizing, and selling a longtime family home.
Read the Free SRES® Next Steps Guide (PDF)
Disclaimer: These senior resources for Queens and Long Island are provided for informational and educational purposes only. The Legaz Team is not affiliated with or responsible for the services provided by the listed organizations. Program eligibility, services, contact information, and availability may change. Additionally, individuals should consult qualified legal, financial, healthcare, or other appropriate professionals for guidance specific to their circumstances.