The Best Memory Care Communities in Berks County, PA

Berks County, with its seat in Reading, is located in Southeast Pennsylvania and has a population of 618,000, with 17 percent age 65 and older. This is the age group most at risk for Alzheimer's disease, which already impacts 280,000 Pennsylvanians. To serve seniors in Berks County with Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease and other dementias, there are four memory care centers located throughout the county. 

In Berks County and throughout the state, assisted living residences are licensed by the Department of Aging, Office of Long Term Living, Division of Licensing. Memory care facilities, which are standalone properties or co-located with assisted living residences, are referred to as Specialized Care Units.

• The cost of living in Berks County is on par with the state and national averages of 100. Healthcare is 19 percent higher in the county than national or state averages. This could be a concern for seniors in memory care that require treatment for chronic conditions, such as Alzheimer's.
• Berks County air quality is 53, compared to the U.S. average of 58 and based on the EPA's measures of hazardous air pollutants, known as the National Air Toxics Assessment. Memory care residents may not have many opportunities to go outdoors; however, families may wish to ask about measures taken to ensure indoor air quality within the facility.
• On average, there are 203 sunny days a year in Berks County, which is on par with the national average of 205. Summer highs in July high are about 85 degrees, and winter lows in January dip to 22 degrees. Families of memory care residents may want to ask what steps are taken to make their loved ones comfortable during extreme temperature.
• Berks County violent crime is 38.7, more than 7 points above the national average. The property crime rate is 36.1, a bit lower than the U.S. average of 38.1. Although residents in memory care facilities may not leave the facilities, family members may rest easier knowing that most facilities have secure locks and surveillance cameras.

Memory Care costs in Berks County start around $5,963 per month on average, while the nationwide average cost of memory care is $5,694 per month.

It’s important to note that memory care rates in Berks County and the surrounding suburbs can vary widely based on factors such as location, the level of care needed, apartment size and the types of amenities offered at each community.

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

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for memory care, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance memory care costs include:

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

For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in Pennsylvania page.

Berks County-area memory care communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all memory care communities in Pennsylvania are required to follow. Visit our Memory Care in Pennsylvania page for more information about these laws.