Discover Assisted Living Communities in Pennsylvania

According to Pennsylvania law, an assisted living residence or personal care home is defined as any entity, which provides food, shelter, assisted living services, assistance or supervision and supplemental health care for an extended amount of time to a resident population of four or more adults who are unrelated to the management.

Find ASSISTED LIVING Facilities In PENNSYLVANIA

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Assisted Living Centers in Pennsylvania – Cost Comparison

City Monthly Minimum Monthly Maximum Monthly Median
Allentown $1,600 $5,310 $3,445
Erie $1,750 $5,160 $2,665
Harrisburg $2,235 $6,390 $4,066
Lancaster $1,750 $5,820 $4,410
Philadelphia $1,200 $7,860 $4,756
Pittsburgh $1,400 $4,350 $2,365

Compared to the remainder of the United States, Pennsylvania falls directly below the national average cost of long-term senior care at $3,600 per month. The average price of assisted living care in Pennsylvania is $3,555 per month. The average monthly cost also varies depending on the amount of personal care needed. Within the state, average prices fluctuate between areas in Pennsylvania.

For more information about assisted living costs in Pennsylvania, check out Genworth’s 2015 Cost of Care Survey.

Recreation & Attractions in Pennsylvania

Known as the keystone state, Pennsylvania offers many attractions including the living history of America. Located in the former American capital, the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall are two major attractions every visitor of Philadelphia must experience. For art lovers, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is home to over 227,000 objects ranging from European, American and Asian origin with pieces ranging from sculptures to prints, photographs, decorative arts, and armor.

For those outdoor seekers, Lake Erie offers the sandy peninsula of Presque Isle State Park. With Lake Erie as the main focal point of the park, boating fishing, and water sports are major activities to be experienced at Presque Isle. Inland walking trails, camping, picnic areas and beaches are available for visitors to enjoy also.

Pennsylvania’s Climate, Geography, & Culture

Pennsylvania is a state with incredible history and many diverse cities and cultures. Pennsylvania, also known as the Keystone State, was essential in keeping the United States together since William Penn and other settler arrived as early as 1704. The state is full of urban landscapes like Philadelphia, and the quiet Amish life in Central PA.

Like most of the continental U.S., Pennsylvania experiences four distinctive seasons. Beginning as early as November in most areas of the state, winter will last through March in Pennsylvania. Winter temperatures can vary; however, Pennsylvania typically experiences temperatures hovering between 20-30 degrees. Snow will fall as early as November in the higher elevations with an average state accumulation of 23 inches annually.

Spring will warm temperatures to the 50-60 degree range with frequent spring showers. Pennsylvania accumulates an average of 41 inches of rain per year. By the end of May, summer temperatures will be arriving between the mid 70 to the mid 80-degree range. It is common for the southern regions to experience even hotter temperatures.

Pennsylvania’s Assisted Living Homes Regulations & Laws

Assisted Living facilities are regulated by a state-to-state basis. Every state has a publicly accessible legal document outlining the regulations, licensing, operation and other rules for personal care. The complete document outlining the official regulations for assisted living residences operating within Pennsylvania can be obtained online. Public records concerning citations, violations, inspections, and the like pertaining to individual facilities can be obtained via the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website.

Crime & Safety in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a diverse state with lower crime rates when compared to the national average. This means that you should have no trouble finding a safe living community in Pennsylvania. Take a look at some of these safe communities in Pennsylvania to get started:

LocationViolent Crimes Per 1,000 ResidentsProperty Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Kennett Township0.000.00
Paint Townshi0.380.00
West Mead Township0.391.16
Turtle Creek0.941.13

(Source: safewise.com)

Payment Options for Pennsylvania Assisted Living Communities

Domiciliary Care Program

Pennsylvania does not offer a Medicaid option to support assisted living finances. Instead, the state offers the Domiciliary Care (Dom Care) Program as an alternative to assisted living. A participant through this program would receive care in the personal home of an approved Dom Care provider and receive room, board, and care services at a significantly reduced price. A Dom Care provider may take in a maximum of 3 non-related adults. To find more information on this program, please visit the official Domiciliary Care page via the Pennsylvania Department of Aging website.

Assisted Living Family Loans

Alternate payment options are available. Families can apply for an assisted living family loan. This provides temporary or long-term financial assistance when paying for assisted senior care. The program allows multiple people to contribute to payment.

Senior & Elderly Rights for Personal Care Residences in Pennsylvania

While residing in the facility, a resident retains constitutional civil rights, rights of privacy, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion. The resident also retains the right to personal possessions, autonomy over personal finances, bodily autonomy, and power of attorney. The resident has a right to be informed of the process to file a complaint of unsatisfactory living situations, abuse, neglect and the like. The complete list of resident rights as guaranteed by the state of Pennsylvania can be viewed online via the official Pennsylvania regulations of personal care residences.

Pennsylvania Assisted Living Homes: Medical Record Rules & Regulations

Assisted living homes in Pennsylvania are required to provide appropriate health services that are ordered by an attending physician, as well as keep all medical information confidential, accurate, and complete. Medical records shall be kept for a period up to 7 years from death or discharge date.

Residents in Pennsylvania personal care communities have access to their medical records and can request a copy of all or a portion of their medical records. They can also request a copy of some or all of the information, and it is to be provided at a cost not to exceed the community standard.

Finding the perfect senior care community is only part of making your loved one’s senior living transition smooth. At SeniorCaring, we know that it is also equally important to be aware of what other community services and resources are available to your family’s senior. Choose your location and find local resources for your senior.