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Memory Care in Pennsylvania

With 12.8 million residents and an above-average population of seniors, the Keystone State is facing a number of challenges due to the rise in dementia and age-related memory loss. Alzheimer's disease already affects more than 280,000 seniors and 677,000 family caregivers in Pennsylvania, and 40,000 new cases are expected in the next five years.

Individuals who have been diagnosed with dementia often have complex medical and personal needs that can be a challenge to meet at home or in the community. As symptoms progress, many families turn to specialized memory care units to ensure that their loved ones have access to the supports they need. These residential facilities provide round-the-clock care in a secure environment with tailor-made programs, such as music therapy, that have a positive effect on residents' mood and cognitive function. In Pennsylvania, memory care costs $4,891 on average, which is slightly lower than the U.S. median.

Families who want to learn more about their options can find information about regional costs, licensing requirements and financial assistance programs in this guide. It also features a number of free resources offered by state agencies and nonprofit organizations.


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Memory Care in Pennsylvania



Pennsylvania has a SeniorScore of 73, which makes it slightly more age-friendly than the nation as a whole. This ranking system analyzes more than 100 livability metrics, ranging from health care access to local parks, to determine how well communities meet the needs of older adults.

The state earned its highest score of 70 in the Health & Safety category. Residents have access to an impressive number of hospitals, medical professionals and senior living facilities. However, Pennsylvania received a low score of 59 for General Quality of Life due to its average population density, high rainfall totals and low median temperature of 50.2 degrees.

Recreation & Leisure is one of the state's strongest areas. Residents have access to more than 700 golf courses, nearly 6,000 churches and an average number of city parks, which contributed to a category score of 69. Ratings also factor in the state's sizable senior population.

Cost of living is another important consideration for seniors, and Pennsylvania received a score of 62 in the Finances category. Taxes and household income are slightly higher than the national average, and although the cost of long-term care is mixed, assisted living rates are more affordable than the typical state, which also affects the cost of memory care.


The Cost of Memory Care in Pennsylvania



No official data exists regarding the average cost of memory care nationwide, but in most cases, facilities charge 20 to 30% more for these services compared to conventional assisted living. Due to the availability of pricing information, estimates are based on responses from Genworth Financial's 2019 Cost of Care Survey, which gathers information from long-term care providers in 440 metropolitan areas.

According to Genworth, seniors in Pennsylvania enjoy competitive long-term care costs. With average monthly rates of $4,891, memory care is $175 more affordable than the national average, and it's roughly $638 lower than other states in the region. In Maryland, seniors pay $5,375 per month for memory care, followed by Ohio at $5,424 and New York at $5,788. In neighboring New Jersey, rates are a whopping $3,100 higher, which equates to an annual cost premium of more than $37,000.

  • Pennsylvania: $4,891
  • United States: $5,064
  • New Jersey: $8,000
  • New York: $5,788
  • Ohio: $5,424
  • Maryland: $5,375

The Cost of Memory Care in Pennsylvania's Top Cities

With its large urban centers and small regional cities, memory care costs in Pennsylvania vary substantially. Seniors in Scranton benefit from affordable rates of $3,183 per month, which is $1,708 lower than the state median. However, prices are twice as high in Lancaster, the crown jewel of the state's Amish Country. While monthly prices are $1,200 higher than the state average in Philadelphia, many large and midsize cities offer excellent value. Rates are $266 lower than average in Allentown, $468 lower in Erie and $562 lower in Reading. Seniors in Pittsburgh enjoy world-class amenities and competitive memory care rates of just $4,081 per month, which is approximately 17% lower than the state median.

  • Philadelphia: $6,094
  • Pittsburgh: $4,081
  • Allentown: $4,625
  • Erie: $4,423
  • Reading: $4,329
  • Scranton: $3,183
  • Lancaster: $6,371

Senior Care Cost Comparison in Pennsylvania

Seniors today can choose from a wide variety of long-term care options depending on their needs and budget. When compared to alternatives, memory care offers a very good value. With an average cost of $4,891, residents pay almost as much for in-home health care and homemaker services. Agencies in Pennsylvania typically charge $4,385 to $4,481 per month for these services. Average assisted living prices are approximately 25% lower at $3,913. However, these communities don't offer the same type of therapeutic activities and services that memory care units do. Adult day programs designed for seniors who can safely live in the community cost just $1,457 per month, while individuals who require full-time medical care pay more than $9,700 to live in skilled nursing facilities, which is nearly double the cost of memory care.

  • Memory Care: $4,891
  • Assisted Living: $3,913
  • In-Home Care: $4,385
  • Home Health Care: $4,481
  • Adult Day Care: $1,457


Top Memory Care Communities in Pennsylvania



Saunders House - Wynnewood, PA

Saunders House

100 Lancaster Ave

Wynnewood, PA 19096

1-855-222-1541

19 Reviews  

Located in the Penn Wynne area of Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, Saunders House is a 180 unit senior housing facility. With a median per-family income of $103,988, the community is in a mostly upper class area. It has a medium-density ...

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Crestview Center - Langhorne, PA

Crestview Center

262 Toll Gate Rd

Langhorne, PA 19047

1-855-229-7494

15 Reviews  

Crestview Center is a 180 bed senior care community situated nearby the Village Shires area of Langhorne, Pennsylvania. The community is in a predominantly upper class area, with a median household income of $82,821. It is densely populated, ...

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Brinton Manor - Glen Mills, PA

Brinton Manor

549 Baltimore Pike

Glen Mills, PA 19342

1-855-224-5130

14 Reviews  

Brinton Manor is a 92 bed senior housing community located in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. The community is in a largely affluent area, with a median household income of $99,375. With roughly 19,000 poeple living in the 19342 zip ...

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Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Pennsylvania



PA Aging Waiver


Address: .55 Walnut St., 6th Floor, P.O. Box 8025, Harrisburg, PA 17105
Phone Number: (717) 787-8091
Website: https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Disabilities-Aging/Pages/Aging-Waiver.aspx

Introduced in 2018, Pennsylvania's Aging Waiver covers a wide range of personal services and supports provided at home or in a community-based setting, such as a memory care facility or assisted living residence. This Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services waiver is available to individuals who are at least 60 years old and require a nursing home level of care. They must also meet financial eligibility requirements as determined by their local county assistance office. The Aging Waiver doesn't help with room and board, but it pays for daily assistance, emergency response systems, case management, physical therapy and certain medical equipment. Individuals can contact the Pennsylvania Independent Enrollment Broker at (877) 550-4227 to learn more about the application process.



Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE)


Address: 555 Walnut St., 6th Floor, P.O. Box 8025, Harrisburg, PA 17105
Phone Number: (717) 787-8091
Website: https://www.palifeprograms.org

Living Independence for the Elderly is Pennsylvania's alternative to the nationally recognized Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. Supported by Medicare and Medicaid, LIFE allows medically needy adults aged 55 or older to receive primary medical care and long-term care through a single organization. Individuals must be financially eligible for Medicaid, although paid services are available to residents who earn too much to qualify. LIFE helps with the cost of personal assistance, prescription medications and therapeutic services. Applicants must reside in a designated geographic area whether they live at home or receive services in a memory care facility or assisted living residence.



Supplemental Security Income (SSI)


Address: 1100 West High Rise, 6401 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone Number: (800) 772-1213
Website: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-11150.pdf

Disabled adults and low-income seniors who receive Supplemental Security Income and reside in a participating personal care home may receive an enhanced monthly benefit worth up to $1,223.30 for individuals or up to $2,132.40 for couples. This includes an optional state supplement valued at approximately $440.30 that's designed to offset the cost of room and board. The government also limits the maximum daily rate that personal care homes can charge SSI recipients. Eligibility is based on federal disability standards as determined by the Social Security Administration.


Pennsylvania Memory Care Rules and Regulations



Personal care homes and assisted living residences that operate special care units are licensed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Bureau of Human Services Licensing. The state has strict requirements for all aspects of care and facility management to protect residents' health, safety and well-being.

Scope of Care

Residential care facilities in Pennsylvania provide food, shelter and personal assistance. Assisted living residences are also permitted to offer supplemental health care services.

Care Planning

Facilities must complete a comprehensive intake assessment up to 60 days prior to admission, and a comprehensive medical evaluation must be conducted 15 to 30 days after the resident moves into the community. For dementia patients, a reassessment is required within 72 hours of admission.

Special Care Units

Special care units in Pennsylvania must meet a number of additional requirements. Facilities that offer dementia care must provide an assortment of voluntary activities that promote motor skills, hygiene, self-care and sensory enhancement. They must also provide a disclosure detailing their qualifications and philosophy, as well as residents' and relatives' rights and responsibilities.

Medication Management

Personal care homes and assisted living residences are required to offer medication management services to residents who are unable to or choose not to self-administer. Medications can be provided by licensed medical professionals or staff members who have completed a state-approved training program. Self-administration assessments are required as part of routine care planning.

Staffing

All direct-care staff members must complete a state-approved training course and test before providing unsupervised care. Facility administrators must complete up to 100 hours of initial training, as well as continuing education. Dementia-specific training is also required. Staff members at personal care homes and assisted living residences must pass a comprehensive criminal history and background check.

Medicaid Coverage

Pennsylvania's Medicaid program covers the cost of personal assistance, physical therapy and related services provided in licensed residential facilities through its Aging Waiver.

Reporting Abuse

Pennsylvania requires all employees to report instances of suspected abuse to the local Area Agency on Aging and the appropriate licensing agency. Personal injuries or sexual trauma must be reported to the Department of Aging and local law enforcement. The state also manages an elder abuse hotline that can be reached at (800) 490-8505.


Free Memory Care Resources in Pennsylvania



Alzheimer's Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter

The Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association serves dementia patients and families in 59 counties. It offers services online, by phone and through six regional offices. The association provides a wealth of resources to help individuals navigate the process from the initial diagnosis onward. This longstanding nonprofit funds Alzheimer's research, hosts charity walks and provides services directly to the public. Individuals can request a complimentary care consultation, locate a support group and access educational resources through the organization. Free services are available through the association's 24-hour helpline, which can be reached at (800) 272-3900.

Dementia Friends Pennsylvania

Inspired by the UK's Alzheimer's Society, Dementia Friends Pennsylvania is an outreach initiative designed to increase Alzheimer's awareness and create dementia-friendly communities statewide. The organization's flagship program is a one-hour information session where trained champions cover five aspects of dementia and show attendees what it's like to live with progressive memory loss. Virtual informational seminars are held online. Dementia Friends Pennsylvania is sponsored by the Jewish Healthcare Foundation, and it has nearly 5,000 individual members.

Penn Memory Center

Part of the University of Pennsylvania Health System, the Penn Memory Center in Philadelphia provides world-class medical care and a comprehensive selection of dementia resources for patients and caregivers. Medically eligible individuals can participate in clinical trials and research through the Penn Alzheimer's Disease Center and The Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research. It also offers a wide variety of free resources and programs, a seven-week caregiver training course, memory café events, support groups and cognitive fitness classes.



Pennsylvania Agencies


Pennsylvania Department of Aging

Address: 555 Walnut St., 5th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone Number: (717) 783-1550
Website: https://www.aging.pa.gov

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging funds a variety of programs that are administered through Area Agencies on Aging and other community partners. It's also responsible for managing the State Plan on Aging. Programs that are funded by the Department of Aging include the long-term care ombudsman, the division of adult protective services and the Council on Aging. It also works to ensure that seniors have access to transportation, legal services and in-home assistance if needed. Additional programs promote healthy aging, chronic disease management and caregiver well-being. Seniors may also qualify for Medicare and prescription drug assistance. Most services are available to seniors and caregivers regardless of income.



Area Agencies on Aging in Pennsylvania


Pennsylvania's Area Agencies on Aging serve seniors and caregivers in each of the state's 67 counties. These organizations offer insurance counseling and a variety of in-home and community-based services. AAAs are home to long-term care ombudsmen and adult protective services offices. They also support local senior centers and Meals on Wheels programs. Caregivers may qualify for benefits consultations, respite care and related services. Interested individuals can locate their AAA by visiting the Department of Aging online.



Veteran Affairs Offices in Pennsylvania


The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is home to the Office of Veterans Affairs, which supports more than 800,000 service members and military families statewide. Staff members offer comprehensive consultations to help veterans access federal, state and county benefits, including tax exemptions, financial assistance and long-term care. The agency also helps individuals apply for Aid & Attendance pension supplements and other benefits that can help with the cost of dementia care and personal assistance. Seniors can learn more about these programs or locate their County Director of Veterans Affairs online using the DMVA website.



Social Security Offices in Pennsylvania


The Social Security Administration offers a variety of financial benefits to protect residents' welfare. Staff members at local offices can assist with retirement, disability and survivors' benefits, as well as Medicare enrollment. The agency also administers Supplemental Security Income payments that can help disabled adults with the cost of room and board at a licensed personal care home or an assisted living residence. Local agents can answer questions, process applications, handle appeals and help beneficiaries manage their accounts. Pennsylvania residents can locate their nearest office online at www.SSA.gov.

 

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