Erie is a city located on the southern shore of Lake Erie. It’s the fourth-largest city in Pennsylvania, with an estimated population of 94,000 residents and seniors 65 years and over constituting 14.9% of that total. The city offers an array of benefits to its senior population, including tempered summer heat due to its lakeside location, a low cost of living and health care more affordable than the nationwide average.

Assisted living is the best choice for seniors who can no longer live at home independently but don’t require the intensive care provided in nursing homes. It’s an ideal option for those who require assistance with the activities of daily living such as grooming, meal preparation and transportation. Care costs can vary according to the location and amenities provided by a facility, but the average cost of care services in Erie is $4,585 per month.

This is a guide to assist older adults in learning more about assisted living care costs and how these costs compare with one another. It also offers an overview of payment options available for assisted living and a resource guide of agencies and programs available to those searching for information on assisted living.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Erie, PA

The Residence at Presque Isle Bay

1012 W. Bayfront Parkway, Erie, PA, 16507

Located on the waterfront in Erie, Pennsylvania, The Residence at Presque Isle Bay is an assisted living community with large rooms and a warm, welcoming staff. Residents enjoy participating in daily … (read more)
Located on the waterfront in Erie, Pennsylvania, The Residence at Presque Isle Bay is an assisted living community with large rooms and a warm, welcoming staff. Residents enjoy participating in daily … (read more)

Parkside at Glenwood

41 West Gore Road, Erie, PA, 16509

I’ve been to Parkside at Glenwood almost every day since my brother moved in there. I looked at several places before and financially, this was just the right one for him and it’s not in the middle of … (read more)
I’ve been to Parkside at Glenwood almost every day since my brother moved in there. I looked at several places before and financially, this was just the right one for him and it’s not in the middle of … (read more)

Regency at South Shore

322 Washington Place, Erie, PA, 16505

Regency at South Shore is perched on the water in Erie, Pennsylvania. Visitors and family members are pleased with the helpful, kind, motivated staff and the wonderful job they do. Reviewers note that … (read more)
Regency at South Shore is perched on the water in Erie, Pennsylvania. Visitors and family members are pleased with the helpful, kind, motivated staff and the wonderful job they do. Reviewers note that … (read more)

Erie Homes for Children and Adults, Inc

226 E. 27th Street, Erie, PA, 16504

Erie Homes for Children and Adults is an assisted living facility located in a lovely residential community of Erie, Pennsylvania, about two blocks from Academy High School. Residents and visitors say … (read more)
Erie Homes for Children and Adults is an assisted living facility located in a lovely residential community of Erie, Pennsylvania, about two blocks from Academy High School. Residents and visitors say … (read more)

Pennsylvania Soldiers and Sailors Home

560 East Third Street, Erie, PA, 16507

Pennsylvania Soldiers and Sailors Home is located in Erie, PA, just blocks from the city’s renowned lake. The area offers plenty of great shopping and sightseeing opportunities, with many residents en … (read more)
Pennsylvania Soldiers and Sailors Home is located in Erie, PA, just blocks from the city’s renowned lake. The area offers plenty of great shopping and sightseeing opportunities, with many residents en … (read more)

Presbyterian Homes – Erie Lodge

2628 Elmwood Avenue, Erie, PA, 16508

The Presbyterian Homes – Erie Lodge is located in the heart of Erie, PA, near the bustling neighborhood of Little Italy. There are a lot of great grocery and clothing shopping options in the surroundi … (read more)
The Presbyterian Homes – Erie Lodge is located in the heart of Erie, PA, near the bustling neighborhood of Little Italy. There are a lot of great grocery and clothing shopping options in the surroundi … (read more)

Springhill

2323 Edinboro Road, Erie, PA, 16509

Asbury Springhill, which is located in Erie, Pennsylvania, is a clean, well-kept assisted living community. Residents like that they are close to a mall for quick and easy shopping, that they can have … (read more)
Asbury Springhill, which is located in Erie, Pennsylvania, is a clean, well-kept assisted living community. Residents like that they are close to a mall for quick and easy shopping, that they can have … (read more)

Manchester Commons

6351 West Lake Road, Erie, PA, 16505

Located off Highway 5, not far from the shores of Lake Erie, Manchester Commons of Erie is a bright and modern facility which offers assisted living, nursing home and continuing care services. Residen … (read more)
Located off Highway 5, not far from the shores of Lake Erie, Manchester Commons of Erie is a bright and modern facility which offers assisted living, nursing home and continuing care services. Residen … (read more)

Sarah Reed Senior Living

227 WEST 22ND STREET, Erie, PA, 16502

Sarah Reed Senior Living is located near the water and UPMC Hamot and directly across from Vincent Health Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. Loved ones comment on how impressed they are with the warm, kind … (read more)
Sarah Reed Senior Living is located near the water and UPMC Hamot and directly across from Vincent Health Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. Loved ones comment on how impressed they are with the warm, kind … (read more)

Stairways

810 WALNUT STREET, Erie, PA, 16502


Westlake Woods

3302 WESTLAKE ROAD, Erie, PA, 16505


COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Erie

Since most COVID-19 rules for Assisted Living Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Assisted Living in Pennsylvania. Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.

What to Consider About Assisted Living in Erie

The Pennsylvania Department of Health oversees assisted living facilities in Erie and the rest of the state. It provides important updates on state rules for long-term care facilities and has a state-assisted living facility database. It also operates a complaint hotline to support residents’ safety and comfort.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Erie

  • In a cost-of-living comparison based on a 100-point index, Erie scores 74.6, meaning its living costs are 25.4% lower than the U.S. average. Erie also has a cost of living 17.9% lower than the typical resident of Pennsylvania does at 92.5. This means Erie is one of the most affordable cities in Pennsylvania to live in and helps seniors spend less of their available income.
  • Erie has property tax rates that are significantly higher than the U.S. median of 2.79% and average 3.64% of total income. City sales taxes of 7% are also higher than the national average of 6.97%, which may need to be taken into account when considering the costs related to long-term care. However, Erie benefits from property taxes that average 1.83% of property value and are lower than the countrywide median of 1.09%. Pennsylvania additionally has a state income tax average of 3.07%, compared to the national average of 3.38%.
  • The Going Places Transportation Program in collaboration with the Department of Senior Services offers a curb-to-curb service for seniors who are unable to use conventional means of transport. It provides transportation for medical appointments, grocery stores, banking and social activities. Financial contributions towards the service are voluntary.
  • Erie has more affordable health care than the rest of the country, scoring 87.9 on a 100-point index compared to the U.S. score of 100. There are also seven hospitals within close proximity of the city center, including Erie VA Medical Center, Metro Health Center and UPMC Hamot, which is highly rated for treating heart failure and COPD. There are also numerous home health care providers in the city.
  • Erie experiences cold winters and warm, mild summers due to the tempering effect of its lakeside location, offering seniors many opportunities to take part in outdoor activities. The city gets 44 inches of rain annually compared to the U.S. median of 38 inches per year but also has 48 fewer days of sun per year than the nationwide average.

Paying for Assisted Living in Erie

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

Erie’s seniors pay just $85 more than seniors in the rest of the country pay for assisted living services at $4,585 per month, compared to the nationwide cost of $4,500. The state average is $485 lower than Erie’s median. Assisted living costs in Pittsburgh, to the south of Erie, are considerably lower at $3,250, costing seniors $1,335 less for these services than Erie’s seniors pay. Youngstown has the region’s highest assisted living median of $4,738, while Altoona, east of Pittsburgh, has a care cost of $4,030, just $70 lower than Pennsylvania’s average of $4,100 monthly. State College, in Pennsylvania’s center, has the third-highest assisted living care cost in the region at $4,518 per month.

$4585

Erie

$4100

Pennsylvania

$4500

United States

$3250

Pittsburgh

$4738

Youngstown

$4030

Altoona

$4518

State College

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Seniors in Erie pay $4,585 for assisted living services. In-home care and home health care provide similar assistance in seniors’ homes with the activities of daily living, and both types of care cost $4,767 per month. Nursing home care has a considerably higher cost of $9,216 per month for a shared room.

$4767

In-Home Care

$4767

Home Health Care

$4585

Assisted Living Facility

$9216

Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Erie

The state of Pennsylvania has an Optional State Supplement (OSS) which may provide financial assistance to seniors in Dallas who receive Social Security income.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Pennsylvania page.

Paying for Assisted Living Facilities in Pennsylvania

More Ways to Pay for 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. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

  • Veterans Benefits
  • Life Insurance Policy
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Pennsylvania page.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Erie

Resource

Contact

Description

(814) 459-4581

The GECAC Area Agency on Aging's Community Action Agency program uses state funding and resources to help low-income seniors acquire useful skills and access new economic opportunities. Other services include the Foster Grandparents Program, which helps children improve social, math, reading and writing skills.

(716) 858-7433

The Erie County Department of Senior Services serves the senior community through the Going Places Transportation Program. It's a curb-to-curb service offered to seniors who can no longer use conventional transportation. The program provides a wide variety of trips, including medical appointments, grocery shopping, banking and recreational activities.

(814) 459-4581 ext. 593

This organization’s ombudsman program assists in resolving issues related to the health, welfare, safety and rights of residents of long-term care facilities such as assisted living facilities and nursing homes.

(800) 827-1000

Senior military veterans can access pension and health care benefits through two VA veterans' programs. They provide veterans with funding for assistance in the activities of daily living and financial support in long-term care settings.

(814) 459-4581

The Greater Erie Community Action Committee has seven senior centers across Erie County and helps seniors 60 years and over live independent and healthy lifestyles. These centers promote personal growth and active participation through a wide range of educational programs, support groups, special events and excursions.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Erie

Erie Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living Facilities in Pennsylvania are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Pennsylvania page for more information about these laws.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Pennsylvania