Chambersburg is a small city that’s home to 22,354 people, and about 19% of them are seniors aged 65 and up. The city is located close to miles of farmland and forests, yet it offers convenient access to WellSpan Hospital and a variety of popular restaurants and stores. In Chambersburg, the cost of living is more affordable than the national average, which means residents pay less for housing, transportation, utilities and other necessities. As an added perk, Pennsylvania doesn’t tax Social Security benefits, and pension income is exempt for anyone 60+.
Assisted living can be ideal for seniors who need some support with their daily activities or don’t want the burden of maintaining their own home. It includes supervision, housekeeping, healthy meals and personal care, as well as recreational programs to help seniors stay physically active and socially engaged. In Chambersburg, assisted living costs an average of $4,823 per month, which is higher than the national average of $4,500 and the Pennsylvania average of $4,100.
This guide includes a comparison of assisted living prices in other Pennsylvania cities and a list of programs and resources for Chambersburg’s older adults.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Pennsylvania. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities 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.
The average cost of living in Chambersburg is $4,823 per month. The actual amount may vary by facility, services and amenities offered.
Compared to the Pennsylvania average of $4,100, assisted living in Chambersburg is approximately $720 more. It’s about $320 higher than the national average of $4,500.
Although Chambersburg is more expensive than the state average, prices are similar in other nearby cities. The cheapest city in this area is Gettysburg, where assisted living costs an average of $4,515. The state capital, Harrisburg, has prices close to Chambersburg’s at $4,828. To the east in York, rates go up to $5,510, and Lancaster’s assisted living costs are nearly the same, averaging $5,550. Care in Lancaster costs $4,768, which is slightly cheaper than in Chambersburg. The priciest city in the region is Reading, where assisted living costs $5,720. In Philadelphia, seniors can expect to pay $5,685.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Pennsylvania.
Resource | Contact | Service |
Franklin County Area Agency on Aging | (717) 263-2153 | Services provided by the Franklin County Area Agency on Aging include help with choosing a long-term care facility, referrals to financial assistance programs, Medicare counseling and free medical equipment loans for people 60 and up. It also provides needs assessments and information about Pennsylvania’s Options Program, which includes care management for seniors who don’t qualify for Medicaid. Complaints about assisted living communities can be directed to the AAA’s long-term care ombudsman. |
Office of Veterans Affairs | (717) 263-4326 | This office provides information about county, state and federal benefits for military veterans and their dependents. Seniors can get help with claiming benefits and appealing denials, VA health care enrollment, temporary financial assistance and outreach programs. |
Franklin County Legal Services | (717) 262-2326 | Franklin County Legal Services offers free legal aid and direct court representation for residents who meet financial eligibility requirements. Issues you may be able to get help with include estate planning, wills, advance care directives, bankruptcy and consumer law. |
Rabbit Transit | (800) 632-9063 | Rabbit Transit has several transportation programs for senior residents of Franklin County. The Senior Shared Ride Program provides discounted transportation to stores, medical appointments and other locations throughout the service area. If you are a member of the Medical Assistance program, transportation to nonemergency medical appointments is free. Complimentary door-to-door transit is provided for people who can’t ride the regular bus due to illness or disability. |
Chambersburg Senior Activity Center | (717) 264-8191 | The Chambersburg Senior Activity Center offers health programs, clubs, crafts, educational classes and social events for the city’s older adults. Low-cost hot lunches are served daily. |
Volunteer Opportunities | (717) 261-0631 | Franklin County has several volunteer opportunities for seniors. These may include serving as a long-term care ombudsman, delivering meals, visiting isolated individuals or answering questions about Medicare and Medicaid. Contact the county Volunteer Coordinator to find out about current opportunities and how to apply. |
Penn State Go-60 | (717) 749-6067 | This program is aimed at non-degree-seeking seniors who are interested in furthering their education via college courses. If accepted, you’ll receive waived tuition for up to six credit hours at the Penn State Mon Alto campus. The program is open to people 60+ who are retired or working fewer than 20 hours per week. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Chambersburg area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.