Assisted Living Communities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia sits in the southeastern region of Pennsylvania, where the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers meet. This city serves as the largest in the state and houses 42 assisted living facilities, and an additional 17 residences sit in surrounding suburbs. Seniors considering residential care in Philadelphia anticipate monthly costs of around $6,986 in 2024, compared to the Pennsylvania median of $5,550.
Through our guide, we help you compare local assisted living facilities by publishing 1766 reviews reviews. While feedback varies across residences, reviewers typically provide a rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars stars.
Directory of Assisted Living in Philadelphia, PA
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The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
While the 2024 Genworth Cost of Care Survey indicates that the statewide median for assisted living comes to $5,550 per month, residential care costs in Philadelphia run comparatively higher at around $6,986. Local fees also surpass norms in other cities in Pennsylvania’s southeast region, with residents paying about $5,274 in Allentown and roughly $4,950 in York monthly.
Phladelphia
$6,986
Pennsylvania
$5,550
United States
$5,350
Allentown
$5,274
Reading
$4,914
Lancaster
$6,135
York
$4,950
Paying for Assisted Living in Philadelphia, PA
When trying to decide how to pay for assisted living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of more than 75,000 senior living providers to provide insight into the average cost of assisted living in Philadelphia and 100 other cities in Pennsylvania.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Philadelphia
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has an aging waiver program that may help offset the costs of assisted living in Philadelphia, along with other programs that may benefit seniors. Another program that may be of assistance is the Services My Way program.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Pennsylvania page.
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.
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Assisted Living in Philadelphia, PA
Assisted living costs have seen a steady rise in Philadelphia, climbing from $4,880 in 2022 to $5,346 in 2023. This increase of 9.5% is a direct result of inflation, which has similarly impacted cities across the United States. In fact, the average rate of care in the state of Pennsylvania has risen by 19% during this same period ($3,908 to $4,653). Care costs in Philadelphia are higher than those in Pittsburgh ($4,979) and Allentown ($4,579), though they're still about $100 less than costs in Reading.
Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
---|---|---|---|
Philadelphia | $4,880 | $5,346 | $5,757 |
U.S. Average | $4,070 | $4,459 | $4,802 |
Pennsylvania | $3,908 | $4,653 | $5,016 |
Pittsburgh | $4,545 | $4,979 | $5,362 |
Allentown | $4,180 | $4,579 | $4,931 |
Reading | $4,956 | $5,430 | $5,848 |
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Philadelphia’s seniors spend around $6,986 monthly on assisted living. By comparison, nursing home fees run about twice as high at approximately $13,444. However, in-home care has a lower standard monthly charge of roughly $4,767, and home health care agencies set fees near $6,101. Seniors who opt for adult day health care pay considerably lower rates of about $2,600.
In-Home Care
$4,767
Home Health Care
$6,101
Adult Day Health Care
$2,600
Assisted Living Facility
$6,986
Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)
$13,444
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Philadelphia,PA
There are many resources in Philadelphia,PA that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
For information about statewide resources and those in nearby cities, go to Caring’s Pennsylvania state page.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
---|---|---|
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging | 215-765-9000 | Each Area Agency on Aging in Pennsylvania operates under the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. Services available to seniors include legal assistance, Medicare counseling and prescription assistance. They can also access information regarding financial exploitation, protective services and the long-term care ombudsman program. Additionally, seniors can receive help with housing and meals. The agency runs the Senior Community Service Employment Program, which is open to qualifying Pennsylvanians who are 55+. |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Philadelphia seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
---|---|---|
Philabundance | 215-339-0900 | Pennsylvania has many food pantries operated by nonprofit organizations. Some distribute food to anyone in need, while others have income limits or other eligibility requirements. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Philadelphia collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.
Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
---|---|---|
Community Aid Refurbished Equipment Store (CARES) - Philadelphia | 267-789-2077 | Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic offers free refurbished, sanitized medical equipment to residents of Philadelphia and surrounding areas via the Community Aid Refurbished Equipment Store program. The range of equipment includes wheelchairs, shower seats and benches, raised toilet seats, bed tables and walkers. Additionally, the CARES program provides new and unopened packages of wound care supplies, gloves, wipes and various other items. All equipment is given free to those who need it. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Philadelphia seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.
Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
---|---|---|
Pennsylvania SeniorLAW Center Access Services - Philadelphia | 877-727-7529 | Pennsylvania seniors requiring help with civil law matters can turn to the SeniorLAW Center for assistance. The Center can provide direct representation on some issues and information on problems with housing, exploitation or abuse of seniors, powers of attorney, wills, advanced medical directives and many consumer issues. The Center cannot help with criminal matters, divorce cases or lawsuits. |
Pennsylvania Health Law Project (PHLP) - Philadelphia | 800-274-3258 | The Pennsylvania Health Law Project works with low-income individuals, including seniors and persons with disabilities, to help them access publicly funded healthcare services and ensure their rights are protected. The project can assist with issues related to managed care, Medicaid eligibility, access to Medicaid services and long-term services and supports. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Philadelphia have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
---|---|---|
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) - Philadelphia | 215-609-1000 | Pennsylvania's Weatherization Assistance Program provides funds for increasing energy efficiency and reducing energy costs. Participants may qualify for minor repairs, attic or window insulation, caulking, heating/cooling system replacement or other weatherization services |
Senior Centers
Senior centers in Philadelphia bring together residents through recreational activities and events. Many also offer advice and support on senior issues, run wellness and nutrition programs, and connect older adults with other resources in the local area.
Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
---|---|---|
Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of Elders (CARIE) | 800-356-3606 | The nonprofit Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of Elders (CARIE) is a valuable resource for older adults and their loved ones in and around Philadelphia. The center is home to the long-term care ombudsman program and Pennsylvania Senior Medicare Patrol. It staffs a free helpline and online information service and advocates for older individuals at all levels of governance. |
Senior Engagement
Senior engagement resources and programs in Philadelphia help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.
Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
---|---|---|
Central Senior Services | 215-686-5331 | Seniors are invited to learn new skills, participate in engaging activities and meet new people at Parkway Central Library in Philadelphia, PA. The library organizes an array of programs for the community, including workshops, seminars, book discussions and bridge games. Older adults can also get help using computers and the internet or learn about volunteer opportunities. Central Senior Services is available weekdays between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. |
Alzheimer's Association - Delaware Valley Chapter - Philadelphia | 800-272-3900 | The Alzheimer's Association - Delaware Valley Chapter provides information and support for seniors living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, as well as to their caregivers. Serving the greater Philadelphia area, the association offers regular educational programs about identifying the signs of Alzheimer's, receiving a diagnosis, communication skills and planning for the future. These courses are available both online and in person. The Delaware Chapter also provides professionally led support groups on relevant topics. |
Penn Memory Center | 215-662-7810 | The Penn Memory Center offers beneficial programs, classes and services for seniors living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Through Time Together & Weekly Smile, college students provide low-cost respite care. The Caring Collective matches seasoned family caregivers to current ones for support, while grief yoga helps caregivers manage their emotions through movement. Seniors stay engaged with free programs such as Cognitive Comedy and Creative Expression Through Music. The center also hosts a Memory Cafe with music, lectures and coffee. |
Free Library of Philadelphia | 215-686-5411 | The Free Library of Philadelphia brings the joy of the arts to the door of homebound seniors and full-time caregivers in the area. Books and music are available, with a six-week loan period. Seniors who are temporarily or permanently homebound need to apply for a Homebound Services Library Card to participate. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Philadelphia help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
---|---|---|
Philadelphia Social Security Offices | 800-772-1213 | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Veteran's Services
Philadelphia retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
---|---|---|
Center City Philadelphia Vet Center | 215-627-0238 | The Center City Philadelphia Vet Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free parking is available at the parking garage across the street, and public transportation is accessible. The center offers a wide range of counseling services to veterans, including intimate partner violence support, couples and family counseling, military sexual trauma care and returning service member care. Referral services are provided in areas such as suicide prevention and veteran connections. Telehealth is also available. |
Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center | 800-949-1001 | The Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA, is open 24/7. Veterans can access primary care and a number of specialty services, including cancer care, bariatric surgery, laboratory and pathology services, and sleep medicine. Patient advocates offer guidance when needed, and suicide prevention coordinators are available via the crisis line. The center provides caregiver support and free registry exams to identify potential health risks resulting from exposure to hazards during deployment. |
Northeast Philadelphia Vet Center | 215-924-4670 | The Northeast Philadelphia Vet Center helps local veterans and service members access free confidential counseling and benefits assistance in a nonmedical setting. The professional team helps veterans understand and apply for a range of VA benefits and offers referrals to community resources for further assistance. Mental health care is available for veterans suffering from conditions such as PTSD, depression and military sexual trauma, and counseling is available for grief and bereavement as well as couples and family issues. |
What To Consider About Assisted Living in Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, assisted living facilities are called personal care homes and are governed by the state Department of Human Services. This organization works to ensure the residents of these homes are treated with respect and receive appropriate care.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Philadelphia
- Philadelphia is an age-friendly city, meaning it has a plan in place to create housing, transportation and outdoor spaces geared especially to older adults. As part of the AARP‘s network of age-friendly communities, Philadelphia is also committed to reducing crime and maintaining safer streets.Â
- The cost of living index for Philadelphia is 1.2 points over the national median of 100. However, housing costs are low at 66.3, compared to the national 100.
- Philadelphia has relatively low air quality, a factor to consider for seniors with respiratory issues. Compared to the national average of 58, Philly scores 39 points on the air quality index.
- The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging transportation program offers a senior fare card for free travel on its routes and a door-to-door initiative that makes it easier for residents over 65 to get to senior centers, run errands and keep medical appointments.
- Philadelphia has 243 physicians per 100,000 people, which is higher than the national average of 210 physicians per 100,000 people, making health care easy to access. The city is also home to the highest-rated hospital in the state, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
- Philadelphia has high crime rates compared to many other American cities. Its violent crime rate is 50.8 compared to the national average of 22.7, and its property crime rate is 46.6 compared to the U.S. score of 35.4. However, seniors in assisted living communities can count on strong security measures to keep them safe.Â
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Philadelphia
Philadelphia 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.
Reviews of Communities Nearby
Assisted Living
Trina
5.0
Review of The Philadelphia Protestant Home
We toured The Philadelphia Protestant Home. The multiple dining rooms that we saw were very clean. The rooms are nice sized. It's literally like a little community inside of the building. They have...
Assisted Living
Randal
4.0
Review of Oakwood Residence
I toured Oakwood Residence. I liked that they are willing to serve you food in the room if you need it. They did a lot of care. They included a lot of possible care, like helping you bathe or...
Assisted Living
Spock215
3.0
Review of Bethesda Court
Rooms were nasty the food could of been better the staff was ok for some of them