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
I did place my husband here. I’m very satisfied with them. I’m very satisfied with the staff. The room is very spacious. It is furnished. I haven’t tasted the food, but it smells OK, and it looks OK o
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I did place my husband here. I’m very satisfied with them. I’m very satisfied with the staff. The room is very spacious. It is furnished. I haven’t tasted the food, but it smells OK, and it looks OK on the plate. They have bingo, reading, religious services, craft activities, and music groups and they also arrange daytrips for the residents.
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I did place my husband here. I’m very satisfied with them. I’m very satisfied with the staff. The room is very spacious. It is furnished. I haven’t tasted the food, but it smells OK, and it looks OK o
… (read more)
I did place my husband here. I’m very satisfied with them. I’m very satisfied with the staff. The room is very spacious. It is furnished. I haven’t tasted the food, but it smells OK, and it looks OK on the plate. They have bingo, reading, religious services, craft activities, and music groups and they also arrange daytrips for the residents.
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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
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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 games and activities such as playing cards and watching movies. Loved ones like that the residents can grab a bite to eat in the on-site café between meals and enjoy a large variety of food available from the dining hall menu. Family members appreciate how caring and attentive the staff is and that they keep the family informed about the care and comfort of their loved ones.
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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 games and activities such as playing cards and watching movies. Loved ones like that the residents can grab a bite to eat in the on-site café between meals and enjoy a large variety of food available from the dining hall menu. Family members appreciate how caring and attentive the staff is and that they keep the family informed about the care and comfort of their loved ones.
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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
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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 the facility is kept up well, and there are numerous activities available for the residents, who express their enjoyment of how this helps them interact with one another and feel more like a community. Some of these onsite amenities include a small gym, a library and a beauty salon. Relatives note their pleasure with the transportation that’s available to take loved ones shopping and to appointments.
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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 the facility is kept up well, and there are numerous activities available for the residents, who express their enjoyment of how this helps them interact with one another and feel more like a community. Some of these onsite amenities include a small gym, a library and a beauty salon. Relatives note their pleasure with the transportation that’s available to take loved ones shopping and to appointments.
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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
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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 that the community feels like a big family and that the exceptional staff always goes above and beyond for their residents. Visitors are impressed by the cleanliness of the building and genuinely caring attitudes of the staff. This community is a private non-profit organization that cares for children and adults with developmental disabilities. They pride themselves on their ability to help residents live fulfilling lives.
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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
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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 that the community feels like a big family and that the exceptional staff always goes above and beyond for their residents. Visitors are impressed by the cleanliness of the building and genuinely caring attitudes of the staff. This community is a private non-profit organization that cares for children and adults with developmental disabilities. They pride themselves on their ability to help residents live fulfilling lives.
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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
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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 enjoying visits to Lake Erie’s shores. Family members say the staff is friendly and patient, making sure all residents feel comfortable and at home. The entire staff works hard to keep the facility clean and well-kept, including helping with residents’ day-to-day needs. Residents are encouraged to live active, healthy lifestyles by attending the regularly scheduled in-house activities. Time outside the community, such as shopping trips, are also planned.
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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 enjoying visits to Lake Erie’s shores. Family members say the staff is friendly and patient, making sure all residents feel comfortable and at home. The entire staff works hard to keep the facility clean and well-kept, including helping with residents’ day-to-day needs. Residents are encouraged to live active, healthy lifestyles by attending the regularly scheduled in-house activities. Time outside the community, such as shopping trips, are also planned.
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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
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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 surrounding area, as well as local attractions. Many residents enjoy visiting the nearby Lake Erie shore, which is one of the Great Lakes. The community has a team of caregivers, including a 24/7 on-site nurse. Staff is available to assist with any need, including help with medication. Family members have said that it’s clear the entire staff is committed to providing caring, quality services.
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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 surrounding area, as well as local attractions. Many residents enjoy visiting the nearby Lake Erie shore, which is one of the Great Lakes. The community has a team of caregivers, including a 24/7 on-site nurse. Staff is available to assist with any need, including help with medication. Family members have said that it’s clear the entire staff is committed to providing caring, quality services.
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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
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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 small dogs in the rooms with them and that they can buy food at the cafeteria any time they choose. Family members like that their loved ones have constant entertainment thanks to the live performances, card games, bingo and group outings that are offered at the facility. They also speak well of the care that the staff provides and the dedication they have to the residents.
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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 small dogs in the rooms with them and that they can buy food at the cafeteria any time they choose. Family members like that their loved ones have constant entertainment thanks to the live performances, card games, bingo and group outings that are offered at the facility. They also speak well of the care that the staff provides and the dedication they have to the residents.
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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
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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, excellent staff at the facility and how communicative the employees are with residents’ family members. Visitors remark that the community is well-sized and well-maintained, and the food is fresh and made to order. Family members mention how pleased they are to learn about the many activities available to the residents, including live entertainment, parties, recitals, games and readings at the on-site library.
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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, excellent staff at the facility and how communicative the employees are with residents’ family members. Visitors remark that the community is well-sized and well-maintained, and the food is fresh and made to order. Family members mention how pleased they are to learn about the many activities available to the residents, including live entertainment, parties, recitals, games and readings at the on-site library.
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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
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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. Residents from diverse backgrounds enjoy the sense of community that comes from the facility’s non-denominational religious services. Visitors often mention feeling secure knowing the outdoor space is enclosed to keep their loved ones safe. The lunch menu at Manchester Commons gets high marks in reviews for its deliciously prepared sandwiches and entrees, all of which can be ordered in advance for the week.
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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. Residents from diverse backgrounds enjoy the sense of community that comes from the facility’s non-denominational religious services. Visitors often mention feeling secure knowing the outdoor space is enclosed to keep their loved ones safe. The lunch menu at Manchester Commons gets high marks in reviews for its deliciously prepared sandwiches and entrees, all of which can be ordered in advance for the week.
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Earning a Caring Star means this community is among the best Senior Living commuities in America.
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
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Twinbrook Medical Center was not very good. It's assisted living and then goes into long-term care, so it is a different type of facility. It's not the best facility and kind of outdated. The r...
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Review of The Residence at Presque Isle Bay
Let me first say that our mom has never been a complainer and has never had anything negative to say about the food. Her meals are timely and if needed she can eat in her room. She does enjoy hav...
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Review of Springhill
Springhill in Erie has good activities, good therapy, and good care. I looked at their assisted living and they have daily activities like bingo, music therapy, and card games. They also have churc...
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