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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.
Types of care available in Philadelphia, PA
Assisted Living
First, you need to see this facility. They did a major renovation and it looks so different. It has been modernized and looks amazing. My Mom has been at Brandywine for a few years. It is a tough decision to make when your loved one needs more care than what you can give. The apartments are roomy. The food is wonderful. There are so many activities that one will never get bored. My Mom is now on the Reflections-Memory Care Unit. The care and support that she receives is amazing. She is well cared for. The staff is so genuine and supportive to my Mom and family. Administration takes the time to talk with you and answer your questions. It is like an extended family. I am so happy with making the decision to move my Mom to Brandywine.
Dave the activity man is such a asset to Artman ,he is really trying to help my Mom and all the residents .He takes a real interest and will find family members and update them on how their loved one is doing .My Mom really likes him ! So glad he is there !
It's great, it's a very convenient location for us. The staff are great, they're very friendly and welcoming. Overall it's a really good experience.
6730 TABOR AVENUE, Philadelphia, PA 19111
4104 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Robinson Personal Care Home is a senior living community located in Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia is a very busy city and home to about 1.5 million people. Residents can find a host of activities to partake in, including going to restaurants, doing their shopping, going to games, concerts and...
6948 Torresdale Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19135
Northeast Residence is a senior living community located in Philadelphia, PA, home to over 1.5 million people. Philadelphia is a very large city known for great shops, stores, sporting events and shows. Residents who are active will be able to enjoy going for scenic walks, doing their shopping,...
932 34 North 42Nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
932 34 North 42Nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
4400 Decatur St, Philadelphia, PA 19136
4400 Decatur St, Philadelphia, PA 19136
303 Bank Ave, Riverton, NJ 08077
As my mother-in-law entered into her advanced stages of dementia, we struggled to find a home that would provide a satisfactory level of care. Moving her from this care facility to that one, we became...
Riverview Estates is a faith-based community serving a diverse aging population and their families by providing a continuum of care with respect, acceptance, dignity and joy.
7979 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136
7979 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136
440 Old York Rd, Jenkintown, PA 19046
This community is wonderful I can't say enough wonderful things about them. The community itself is very lovely exceptionally clean and well maintained. As soon as you walk in the sense of being at home and...
Nestled in the heart of historic Jenkintown borough, The Chelsea at Jenkintown offers the finest in Assisted Living. Our residents enjoy chatting over tea or coffee in our cozy Bistro, relax on our wraparound porch or explore the surrounding community. Conveniently located on Route 611 and close...
8601 Pine Road, Philadelphia, PA 19111
8601 Pine Road, Philadelphia, PA 19111
230 N. 65th St., Philadelphia, PA 19139
230 N 65th St, Philadelphia, PA 19139
600 East Cathedral Road, Philadelphia, PA 19128
At Cathedral Village, you have the flexibility to create your own experience. All of our senior living services are available as you need them in Philadelphia, PA. Ideally located near the Plymouth/Whitemarsh area of Montgomery County in the Roxborough community of Northwest Philadelphia, we are...
600 East Cathedral Road, Philadelphia, PA 19128
At Cathedral Village, you have the flexibility to create your own experience. All of our senior living services are available as you need them in Philadelphia, PA. Ideally located near the Plymouth/Whitemarsh area of Montgomery County in the Roxborough community of Northwest Philadelphia, we are...
1515 the Fairway # 1, Rydal, PA 19046
1551 Huntington Pike, Huntingdon Vly, PA 19006
2317 Church Rd, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
246 Melrose Ave, Lansdowne, PA 19050
246 Melrose Ave, Lansdowne, PA 19050
1400 Waverly Rd # 1, Gladwyne, PA 19035
31 W. Mill Road PO Box 301, Flourtown, PA 19031
Whitemarsh House, a personal care residence, belongs to a quiet neighborhood in Flourtown, Pennsylvania. We specialize in caring for individuals with brain injury and other mental needs. High ceilings and large windows accompany the three-story residence and an open, wooded park is visible from...
4000 Fox Hound Dr, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
They had the same kind of package as everywhere else, it seemed, but I believe they had a $50,000 up front payment, so we didn't consider it. It seemed like a nice place other than that.
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.
11.28 miles from you
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10.71 miles from you
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:
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:
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.
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).
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.
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.
On top of being diverse in culture, Philadelphia offers an array of assisted living options to meet varying lifestyles, budgets, and levels of care.
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.
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.
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.
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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Percent of Philadelphia’s population made of 75+ seniors
Percent of seniors age 65+ that live without a disability
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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
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.
The Birches at Newtown, Chestnut Knoll and Traditions of Cross Keys 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 5,240 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
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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