The 10 Best Memory Care Facilities Facilities in Philadelphia, PA for 2023
Philadelphia, PA, has an estimated population of 1,576,251, 13.7% of whom are seniors aged 65 and up. People in this age group are at high risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease and other memory loss disorders. According to statistics released by the CDC, Alzheimer-related deaths in Philadelphia increased by 48.15% from 2016 to 2020. During that same four-year period, deaths from all causes increased by just 25.58%. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates 6.5 million Americans are currently living with this disease and projects that 12.7 million seniors will require some form of dementia care by the year 2050.
For help with these needs, seniors in Philadelphia have access to an array of memory care communities that offer comfortable living and specialized treatment. These communities are staffed 24/7 and provide compassionate support and assistance with daily living tasks. Trained memory care therapists and visiting specialists help residents retain their cognitive skills for as long as possible to help slow the disease’s progression. This guide explains the pros and cons of living in Philadelphia, memory care costs and resources for seniors and their families.
Directory of Memory Care Facilities in Philadelphia, PA
Wesley Enhanced Living at Stapeley
6300 Greene St, Philadelphia, PA, 19144
I am posting this review of Wesley Enhanced Living at Stapeley, specifically the Bridges Memory Care. The move-in process was very smooth, facilitated on-site by Patrick who also recommended a partic
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I am posting this review of Wesley Enhanced Living at Stapeley, specifically the Bridges Memory Care. The move-in process was very smooth, facilitated on-site by Patrick who also recommended a particularly excellent moving service that helped set up my mom’s room to feel and look like her old apartment! So far the level of care I’ve witnessed in person while visiting, as well as on the phone has been top-notch, and I can tell my mom is enjoying the activities and events. The on-site music events really make my mom happy, and she loves to do the sing-alongs. I’ve gotten to eat a few meals with her, and the food and the service is great! I rest easy knowing that she’s in good hands, and I really appreciate the empathy, compassion, and understanding from everyone I’ve met from switchboard to caregiver to management.
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I am posting this review of Wesley Enhanced Living at Stapeley, specifically the Bridges Memory Care. The move-in process was very smooth, facilitated on-site by Patrick who also recommended a partic
… (read more)
I am posting this review of Wesley Enhanced Living at Stapeley, specifically the Bridges Memory Care. The move-in process was very smooth, facilitated on-site by Patrick who also recommended a particularly excellent moving service that helped set up my mom’s room to feel and look like her old apartment! So far the level of care I’ve witnessed in person while visiting, as well as on the phone has been top-notch, and I can tell my mom is enjoying the activities and events. The on-site music events really make my mom happy, and she loves to do the sing-alongs. I’ve gotten to eat a few meals with her, and the food and the service is great! I rest easy knowing that she’s in good hands, and I really appreciate the empathy, compassion, and understanding from everyone I’ve met from switchboard to caregiver to management.
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Atria Center City
150 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19103
My father is in Atria Center City. It’s nice. The staff is pretty attentive, and they follow up. So far, so good. He didn’t have a very good appetite, but now he’s eating a little better. I guess I co
… (read more)
My father is in Atria Center City. It’s nice. The staff is pretty attentive, and they follow up. So far, so good. He didn’t have a very good appetite, but now he’s eating a little better. I guess I could attribute that to the food being pretty good. The room is very comfortable and very accommodating for his needs.
They have movie nights. My dad likes jazz, and they had a jazz event one time there. They do games. It seems like they have quite a few things that they can choose from. They have a barber for the men and a place for women to get their hair done. I remember a library. There is a private bench with a bistro with a bar for the people in the general population (not in the place for people with dementia). There’s transportation to get them to and from certain places. They had something like an observatory, where you can go out and it’s enclosed. You can kind of see most of the city.
It’s a really nice facility. It’s very attractive and seemed to be safe and caring.
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My father is in Atria Center City. It’s nice. The staff is pretty attentive, and they follow up. So far, so good. He didn’t have a very good appetite, but now he’s eating a little better. I guess I co
… (read more)
My father is in Atria Center City. It’s nice. The staff is pretty attentive, and they follow up. So far, so good. He didn’t have a very good appetite, but now he’s eating a little better. I guess I could attribute that to the food being pretty good. The room is very comfortable and very accommodating for his needs.
They have movie nights. My dad likes jazz, and they had a jazz event one time there. They do games. It seems like they have quite a few things that they can choose from. They have a barber for the men and a place for women to get their hair done. I remember a library. There is a private bench with a bistro with a bar for the people in the general population (not in the place for people with dementia). There’s transportation to get them to and from certain places. They had something like an observatory, where you can go out and it’s enclosed. You can kind of see most of the city.
It’s a really nice facility. It’s very attractive and seemed to be safe and caring.
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Deer Meadows Retirement Community
8301 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19152
I toured Deer Meadows Retirement Community for respite care. My dad will be in their memory care. They had a room that was readily available for our timeframe as well as the cost out of pocket. I was
… (read more)
I toured Deer Meadows Retirement Community for respite care. My dad will be in their memory care. They had a room that was readily available for our timeframe as well as the cost out of pocket. I was very impressed with the secured unit as well as all the amenities that he would be able to have access to as far as activities. My concern was, that while he is home, he’s inactive, but that facility has a lot of activities for him to engage in even though he is in a secure unit. I was very impressed with that. A lot of activities were more recreational. There’s access to a pool table, there’s access to an actual game room, and of course, just having the access to your private TV and things of that sort. A lot of those things pretty much impressed me.
The staff were very friendly and very welcoming. I had my son with me when during the tour, and they were very engaging with him. They explained to us that we would still be able to visit my dad during this time. They were friendly and welcoming when he went back for a second tour, so it was very nice. They also explained to us that in the memory care unit, you need a code to get onto the floor and off the floor.
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I toured Deer Meadows Retirement Community for respite care. My dad will be in their memory care. They had a room that was readily available for our timeframe as well as the cost out of pocket. I was
… (read more)
I toured Deer Meadows Retirement Community for respite care. My dad will be in their memory care. They had a room that was readily available for our timeframe as well as the cost out of pocket. I was very impressed with the secured unit as well as all the amenities that he would be able to have access to as far as activities. My concern was, that while he is home, he’s inactive, but that facility has a lot of activities for him to engage in even though he is in a secure unit. I was very impressed with that. A lot of activities were more recreational. There’s access to a pool table, there’s access to an actual game room, and of course, just having the access to your private TV and things of that sort. A lot of those things pretty much impressed me.
The staff were very friendly and very welcoming. I had my son with me when during the tour, and they were very engaging with him. They explained to us that we would still be able to visit my dad during this time. They were friendly and welcoming when he went back for a second tour, so it was very nice. They also explained to us that in the memory care unit, you need a code to get onto the floor and off the floor.
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The Terrace at Chestnut Hill
495 East Abington Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19118
The Terrace at Chestnut Hill had a good atmosphere. I liked the people. However, it looked like they were understaffed because there was a lot of stuff to do, but I saw them engaged with the residents
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The Terrace at Chestnut Hill had a good atmosphere. I liked the people. However, it looked like they were understaffed because there was a lot of stuff to do, but I saw them engaged with the residents. They were friendly and I liked that there’s more diversity there. Most of the people sat around and watched TV, but they said they also do game nights. The memory care unit was up on one particular floor. It was upstairs and I thought the security was really good. It was locked. You have to get special access to get on the elevator and stuff. So that’s good. Everyone was involved with the residents. They also had a small game room. The facility could have been lighter or brighter. Some people don’t want a whole lot of brightness, but to me, it was too dark.
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The Terrace at Chestnut Hill had a good atmosphere. I liked the people. However, it looked like they were understaffed because there was a lot of stuff to do, but I saw them engaged with the residents
… (read more)
The Terrace at Chestnut Hill had a good atmosphere. I liked the people. However, it looked like they were understaffed because there was a lot of stuff to do, but I saw them engaged with the residents. They were friendly and I liked that there’s more diversity there. Most of the people sat around and watched TV, but they said they also do game nights. The memory care unit was up on one particular floor. It was upstairs and I thought the security was really good. It was locked. You have to get special access to get on the elevator and stuff. So that’s good. Everyone was involved with the residents. They also had a small game room. The facility could have been lighter or brighter. Some people don’t want a whole lot of brightness, but to me, it was too dark.
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The Cottages at Germantown
127 R. West Gorgas Lane,, Philadelphia, PA, 19119
I liked the cottages, it had a short waiting list and the people there were nice and helpful. It’s not far from where I live and that’s most important. They have activities all the time. If mom will n
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I liked the cottages, it had a short waiting list and the people there were nice and helpful. It’s not far from where I live and that’s most important. They have activities all the time. If mom will need special care, she’ll be placed in the assisted living part of it right away. The residents seemed to be happy.
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I liked the cottages, it had a short waiting list and the people there were nice and helpful. It’s not far from where I live and that’s most important. They have activities all the time. If mom will n
… (read more)
I liked the cottages, it had a short waiting list and the people there were nice and helpful. It’s not far from where I live and that’s most important. They have activities all the time. If mom will need special care, she’ll be placed in the assisted living part of it right away. The residents seemed to be happy.
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St John Neumann Ctr For Rehab & Healthcare
10400 Roosevelt Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19116
I have placed my husband in St John Neumann Ctr For Rehab & Healthcare, and he’s in memory care. I was familiar with it because my grandmother had been in there in the skilled nursing portion. The
… (read more)
I have placed my husband in St John Neumann Ctr For Rehab & Healthcare, and he’s in memory care. I was familiar with it because my grandmother had been in there in the skilled nursing portion. They’re taking good care of him. He’s safer than he was at home. The admissions person was extremely helpful. The one thing that really made me feel good is that she listened to me when I was telling her my issues. That made all the difference in the world; that somebody cared that much. That was definitely a plus. When I was dealing with her, I was also dealing with my attorney because we were looking into Medicaid at that point. When my attorneys talked with them, they were very pleased with how they responded.
The very first day we went through, I was introduced to the head nurse who gave me her home cell phone number. I was really impressed that she would give me her home cell phone. I just felt that they were very caring. Although sometimes when you walk through there, it doesn’t appear so because you have people moaning and whining and wandering; but I know they take good care of my husband, making sure he showered, and he’s taken care of. Sometimes when I went I couldn’t find him, but they know exactly where he is because he wanders throughout the floor. There are different seating rooms with TVs and stuff.
I was there this afternoon. I walked in, and he wasn’t in the big room where I normally see him. I went to his room, and he wasn’t there. On my way out somebody said, "Your husband is over here." They knew where he was. I think they keep a really good eye on the people there. They do the best they can because every patient in there has a different issue. It has to be stressful, but I’m very pleased with the place. I feel comfortable leaving my husband there.
I did go one day for lunch and I was a little concerned because what was on his plate was rice. a vegetable, and a chicken leg. He’s not good with a knife and a fork to be able to do that, so I cut it up for him. I mentioned it to the staff, and she changed his chart that his meat needed to be chopped up. They’re very responsive. The food looks substantial. It’s a nice plate of vegetables, rice, potatoes, and a meat. Then there’s juice, pudding, and milk. It’s a nice sized meal.
It’s an older building, so there are spots where it looks like it could use a new coat of paint. Every day when I walk in there, there’s somebody mopping the hallways and buffing the floors. There are people walking around trying to keep things as neat as they can. They just need a little updating.
They have bingo. I was there one day when they played Name That Tune. I know they’re playing bingo on Thursday, so they probably have two or three activities a week. I’m pretty sure they have more in the other unit. There are not as much in the memory care unit. He also has a hospice facility coming in, and I know they’re taking him to bingo (which is actually right down the hallway). It surprised me it was cheaper than I was originally quoted because he’s in a room with two other gentlemen. The room rate is lower. Compared to other places that I looked at, it’s cheaper.
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I have placed my husband in St John Neumann Ctr For Rehab & Healthcare, and he’s in memory care. I was familiar with it because my grandmother had been in there in the skilled nursing portion. The
… (read more)
I have placed my husband in St John Neumann Ctr For Rehab & Healthcare, and he’s in memory care. I was familiar with it because my grandmother had been in there in the skilled nursing portion. They’re taking good care of him. He’s safer than he was at home. The admissions person was extremely helpful. The one thing that really made me feel good is that she listened to me when I was telling her my issues. That made all the difference in the world; that somebody cared that much. That was definitely a plus. When I was dealing with her, I was also dealing with my attorney because we were looking into Medicaid at that point. When my attorneys talked with them, they were very pleased with how they responded.
The very first day we went through, I was introduced to the head nurse who gave me her home cell phone number. I was really impressed that she would give me her home cell phone. I just felt that they were very caring. Although sometimes when you walk through there, it doesn’t appear so because you have people moaning and whining and wandering; but I know they take good care of my husband, making sure he showered, and he’s taken care of. Sometimes when I went I couldn’t find him, but they know exactly where he is because he wanders throughout the floor. There are different seating rooms with TVs and stuff.
I was there this afternoon. I walked in, and he wasn’t in the big room where I normally see him. I went to his room, and he wasn’t there. On my way out somebody said, "Your husband is over here." They knew where he was. I think they keep a really good eye on the people there. They do the best they can because every patient in there has a different issue. It has to be stressful, but I’m very pleased with the place. I feel comfortable leaving my husband there.
I did go one day for lunch and I was a little concerned because what was on his plate was rice. a vegetable, and a chicken leg. He’s not good with a knife and a fork to be able to do that, so I cut it up for him. I mentioned it to the staff, and she changed his chart that his meat needed to be chopped up. They’re very responsive. The food looks substantial. It’s a nice plate of vegetables, rice, potatoes, and a meat. Then there’s juice, pudding, and milk. It’s a nice sized meal.
It’s an older building, so there are spots where it looks like it could use a new coat of paint. Every day when I walk in there, there’s somebody mopping the hallways and buffing the floors. There are people walking around trying to keep things as neat as they can. They just need a little updating.
They have bingo. I was there one day when they played Name That Tune. I know they’re playing bingo on Thursday, so they probably have two or three activities a week. I’m pretty sure they have more in the other unit. There are not as much in the memory care unit. He also has a hospice facility coming in, and I know they’re taking him to bingo (which is actually right down the hallway). It surprised me it was cheaper than I was originally quoted because he’s in a room with two other gentlemen. The room rate is lower. Compared to other places that I looked at, it’s cheaper.
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Sunrise of Haverford
217 West Montgomery Avenue, Haverford, PA, 19041
My wife moved into Sunrise of Haverford a week ago. They seem to be very nice to her, and she’s getting very good care. They put her in a wheelchair or a regular chair, and she’s sitting up as much as
… (read more)
My wife moved into Sunrise of Haverford a week ago. They seem to be very nice to her, and she’s getting very good care. They put her in a wheelchair or a regular chair, and she’s sitting up as much as possible, and they try to involve her in activities. She’s not just stuck in a bed permanently. They seem very pleasant and professional. The memory care unit has lots of activities, and they try to get them involved, and the people are extremely nice. They do singing, little exercises, and batting a balloon around. The food seems really good and very plentiful. For breakfast, they gave her sausages, bacon, scrambled eggs, and a pancake. They have a little courtyard for the memory care residents. And when the weather is good, they take them out in wheelchairs.
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My wife moved into Sunrise of Haverford a week ago. They seem to be very nice to her, and she’s getting very good care. They put her in a wheelchair or a regular chair, and she’s sitting up as much as
… (read more)
My wife moved into Sunrise of Haverford a week ago. They seem to be very nice to her, and she’s getting very good care. They put her in a wheelchair or a regular chair, and she’s sitting up as much as possible, and they try to involve her in activities. She’s not just stuck in a bed permanently. They seem very pleasant and professional. The memory care unit has lots of activities, and they try to get them involved, and the people are extremely nice. They do singing, little exercises, and batting a balloon around. The food seems really good and very plentiful. For breakfast, they gave her sausages, bacon, scrambled eggs, and a pancake. They have a little courtyard for the memory care residents. And when the weather is good, they take them out in wheelchairs.
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Arden Courts of Cherry Hill
2700 Chapel Avenue West, Cherry Hill, NJ, 08002
My dad moved into Arden Courts of Cherry Hill about a week ago. We chose it because it felt like home, and there was a connection with the people that we met. It felt like a comfortable fit. The staff
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My dad moved into Arden Courts of Cherry Hill about a week ago. We chose it because it felt like home, and there was a connection with the people that we met. It felt like a comfortable fit. The staff is very nice and very pleasant. His room is nice. It’s a shared room, but everything is nice, clean, and up-to-date. The atmosphere is nice. It is a pleasant place. They have 4 different houses. The part where he’s at is extremely nice. My only problem is that most residents seem to be much further along in their condition. I know they do a lot of crafts and some things outdoors.
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My dad moved into Arden Courts of Cherry Hill about a week ago. We chose it because it felt like home, and there was a connection with the people that we met. It felt like a comfortable fit. The staff
… (read more)
My dad moved into Arden Courts of Cherry Hill about a week ago. We chose it because it felt like home, and there was a connection with the people that we met. It felt like a comfortable fit. The staff is very nice and very pleasant. His room is nice. It’s a shared room, but everything is nice, clean, and up-to-date. The atmosphere is nice. It is a pleasant place. They have 4 different houses. The part where he’s at is extremely nice. My only problem is that most residents seem to be much further along in their condition. I know they do a lot of crafts and some things outdoors.
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Harmony Village CareOne at Cherry Hill
1240 Brace Road, Cherry Hill, NJ, 08051
I was only here for about an hour, but I found it very clean and very nice. The staff was very supportive in answering my questions. They also showed me where their rooms were. The residents could hav
… (read more)
I was only here for about an hour, but I found it very clean and very nice. The staff was very supportive in answering my questions. They also showed me where their rooms were. The residents could have a one-bedroom or a shared room. So, I was just really impressed with the whole thing. The person who toured me gave me a lot of information. I told her about the whole situation and she gave me any information to help me out with. So, she was very knowledgeable and I was really happy with her.
The rooms were also very spacious. It was nice. My mom would be allowed to bring her own stuff in, which is definitely what I want to do, and she will have her own bathroom. Their dining area was very quaint. There was one big room with all tables in it, and there’s a lot of people sitting there watching television. I believe it’s their cafeteria type of thing too, where they eat. There were crafts, exercises, and a lot of different things.
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I was only here for about an hour, but I found it very clean and very nice. The staff was very supportive in answering my questions. They also showed me where their rooms were. The residents could hav
… (read more)
I was only here for about an hour, but I found it very clean and very nice. The staff was very supportive in answering my questions. They also showed me where their rooms were. The residents could have a one-bedroom or a shared room. So, I was just really impressed with the whole thing. The person who toured me gave me a lot of information. I told her about the whole situation and she gave me any information to help me out with. So, she was very knowledgeable and I was really happy with her.
The rooms were also very spacious. It was nice. My mom would be allowed to bring her own stuff in, which is definitely what I want to do, and she will have her own bathroom. Their dining area was very quaint. There was one big room with all tables in it, and there’s a lot of people sitting there watching television. I believe it’s their cafeteria type of thing too, where they eat. There were crafts, exercises, and a lot of different things.
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Symphony Square
35 Old Lancaster Rd, Bala Cynwyd, PA, 19004
Symphony Square was beautiful, it was a lovely place. The director was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions. She showed us the rooms and the dining area. The dining area was beautiful, th
… (read more)
Symphony Square was beautiful, it was a lovely place. The director was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions. She showed us the rooms and the dining area. The dining area was beautiful, they had silverware and glass and not plastics. They take care of the residents and it’s actually a more intimate community which is very nice. They were all lovely people. They have karaoke nights, arts and crafts, they paint together, and there were a lot of cognitive therapy that they do that are fun stuff. They also take the residents on outings. We saw them doing karaoke when we showed up, and everyone looked happy participating. It was also a combination of assisted living and memory care, so everyone got to participate in it.
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Symphony Square was beautiful, it was a lovely place. The director was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions. She showed us the rooms and the dining area. The dining area was beautiful, th
… (read more)
Symphony Square was beautiful, it was a lovely place. The director was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions. She showed us the rooms and the dining area. The dining area was beautiful, they had silverware and glass and not plastics. They take care of the residents and it’s actually a more intimate community which is very nice. They were all lovely people. They have karaoke nights, arts and crafts, they paint together, and there were a lot of cognitive therapy that they do that are fun stuff. They also take the residents on outings. We saw them doing karaoke when we showed up, and everyone looked happy participating. It was also a combination of assisted living and memory care, so everyone got to participate in it.
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Woodbury Mews
122 – 124 Green Avenue, Woodbury, NJ, 08096
My mom is currently living at Woodbury Mews now. I like how clean it is, and the residents are taken good care of in their apartments. I haven’t tried their food, but it smells good. The room is a nic
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My mom is currently living at Woodbury Mews now. I like how clean it is, and the residents are taken good care of in their apartments. I haven’t tried their food, but it smells good. The room is a nice size. I like that. There’s a nice big bathroom in there, too. The staff is good and helpful. My mom doesn’t participate much in activities. She is still trying to get used to things there. The place is always clean. I think it’s too expensive, but that’s just how it is. It is good though.
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My mom is currently living at Woodbury Mews now. I like how clean it is, and the residents are taken good care of in their apartments. I haven’t tried their food, but it smells good. The room is a nic
… (read more)
My mom is currently living at Woodbury Mews now. I like how clean it is, and the residents are taken good care of in their apartments. I haven’t tried their food, but it smells good. The room is a nice size. I like that. There’s a nice big bathroom in there, too. The staff is good and helpful. My mom doesn’t participate much in activities. She is still trying to get used to things there. The place is always clean. I think it’s too expensive, but that’s just how it is. It is good though.
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Brandywine Living at Haddonfield
132 Warwick Rd, Haddonfield, NJ, 08033
My parents are staying in Brandywine Living at Haddonfield. I like the location. It’s in a neighborhood in Haddonfield, New Jersey. It’s a very safe town. It’s an intimate small setting. They have a s
… (read more)
My parents are staying in Brandywine Living at Haddonfield. I like the location. It’s in a neighborhood in Haddonfield, New Jersey. It’s a very safe town. It’s an intimate small setting. They have a salon, a movie theater, a church, and a driver.
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My parents are staying in Brandywine Living at Haddonfield. I like the location. It’s in a neighborhood in Haddonfield, New Jersey. It’s a very safe town. It’s an intimate small setting. They have a s
… (read more)
My parents are staying in Brandywine Living at Haddonfield. I like the location. It’s in a neighborhood in Haddonfield, New Jersey. It’s a very safe town. It’s an intimate small setting. They have a salon, a movie theater, a church, and a driver.
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The Hearth at Drexel
238 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA, 19004
This review is for the memory care community, and I should start by pointing out that it is important to evaluate a facility based on the specific needs of your loved one. In hindsight, this was not
… (read more)
This review is for the memory care community, and I should start by pointing out that it is important to evaluate a facility based on the specific needs of your loved one. In hindsight, this was not a good place for my parent who was very warm and loving and needed a lot of human contact. They are not able to effectively provide that here. The facility is beautiful. The activities director is fabulous and really worked with us to accommodate our parent’s interests. But the most important part of a care community is the caregiving staff who takes care of the residents 80% of the time. In this area, the Hearth fails. They are understaffed and apparently don’t pay enough to get top quality caregivers. It is normal to find residents parked in front of the tv with caregivers on their phones not taking the opportunity to interact with or engage the residents who need it. It is unusual to find the caregivers smiling or being warm and kind. They manage the residents as opposed to really caring for them and engaging with them. This really hurt my parent, and I’m confident it shortened their life. Another concern is that care records and plans are not fully computerized which, in our case led to medication errors and inconsistent care. Sadly, there are not many better choices…I can honestly say we looked at them all. In my opinion, the best approach if your loved one can’t stay at home, is to plan to augment a facility with some private care…especially in the evenings and at night.
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This review is for the memory care community, and I should start by pointing out that it is important to evaluate a facility based on the specific needs of your loved one. In hindsight, this was not
… (read more)
This review is for the memory care community, and I should start by pointing out that it is important to evaluate a facility based on the specific needs of your loved one. In hindsight, this was not a good place for my parent who was very warm and loving and needed a lot of human contact. They are not able to effectively provide that here. The facility is beautiful. The activities director is fabulous and really worked with us to accommodate our parent’s interests. But the most important part of a care community is the caregiving staff who takes care of the residents 80% of the time. In this area, the Hearth fails. They are understaffed and apparently don’t pay enough to get top quality caregivers. It is normal to find residents parked in front of the tv with caregivers on their phones not taking the opportunity to interact with or engage the residents who need it. It is unusual to find the caregivers smiling or being warm and kind. They manage the residents as opposed to really caring for them and engaging with them. This really hurt my parent, and I’m confident it shortened their life. Another concern is that care records and plans are not fully computerized which, in our case led to medication errors and inconsistent care. Sadly, there are not many better choices…I can honestly say we looked at them all. In my opinion, the best approach if your loved one can’t stay at home, is to plan to augment a facility with some private care…especially in the evenings and at night.
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COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care in Philadelphia
Since most COVID-19 rules for Memory Care Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Memory Care in Pennsylvania. Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
What to Consider About Memory Care in Philadelphia
The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) at the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is the regulatory body that oversees memory care facilities, nursing homes and other senior care facilities in Philadelphia and across the state. The OLTL regularly evaluates licensed facilities to ensure they meet or exceed a high standard of care.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Memory Care in Philadelphia
- Philadelphia is the sixth largest city in the U.S. and ranked as the 19th best city to retire in. Pennsylvania does not tax retirement income, making Philadelphia one of the most financially-friendly cities for seniors. The sales tax rate in Pennsylvania is favorable as well, at just 6%.
- Overall, the cost of living in Philadelphia is 17% more expensive than the national average. However, compared to the other most populated cities in the U.S., Philadelphia ranks as one of the more affordable ones.
- Philadelphia has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to other cities of its size. The crime rate per 1,000 residents is one in 39. However, many neighborhoods further away from the city’s center are significantly safer. Regardless, memory care communities prioritize resident safety and security with 24/7 monitoring, so crimes, such as petty theft, aren’t as concerning as they would be downtown.
- Philadelphia is home to top-of-the-line medical care and award-winning hospitals. Residents have their choice of 53 hospitals located in and around the city, and two local hospitals are nationally ranked and recognized as the best in the country.
- Philadelphia offers many transportation options, making it easy to visit a loved one in their memory care community. Philadelphia International Airport hosts 29 airlines that offer 500 daily departures to 130 nonstop domestic destinations. The city also provides buses, trolleys and regional train lines connecting the city and surrounding areas. For example, New York City is only a one-hour-and-20-minute train ride from Philadelphia.
- Winters in Philadelphia are long and cold. January is the coldest month, with average temperatures ranging from a low of 27 degrees Fahrenheit to a high of 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Philadelphia averages 15 inches of snow every winter. Summertime is more pleasant, with average temperatures peaking at 87 degrees Fahrenheit. Philadelphia also rarely experiences extreme weather or severe storms.
Paying for Memory Care in Philadelphia
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.
The average monthly cost of memory care in Philadelphia is $7,106. This price is significantly higher than Pennsylvania’s statewide average of $5,125 and the U.S. average of $5,625.
The Cost of Memory Care in Nearby Cities
Philadelphia is Pennsylvania’s second-most expensive city for memory care. Reading is slightly more costly at $7,150 per month. In contrast, Pittsburgh and Scranton rank as two of the most affordable cities for memory care, with average costs of $4,063 and $3,594, respectively. Memory care in Pennsylvania’s third-largest city, Allentown, costs an average of $5,980 per month.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Memory care is the second most expensive type of senior care in Philadelphia. A semiprivate room in a nursing home is the most costly, with an average cost of $11,437 per month. Assisted living facilities are $5,685 per month, and home health care averages $5,339. Home care has a similar price at $5,329. The most affordable type of care is adult day health care, which costs $1,177 per month.
Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, there are options for seniors who need financial assistance paying for Memory Care. For more information about other options, who qualifies, and how to apply, Memory Care in Pennsylvania page.
More Ways to Pay for Memory Care
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.
Free Memory Care Resources in Philadelphia
The City of Philadelphia and other organizations offer free resources for older adults with dementia and their family members. These resources can help families navigate common challenges such as legal matters, financial concerns and advocacy for their loved ones with dementia.
Resource
Contact
Service
(800) 272-3900
The Delaware Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association serves the greater Philadelphia area, along with Lehigh Valley, Southern New Jersey and Delaware. The Alzheimer's Association operates a 24/7 helpline for people with Alzheimer's and their family members. It also offers various free services, support groups and programs to educate and connect members with resources.
(215) 765-9040
The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) offers programs and resources such as legal assistance, an ombudsman program, benefits counseling and adult protective services.
(215) 981-3700
Community Legal Services of Philadelphia (CLS) provides legal advice and representation for seniors and their families. It can help with wills, estates, powers of attorney, guardianship and seniors' rights living in nursing homes or memory care communities.
(800) 753-8827
The Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resources helps connect older adults and their families to local services and support organizations. The Link can also assist families with navigating funding concerns and determining their eligibility for assistance.
Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Memory Care Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Memory Care Facilities in Pennsylvania are required to follow. Visit our Memory Care in Pennsylvania page for more information about these laws.
