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The term “nursing home” is often used to describe various types of senior care facilities. But a nursing home is really a facility, much like a hospital, that provides around-the-clock medical care and skilled nursing services. In some instances, a nursing home may be used to describe assisted living and memory care facilities that have skilled nursing units on site.
While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, it’s important to distinguish between the different senior care options available in Philadelphia. A Place for Mom alone partners with 39 senior living communities within a 10-mile radius of Center City. Of those communities, 31.6% have access to on-site skilled nursing services for seniors with serious medical needs. The remaining communities are more suitable for seniors who need help with activities of daily living, but don’t require 24-hour medical care. We can help you navigate the ins and outs of senior care in Philadelphia, including tips on how to cover costs, facility regulations, and the different senior living dynamics in the area.
Types of care available in Philadelphia, PA
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 !
[name removed] and [name removed] are incredible and show genuine care for not only the residents but their families. Absolutely would recommend this community to others! During our initial tours some of the residents even expressed how much they liked it there. Felt good knowing it wasn't a "show" they were putting on.
7979 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136
7979 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136
8601 Pine Road, Philadelphia, PA 19111
8601 Pine Road, Philadelphia, PA 19111
8833 Stenton Ave, Glenside, PA 19038
184 Bethlehem Pike, Philadelphia, PA 19118
At Fairview Care Ctr of Bethlehem Pike, a Genesis HealthCare facility, we offer our patients and residents outstanding care, delivered by highly skilled practitioners in a warm and comfortable setting. Our Quality Healthcare Units provide skilled nursing, medical and rehabilitative care for...
8900 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19115
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
146 Edge Hill Rd, Glenside, PA 19038
1104 Welsh Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19115
At Chapel Manor, a Genesis HealthCare facility, we offer our patients and residents outstanding care, delivered by highly skilled practitioners in a warm and comfortable setting. Our Quality Healthcare Units provide skilled nursing, medical and rehabilitative care for patients and residents....
1551 Huntington Pike, Huntingdon Vly, PA 19006
350 Haws Ln, Flourtown, PA 19031
At Harston Hall, a Genesis HealthCare facility, we offer our patients and residents outstanding care, delivered by highly skilled practitioners in a warm and comfortable setting. Our Quality Healthcare Units provide skilled nursing, medical and rehabilitative care for patients and residents....
9209 Ridge Pike, Philadelphia, PA 19128
110 W Wissahickon Ave, Flourtown, PA 19031
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
9503 State Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19114
2231 Hamilton Ave, Willow Grove, PA 19090
14 Lincoln Ave, Yeadon, PA 19050
Nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities, typically cost more than other types of senior living, given the expenses like medical staff and around-the-clock supervision. The average cost for a nursing home in Philadelphia is $12,897 per month, according to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.[02]
If a senior doesn’t need the extensive medical care provided in a skilled nursing facility, there are other types of senior care available at a significantly lower cost. Assisted living communities can provide personal care services and assistance with activities of daily living, and the cost of an assisted living facility in Philadelphia averages around $4,875 per month. The rate of a Philadelphia Assisted living facility with memory care is slightly more expensive, with an average monthly cost of $5,371.[01]
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When it comes to paying for nursing homes or skilled nursing services in Philadelphia, there are several different options available. An estimated 1.2 million Pennsylvanians will need long-term care services within the next 20 to 30 years, according to the Pennsylvania Health Care Association (PHCA). So, planning ahead now and knowing what private and public options are available can help you anticipate the unexpected.
Some families may choose to source their available private funds to pay for senior care before looking into public resources. Private funds can go a long way for seniors living in Philadelphia, as Pennsylvania doesn’t tax retirement income for residents after age 59 ½.[04] This includes savings from IRAs or a 401k, pensions, and Social Security benefits.
In some instances, long-term care insurance can be used to help with the cost of senior care. But, this depends on the policy. You’ll want to contact your policy agent or representative to make sure you have a complete understanding of what’s covered. Long-term care insurance in Pennsylvania will usually cover care services in both home and medical settings if someone experiences cognitive decline or isn’t able to perform everyday tasks by themselves. You can find more information about insurance coverage for seniors on the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance website.
The Pennsylvania Property Tax or Rent Rebate Program may also benefit seniors and individuals with disabilities in Pennsylvania. Income-eligible seniors could receive reimbursement on rent paid to stay in a long-term care facility, such as an assisted living or memory care residence. This program only covers the monthly rental amount. Costs related to medicine, medical care, and personal care aren’t covered. This is a helpful program since most long-term care insurance policies will only cover the cost of care services and do not cover rent.
Read on for some other ways to privately pay for long-term senior care like skilled nursing:
Since nursing homes or skilled nursing units are considered medical facilities in Pennsylvania, they’re subject to a different set of rules and regulations than other types of senior living communities. Philadelphia nursing homes or skilled nursing centers serve as medical facilities and are licensed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Assisted living communities and personal care homes are licensed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
There are a number of state and federal regulations for skilled nursing facilities to make sure proper safety and health standards are in place. Pennsylvania’s state guidelines for long-term care facilities include the following:
If you or your loved one is not in need of the advanced, 24/7 medical care provided at a nursing home or skilled nursing facility, you may want to look up the regulations specific to Philadelphia assisted living or Philadelphia memory care communities. Some of these include:
The Pennsylvania Department of Health conducts on-site, annual inspections of skilled nursing facilities in Philadelphia to oversee whether state and federal regulations are followed. All inspection reports from the past five years are available to the public, and the Department of Human Services publishes a monthly report on licensed senior communities in Pennsylvania.
If residents or their families have concerns with the safety or quality of care at a nursing home or skilled nursing center at an assisted living facility, they can reach out to the facility’s respective department or a state ombudsman, as well as ombudsman services through the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. You can also file an online complaint through the Department of Human Services.
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
642 N. Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: 215-765-9040
Pennsylvania Department of Health
625 Forster St.
Harrisburg, PA 17120
For skilled nursing facility complaints: 800-254-5164
For complaints regarding personal care homes and assisted living communities: 877-724-3258
Department of Human Services
Health and Welfare Building
625 Forster St., Room 631
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: 717-783-7375
New Jersey Department of Health
55 North Willow St.
Trenton, New Jersey 08625
Nursing Home Administrators Licensing Board
Phone: 609-633-9706
Nursing home complaints
Phone: 800-792-9770
Nursing home ombudsman
Phone: 877-582-6995
Email: ombudsman@ltco.nj.gov
Although COVID-19 regulations have become more relaxed in some areas of life, Philadelphia nursing facilities or skilled nursing units continue to follow COVID-19 guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s PA Health Alert Network (PA-HAN).
Staff safety. Staff should be provided with and wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when it’s deemed necessary.
Vaccinations. Staff, residents, and visitors are encouraged to remain current on all COVID-19 vaccine doses.
Philadelphia’s senior population has been on the rise over the years, both in size and diversity. The city offers an array of senior living options to accommodate varying care levels and budgets. Pennsylvania’s senior population over the age of 60 are expected to make up nearly one-third of the state’s population by the year 2030.
The rapid increase in Philadelphia’s aging population puts a demand on the state government to provide accessible and inclusive care resources to all senior Pennsylvanians. Efforts have been made by city officials over the years to help make Philadelphia a senior-friendly city with the creation of affordable housing, meal delivery services, and senior community centers. Philadelphia’s Age-Friendly Action Plan outlines future plans to make community benefits and resources more available to all seniors. This includes expanding access to internet resources, increasing availability of home modifications and repairs, and providing culturally inclusive services to the city’s diverse communities.
Additionally, Pennsylvania’s 2022-2023 state budget plans to invest over $500 million into long-term care and skilled nursing facilities. Specifically, skilled nursing facilities will receive a 17.5% Medicaid rate increase. This is expected to help narrow the gap between Medicaid reimbursement and the cost of care at a skilled nursing facility by providing an additional $35 in Medicaid per resident per day. The state’s budget will also allocate leftover stimulus funds to senior care communities, including both skilled nursing and assisted living care types.
For many, a stay in a nursing home or skilled nursing facility isn’t usually a permanent living option. It’s usually just a short-term stay for recovery or treatment. Planning ahead for long-term care after a recovery can help make for a smooth and safe transition. Luckily, the city offers an array of senior living options to accommodate varying care levels and budgets. Understanding all of these options will make it easier to determine the best fit for an individual’s unique needs.
Skilled nursing facilities offer the highest level of care of all senior care types. Unlike general assisted living residences, a stay in a skilled nursing facility is ordered by a doctor or physician for either hospice or for a rehabilitation following a hospitalization or illness. Staff in these units consist of medical professionals and licensed nurses who provide round-the-clock care and supervision.
With over 30 partnered assisted living communities within 10 miles of Center City district in Philadelphia, A Place for Mom can help you find the right assisted living community for you or your family. Assisted living communities are an ideal fit for seniors who need help with everyday tasks but still wish to maintain as much independence as possible. These communities vary significantly in costs depending on many factors, like the senior’s required care services and on-site amenities. Residents in Philadelphia assisted living communities often enjoy amenities such as chef-prepared meals, on- and off-site activities, and transportation services.
Memory care communities in Philadelphia can provide specialized activities and therapies to residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Memory care communities in Philadelphia are required to provide staff with dementia-specific training and will typically feature enhanced safety features, such as enclosed courtyards and secured entryways. Some communities may offer memory care exclusively, but many assisted living communities also have memory care units, with a separate wing or neighborhood for memory care residents. These types of communities make it easy for couples with different care needs to remain living on the same campus.
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Percentage of Philadelphia’s population that is made up of seniors ages 65 and older
Percentage of Philadelphians living with a disease
Seniors in Philadelphia have access to some of the top medical care in the country. These medical care centers and hospitals are known for their outstanding cancer and diabetes care and for their specialties, such as neurology.
Penn Presbyterian is ranked No. 1 in both Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia metro and No. 13 in the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals Honor Roll.” On top of being nationally ranked in 12 adult specialties, it’s ranked as a high-performing hospital in two adult specialties and 19 procedures and conditions.
Jefferson University Hospital follows as the No. 2 hospital in Philadelphia and No. 3 in Pennsylvania. In addition to being nationally recognized in nine adult specialties, Jefferson University Hospital has received Age-Friendly Health System designations for its exceptional care provided to older adults.
Main Line Lankenau Medical Center is located in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, and is Philadelphia’s No. 3 hospital. 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 nationally ranked in one adult specialty and is the No. 4 hospital in Philadelphia. It’s regarded as a high-performing hospital in 13 procedures and conditions, which include heart failure, uterine cancer surgery, and hip and knee replacements.
While Philadelphia steadily ranks as one of the country’s most walkable cities, there are plenty of transit ways to get around the city, as well. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) provides public transportation in and around the city via its bus, trolley, subway, and train routes.
Public transportation is free to Philadelphia residents ages 65 and older with a SEPTA Senior Fare Card. This covers transportation within the city and the surrounding areas, making it easier to plan weekend getaways to see the grandkids. SEPTA CCT Connect also offers door-to-door senior transportation services. You can find additional city transportation resources below or by dialing 2-1-1.
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
NJ Transit
Customer Service: 1 (973) 275-5555
Philadelphia, or “Philly” as it’s lovingly known, is a city thriving in history and culture. Iconic landmarks represent symbolic moments in history, both American and cinematic nostalgia. From the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall to the “Rocky steps” in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the city is filled with attractions to entertain all interests, ages, and abilities. Seniors can also find several senior community centers throughout Philadelphia that offer nutritious meals, social activities, and convenient services, such as transportation.
Around 97% of Philadelphia nursing homes coordinate their own on-site activities and events, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.{{citation: 1}} Many Philadelphia senior living communities also plan off-site activities and provide shuttle buses to fully enjoy the city’s local amenities, like shopping, dining, and cultural events. And, several of Philadelphia’s popular attractions are completely wheelchair accessible; for example, the National Constitution Center, the Philadelphia Zoo, and Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Additionally, Penn Museum partners with Philly Touch Tours to provide accessible tours for people with impaired vision. In a culturally and historically rich city like Philadelphia, there is always something to do or see.
The Birches at Newtown, Chestnut Knoll and Brookdale Westampton are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Philadelphia, PA. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Philadelphia is 5,726 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Genworth. (2021). Cost of care survey.
Heisler, E. (2022, July 12). Long-term care receives priority in Pennsylvania’s budget with historic investments in senior care. Pennsylvania Health Care Association.
SmartAsset. (2021). Pennsylvania Retirement Tax Friendliness.
Wolf, T., & Torres, R. (2020). State plan on aging 2020-2024: Keystone for empowered aging. Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
American Community Survey 2021: ACS 1-year estimates subject tables. U.S. Census Bureau.
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