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

Scranton, PA, has an estimated population of 75,800 and about 17.5% of residents are aged 65 and over, which puts them into the high-risk group for memory loss disorders such as Alzheimer’s. According to data from the CDC, the number of Alzheimer’s-related deaths in Scranton increased by 18.27% between 2016 and 2020. During the same period of time, the number of deaths from all causes increased by 15.27%. This upward trend is supported by information showing that Alzheimer’s is now the seventh leading cause of death in the country.

Seniors living in Scranton are fortunate to have access to a range of excellent residential dementia care facilities. These communities offer a safe environment where seniors with memory loss disorders can receive the care and support they require to live their best lives. In these facilities, research-based therapies and treatments are provided to slow the progression of cognitive decline.

In this guide, readers can learn about the pros and cons of living in Scranton, the average costs of memory care and alternative options and find support services in the area.

In Scranton and elsewhere in Pennsylvania, facilities that provide memory care services are regulated and licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services. Its website has information about state laws and regulations for memory care, staff training requirements and a hotline for residents who’d like to file a complaint about the quality of care at a facility.

• Scranton’s major hospitals include the Commonwealth Health Regional Hospital and Geisinger Community Medical Center, which U.S. News and World Report rated as High Performing in treatments for heart failure, kidney failure, stroke and COPD. Geisinger also offers the 65 Forward program, which features personalized primary care, wellness education and mental health services for older adults.
• As part of the Colts bus system, the SEATS program provides affordable door-to-door transportation for Scranton residents with disabilities. Vans are equipped with lifts to accommodate seniors using medical equipment. Seniors 65 and up are also eligible to ride the regular bus system for free.
• With a cost of living index of 76 compared to the national index of 100, Scranton is more affordable than the average American city. Residents pay less for utilities (98.9), groceries (96.6), transportation (87.5) and housing (30.1), but health care is more expensive (102.7).
• Pennsylvania charges zero taxes on retirement benefits and income, including 401(k)s, IRAs, pensions and Social Security benefits. Sales taxes are also low compared to many other states. Pennsylvania’s property taxes are higher than average, however, which can add up for Scranton’s homeowners.
• Scranton experiences comfortable weather in the summer, with an average high of 82 degrees in July. The city only gets 174 days of sunshine per year, though, compared to the U.S. average of 205. Winters are also very cold and snowy. The city averages a low of 16 degrees in January and an average annual snowfall of 41 inches, which is high compared to the national average of 28.
• Scranton has an air quality index of 66, beating the national index of 58 by several points. Its water quality is good, too, with an index of 77 compared to an index of 55 for the country overall.
• Scranton’s property crime rate (20.75) is slightly higher than the Pennsylvania average (16.16), and residents have a one in 48 chance of being victims of crimes such as burglary and vehicle theft. The city’s violent crime rate (21.3) is much higher than Pennsylvania’s average (3.83). Residents have a one in 47 chance of experiencing crimes such as robbery and assault.

The average monthly cost for memory care in Scranton is $3,594. In Scranton, memory care is provided in special units of assisted living facilities and usually costs 20-30% more than regular assisted living. It includes tight security measures, such as video surveillance and enclosed courtyards, memory support therapies, personal care and environments that are comforting for people with Alzheimer’s disease. The following rates are based on costs from Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, plus 25%.

With memory care prices averaging $3,594, Scranton is more affordable than the Pennsylvania average of $5,125 and the U.S. average of $5,625. To the west in Bloomsburg, prices jump to $5,591, and they’re a bit lower than this in Williamsport at $4,208. One of the priciest cities in the area for memory care is East Stroudsburg, where it costs about $6,408. Rates remain high in Allentown, averaging $5,980.

For $4,576, Scranton residents can get home health care and regular home care, which provides personal assistance, meals, housekeeping and help with activities of daily living. Adult day health care is priced at $1,603, the cheapest option, and assisted living is $2,875. Seniors with Alzheimer’s who need skilled nursing services might require care in a nursing home, and a semiprivate room costs $9,429, while a private room costs $9,733.

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.