The 3 Best Memory Care Facilities in Erie, PA for 2024

Dementia is a growing concern in the United States, with the Alzheimer’s Association estimating that 6.7 million Americans are living with the condition. People aged 65 and over are at greater risk of dementia, a group that makes up 15% of Erie’s 94,000 residents. CDC figures show that there were 130 Alzheimer’s-related deaths in Erie in 2020, a 25% increase from 2016. This equates to just under 5% of total deaths in the city, a number that’s remained stable since 2016.

Dementia care is important in improving health outcomes for people with memory loss. It provides dementia-specific services, such as activities, secure environments and caregivers with specialized training. In addition, residents get access to assisted living services, including personal care, meals and accommodation. This guide has information about the cost of memory care in Erie, financial assistance available and resources that are offered in the area.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services licenses assisted living facilities in Erie and the rest of Pennsylvania. This includes communities that receive special care designation to provide memory care services to those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The department inspects facilities regularly to ensure they’re complying with state regulations.

• There are several general and specialty hospitals in Erie that provide world-class health care to seniors in the area. This includes UPMC Hamot, which has audiology, wound care and specialized stroke care. Geriatric behavioral health services is one of Saint Vincent Hospital’s specialties, and it has a dedicated ward for this care. 
• Erie’s overall cost of living is more than 20% lower than the national average. Grocery, transport and utility costs are all below Pennsylvania and U.S. averages. Low health care costs can help seniors with medical conditions save more money for senior living. 
• Erie doesn’t get as much sunshine as some other retirement locations, with just 157 sunny days, compared to the national average of 205. However, summers are very comfortable, with an average high of 81 degrees. The city gets 101 inches of snow per year, compared to the U.S. average of 28, which can be a bonus for seniors who enjoy white winters. 
• The American Lung Association’s State of the Air Report 2022 gives Erie County an A grade for both ozone and 24-hour particle pollution. High air quality can help boost the health of older adults with respiratory conditions. 
• Erie seniors don’t need to pay state income tax on income from Social Security, retirement accounts and pensions. This means keeping more income for other expenses. Sales taxes in Erie County are 6%, but clothing, groceries, prescription medications and residential fuel are all exempt.
• The Going Places Transportation Program offers curb-to-curb transport to Erie County residents aged 60 and over. The service prioritizes trips for medical appointments, food and nutrition, and personal errands. It can also take people to social activities.

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.

Memory care in Erie costs an average of $5,731 monthly, but the exact price depends on the care and amenities offered. 

Erie’s memory care costs are high when compared to the Pennsylvania average. Seniors in the city pay $606 more than the state median. However, the average is only $106 higher than the national average of $5,625. Nearby surveyed cities are more affordable than Erie. State College’s cost is the closest at $5,648. Williamsport and Pittsburgh are $4,208 and $4,063, respectively. Johnstown has the lowest cost of nearby towns, which is about $2,325 less than Erie.

Due to the specialized services offered, memory care is one of the more expensive senior living options in Erie. Only nursing home care has a higher average cost, at $9,216 per month for a semiprivate room. Seniors wishing to stay at home can expect to pay $4,767 monthly for both in-home and home health care. Assisted living in the city is slightly cheaper, averaging $4,586. Although there are no figures for adult day health care, it’s generally an affordable option for seniors who only need help during the day. 

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 Pennyslvania page.