The 5 Best Memory Care Facilities in Reading, PA for 2024

Seniors only comprise 10.5% of the 94,844 people living in Reading, PA, but this doesn’t make the effects of Alzheimer’s disease any less devastating on families and the community as a whole. According to CDC data, Alzheimer-related deaths are rising, up 44.63% in the region between 2016 and 2020, compared to all-cause mortality, only increasing by 15.74%. The Alzheimer’s Association expects this number to continue growing with the aging U.S. population, so providing appropriate dementia care is a significant public health concern.

Fortunately, seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease in Reading, PA, can still experience a fulfilling retirement, as many high-quality memory care facilities are servicing the region. Staff at these facilities are typically available 24/7 to provide ongoing support and reduce anxiety in individuals with memory loss. Care also often includes stimulating mental activities and memory training interventions that may help slow the loss of cognitive function. This guide outlines the benefits and drawbacks, costs and free resources available to seniors while receiving memory care in Reading, PA.

Memory care is generally provided by assisted living facilities, which are regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services in Reading and other areas of the state. DHS licenses, inspects and monitors these facilities, ensuring they follow all relevant health and safety laws.

• Health care is somewhat expensive in Reading, PA, at nearly 18% more than the national average, but the city offers many conveniences for seniors requiring surgeries or rehabilitative therapies. Several excellent specialist hospitals, such as the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital, are available in the area.
• The income tax rate is 6.5% in Reading, PA, compared to the 4.6% average nationwide. However, the city’s sales tax rate is only 6.0%, which is 1.3% lower than the U.S. median, offering reduced prices on goods and services.
• Air quality can sometimes be lower in Reading than the national average, measuring at 27 on a 100-point index compared to 58 for the whole country. However, it still typically measures as good according to the AQI index. Seniors with respiratory conditions such as asthma may consider using a mask while outdoors or an air filtration system indoors for improved comfort.
• Violent crimes rate at 40.1 on a 100-point scale in Reading, compared to the U.S. average of 22.7. Property crimes are also slightly higher at 41, measured against the national average of 35.4. Overall, crime rates have dropped by 3% between 2019 and 2020, and local law enforcement agencies are working to bring this number down further over time.
• Reading’s relatively low cost of living can help seniors leverage their household budget further to cover care expenses and personal purchases. The city is ranked 89.3 on a 100-point index, where the average cost of living for the whole U.S. is 100.
• Public transportation is available in Reading through Barta bus services. Seniors with dementia may be eligible for the service’s Half-Fare Persons with Disabilities Program to reduce the cost of travel.

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 has a median cost of $7,150 per month in Reading, PA.

Seniors requiring memory care may be able to save money by comparing the $7,150 monthly cost in Reading with other cities in Pennsylvania, as the state median cost is lower at $5,125 per month. Memory care in Reading is also more expensive than the national average of $5,625. Prices in the nearby Allentown area average $5,980, and the Bloomsburg area averages $5,591. Johnstown is one of the most affordable locations at $3,406 monthly, while Pittsburgh’s $4,062 pricing also makes it an inexpensive place to live.

Seniors with early signs of dementia may not need to move into a memory care facility immediately, making other forms of care suitable. Choosing an assisted living facility that also offers memory care may make for an easier transition in the future while saving money initially. Home care and home health care are over $2,500 cheaper than memory care in Reading. Nursing home care, however, is costly at $12,631 monthly. The $1,065 cost of adult day health care makes it the most affordable choice overall for seniors with lower care requirements.