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Assisted Living Communities in Reading, PA

Reading sits about 40 miles outside Allentown in Berks County, giving local seniors 130 assisted living communities to choose from. These facilities, including the 130 residences within city limits, charge a median monthly rate of $4,914 in 2024. This rate offers substantial savings over the U.S. baseline of $5,350 and the state norm of $5,550, making it a budget-friendly option for prospective residents.

This guide contains 477 reviews reviews of local assisted living communities, giving you a closer look at the scope of services and amenities they offer. On average, these facilities garner a score of 4.4 out of 5 stars stars.

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Reviews of Communities Nearby

Assisted Living

Elsie

I visited this facility

Review of The Villa St. Elizabeth

Everyone at The Villa St. Elizabeth seemed to be very happy. I met one of the aides who helped me find the tour director. The tour director showed me all around, and she was very good, answered all...

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Assisted Living

Sam952

I visited this facility

Review of The Villa St. Elizabeth

I toured The Villa St. Elizabeth. They showed me private rooms, but I thought that my loved one would need a memory care unit. Nevertheless, I like the single rooms. They had a couple of sections....

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Assisted Living

Sue_23

I visited this facility

Review of Manor at Market Square

I went to tour Manor at Market Square. It's very pricey. Everything is beautiful there. They have a chef. They have a dining area and an area where they watch movies and do activities. The staff I...

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The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

According to the 2024 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, Reading’s assisted living communities set monthly rates near $4,914. This price falls well below the Pennsylvania median of $5,550, as well as costs in many nearby cities. For example, seniors in Allentown and Lancaster pay respective monthly rates of around $5,274 and $6,135, and facilities in Philadelphia charge approximately $6,986.

Reading

$4,914

Pennsylvania

$5,550

The United States

$5,350

Allentown

$5,274

Philadelphia

$6,986

Lancaster

$6,135

York

$4,950

How to Pay for Assisted Living in Reading:

Assisted living residents often rely on a mix of public and private funds to pay for long-term care. The state’s Medicaid program, Medicare and veterans’ benefits can reduce out-of-pocket costs for qualified individuals, while private funds help cover funding gaps. To budget for long-term care services, individuals should ensure the community they choose accepts their preferred payment methods.

  • Medicaid: Pennsylvania Medicaid administers the Community HealthChoices Program, a managed care program that covers assisted living for qualified individuals. Benefits of this program include personal care services, meals, housekeeping and personal emergency response systems.
  • Medicare: Medicare beneficiaries can use their Part B coverage to pay for skilled nursing services, rehabilitative therapies and durable medical equipment. However, Medicare doesn’t cover nonmedical assisted living services.
  • VA Benefits: Aid and Attendance, Housebound benefits and the Geriatrics and Extended Care program can help seniors cover personal care services, housing, medical support and transportation.
  • Private payments: Assisted living communities accept private payments for all types of expenses, including move-in and housing fees, personal care, meals and recreation. Common private payment sources include retirement savings, home equity, long-term care insurance and Social Security benefits.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Reading

Reading seniors who meet certain eligibility requirements for the Pennsylvania Department of Aging waiver may qualify for financial assistance in order to pay for care within one of the city’s assisted living facilities. In addition, if you receive SSI and need to live in an assisted living facility, the state can pay a supplement to the facility if you qualify.  

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

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

In Reading, assisted living residents pay around $4,914 per month. This amount exceeds the cost of home health care, which hovers near $4,195, but it offers an affordable alternative to nursing home placement, which costs about $10,768 for semi-private rooms.

Home Health Care

$4,195

Assisted Living Facilities

$4,914

Nursing Home (semiprivate room)

$10,768

Free Assisted Living Resources in Reading

Seniors searching for assistance in Reading will find many valuable options and resources. Some resources will help low-income seniors pay for costs of assisted living. Others will connect them with senior service centers in their community, where they’ll find fitness, nutrition, and socialization activities.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Berks County Area Agency on Aging610-478-6500The AAA provides long-term care options counseling, comprehensive assessments to determine necessary care and information and referral services for those aged 60 and older. It also operates the Health & Wellness Program, which addresses disease management and prevention in seniors.
SeniorLAW Center215-988-1244This nonprofit program provides free civil legal assistance to those aged 60 and over, helping them navigate Pennsylvania’s power of attorney laws, apply for public benefits and understand assisted living contracts. It also provides advocacy for those facing elder abuse or consumer problems.
Berks County Veterans Affairs610-378-5601The county’s Veterans Affairs office helps veterans and their families file claims for health benefits, pensions and financial assistance programs that help cover assisted living. The office administers the Veterans’ Temporary Assistance Grant and has a 24-hour veterans crisis line.
Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman717-783-8975The long-term care ombudsman helps older adults find ways to pay for assisted living, choose the right facility for their needs and resolve care-related issues. They represent residents’ interests in circumstances such as involuntary move-out orders, billing issues or inadequate or excessive care services.
Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight800-783-7067PA MEDI provides health insurance options counseling, offering free, unbiased information on Medicare, Medigap, Medicare Advantage, prescription drug plans and long-term care insurance. Representatives also help with Medicare appeals and determining eligibility for Medicare financial assistance programs.
Berks Encore610-374-3195Berks Encore supports local seniors through the Friendly Visitor Program, Meals on Wheels, Medicare counseling services and beNourished, a medically tailored meal delivery program. It also operates several senior centers throughout the region where older adults participate in social and recreational activities.
Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank610-926-5802Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank operates the Senior Food Box Program, which provides monthly food boxes to income-qualified individuals aged 60 and older. It also maintains a directory of food distribution sites throughout the region.
Social Security Administration800-772-1213 or 800-325-0778 (TTY)At the local Social Security field office, located on Penn Street, seniors can apply for retirement, disability and Medicare benefits, request or replace their Social Security card and update personal information such as direct deposit details. The office also has staff members who assist with applications for Supplemental Security Income or Medicare’s Extra Help program.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Reading

  • The American Lung Association gives the Reading region a passing score for annual particle pollution levels and the lowest grade for ozone and 24-hour particle pollution. However, many assisted living facilities have air purification systems to support residents’ comfort.
  • Although living expenses in Reading run about 4% over the national average, the city offers affordable food and housing costs. This impacts assisted living costs and may make long-term care accessible to those with budgetary constraints.
  • The hot season in Reading spans late May through mid-September and brings average daytime temperatures of around 85 degrees Fahrenheit. During the cold season, which lasts from the beginning of December until the first week of March, nighttime temperatures fall to around 23 degrees. Fortunately, assisted living residents enjoy amenities such as unit-controlled thermostats and indoor activities.
  • Reading’s livability score of 54 puts the city in the top half of U.S. communities for favorability for seniors. It offers a range of benefits for assisted living residents, including high access to parks and grocery stores, numerous cultural institutions and walkable neighborhoods.
  • Reading seniors don’t pay state income taxes on their Social Security benefits and payments from retirement accounts, and those aged 60 and over don’t pay state taxes on pension income. This helps many seniors afford living and long-term care expenses.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Reading

Reading-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Pennsylvania are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Pennsylvania page for more information about these laws.

Assisted Living Services and Amenities in Reading

Assisted living communities in Reading offer comfortable, homelike environments with tailored services and amenities. Residents benefit from personalized support with daily living activities, nutritious meals and engaging social programs, and the secure setting promotes independence and peace of mind. By comparing the services and amenities in local facilities, prospective residents can make informed choices.

  • Assistance with daily living activities: Tailored service plans ensure residents receive the services they need while maintaining as much independence as possible.
  • Medication management: Facilities store, dispense and refill medications.
  • Scheduled transportation: Regular shuttle or private town car services make it easy for residents to visit local stores, restaurants and entertainment venues.
  • 24-7 staff availability: Caregivers provide round-the-clock support and supervision.
  • Special entertainment: Visiting performers, movie afternoons and holiday events promote a sense of community.
  • Arts and crafts: Fully stocked art studios host lessons in painting, drawing and ceramics.

Speak with a Caring.com Family Advisor to learn more about the services and amenities available in Reading’s assisted living communities and get personalized guidance in finding the right one for you.

Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted Living in Reading:

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Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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