Basic Statistics Table – Westchester County
| Statistic |
Westchester County / New York Data |
| Westchester County population (2020 Census) |
1,004,457 |
| Residents age 65+ in Westchester |
Approximately 18% of the population |
| Average annual cost of nursing home care in downstate NY region |
More than $180,000 per year |
| NY nursing homes below recommended staffing benchmark |
80% |
| NY minimum staffing requirement |
3.5 hours per resident daily |
| NY average nurse staffing hours (2024) |
3.59 hours per resident day |
| Nursing homes closed statewide since 2021 |
12+ facilities |
Recent Financial Trends
- As one of the wealthiest counties in New York, it makes sense that Westchester County is also one of the most expensive places for long term care. In general the NY Metro area has a substantially more expensive cost of LTC than the national average.
- Nursing home costs in New York have been rising 5% annually over the last few years. Many of the facilities in the area now exceed $15,000 a month for care. Some of the high costs in the area are due to the high real estate costs in the region as well as labor costs that well exceed the national average.1 These increases have well outpaced recent inflation.
- A stay in a Westchester County nursing home without insurance (private pay), can easily cost $500 per day, $15,000–$18,000 monthly, nearly $200,000 annually.
Staffing Shortages
One of the biggest struggles currently facing nursing homes in Westchester county is staffing.
Recently, New York enacted a new mandate requiring nursing homes to provide 3.5 hours of care per resident daily2. They also required certain minimum nursing licensing requirements.
Recent analysis however, has found that 80% of facilities fall below the hourly requirements.
Facilities across Westchester and the Hudson Valley continue reporting difficulty hiring:
- Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
- Registered Nurses (RNs)
- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
This has contributed to:
- Reduced admissions
- Longer hospital discharge delays
- Higher overtime costs
- Increased caregiver burnout
Occupancy Has Been Recovering Since COVID
During the height of the pandemic, nursing home occupancy rates dropped dramatically throughout New York.
Many facilities saw:
- Increased mortality
- Fewer admissions
- Families delaying placement decisions
- More interest in home care alternatives
Occupancy has gradually rebounded since 2022, but many facilities still have not returned to pre-pandemic census levels. This has placed financial strain on some nursing homes, particularly nonprofit operators.
Westchester’s Senior Population Continues Growing
There are more than one million people living in Westchester County to date and it is a continuously aging community.
Like the rest of America, the trends are all moving towards an older an aging population.
With continued innovations in health, people are living longer and longer. That being said, more older people are being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia every day and the demand for long term care and rehab is expected to continue to rise.
The county’s senior care system is expected to continue face growing pressure over the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are nursing home costs so high in Westchester County?
High real estate prices, elevated labor costs, and increasing healthcare expenses all contribute to higher nursing home costs throughout Westchester County and the New York metro area.
How much does a nursing home cost in Westchester County?
Private pay nursing home care in Westchester County can range from approximately $15,000 to $18,000 per month, or nearly $200,000 annually.
What staffing challenges are nursing homes facing?
Facilities continue struggling to hire enough CNAs, RNs, and LPNs while meeting New York’s staffing mandates and daily care hour requirements.
Have nursing homes recovered since COVID-19?
Occupancy levels have improved since the pandemic, but many nursing homes still have not fully returned to pre-pandemic census levels.
Why is demand for long term care expected to rise?
Westchester County’s aging population and increasing rates of Alzheimer’s and dementia are expected to significantly increase future demand for nursing home and memory care services.
Trusted Sources
