Enriched in history, arts, and culture, Philadelphia stands out as an age-friendly city for seniors. With access to free public transportation, affordable senior care options, and proximity to some of the top hospitals in the country, the Philadelphia assisted living market meets seniors’ needs. Local assisted living communities have options that vary according to costs, amenities, and services offered. Seniors in assisted living receive help with everyday activities and personal tasks, and some communities also offer memory care and skilled nursing support on site for evolving needs.
This guide was designed to help you sort through the different types of assisted living communities in Philadelphia, focused on options within 10 miles of Center City district in Philadelphia. You’ll also find cost information, insurance guidance, laws and regulations, and local area resources all related to Philadelphia assisted living.
Find Assisted Living Communities Near Philadelphia, PA
Enriched in history, arts, and culture, Philadelphia stands out as an age-friendly city for seniors. With access to free public transportation, affordable senior care options, and proximity to some of the top hospitals in the country, the Philadelphia assisted living market meets seniors’ needs. Local assisted living communities have options that vary according to costs, amenities, and services offered. Seniors in assisted living receive help with everyday activities and personal tasks, and some communities also offer memory care and skilled nursing support on site for evolving needs.Read more
This guide was designed to help you sort through the different types of assisted living communities in Philadelphia, focused on options within 10 miles of Center City district in Philadelphia. You’ll also find cost information, insurance guidance, laws and regulations, and local area resources all related to Philadelphia assisted living.
Philadelphia Assisted Living Facilities | 926 Reviews
The people are amazing & do an amazing job taking care of my uncle! Wesley Enhanced Living at Stapeley is really nice, Professional staff. Personable, everyone knew my uncle by name. Classy building with...
Best decision I could have made was moving here. There is so much going on day to day that there is always something to do. The new dining room is beautiful and the food is excellent. Everything a person...
My loved one likes the programs within the Paul's Run community as well as meeting new people. She also likes the convenience of the bistro and the location off the community to friends and families.
Please be aware that my Father is not currently living at the Terrace hoping he will start living there in November. However, based on the first impression we had - The staff and residents actually talking...
There could be more variety in activities for residents. There could be a more healthful menu. There could be more variety in menu. It's ok. It seemed a little different when we visited than what it seems...
Overall, a very nice place. Clear and open communication. Caring staff. Nice facilities. We picked this community, because of the location for my sister and I to easily visit was one of the major reasons,...
What we like the most about Holy Redeemer Lafayette, is the staff. The staff are very friendly and genuinely care about the well being of their people. They also try to get great activities and are open to...
My loved one has shown great improvement living at Hayes Manor Retirement Residence. The staff and facility are excellent. The move in process was great. We were briefed and got a tour of the facility and...
McCallum Assisted Living may certainly not be the newest, shiny and modern community but it is nice and we have been very pleased with the staff. It is clean but it is just an older building. The staff are...
My husband and I are residents at Simpson House. The facility is spotless. The services offered with the residents, such as linen service and housekeeping, are excellent. The fact that this is a non-profit...
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Need to have a choice for people that don’t eat meat . lol but other than that It was good. Staff very friendly and nice. Very good music!!!!!! everybody sweaters look pretty everybody was dressed up really...
It is very clean, they are responsive to requests, the staff is very friendly and caring. My Mom is very happy there. And she loves the food. Also, you can tell the residents are happy.
My parents are starting week 7 and are really settling in very comfortably. Crescent Fields representatives were excellent to deal with as well.
The facility and staff is always very prompt, helpful and polite. My mom started off as independent living and has recently been moved up to personal care. My mom's room is a nice size and she has a...
Everyone was extremely friendly and courteous . The only negative point was whether it was an accounting question or the nurse getting back to me regarding general questions was a little slow and took...
Pheobe Wyncote is quite pleasant, quiet, peaceful, friendly. It is in a really nice, suburban, neighborhood . It is reasonably priced; staff are all friendly; very casual, small, clean, easygoing. The...
The staff is always accommodating, patient and kind. Their security is there 24/7. They are always on post and pleasant to speak with. The entertainment is well organized and fun for the entire family. The...
Everyone at The Hearth at Drexel community has been very attentive to our loved ones needs. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would recommend this community to other families.
I think what sticks out most about Premier Cadbury is the friendliness of everyone. They were very welcoming and caring. The facility is a little dated, but it is overall a very nice place.
Sunrise Haverford is a unique, caring community. My father was a resident in personal care and was quite ill when he moved to the community. I can tell you that every person at Sunrise treated him with...
It has been such a pleasure working with the ladies who run 'The Residence'. I am helping my dad and step-mother and have needed lots of guidance...and, while i can't see the property until it's completed, i...
There are lots of experienced people with varied personalities. Everyone's families needs will be different. I believe that the staff will do their best to meet those needs. The food seems tasty. My mom has...
Upon walking into the Memory Care unit, I noticed the smell. It smelled so good that I was on a mission to find out what it was. I am so impressed with the cleanliness of the facility and the laundry. I...
What our family likes the most about the Oakwood Residence community is the staff and the other residents. All of them are very friendly and always do a good job trying to get our loved one involved in...
Penn Home is an older community but its very good and the people there were very nice, and it was kept pretty clean. The care services were good, however the food was average. There wasn't a huge variety of...
Philadelphia assisted living costs
The cost of assisted living in Philadelphia can fluctuate based on many factors — such as location, amenities, and types of care provided. Generally, the median cost of Philadelphia assisted living runs around $5,254 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data from 2021-2022.[01] This monthly rate takes into account the cost of rent, fees, and care costs. You’ll notice this amount differs from that provided below, which is the average starting costs and doesn’t account for those additional expenses.
Average cost comparisons near Philadelphia, PA
Average monthly costs
Philadelphia, PA
Payment advice for assisted living in Philadelphia
When it comes to paying for assisted living in Philadelphia, both private and public funding options can help with the costs. Families can make the most of public resources when they plan ahead and are familiar with what long-term care expenses are covered through certain programs. Our guide to paying for long-term care looks at various ways families tend to plan for future care needs. Read on to see the various ways local families tend to pay for assisted living in Philadelphia.
Private pay sources are among the first resources considered to pay for Philadelphia assisted living room and board. These sources of retirement income include pensions, Social Security benefits, and savings from IRAs or a 401k. These resources can be stretched far for Philadelphian seniors, as Pennsylvania doesn’t tax residents’ retirement income.[02]
Long-term care insurance
Long-term care insurance may be able to help cover some costs of assisted living in Philadelphia, depending on the policy and eligibility requirements. In Pennsylvania, long-term care insurance will typically provide coverage for care services if an individual is determined by a physician to be unable to perform activities of daily living (also known as ADLs) on their own or if they develop a memory condition. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department provides more details about this and other types of insurance coverage for senior Pennsylvanians.
Tax-deductible costs and rent rebate program
Some assisted living costs may be tax-deductible on an individual’s federal tax returns if they are considered medical expenses. Other costs, such as room and board, aren’t deductible on a person’s federal taxes. Check out our article on caregiver and senior tax tips in order to learn more about such options. In Pennsylvania, income-eligible seniors could also be reimbursed on rent charges paid to stay in an assisted living facility with the Pennsylvania property tax or rent rebate program. It’s worth noting this program only reimburses for monthly rent, and it doesn’t cover expenses related to medical and personal care.
Additionally, seniors and their families may consider using income from the following to pay for senior care:
Seniors make up a significant portion of Philadelphia’s veteran population. Of the nearly 46,000 veterans living in Philadelphia, 51% are over the age of 65.[03] The Veterans Affairs (VA) Philadelphia Healthcare System provides health care benefits to veteran seniors and their surviving spouses in Philadelphia. The VA Aid and Attendance benefit and the Housebound allowance are federal programs that can provide help with the costs of assisted living and other types of long-term care services.
The Aid and Attendance benefit provides more help for assisted living costs, while the Housebound allowance is for senior veterans that would prefer to utilize in-home care services. Find out more about eligibility for these benefits in A Place for Mom’s guide to VA benefits. For more Philadelphia-specific VA benefits information, check out this helpful Philadelphia veterans benefits booklet.
We’ve provided resources for veterans in Philadelphia and New Jersey, given the Garden State’s close proximity to Philly.
Philadelphia’s veteran population, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of Philadelphia veterans between the ages of 65 and 74, per the U.S. Census Bureau
Additional resources for Philadelphia-area veterans
City of Philadelphia Office of Veterans Affairs
City Hall #127
Philadelphia, PA 19131
Phone: 215-686-3256
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
VA Philadelphia Regional Office
5000 Wissahickon Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Phone: 800-827-1000
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Northeast Philadelphia Vet Center
101 E. Olney Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19120
Phone: 215-924-4670
Center City Philadelphia Vet Center
801 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 215-627-0238
Veterans Administration Center Philadelphia Field Office
Phone: 215-381-3040
Burlington County
555 High St., Suite #6A
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
Contact: William McDonnell
Phone: 609-518-2273
609-518-2274
Email: William.Mcdonnell@dmava.nj.gov
Joint Military and Family Assistance Center
1048 US Highway 206 South
Bordentown, NJ 08505
Contact: Michele Thomas
Phone: 609-496-9242
Email: Michele.Thomas@dmava.nj.gov
Camden County and Gloucester County
Woodbury Armory
658 N. Evergreen Ave.
Woodbury, NJ 08096
Contact: Matthew Still
Phone: 856-853-4184
856-853-4185
856-853-4186
Fax: 856-384-3772
Email: Matthew.Still@dmava.nj.gov
Medicaid coverage, benefits, and eligibility requirements differ in every state. Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program is called Medical Assistance (MA). This program can help pay for some long-term care expenses, depending on an individual’s medical diagnosis and income eligibility. The costs of assisted living residences, however, are generally not covered by Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program, but some Pennsylvania Medicaid waivers may be available to help qualifying seniors. The Community HealthChoices (CHC) program provides services to seniors who require long-term care and help with daily tasks. To qualifying seniors, Medicaid programs may include coverage for the following:
- Medical supplies
- Memory care services
- Personal care services
- Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)
Pennsylvania’s Medicaid benefits are accessible on the online servicing system, COMPASS. Individuals can apply for and renew their Medical Assistance benefits using the COMPASS website, as well as via email, over the phone, and in person. Alternatively, New Jersey residents, or someone considering assisted living in neighboring New Jersey, can benefit from New Jersey’s Medicaid program. Under the NJ FamilyCare Aged, Blind, Disabled (ABD) Program, eligible seniors can receive help paying for long-term care services, which includes those provided in an assisted living facility.
If a senior has never worked or haven’t worked enough to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, they may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If approved, they should also qualify for Medicaid and become eligible for assisted living services through Philadelphia domiciliary care programs.
Additional Philadelphia-area Medicaid resources
Philadelphia County Assistance Office Headquarters
801 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This office offers help with Medicaid benefits.
Pennsylvania Health Law Project helpline
Phone: 800-274-3258
Pennsylvania Health Access Network (PHAN) helpline
Phone: 877-570-3642
NJ FamilyCare ABD coverage overview
New Jersey Medicaid offices
Camden Medicaid office
2 Riverside Drive, #401
Camden, NJ 08103
Phone: 856-614-2870
Although assisted living room and board is not covered by Medicare, fees associated with medically needed care services may be covered by one of Medicare’s long-term care options, such as:
- Skilled nursing services
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapies
- Medical supplies and durable medical equipment
Philadelphia’s Department of Aging also has different resources available to educate seniors on Medicare-related subjects, and, in some cases, decrease certain costs. The Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (also known as PA MEDI), previously known as APPRISE, is a Medicare counseling program that provides free health insurance counseling to all Medicare-eligible Pennsylvanians. Receive objective information about Medicare eligibility, enrollment, and different types of plans for your specific care needs. Eligible seniors can also enroll in PACE and PACENET for prescription assistance.
You can also look up your local Social Security Administration and Area Agency on Aging offices for questions about Medicare benefits.
Additional Philadelphia-area Medicare resources
Philadelphia County Area Agency on Aging
642 N. Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: 215-765-9000
PA MEDI Helpline
1-800-783-7067
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
New Jersey Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Phone: 877-582-6995
Email: ombudsman@ltco.nj.gov
Understand Philadelphia assisted living laws and regulations
When it comes to choosing an assisted living community, it’s important to be familiar with Pennsylvania’s assisted living laws and regulations. It’s also critical to know where to find assisted living records and the licensing information on specific communities. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services oversees and licenses assisted living facilities in Philadelphia and throughout the state. The department conducts inspections on assisted living communities in Pennsylvania every 24 months to check whether the following laws and regulations are being followed:
- Prescribed medications should be properly labeled, administered, and stored.
- Any suspicions of elderly neglect or abuse or concerns about quality of care must be reported.
- All residents should have a medical evaluation before moving into an assisted living residence and receive a written care plan upon admission.
- Assisted living residences should offer different service package options for residents who need help with ADLs and for those who don’t.
- Assisted living facilities should be adequately staffed to provide between a minimum of one to two hours of care a day to every resident.
Pennsylvania is exceptionally transparent when it comes to providing information about assisted living facilities in the state. The state regularly publishes data about licensed communities in Pennsylvania and also offers an online complaint form for assisted living residences and personal care homes.
- Department of Human Services
Health and Welfare Building, Room 631
625 Forster St.
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: 717-783-7375 - Ombudsman services
- Department of Aging
Phone: 717-783-8975 - Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA)
Wallace Building
642 N. Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19130-3049
Phone: 215-765-9000
PCA helpline: 215-765-9040
PCA helpline for the hearing impaired: 215-765-9041 - Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly (CARIE)
100 S. Broad St., Suite 1500
Philadelphia, PA 19110
Phone: 215-545-5724 - Center in the Park
5818 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Phone: 215-844-1829
- Department of Aging
- New Jersey Department of Health contact information
- Division of Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing
Phone: 609-633-9706
- Division of Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing
COVID-19 regulations for Philadelphia nursing homes
All Pennsylvania assisted living residences are encouraged to follow local ordinances on COVID-19 regulations. Most COVID-19 guidelines are set at the state level and updated on the Department of Human Services website whenever revisions are made.
Most Philadelphia assisted living facilities have specific visitation guidelines in place that incorporate criteria set by the state. You can get information about visitation plans and other policies in force to keep residents safe by contacting a community directly and checking the Department of Health’s COVID-19 guidelines for assisted living communities.
These rules typically address areas such as the following:
Cleanliness. Staff should follow cleaning and disinfection protocols that align with the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
Staff protection. Staff should be informed of personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines set by the facility.
Vaccinations. Staff and residents are encouraged to remain up to date on COVID-19 vaccines, as well as visitors. Facilities are required to report the number of vaccines administered to staff and residents to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).
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Philadelphia: Age-friendly city living
Philadelphia is experiencing rapid growth in its senior population, both in terms of size and diversity. This shift in the city’s age demographics puts greater pressure on the city to help its seniors get the long-term care they need. With the state’s population expected to be made up of one-third of seniors age 60 and older by 2030, Pennsylvania is experiencing pressure to make senior resources more accessible and inclusive.[04]
Philadelphia’s Age-Friendly Action Plan details several ways the city aims to support seniors. Some key goals of this plan include providing more culturally inclusive services, like translating outreach materials. Other goals include support for home modification services and improving internet accessibility for seniors. The state has also made a significant investment of $500 million into long-term care facilities in Pennsylvania’s 2022-2023 state budget. This budget plan specifically allocates stimulus funds to assisted living residences across Pennsylvania.
Types of assisted living in Philadelphia
On top of being diverse in culture, Philadelphia offers an array of assisted living options to meet varying lifestyles, budgets, and levels of care.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
As the name suggests, CCRCs provide seniors with continuing care and services as their needs change. Most CCRCs can accommodate seniors of all care needs, ranging from independent living, assisted living, and memory care to skilled nursing services. CCRCs have a unique price structure that includes a large entrance fee, which sets it apart from other types of senior living. This is a popular option for seniors who want to age in place with access to however much help they need without having to move to another community.
Assisted living with independent living
These types of communities provide both independent living as well as assisted living services all on the same campus. The services and programs at these types of communities encourage residents to enjoy their independent, active lifestyles, while services are also available to help with daily activities if the need ever arises. In some communities, residents in independent living may enjoy some, if not all, of the same services as those in assisted living. These services may be chef-prepared meals, housekeeping, medication management, and transportation services.
Assisted living with memory care
Some Philadelphia assisted living communities have dedicated memory care areas or neighborhoods for residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. These memory care neighborhoods are designed to prevent wandering and boast an increased staff-to-resident ratio, staff specially trained in memory care, and dedicated activities.
Assisted living with skilled nursing
In some cases, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services are available on site at Philadelphia assisted living communities, for when resident rehabilitation or hospice needs ever arise. These communities can provide access to round-the-clock medical support in a residential setting for residents who need short- or long-term skilled nursing care. Often called “age-in-place” communities, these are ideal for seniors who don’t want to ever relocate to a nursing home due to changing care needs.
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New to Philadelphia? Highlights for seniors
226000
Number of senior Philadelphians over the age of 65
Percent of Philadelphia’s population made of 75+ seniors
Percent of seniors age 65+ that live without a disability
Health care for seniors in Philadelphia
Philadelphia offers access to some of the top-ranking hospitals in the country. Below, you’ll find the top three hospitals in the Philadelphia metro that specialize in both complex and everyday procedures.
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania-Penn Presbyterian
Penn Presbyterian is the No. 1 ranking hospital in both Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia metro, as well as No. 13 on the U.S. News Best Hospitals Honor Roll, which highlights the 20 highest-rated hospitals in the country. This highly regarded facility is nationally ranked in 12 adult specialties that include cancer, cardiology, and diabetes.
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Jefferson University Hospital takes the spot as the No. 2 hospital in Philadelphia and No. 3 in Pennsylvania. In addition to being nationally ranked in nine adult specialties, Jefferson University Hospital has received special recognition for providing an unmatched level of care to older adults.
Main Line Health Lankenau Medical Center
Main Line Health Lankenau Medical Center is Philadelphia’s No. 3 hospital. Located in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, Main Line Health is nationally ranked in one adult specialty and is the No. 6 hospital in Pennsylvania. Main Line Health has also been ranked as high performing in specialties ranging from cardiology, lung surgery, and urology to hip and knee replacements.
ChristianaCare Hospitals
ChristianaCare Hospital is Philadelphia’s No. 4 ranking hospital and is nationally recognized in one adult specialty. ChristianaCare Hospital is also regarded as a high-performing hospital in 13 procedures and conditions, which include uterine cancer surgery, heart failure, and hip and knee replacements.
Senior-friendly transportation in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s public transportation system is one of the features that make it a senior-friendly city. Seniors age 65 and older can travel for free on all SEPTA transit routes with a senior fare card. A SEPTA senior fare card covers all routes for the city’s busses, trolleys, and rail lines, as well as free transportation throughout Pennsylvania on SEPTA’s Regional Rail line. Senior cardholders also enjoy a 50% discount on trains to and from New Jersey and Delaware stations.
There are several other senior transportation services available, which are outlined in this Philadelphia transportation guide.
Additional transportation resources for Philadelphia seniors:
Mayor’s Commission on Aging
100 S. Broad St., 4th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19110
Phone: 215-686-8450
SEPTA
1234 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 215-580-7800
Activities for seniors in Philadelphia
The lively city of Philadelphia is filled with iconic landmarks, from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall to the “Rocky steps” in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Indulge in Philly culinary delights in Center City, where you’ll find some of the best cheesesteaks, hoagies, and soft pretzels around. Outdoorsy seniors also enjoy Philadelphia’s extraordinary park system, made up of over 300 neighborhood parks and 166 miles of walking trails. Art enthusiasts relish the artwork that can be found all around the city, from the classical works found in the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts to the murals and mosaics in Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. Philadelphia is also known for its longstanding musical heritage and array of live music venues hosting all genres, from jazz and rock to country and classical.
Much like the food, art, and music scene, sports are central to Philadelphia’s culture. The passionate Philadelphia fanbase has seen historic sports moments from past NBA, World Series, and Super Bowl championships. Center City has an abundance of acclaimed sports bars where you can “root, root, root for the Phillies.” Some assisted living residences even host watch parties for residents to enjoy the games together. Many assisted living communities also plan group outings to truly experience Philadelphia’s wide array of activities and events.
Additionally, several senior community centers located throughout Philadelphia offer nutritious meals, social activities, and services such as transportation.
Frequently asked questions
The Birches at Newtown, Cardinal Village and Morningside House of Collegeville are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Philadelphia, PA. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Philadelphia is 5044.35 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022, October). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
SmartAsset. (2021). Pennsylvania Retirement Tax Friendliness.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). ACSS demographic and housing estimates (DP05) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Wolf, T., & Torres, R. (2020). State plan on aging 2020-2024: Keystone for empowered aging. Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
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