The 10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Harrisburg, PA for 2023

Harrisburg, PA is located in the center of the state and has a population of over 50,100, with about 10.9% of those residents aged 65 or older. This demographic is considered high risk for developing Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, about 6.7 million Americans are affected by memory loss, and that figure is predicted to increase to 13.8 million by 2060. The CDC reports the number of Alzheimer’s-related deaths in Harrisburg rose over 56% from 2016 to 2020, which is significantly higher than the 23% increase of non-Alzheimer’s-related deaths.

Access to quality dementia care is crucial for those with memory loss to maintain a high quality of life. Memory care communities are long-term care facilities with 24-hour staff specifically trained to treat cognitive impairments. They provide a range of beneficial therapies and activities, such as music and therapy pets to assist with cognitive changes. This guide evaluates the pros and cons of living in Harrisburg, the costs of memory care and other long-term care options plus resources which aid seniors with memory loss.

Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services oversees and partners with various services and providers, including memory care facilities throughout Harrisburg and the state. It provides quarterly reports seniors and their families can reference when choosing long-term care options, licensing information for memory care providers and a directory of licensed facilities.

• Based on a 100-point scale, health care costs in Harrisburg are about 10% higher than the U.S. average. However, seniors have access to 346 physicians per 100,000 population, which is higher than the national average of 210. 
• Harrisburg seniors have access to one local hospital, UPMC Harrisburg, and numerous hospitals and medical centers in surrounding areas. UPMC Harrisburg is an award-winning, full-service acute care hospital providing various services for seniors, including world-class cardiology care, stroke care, laboratory services and select medical rehab services. 
• The cost of living in Harrisburg is more affordable than statewide and national averages. Harrisburg has an overall score of 88.1 based on a 100-point scale, which means the city is 12% cheaper than the U.S. average. Harrisburg residents also have access to lower prices for groceries, housing and transportation. 
• Harrisburg has higher violent and property crime rates than the U.S. average at 55.1 and 45.8 compared to 22.7 and 35.4. However, crime rates have been on the decline in Harrisburg over the past few years, making the city much safer for residents. Memory care communities also offer 24/7 security to ensure seniors are free from harm.
• Seniors in Harrisburg can enjoy hot summers, cool winters and 193 sunny days per year to spend outdoors. On average, the city receives about 26 inches of snow per year, which is slightly lower than the U.S. average of 28 inches. Harrisburg also ranks 7.2 on a 10-point comfort index, making it one of the most pleasant places to live in Pennsylvania. 
• Pennsylvania offers several tax benefits for retirees which can help seniors cover memory care costs. For example, social security and retirement income, such as 401(k) and IRA payments are tax exempt. The state also has the lowest flat tax rate in the United States at 3.07%.  

Note: Residential memory care is usually offered in assisted living facilities, and in general, memory care rates tend to be 20-30% higher than assisted living rates. No national database currently tracks memory care costs in the United States, so we’ve estimated the monthly memory care costs listed below by adding 25% to the rates listed in Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey.

Seniors in Harrisburg pay an average of $4,828 per month for assisted living, but this price can vary depending on community location and amenities. 

In Harrisburg, memory care costs an average of $6,035 per month, which is $910 more than Pennsylvania’s statewide average of $5,125 and $410 higher than the national median of $5,625. Prices in Philadelphia are more expensive than Harrisburg, where seniors pay about $7,106 per month for memory care. Monthly rates drop to $5,980 in Allentown, which is $55 less than Harrisburg. Pittsburgh and Scranton also offer lower monthly rates at $4,063 and $3,594 respectively.

Adult day health care is the most affordable care option in Harrisburg at $1,629 per month. In-home and home health care share an equivalent monthly rate of $4,767 and are ideal options for seniors wishing to remain at home. Assisted living is a residential care option providing access to 24-hour staff for a lower price than memory care at $4,828 per month. Seniors requiring around-the-clock skilled nursing care can access a semiprivate room at a nursing home for a higher monthly rate of $10,828. 

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.