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Located in southeast Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is one of the country’s most historic cities. It’s home to over 1.6 million residents, of which nearly 220,00 are aged 65 and over. The city’s historic charm and senior-friendly tax policies make it an attractive spot for retirees. Philadelphia also boasts a number of well-known hospitals, including the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Jefferson Health – Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and the Philadelphia VA Medical Center.
Assisted living is ideal for seniors who are no longer able to live by themselves but don’t require around-the-clock supervision yet. Nurses and caregivers are often on hand to provide assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, grooming and showering. Some assisted living facilities may also offer medication management and provide specialized support, such as incontinence or diabetes care. The average cost for assisted living in Philadelphia is $5,685 per month.
This guide provides additional information about assisted living in Philadelphia and its costs in comparison to other locations. It also includes a list of free local 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 average monthly cost for assisted living in the Philadelphia region is $5,685. It’s important to note that costs vary based on amenities and types of supportive services.
Assisted living costs in the city of Philadelphia ($5,685) are significantly higher than both the state and national rates. The monthly cost in Philadelphia is $1,585 higher than the Pennsylvania state average of $4,100 and $1,185 higher than the national average of $4,500.
The city of Philadelphia averages some of the highest assisted living costs in the state. In fact, only Reading, with an average monthly cost of $5,720, has higher rates. There are several areas in the state where monthly assisted living costs also fall above the state average, such as Lancaster ($5,550), Harrisburg ($4,828) and Allentown ($4,784). Two cities with the lowest monthly assisted living costs in Pennsylvania include Pittsburgh ($3,250) and Scranton ($2,875).
How to Get Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Philadelphia
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 |
| Philadelphia Corporation for Aging | (215) 765-9040 | Philadelphia Corporation for Aging serves seniors aged 60 and over. It oversees 28 senior centers throughout the city and hosts a variety of health and wellness workshops and activities throughout the year. The agency also conducts risk assessments for seniors and provides referral services, as needed. Seniors can also obtain legal services, care management services and insurance counseling through the agency. |
| City of Philadelphia Office of Veterans Affairs | (215) 686-3256 | The City of Philadelphia Office of Veterans Affairs serves both active and retired members of the United States Armed Forces, their spouses and eligible dependents. The agency works directly with veterans and military members to ensure they obtain all possible local, state and federal benefits and services. It can also help provide transportation to and from the local VA Medical Center. |
| Ombudsman Program | (215) 545-5728 | The local Ombudsman Program provides support to seniors living in the city of Philadelphia. It investigates claims of senior abuse and senior living facility complaints. The agency also conducts regular inspections of local assisted living facilities for quality assurance. |
| Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority | (215) 580-7853 | The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority allows seniors aged 65 and over to ride the local bus, subway and train free of charge with a valid PA Senior Citizen Transit ID Card or a SEPTA Key Senior Fare Card. The agency also offers shared-ride and paratransit services to seniors unable to ride other forms of local transportation. Seniors must call ahead to schedule pickups and may incur a nominal fee. |
| Osher Lifelong Learning Institute | (215) 204-1505 | In conjunction with Temple University, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute allows seniors aged 50 and over who live in the Delaware Valley to participate in a variety of online and in-person courses free of charge. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Philadelphia 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.
