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Located less than 30 minutes from Scranton, Wilkes-Barre is an excellent retirement option for seniors who love the great outdoors. Residents can go fishing along the Susquehanna River, hunt game in the nearby forests, hike miles of trails at Kirby Park or enjoy some of the best scenic drives the nation has to offer. Winters can be very cold, but weather is mostly pleasant the rest of the year, with an average high of 84 degrees in July. Wilkes-Barre’s low cost of living makes it one of the most affordable cities in Pennsylvania and an appealing choice for seniors on a budget. Of the city’s 40,766 residents, almost 16% are people 65 and up.
The average monthly cost of assisted living in Wilkes-Barre is $2,450. Rates can vary depending on the facility, its location, and the services and amenities provided.
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 >
At $2,450 per month, assisted living in Wilkes-Barre is about $1,500 cheaper than the Pennsylvania average of $3,955 and $1,850 cheaper than the national average of $4,300. In New York, prices go up to $4,800, and in New Jersey, they’re even higher at $6,650. Over in Ohio, seniors pay $4,350. West Virginia’s rates are slightly more than Pennsylvania’s at $4,000.
Prices are $1,250 higher than Wilkes-Barre in Bloomsburg, where care costs approximately $3,570 per month. In Allentown, rates average $3,350, while in Reading, seniors pay $3,950. Philadelphia is one of the state’s priciest cities at $5,550. The average is $4,050 in Lancaster, while in Harrisburg, it’s $4,857.
Note: Data for Wilkes-Barre was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Scranton, was used instead.
Run by Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services, Community HealthChoices is a Medicaid program that can help cover the costs of assisted living for eligible individuals. This program is open to residents 60 and up who have needs that would make them eligible for placement in a skilled nursing facility. Members can receive personal care, nursing services, specialized medical equipment and more.
Learn more about CHC and how to apply at our Assisted Living in Pennsylvania page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Luzerne County Area Agency on Aging | (570) 822-1158 | The Area Agency on Aging provides helpful information and free resources for seniors in Luzerne County. Through its website, retirees can learn about financial assistance options, local wellness services and the county’s mature worker program, which provides job training to unemployed seniors 55 and up. The AAA also has contact information for local ombudsmen who can help investigate reports of elder abuse and other long-term care complaints. |
| APPRISE | (800) 783-7067 | APPRISE is a free health insurance counseling program for Medicare beneficiaries in Pennsylvania. Counselors can explain benefits, assist with appeals and help seniors make informed choices about the best coverage options for their needs. APPRISE also provides information about financial aid that can help seniors pay for Medicare premiums, deductibles and prescription drugs. |
| Luzerne County Veterans Affairs | (570) 706-3960 | The Luzerne County Veterans Affairs Office helps seniors obtain pensions and compensation for disabilities resulting from their time in military service. Wartime veterans and their surviving spouses may also be eligible to receive Aid and Attendance benefits, which can pay assisted living costs for qualifying individuals. |
| North Penn Legal Services | (877) 953-4250 | This nonprofit organization provides free legal advice and assistance to low-income people in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Seniors 60 and up can get help with advance care directives, wills, guardianship and powers of attorney. Other civil issues handled by this organization include benefit denials, debt collection disputes, discrimination and wrongful evictions. |
| Retired & Senior Volunteer Program | (570) 343-1267 | Luzerne County residents aged 55 and up can find fun and rewarding volunteer opportunities by joining RSVP. Opportunities may include providing companionship to isolated seniors, tutoring children, serving at food pantries and delivering meals to people’s homes. |
| Charles T. Adams Active Adult Center | (570) 825-3484 | At the Active Adult Center, Wilkes-Barre seniors can find recreational activities, social games, wellness programs and events aimed at residents 60 and up. Activities include nutrition lessons, exercise classes, virtual bowling, shuffleboard and bingo. |
Assisted living facilities in Wilkes-Barre must comply with Pennsylvania laws and regulations for accommodations, medication administration, staffing, training and health standards. See our Assisted Living in Pennsylvania page to learn more.
