
Assisted Living in Pennsylvania
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Families looking for assisted living in Pennsylvania (PA) have a wide array of communities to choose from, since estimated that there are more than 30,000 assisted living communities serving seniors across the U.S., and over 931 statewide. The state is also home to a rapidly growing number of senior citizens, with adults over 65 making up an estimated 17.8 percent of the population. A resident in an assisted living community in Pennsylvania will pay $3,750 per month on average.
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931 Communities
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What You Should Know About Assisted Living in Pennsylvania
Assisted living communities are as diverse as the state, ranging from small residences to large complexes that offer several service levels including independent living and memory care.
Pennsylvania law distinguishes between assisted living residences (ALR) and personal care homes (PCHs). PCHs are usually smaller and don't have the same legal requirements of an ALR.
Residents in PCHs may share a bathroom, and their rooms don't need to be equipped with a sink or refrigerator. Staffing rules are less stringent, and many services typical of an ALR are not available in a PCH, including physical and occupational therapy or hospice. Public spaces may be smaller and there is no need for a room emergency notification system. It's important to note, however, that some PCHs exceed their legal requirements and may, in fact, have just as many amenities as an ALR.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Pennsylvania
More Ways to Finance Assisted Living
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Visit our 9 Ways to Pay for Assisted Living page for more information.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Pennsylvania
Both the elderly and their families can benefit from the free resources provided by many nonprofit and governmental organizations found across Pennsylvania. These organizations can provide an excellent starting point in understanding your rights and options.
Pennsylvania Area Agencies on Aging
There are 64 local Agencies on Aging aimed at increasing seniors' independence and dignity. This non-profit organization focuses on individuals, aged 60 and older, and provides services that include counseling, tax assistance, and legal advice.
Although they don't provide financial assistance with ALRs, they have expert knowledge on Medicaid billing, low-income subsidies and senior care. They also act as an ombudsman during any disputes between the ALR and the resident or their families. The agencies are divided by counties; find the chapter nearest to you listed below.
Adams Co. Office of Aging Inc.
318 W. Middle St., Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-9296
Allegheny County AAA
2100 Wharton St, 2nd Floor, Pittsburg, PA 15203
(412) 350-4234
Armstrong County AAA
326 S. Water St, Ste 1, Kitanning, PA 16201
(724) 548-3290
Beaver County Office on Aging
1020 8th Ave, Beaver Falls, PA 15010
(724) 847-2262
Bedford County AAA
240 Wood St, Bedford, PA 15522
(814) 623-8148
Berks County Office of Aging
633 Court St, 8th Floor, Reading, PA 19601
(610) 478-6500
Blair Senior Services, Inc.
1320 12th Ave, Altoona, PA 16601
(814) 946-1235
Bradford County AAA
220 Main St, Unit 2, Towanda, PA 18848
(570) 265-6121
Bucks County AAA
30 E. Oakland Ave, Doylestown, PA 18901
(267) 880-5700
Butler County AAA
111 Sunnyview Circle, Ste 101, Butler, PA 16001
(724) 282-3008
Cambria Co. AAA Central
110 Franklin St, Ste 400, Johnstown, PA 15901
(814) 539-5595
Cameron Co. AAA
118 Center St, Ridgeway, PA 15853
(814) 776-2191
Carbon Co. AAA
401 Delaware Ave., 3rd Fl., Palmerton, PA 18071
(800) 441-1315
Centre Co. Office of Aging
420 Holmes St, Rm 245, Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 355-6716
Chester Dept. of Aging Services
601 Westtown Rd. Ste. 320, West Chester, PA 19380
(610) 344-6350
Clarion AAA, Inc.
12 Grant St., Clarion, PA 16214
(814) 226-4640
Clearfield Co. AAA
103 N. Front St., Clearfield, PA 16830
(814) 765-2696
Clinton STEP Office of Aging
2138 Lincokn St, Williamsport, PA 17701
(570) 326-0587
Columbia Aging Office
702 Sawmill Rd. Ste. 201, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
(570) 784-9272
Crawford Active Aging, Inc
1034 Park Ave., Meadville, PA 16335
(814) 336-1792
Cumberland Co. Aging and Community Services
1100 Claremont Road, Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 240-6110
Dauphin Co. AAA
Two South 2nd St., Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 780-6130
Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging
206 Eddystone Ave, Eddystone, PA 19022
(610) 490-1300
Elk County AAA
118 Center St, Ridgway, PA 15853
(814) 776-2191
Greater Erie Community Action Committee
18 W. 9th Street, Erie, PA 16501
(814) 459-4581
Fayette County AAA
137 North Beeson Avenue, Suite 107, Uniontown, PA 15401
(724) 430-4603
Forest County AAA
905 4th Ave., Warren, PA 16365
(814) 723-3763
Franklin County AAA
600 Norland Ave., Suite 11, Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 263-2153
Fulton County AAA
182 Buchanan Trail, McConnellsburg, PA 17233
(717) 485-5151
Greene County AAA
93 East Hight Street, B-Level, Waynesburg, PA 15370
(724) 852-1510
Huntingdon County AAA
307 10th Street, Huntingdon, PA 16652
(814) 643-5115
Indiana County AAA
1055 Oak Street, Indiana, PA 15701
(724) 349-4500
Jefferson County AAA
186 Main Street, Brookville, PA 15825
(814) 849-3096
Mifflin/Juniata AAA, Inc.
249 West 3rd Street, Lewistown, PA 17044
(717) 242-0315
Lackawanna County AAA
200 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 963-6707
Lancaster County Office of Aging
150 N. Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 299-7979
Lawrence County AAA Shenley Square
2706 Mercer Road, New Castle, PA 16105
(724) 658-3729
Lebanon County AAA
710 Maple Street, 2nd Floor, Lebanon, PA 17046
(717) 273-9262
Lehigh County Office of Aging
17 S. 7th Street, Room 230, Allentown, PA 18101
(610) 782-3034
Luzerne/Wyoming Counties Area Agency on Aging
111 N. Pennsylvania Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
(570) 822-1158
Lycoming/Clinton STEP Office of Aging
2138 Lincoln Street, PO Box 3156, Williamsport, PA 17701
(570) 326-0587
McKean County AAA
118 Center Street, PO Box A, Ridgway, PA 15853
(814) 776-2191
Mercer County AAA, Inc.
133 N. Pitt Street, Mercer, PA 16137
(724) 662-6222
Monroe County AAA
724 Phillips Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360
(570) 420-3735
Montgomery Co. Aging and Adult Services Human Services Center
1430 DeKalb Street, Norristown, PA 19404
(610) 278-3601
Montour County AAA
702 Sawmill Rd., Bloomsburg, PA 17815
(570) 784-9272
Northampton County AAA
2801 Emrick Blvd, Bethlehem, PA 18020
(610) 829-4540
Northumberland County AAA
322 N. Second Street, Sunbury, PA 17801
(570) 495-2395
Perry County AAA
315 Keystone Way, New Bloomfield, PA 17068
(717) 582-5128
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
642 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 765-9000
Pike County AAA
150 Pike County Blvd., Lords Valley, PA 18428
(570) 775-5550
Potter County Human Services AAA
62 North Street, Roulette, PA 16746
(814) 544-7315
Schuylkill County Office of Senior Services
110 E. Laurel Blvd., Pottsville, PA 17901
(570) 622-3103
Snyder/Union County AAA
116 N. 2nd Street, Lewisburg, PA 17837
(570) 524-2100
Somerset County AAA
1338 S. Edgewood Ave., Somerset, PA 15501
(814) 443-2681
Sullivan County AAA
245 Muncy Street, Suite 205, Laporte, PA 18626
(570) 946-4316
Susquehanna County AAA
157 Spruce Street, Suite 1, Montrose, PA 18801
(570) 278-3751
Tioga County AAA
48 Plaza Lane, Wellsboro, PA 16901
(570) 723-0935
Venango County AAA
One Dale Ave., Franklin, PA 16323
(814) 432-9711
Warren County AAA
905 4th Ave., Warren, PA 16365
(814) 723-3763
Washington County AAA
150 West Beau Street, 216 Plaza Building, Washington, PA 15301
(724) 228-7080
Wayne County AAA
323 Tenth Street, Honesdale, PA 18431
(570) 253-4262
Westmoreland County AAA
200 S. Main Street, Greensburg, PA 15601
(724) 830-4444
York County AAA
100 W. Market Street, Suite 102, York, PA 17401
(717) 771-9610
There are six veterans' homes located throughout the state with varying degrees of assistance levels. You may view descriptions of each home along with photos and reviews on the DMVA website. The Veterans Association website also provides advice and assistance to eligible veterans and their spouses on benefit opportunities, along with a list of forms and publications available for download.
Below is a list of specific VA Centers throughout the state and their addresses.
Bucks County Vet Center
2 Canal's End Road, Suite 201B, Bristol, PA 19007
(215) 823-4590; (215) 823-4590
DuBois Vet Center
100 Meadow Lane, Suite 8, DuBois, PA 15801
(814) 372-2095
Erie Vet Center
240 W. 11th St., Erie Metro Center, Suite 105, Erie, PA 16501
(814) 453-7955
Harrisburg Vet Center
1500 N. Second Street Suite 2, Harrisburg, PA 17102
(717) 782-3954
Lancaster County Vet Center
1817 Olde Homestead Lane, Suite 207, Lancaster, PA 17601
(717) 283-0735
Norristown Vet Center
320 E. Johnson Hwy, Suite 201, Norristown, PA 19401
(215) 823-5245
Northeast Philadelphia Vet Center
101 E. Olney Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19120
(215) 924-4670
Philadelphia Vet Center
801 Arch Street Suite 502, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 627-0238
Pittsburgh Vet Center
2500 Baldwick Rd, Suite 15, Pittsburgh, PA 15205
(412) 920-1765
Scranton Vet Center
1002 Pittston Ave., Scranton, PA 18505
(570) 344-2676
White Oak Vet Center
White Oak Mall, 2001 Lincoln Way, Suite 21, White Oak, PA 15131
(412) 678-7704
Williamsport Vet Center
49 E. Fourth Street Suite 104, Williamsport, PA 17701
(570) 327-5281
State social security offices provide assistance and explain government benefits to seniors and their families. The Pennsylvania Social Security Administration can help you understand Medicare benefits, SSI and disability benefits. A listing of offices in cities throughout the state is listed below.
Allentown Social Security Office
41 N 4th St, Allentown, PA 18102
1-877-405-6746
Altoona Social Security Office
303 Cayuga Ave, Altoon, PA 16602
1-800-772-1213
Ambridge Social Security Office
120 Merchant Street, Ambridge, PA 15003
1-800-772-1213
Belle Vernon Social Security Office
800 Plaza Dr Suite 320, Belle Vernon, PA 15012
1-800-772-1213
Bethlehem Social Security Office
555 Main St, Bethlehem, PA 18018
1-866-783-7458
Bloomsburg Social Security Office
700 Market St, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
1-866-526-9847
Butler Social Security Office
102 Woody Dr, Butler, PA 16001
1-800-772-1213
Carlisle Social Security Office
200 S Spring Garden St, Carlisle, PA 17013
1-800-772-1213
Chambersburg Social Security Office
50 N Third Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201
1-800-772-1213
Chester Social Security Office
807 Crosby Street, Chester, PA 19013
1-800-770-1213
Cranberry Social Security Office
80 Regina Dr, Cranberry, PA 16319
1-800-772-1213
Dubois Social Security Office
302 Liberty Blvd, Dubois, PA 15801
1-800-772-1213
East Stroudsburg Social Security Office
9090 Franklin Hill Rd Ste 101, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
1-888-835-6169
Easton Social Security Office
134 S Fourth St, Easton, PA 18042
1-866-964-5056
Erie Social Security Office
717 State St Highmark Bldg Ste 500, Erie, PA 16501
1-877-405-2887
Fairless Hills Social Security Office
444 Lincoln Hwy, Fairless Hills, PA 19030
1-800-772-1213
Greensburg Social Security Office
122 W 3rd Street, Greensburg, PA 15601
1-800-772-1213
Harrisburg Social Security Office
555 Walnut Street Suite 810, Harrisburg, PA 17101
1-888-327-1176
Hazleton Social Security Officee
88 S Laurel St, Hazleton, PA 18201
1-866-388-9878
Hermitage Social Security Office
2380 Garden Way, Hermitage, PA 16148
1-800-772-1213
Indiana Social Security Office
1265 Wayne Ave Suite 310 Prof Center, Indiana, PA 15701
1-800-772-1213
Johnstown Social Security Office
334 Washington St Suite 225, Johnstown, PA 15901
1-800-772-1213
Kittanning Social Security Office
159 Butler Rd, Highland Bus. Ctr Ste 1, Kittanning, PA 16201
1-800-772-1213
Lancaster Social Security Office
1809 Olde Homestead Ln Suite 104, Lancaster, PA 17601
1-800-772-1213
Lebanon Social Security Office
924 Russell Drive, Lebanon, PA 17042
1-800-772-1213
Lewistown Social Security Office
208 West 3rd Street, Lewistown, PA 17044
1-800-772-1213
Mckeesport Social Security Office
540 5th Ave, Mckeesport, PA 15132
1-800-772-1213
Meadville Social Security Office
19063 Park Ave Plaza, Meadville, PA 16335
1-888-347-9276
Monroeville Social Security Office
400 Oxford Drive, Suite 210, Monroeville, PA 15146
1-800-772-1213
New Castle Social Security Office
1708 Wilmington Rd, New Castle, PA 16105
1-800-772-1213
New Kensington Social Security Office
707 5th Ave, New Kensington, PA 15068
1-800-772-1213
Norristown Social Security Office
1700 Markley Street, First Floor, Norristown, PA 19401
1-800-772-1213
Philadelphia Social Security Office 19102
1500 JFK Blvd 20th Fl, Philadelphia, PA 19102
1-800-772-1213
Philadelphia Social Security Office 19104
4240 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
1-800-772-1213
Philadelphia Social Security Office 19114
2373 Welsh Road, Philadelphia, PA 19114
1-800-772-1213
Philadelphia Social Security Office 19145
3336 S Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145
1-800-772-1213
Philadelphia Social Security Office 19144
701 East Chelten Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144
1-800-772-1213
Philadelphia Social Security Office 19134
3400 Aramingo Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19134
1-800-772-1213
Philadelphia Social Security Office 19132
2929 North Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19132
1-800-772-1213
Pittsburgh Social Security Office 15222
921 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
1-800-772-1213
Pittsburgh Social Security Office 15228
650 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15228
1-800-772-1213
Pittsburgh Social Security Office 15206
6117 Station St, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
1-800-772-1213
Pottsville Social Security Office
2221 W Market Street Suite 200, Pottsville, PA 17901
1-800-772-1213
Reading Social Security Office
201 Penn St Ste 200, Reading, PA 19468
1-866-274-5960
Royersford Social Security Office
39 W Ridge Pike, Royersford, PA 19468
1-866-964-7415
Scranton Social Security Office
409 Lackawanna Avenue Oppenheim Bldg 1st Flr, Scranton, PA 18503
1-866-635-0767
Selinsgrove Social Security Office
150 Susq Vly Mall Dr, Selinggrove, PA 17870
1-800-772-1213
State College Social Security Office
901 University Dr Suite 2, State College, PA 16801
1-800-722-1213
Towanda Social Security Office
1 Elizabeth Street Suite 1, Towanda, PA 18848
1-888-841-6546
Uniontown Social Security Office
942 Morgantown Road Uniontown Shopping Ctr, Uniontown, PA 15401
1-800-772-1213
Upper Darby Social Security Office
8645 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA 19082
1-800-722-1213
Washington Social Security Office
95 W Beau St Suite 010, Washington, PA 15301
1-800-772-1213
West Chester Social Security Office
1101 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382
1-800-772-1213
Wilkes Barre Social Security Office
7 N Wilkes Barre Blvd Stegmaier Bldg, St 102, Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
1-800-772-1213
Williamsport Social Security Office
240 West 3rd St Suite 100, Williamsport, PA 17701
1-866-558-2572
York Social Security Office
2670 Industrial Hwy Suite 2, York, PA 17402
1-800-772-1213
PALA is a nonprofit organization that represents assisted living and personal care homes throughout Pennsylvania. Through advocacy, PALA speaks for its home providers and their residents at the state capital level and at Washington, D.C. They also provide a listing of senior living providers to family members and seniors looking for alternative care settings.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Pennsylvania
Assisted living communities are highly regulated by Pennsylvania’s state government with on-site inspections occurring annually. A complete list of the state regulations is available at pacode.com, but below are some key state laws.
Assisted Living Service Plan Requirements
A medical evaluation is required 60 days prior to admission to an assisted living community. Occasionally this evaluation may be performed after the move-in date if extenuating circumstances are involved. The evaluation looks at the current health of the individual and gathers typical medical information such as allergies, current medications, and immunizations. A mobility and daily living assessment is also performed.
After living in the community for 30 days, the new resident is again evaluated by the administrator or an appointee of the administer (usually an RN or an LPN under the guidance of an RN). This time the assessment is used to create the support plan and must include medical history, dietary needs and supplemental care requirements. In addition, the resident is tested on their ability to manage the activities of daily living including building evacuation, lock manipulation and medication self-administration. Once a final support plan is drawn up, it must be signed by the resident or their representative and implemented within 30 days.
Assisted Living Admission Requirements
Seniors experiencing certain conditions or diseases are prohibited from admission in Pennsylvania unless the licensing agency permits an exception. These includereportable infectious diseases that require isolation and conditions needing advanced skilled nursing care.
Certain Assisted Living communities may have an SCU (Special Care Unit) on site. Proof of a memory impairment is required for residents in these units.
Assisted Living Scope of Care
There are two types of core services that an ALR provides in Pennsylvania. The independent core package contains 24-hour supervision, laundry, social activities and cognitive support. The enhanced core package includes all items in the first package along with daily activity aids, transportation help and medication administration or self-administration assistance.
Assisted Living Medicaid Policy
Pennsylvania does not cover room and board services of an assisted living residence in its Medicaid program or waiver programs. If the community accepts a resident that is eligible for SSI payments, the rent must not exceed the resident’s monthly income less any personal needs expenses.
Assisted Living Facility Requirements
The interior of an ALR should be well-lit with additional markings for the visually impaired, and handrails, ramps and other accessibility devices should be in good repair.
There should be a common dining area that provides breakfast, noon and evening meals. The resident may eat in their room if ill or if the community offers room service.
Individual rooms should be equipped with the necessities for daily living including:
- Fully equipped bathroom with a sink, toilet and shower or tub
- Exterior locking doors unless they pose a safety risk to the resident
- Individually controlled thermostats for heat and air conditioning
- Electrical outlets that support small appliances such as a microwave or a mini fridge
- Telephone jack
- Storage space
The common area should include a space for food preparation and cleanup, which residents may use, and it must be separate from the community meal kitchen.
Medication Management Regulations
A resident who has been assessed and approved may self-administer their own medications. These medications should be kept out of reach of others in a locked box in the resident's room. Staff can perform daily or periodic medication reminders if necessary.
All other residents’ medications are administered by a licensed staff member or student nurse (who is under the authority of an RN). All prescription medications in the AL community must be labeled with the following:
- Resident's name
- Medication name
- Date dispensed
- Dosage instructions
- Prescribing doctor
Staffing Requirements
Each AL residence must employ enough personnel to provide one hour of care to each resident per day and two hours of care to residents with mobility issues. There must be a licensed nurse on site or on call, and a registered dietician should be available to accommodate dietary restrictions. The administrator or director should be on-site a minimum of 36 working hours.
Staff Training Requirements
All staff should be trained in fire safety and emergency preparedness, and personnel may not provide direct care until they have completed 18 hours of general training with an additional 16 hours of annual training. All training records and training plans must be available for inspection.
Background Check for ALR Staff in Pennsylvania
The age requirement for all staff, except housekeeping and food service, is 18, and proof of a criminal history and background check must be kept on file.
Requirements for Reporting Abuse
Each resident shall be informed of their right to lodge complaints without the threat of retaliation. A poster detailing these rights should be publicly displayed, and all residents should understand how to file a complaint.
Instances of elder abuse or neglect should be reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. The state hotline number is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-490-8505. The ALR staff is trained to look for instances of abuse and it is mandated by law to report any occurrences.
Assisted Living Facilities in Pennsylvania
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Top-Rated Caring Stars Winners in Pennsylvania
Caring.com’s Caring Stars award program recognizes the best assisted living facilities across the U.S. based on reviews from family caregivers and older adults. This award is meant to help older adults and their loved ones find the best assisted living or in-home care option in their area. The list below shows up to 10 listings that have won the most Caring Stars annual awards in their state, sorted by their current overall average rating. For a complete list of Caring Stars winners for each year, please visit our Caring Stars info center.
Concordia Lutheran Ministries
Cabot, PA Cost Levels
11 reviews