homes away from home
BROOKDALE BATTERY PARK455 North End Ave., near Chambers St.
212-791-2500
brookdale.com
Facilities: 217 apartments, from studios to two-bedrooms
Fees: from $7,995 to $12,845 per month
Waiting list: High occupancy; first come, first served
Type: Independent Living
Brookdale is a “hidden gem where you can meet your next best friend right next door in lower Manhattan,” says Gail Hochfeld, Director, Sales and Marketing, describing senior life at Brookdale Battery Park’s independent living residence.
The 20-year-old building, located in downtown Manhattan, is urban living in Battery Park City and within walking and viewing distance of the Hudson River and upscale shopping and dining at Brookfield, and an MTA bus ride (M20) or Uber to midtown’s Theater District. Shuttle buses are available for shopping and cultural activities around the city. Brookdale was specially designed for seniors — from wide hallways and built-in ledges for extra support to apartments with low counter tops. All apartments have Alexa as a virtual personal assistant. Residents get to meet with the chef to discuss food trends, nutrition, menus. Breakfasts and 15 dinners are included in the monthly fee. Fifteen additional meals are available for a $200 a month. The lobby, with large common areas, floral displays and paintings, is lively with residents coming and going. Pets are allowed. So are their dog walkers.
There’s a full schedule of activities — including weekly film screenings, medical runs, synagogue and church runs, as well as in house and resident run programs. Monthly fee also includes 24-hour emergency response, exercise, health and wellness program, and a monitoring system to check in on all residents.
Al K., a businessman and entertainer, who moved here eight years ago after his wife of 65 years died, revels in life at Brookdale, “You walk outside, you look out the [dining room] window, you see kids from the high school [Stuyvesant], little ones [from pre-k], and I’m 10 minutes from the Financial District.” What could be better?
CARNEGIE EAST HOUSE1844 Second Ave.
212-410-0033
carnegieeast.org
Facilities: 98 apartments, studios to two-bedrooms
Fees: from $2,800 (affordable studio) to $7,825 (market rate two-bedroom)
Waiting List: 2 to 3 years
Type: Independent and Assisted Living
“Getting around the city is so accessible, and making friends easy,” is how 85-year-old Ruth Dombrow describes living at Carnegie East House. It’s a perfect fit for the lifelong 85-year-old New Yorker, born and educated here and who has lived on the UWS and in Westchester County. Two-and-a-half years ago, she moved to the UES’s Carnegie East House where she enjoys a supportive lifestyle and describes her spacious, bright one-bedroom apartment, as “just the right size.” Dombrow is an accomplished painter, and her artwork fills the walls of her apartment.
Diverse activities are designed to keep residents happy, healthy and intellectually stimulated. Choices include wellness and exercise classes, nightly movies, lectures, classes by professional dancers and a theater group that puts on its own production in their very own Carnegie Hall. For residents who need assistance managing their medication, medical management is available for an additional monthly fee. Medications are paid with private insurance. A licensed nurse is on duty seven days a week. Market rate apartments include three meals a day, weekly housekeeping and laundry. Pets are allowed. A beauty salon and solarium are on the premises. Executive Director Joseph Girven sums up life at Carnegie East House as a “vibrant supportive living community” for a “dynamic body of residents to lead full and enriched lives.”
LOTT ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCE1281 Fifth Ave.
212-534-6464
lottresidence.org
Facilities: 127 studio apartments
Fees: Monthly private rent: $6,000 Medicaid and set rent: $1,261.00 (identified by State yearly)
Waiting list: From 2 weeks to 8 months
Type: Assisted Living
“Living at Lott is being at home,” is how Lott’s President and CEO Nicole Atanasio, a registered nurse, describes the residential life at Lott Assisted Living, now celebrating its 20th year. Located directly opposite Central Park, residents enjoy the perks of the park. Armed with a wrist pedometer, Ike, a Korean War veteran who lives at Lott, counts the ticks of every second of his “24-minute” daily walk.
Lott accepts Medicaid and private pay. Because Medicaid is accepted, pets are not allowed (except for visits) and overnight guests in wheelchairs must meet certain requirements. There’s a concierge desk at the building’s entrance with Rite-Aid flyers for do-it-yourself shoppers.
Attractive sofas and seating for residents and guests look out onto a green garden. Carmen R., who has lived at Lott for at least 7 years, enjoys spending time knitting in the daylight of her apartment. “I just love it,” she says while showing off her beautiful handiwork.
There’s a full calendar of activities in-house and around the city. All residents have Alexa as a personal assistant. There’s a wellness center and exercise equipment. A physician is on site five days a week and on call weekends. The monthly rate covers 3 meals a day, and such personal services as housekeeping and laundry. Lott’s 14th floor dining room is a favorite with its view of Central Park south of 110th St. and the Conservatory Garden.
“All seniors come to Lott with their life’s stories and that Lott is the next chapter,” says Atanasio, and “residents need to know they are home at a place where they are able to build on their stories, make more memories and additional chapters.”
THE 80th STREET RESIDENCE 430 East 80th Street
212-717-8888
email: 80thStreetResidence.com
Facilities: 70 rooms
Fees: Starting at $16,500 to $21,500 per month
Waiting list: Check for current status
Type: Enhanced Memory Care Assisted Living
“Activities help residents get through their depression, feelings of loneliness,” says Jacqueline Lebau, Recreation Director at The 80th Street Residence. Most residents have had careers as executives, artists, educators, politicians and world travelers, and 80th Street’s mission is to keep them engaged at their comfort level. Many are lifelong New Yorkers who thrive on city life experiences. Residents can enjoy the view from the Penthouse Terrace and spend time in the outdoor lounge to relax or join a gathering or barbecue. There are trips to museums and Lincoln Center, as well as indoor activities like musicians performing at the residence, Shakespearean readings by performers and residents alike, intergenerational programs with local schools.
The all-inclusive services at 80th Street include nurses and care managers trained in cognitive impairment, medication management, transportation and escort for nearby off-site medical appointments and a full range of group and one-to-one activities. The monthly fee includes salon services, toiletries, TV and furniture.
In a boutique, luxe setting on the Upper East Side, each resident lives in a neighborhood with others who have similar cognitive abilities. Each apartment opens onto a homelike dining and living room. which is staffed 24-7. In the transition period, when a resident moves into the residence from their home, 80th Street provides a private personal care attendant to ease the transition.
Jackie Lebau sums up 80th Street’s mission: “We strive to see that the individual is smart, intellectual, creative.”
ISABELLA HOUSE & ISABELLA NURSING515 Audubon Ave., near West 191st Street
212-342-9200
Isabella.org
Facilities: 78 independent-living apartments from studios to two-bedrooms
Fees: Starting at $2,500 to $3,200 per month
Type: Independent Living, with additional support as needed
Located in Washington Heights, at the tip of northern Manhattan and surrounded by parks and gardens, Isabella is a diverse independent living residence for seniors 62 and over. Occupying the top six floors — 12th to 17th — in one of two buildings on Isabella’s campus, residents have spectacular views of the city skyline. All apartments have emergency pull-cords and accessible bathrooms, some with “roll-in” showers for walkers or wheelchairs. Hallways are wide. The monthly fee includes lunch and dinner, cable TV, utilities, fresh linen weekly. Housekeeping is extra. Guest room per night is $100. Guest parking is free.
“Isabella is mission-driven” and, being not-for-profit, “extra income increases programming, training, hiring more staff,” said Betty Lehmann, Isabella’s Director of Marketing and Community Relations. In 2017, Isabella became a member of MJHS Health System which raises funds to help support quality programs not covered by insurance or government programs. In addition to senior housing, Isabella Geriatric Center has a short-stay 705-bed rehabilitation and long-term care center with special dementia-related programs.
Isabella is a participant in the activities of the local community and welcomes the involvement of volunteers from the local schools and universities. Its desirable views and location make it a natural for filming, a feature not overlooked by Lin-Manuel Miranda when Isabella was selected as a location for filming his “In the Heights,” an apt description and testament to Isabella’s city-centric senior living residence.
INSPIR CARNEGIE HILL1802 Second Ave.
203-567-4397
Facilities: 215 apartments, studios to two-bedrooms
Fees: Starting at $12,500 to $21,500 per month
Type: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Enhanced Care, Memory Care
2020 is fast approaching and Inspir Carnegie Hill, the 23-story residence created for senior luxury living, will be opening its doors. At lnspir’s Upper East Side location seniors will be able to continue their lifestyle near family and friends in the midst of the city’s culture and buzz with easy access to the city’s best doctors and hospitals (Weill Cornell Medical Center, Mount Sinai Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital). In addition to independent living, Inspir has three programs for assisted living and for residents who require memory care, or enhanced care: SOL is for residents who need assistance with personal care or who may require intermittent enhanced care services. OCEANA is memory care for residents with dementia or other cognitive impairments. TERRA is for residents with chronic enhanced care needs who may also require ongoing skilled nursing services.
Smart apartment technology and floor-to-ceiling windows are in every residence. One and two-bedroom apartments feature washers and dryers. Utilities are included in monthly fee as is 24-7 licensed nursing, daily meals and daily housekeeping.
All residents enjoy the vast two-level high atrium and terrace with interior and exterior seating. Situated on the 16th floor, it allows all residents access to the indoors with its extensive natural light and to plush greenery outdoors. For relaxation, there’s the heated pool, state of the art fitness center, or one of the lounges.
Inspir is where senior residents are able to embrace their independent lifestyle in an environment of luxury designed to meet changing personal wellness and health needs — and a Mercedes house car is available daily for those who didn’t bring their own.
RIVERVIEW SENIOR INDEPENDENT LIVING 519 West 49th St.
212-586-4546
email: RiverviewNYC.org/Living@RiverviewNYC.org
Facilities: 80 apartments
Fees: From $3,400 (Studio) to
$4,400 (one-bedroom) per month
Type: Independent Living
“I enjoy the well-educated, stimulating dinnertime conversation” and that “the food’s getting better” (there’s a newly diversified menu), says resident Muriel Fisher, describing life at Riverview, which opened just over a year ago. Moving in at the end of 2018, Muriel, 85, who retired as an educational director at a private kindergarten some years ago, is now living on the same block as her grandson, so she gets to get a “kiss and hug.”
Riverview’s monthly fee covers three meals a day, housekeeping, laundry, cleaning, weekly linen service and deep cleaning, utilities (except internet and phone) as well as 24-hour security and pendant system, a full activity schedule and wellness program. Culture is easily accessible. There’s a full spectrum of social and recreational activities - from cooking classes to painting andceramics - to excursions to places of interest in Manhattan and Atlantic City.
Muriel’s Scrabble partner, Gabrielle Wagner, who celebrated her 91st birthday on June 3 at Riverview, is another native New Yorker. Her spacious, light one-bedroom apartment is decorated with her own furnishings. Muriel’s alcove studio, also with her own furnishings, has two closets and two windows. For family members and guests of friends guest rooms are available for $120 a night.
“Residents are free to be as involved as they would like,” says Riverview’s Director Jessica Schmidt, summing up senior independent living at the residence. “They can take advantage of the activities we offer, their own programs, or simply just socialize when they come for meals. Riverview is basically an apartment building with perks like three meals a days, housekeeping services and utilities.”
THE NEW JEWISH HOME 120 West 106th St.
212-870-4715
jewishhome.org
Facilities: 514 beds. New Jewish Home runs a Westchester campus (in Mamaroneck) and senior residences in the Bronx, including independent living and assisted living. There is also an Adult Day Care Program (off Hutchinson Pkwy)
Fees: A mix of private-pay, Medicare/Medicaid
Type: Skilled Nursing, Home Care, Rehab
“I can still do the things I did before my stroke — and more,” says Manhattan resident Dominga Marquez. “From the nurses to the housekeeping staff, they take the time to get to know you as an individual.” Because of their “help and support,” adds Marquez, “I can knit and crochet with one hand.”
New Jewish Home’s comprehensive health care systems are all-inclusive: Short-Stay Rehab, Care at Home and Long-Term Skilled Nursing Care are available in Manhattan. Independent Living, Assisted Living, Supportive Housing are in the Bronx.
The Home’s 20-story Green Project building, being constructed at 97th and Columbus, will open in 2022.
The Green House is for long-term care living, and 12 residents will each have their own room with private or shared bathrooms. Rooms open onto a central living area, with a kitchen where staff can accommodate residents’ food choices and activities. Until the new facility is ready, the Home has been integrating the green house principles, making accommodations within the existing hospital f1oor plan with a full range of activities and religious services for residents and patients.
The Jewish Home has a long tradition of diversity as well as a commitment to having a welcoming living environment for LGBT seniors.
Summing up the Home’s mission, Administrator Marie Rosenthal says, “The Manhattan campus offers residents and patients unparalleled clinical excellence in a caring environment,” along with “robust spiritual care, therapeutic recreation, and intergenerational programming.” It’s a place that provides for all stages of care and services.
VILLAGE CARE510 West 46th St.
212-977-4600
email: www.46and10village.org
Type: Assisted Living
“Everyone’s so nice and helpful and you can come and go as you please, and nobody bothers you. I like that,” says one Village Care resident, 87-year-old Peter Blaxill, a retired Broadway musical actor with a long and varied career in theater. He’s still active and is readying his book of poetry for publication, working daily on his home computer in the bright daylight streaming through his studio apartment.
Village Care’s location and urban lifestyle are the reasons many residents choose to live there. It’s within walking distance of the Hudson River to the west, and several blocks east to the Theater District. And there are at least three or four restaurants per block with menus that reflect the cultural mix of NYC.
Village Care residents enjoy the comfort of having the personal and health services that make life easier — 24-hour concierge and security service, housekeeping, laundry services, meals and a calendar of activities to participate in — or not. A registered nurse will complete a nursing assessment and develop a personalized plan of care so that each resident’s needs are met.
Blaxill is a legend at the residence. Ten years ago he placed his name on a waiting list Village Care had at the time, but he never heard back and never followed up. When he was ready to follow up two years ago, Village Care no longer had a waiting list and they were ready to accept him. He did not want to lose any priority he thought he had because of his initial application, and fearful that there would be a snafu, he was at the ready with his “proof” (his initial application and documents). Home at last.
OUTSIDE OF MANHATTANARBOR TERRACE TEANECK600 Frank W Burr Boulevard, Teaneck, NJ 07666
201-836-9260
ArborTeaneck.com
Facilities: 142 one-, two-, and three-bedroom Independent Living apartments
Fees: From $4100 (one bedroom), $4800 (two bedrooms), $6300 (three bedrooms)
Type: Luxury Independent Living
Arbor Terrace Teaneck is located just four miles west of the George Washington Bridge, right off of I-95 and Route 46 and sits next to the Teaneck Creek Conservancy. Arbor Terrace is in close proximity to theater, arts and cultural institutions, dining, as well as places to work or volunteer. If travel is on the itinerary, Arbor Terrace is close to several international airports and Amtrak train service.
Arbor Terrace Teaneck is operated by The Arbor Company, which has more than 30 years of experience in luxury senior living. The team at Arbor Terrace pride themselves on building personal, trusting relationships, and use innovative programs to connect with residents and understand their unique needs and wishes. Residents at Arbor Terrace Teaneck can embrace a lifestyle that’s active and busy — or enjoy a more relaxed and leisurely pace.
From exquisite dining to invigorating fitness to a vibrant social calendar, residents can engage with whatever brings them happiness, joy, and contentment — while making new friends and living life on their own terms. Apartments at Arbor Terrace are generous, offering 1, 2 & 3 bedroom spacious floor plans, washer & dryer, full kitchens, 9 ft. ceilings and HVAC systems.
Arbor residents have access to wellness services and a customized care program partnership. The unique service allows their residents to have independence when they want it and care when they need it.
At Arbor Terrace they are so confident in their community that they are prepared to give newcomers money back if they aren’t satisfied — “just give us 60 days to prove we are the best.”