Ephrata is located on Cocalico Creek, around 70 miles west of Philadelphia. With a relatively low cost of living and favorable tax policies for retirees, Ephrata proves a great choice for seniors looking for low-cost living with easy access to big city amenities. The town is home to 10,688 residents, 19.8% of whom are seniors aged 65 and above. Residents can take advantage of the stunning nature that surrounds the town and the arts and cultural attractions.
Assisted living communities are best suited to older adults who desire some extra help with daily tasks such as bathing, grooming and dressing. The communities also offer services such as housekeeping, laundry and transportation. In Ephrata, seniors typically pay around $5,550 per month for assisted living care, which is significantly higher than both the state and national averages.
This guide provides an overview of assisted living care in Ephrata. Keep reading to learn more about the average cost of care in Ephrata and across the state, how to get financial assistance, and useful resources for seniors.
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 cost of assisted living care in Ephrata is around $5,550 per month on average. However, this can vary depending upon the location, amenities and services provided.
Seniors in Ephrata pay around $1,050 more than the average U.S. senior and $1,450 more than the average Pennsylvania senior.
The cost of care varies widely across the state of Pennsylvania. Close to Ephrata in Philadelphia and York, the costs of care are fairly similar at $5,685 and $5,510 per month. Nearby in Reading, seniors typically pay around $5,720 per month and in Allentown, seniors pay around $4,784. Pittsburgh is one of the most affordable cities in the state at $3,250 per month for assisted living care and in Harrisburg, care is more expensive than in Pittsburgh but still lower than Ephrata at $4,828 per month.
Note: Data for Ephrata was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Lancaster, was used instead.
Because 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 |
Ephrata Senior Center | (509) 754-2382 | Ephrata Senior Center provides older adults with support services and activities. Seniors can access useful classes, such as first aid and back support classes. There are also exercise classes available 2 to 3 times per week taught by qualified senior fitness instructors. Special events are offered, including holiday dinners, murder mystery events and Mother’s and Father’s Day meals. Seniors can also enjoy regular book clubs and games. |
Lancaster County Office of Aging | (717) 299 7979 | Lancaster County Office of Aging helps to keep seniors as independent as possible and enhances their quality of life through a range of programs and informational services. It provides assistance with how to access Medicare and other health insurance, protective services to report elder abuse, and a variety of programs to support caregivers. Seniors can also get advice on programs such as the long-term care ombudsman program. |
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | (717) 299 7979 | The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program offers support to older adults residing in long-term care facilities such as assisted living communities. The ombudsmen, who regularly visit the residents, offer unbiased support and investigate claims of abuse, neglect and unsatisfactory care. Ombudsmen also educate families and facility staff to help avoid such issues occurring in the future. |
Community Justice Program | (610) 370-7459 | The Community Justice Program is a non-profit legal aid firm that offers legal aid services to in-need individuals across Pennsylvania. Some cases they assist with include housing, accessing public benefits and civil rights. It has a number of offices across the state including in Reading, where seniors in Ephrata can visit for confidential advice. |
Ephrata Veterans of Foreign Wars | (717) 733-9904 | Ephrata VFW assists veterans and their families with a variety of needs. Some services include financial assistance, providing support with VA claims, and aiding connections with fellow veterans. It runs various patriotic activities, such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day events. |
Ephrata Area Social Services | (717) 733-0345 | Ephrata Area Social Services has transportation services to help seniors and at-risk individuals reach their medical appointments. Donations are welcome but the service is free of charge. It runs Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and seniors must schedule in advance to ensure there is a driver available. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Ephrata 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.