8 Best Independent Living Communities in Ephrata, PA

Independent Living

An Independent Living Community provides residents the opportunity to continue to live an active life while making sure their fundamental needs have been fulfilled. Basic needs such as meal preparation and housekeeping are handled by staff and a calendar of recreational and social activities is maintained, allowing residents the autonomy to use their time as they choose, free from daily obligations. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy an opportunity to be among peers, surrounded by others of similar age groups and backgrounds. Within the individual units, residents have access to their own private living space and a full kitchen, and can even live with a companion if they prefer. While policies differ between communities, many residences allow pets as well. If residents decide they would like to enlist the services of independent medical providers, they always have the option. There are a number of expenditures and advantages to keep in mind when choosing an independent living community. It is important to figure out if these amenities are included in the care plan: initial assessment fee, parking, laundry, wellness program, field trips, private phone, utilities, and cable TV. The amenities associated with independent living include game/TV room, fitness center & swimming pool, transportation, laundry service, healthcare center, private rental hall, community activities, and golf course.

Cost of Living

Cost of living can be a big influence in determining which community meets the needs of your loved one’s needs. The rent burden for Ephrata is about 21.4% of the average monthly income. The median home value in Ephrata is about $155,436 and the median price for rent is $1,114 a month.

Demographics and Values

Demographically, Ephrata is 0.1% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 90.8% white, 3.2% other or not specified, 2.8% black, 0.2% Native American, 2.2% mixed race, 6.1% Hispanic, and 0.8% Asian. The current population of Ephrata consists of 13,885 people. Ephrata has a population density of 1,568 people per square mile. In Ephrata, 8.8% of the citizens are veterans. In terms of education, 39.2% have a high-school diploma, 6.7% have a graduate degree, and 20.9% have a college degree. Out of the total population of Ephrata, 7.0% do not have health insurance, 71.4% participate in the labor force, 11.2% live in poverty, and 14.4% have some form of disability. Based on gender, 50.0% are male and 50.0% are female. The median age of Ephrata is 38 years old.

State Information

An overview of Pennsylvania

The state of Pennsylvania has 201 hospitals and 273 health centers, providing care to a population of 12,823,695. The top three hospitals in the state are considered to be Reading Hospital, Lancaster General Hospital, and And Main Line Hospital Bryn Mawr Campus. In terms of resources, Pennsylvania has a cost of living index of 98.6, a grocery index rating of 106.9, and a housing index rating of 100.8. These index ratings are based on a system where 100 is considered the national average and anything below 100 is considered less expensive than the national average. Pennsylvania is ranked 41st in quality of life and 21st in healthcare. Residents of Pennsylvania enjoy its natural beauty which ranks 38th in the United States.

Social demographics of the state

In terms of religious values, 34% of Pennsylvania’s population regularly attend some form of service and there are in total 15,359 different congregations. The top three non-Christian denominations in the state are Jewish-<1%, Muslim-<1%, and Buddhist-<1%, with the most common Christian denominations consisting of Evangelical Protestant-19%, Mainline Protestant-23%, and Historically Black Protestant-5%. In Pennsylvania there are 535 masonic lodges. The state of Pennsylvania ranks 29th in the country for diversity, and the state is considered LGBTQ friendly. In the last presidential election 47% of Pennsylvania residents voted Democrat and 48% voted Republican. The median age in the state is 41, and 32% of the population is over the age of 55.

State-wide weather information

During the winter, the average temperature in Pennsylvania drops to around 29F. During the winter, the average high temperature peaks at around 45F during the month of December. The average low temperature during the winter drops to around 11F in the month of January. During the summer, the average temperature in Pennsylvania is around 69F. The average high summer temperature is around 89F in the month of July. The average low summer temperature is around 47F in the month of June. The average air quality index rating in Pennsylvania is 39.9 AQI. The average air quality index rating peaks in the month of May with a rating of around 49.0 AQI. On average, the state receives 3.64 inches of precipitation a month. The most precipitation occurs in July with an average of 6.38 inches of precipitation a month. On average, the humidity rating for Pennsylvania is around 70%. Humidity levels tend to reach their peak in the month of January at around 75%. While residents of Pennsylvania mostly enjoy pleasant conditions, it’s important to be aware of inclement weather as well, which in Pennsylvania can include floods, tornadoes, and and hurricanes.

Wildlife to be found in Pennsylvania

The state of Pennsylvania has a diverse array of plant and animal life. Local plant life can consist of wild ginger, poplar, sassafras, and columbine. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the elk, the river otter, the mink, or the black bears. The state animal of Pennsylvania is the the white-tailed deer.