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.
I moved into Fountain View two months ago and am enjoying my life here very much. I have especially been rewarded by meeting many compatible people. My newly renovated apartment is beautiful. I have...
First my Mom was in the hospital then she had to leave so I put her in Oakwood rehabilitation, knowing I chose Oakwood Residence for her place to live. It was the best decision I could have made. The rehab...
Thank you. I am very pleased about the quality of service my loved one has received. I highly recommend the facility. The other facilities appeared to have dorm like or nursing room like settings or they...
Very minimal problem. She likes food and some activities and we would recommend the Paul's Run community to other families who may need a place for their loved ones.
Atria Center City has recently replaced most of their senior management. That may be a positive move based on comments from former residents. The facility itself is very nice as is the food. The care is...
They're caring people doing the best they can with limited resources. The chief resident complaints are food choices & lack of transportation.
[names removed] very helpful in bring in new people for care at the facility. They gave a very good tour of the facility, and introducing staff to you. Set up activities on a regular basis to keep...
We were very happy with The Terrace at Chestnut Hill, we highly recommend it. I did not personally attend any meals or activities there. We were happy with the cost.
Simpson House is beautiful. Olde Main offers a unique charm. Cornerstone boasts a more modern appearance and is more expensive. All in all courtesy and respect could be improved at Simpson. Perhaps some...
The Director and administrator we interviewed with were very caring and listened to our needs and concerns. Further dealings after moving in have been equally helpful and supportive. I had the chance to have...
They have been unable to keep enough staff to take care of residents!!! As far as the food goes, they need more of a variety, a proper diet for people with diabetes, and more choices to choose from on the...
My mom is now in memory care, and it’s been the best decision we could have made. Navigating the senior living industry can be overwhelming, but [name removed] from the sales team truly made a difference—he...
From my initial visit when seeking a new home for Mom I felt a warm community spirit at Brookdale Westampton. The “downtown” facade was a welcoming vision of warmth. The entire staff was very friendly and...
Sunrise of Lafayette Hill has been a pleasure. My sister is being properly taken care of with friendly and compassionate staff. She is not being left to rot in bed day and night but encouraged to socialize....
They really provided great care. Just overall care was good. Every time popped in caregivers were always caring and handled situations professionally.
The gardens in the back along with all of the above. Food was delicious, staff was very friendly, the facility was clean and there were no unpleasant odors. I also liked having a washer and dryer right...
My grandmother is always clean, but does sometimes have other's clothes on when we visit or when we pick her up. I know name labels wash off and she often hides clothes from staff, but still we want to be...
Reminds me of a British care home. Intimate. Aides attentive to residents and their families. We picked this community because they have mature staff that seems to really care about their residents.
Sunrise of Haverford has done a great job of providing a safe, clean, positive living experience for my mom. They care about their residents and it shows in everything they do. When we have questions about...
Everyone was very helpful and friendly. Up front about everything. My uncle has been there for 2 months now. He does really like it. The only thing I wish they were more transparent with costs. I was told...
Overall, we are very happy with our choice of Sunrise at Dresher. Mom has been happy there and has made friends. The staff and in particular the nurses on staff are very pleasant to deal with. I have found...
I am so grateful that A Place For Mom recommended Crescent Fields to me when I was looking to place my husband. I felt like I was walking into a beautiful hotel! Every possible amenity that you could think...
Thanks to the wonderful symphony Square staff starting with Susan smoothing out a bumpy road, followed by [name removed] with her kindness and her attention to detail, and [name removed] in the back office...
Cleanliness of facility is most liked. Value for the money least liked. Unfortunately they did not provide hospice care so we had to move him. Would recommend if the patient is able to be somewhat remote on...
I like that the community is small and not intimidating to my mom. I wish they did more stimulating activities. I would recommend this community to other families based on the experience we have had.
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Philadelphia community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
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]
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).[03] 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:
Senior Philadelphian veterans may be eligible for federal benefits from the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to help offset the cost of nursing home or skilled nursing care.
The VA’s pension programs provide supplemental income on a monthly basis to low-income veterans who meet service and financial eligibility requirements. Veterans must also meet one of the following requirements in order to qualify for VA pensions:
The VA Aid and Attendance benefit can be added on top of a veteran’s monthly VA pension amount to help pay for the costs of long-term care. This benefit can be used for long-term care services that include the following:
These services can be provided in different care settings, such as nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care communities. VA Aid and Attendance is supplemental income that can be used for any assisted living costs. Our guide to VA benefits outlines long-term care eligibility for veterans and how to apply for VA benefits.
The VA may also help cover the cost of nursing home or skilled nursing care for eligible Pennsylvania veterans and their spouses at one of the six State Veteran Homes.
Overall number of veterans living in Philadelphia, per data from the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of Philadelphia veterans ages 75+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Additional resources for veterans
City of Philadelphia Office of Veterans Affairs
City Hall, Room 127
Philadelphia, PA 19131
Phone: 215-686-3256
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
VA Philadelphia Regional Office
5000 Wissahickon Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Veterans Administration Center Philadelphia Field Office
Phone: 215-381-3040
Philadelphia Veteran Centers: Northeast Philadelphia Vet Center
101 E. Olney Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19120
Phone: 215-924-4670
Center City Philadelphia Vet Center
801 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 215-627-0238
Joint Military and Family Assistance Center
1048 US Highway 206 South
Bordentown, NJ 08505
Phone: 609-496-9242
Camden/Gloucester County
Woodbury Armory
658 N. Evergreen Ave.
Woodbury, NJ 08096
Phone: 856-853-4184
856-853-4185
856-853-4186
Fax: 856-384-3772
Medicaid benefits vary on a state-by-state basis. Medical Assistance (MA) is Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program that covers long-term care services in a skilled nursing facility, if a doctor confirms there’s a medical need for that level of care. Pennsylvania Medical Assistance doesn’t offer reimbursement for room and board in an assisted living or memory care community. However, a Community HealthChoices (CHC) waiver offers some supportive services in assisted living and memory care communities for individuals receiving both Medicare and Medicaid that meet what’s considered a nursing home level of care.
Applications for Medical Assistance programs can be done using the COMPASS website, which provides access to other sources of assistance and convenient self-service features. New Jersey residents will want to visit the state’s Medicaid website, where they’ll find an application for the NJ FamilyCare Aged, Blind, and Disabled programs. These programs can help seniors age 65+ who need medical services in a long-term care facility.
Medicaid resources
Philadelphia County Assistance Office
801 Market St., #6
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 215-560-7226
Pennsylvania Health Law Project helpline
Phone: 800-274-3258
Pennsylvania Health Access Network (PHAN) helpline
Phone: 877-570-3642
Camden Medicaid office
2 Riverside Drive, #401
Camden, NJ 08103
Phone: 856-614-2870
Camden Department of Human Services
1000 N 6th St.
Camden, NJ 08102
Phone: (856) 757-7285
Medicare normally covers a short-term stay at a Philadelphia skilled nursing facility when that level of care is considered medically necessary by a doctor and is provided in a Medicare-certified facility. Through Medicare, the cost of approved skilled nursing services are covered in full for the first 20 days and a portion of expenses from day 21 until day 100. From day 101 and beyond, all costs in a skilled nursing facility will have to be paid out of pocket. Some of the Medicare-covered expenses include the following:
For the most part, Medicare doesn’t pay for the costs of long-term care. Specifically, this is in regards to the costs to live in long-term care communities and of the many personal care services provided, such as help with activities of daily living (ADLs). However, Medicare can be used for care that’s considered skilled and provided by licensed medical professionals, such as registered nurses and physical therapists.
We know, there’s a lot of confusion when it comes to Medicare and long-term care. To keep things simple, try to remember nonmedical care means it’s usually not covered by Medicare. Medical care that requires support from skilled health professionals is typically covered by Medicare.
You can also look into some of the programs the Pennsylvania Department of Aging offers to help seniors navigate through Medicare:
New Jersey residents can also unlock Medicare savings with help from the state’s Department of Aging Services by applying for NJSave. You can find out even more about Medicare benefits and enrollment by contacting your nearest Social Security Administration office or your local Area Agency on Aging.
Medicare resources
Philadelphia County Area Agency on Aging
642 N. Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: 215-765-9000
PA MEDI Helpline
Phone: 800-783-7067
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
New Jersey Medicare Information and Referral ServicePhone: 1-877-792-8820
Camden County Senior Services Division
512 Lakeland Rd #4
Blackwood, NJ 08012
Phone: (856) 858-3220
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.{{citation: 4}}
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
Number of Philadelphians over the age of 75
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.
Traditions of Cross Keys, Azalea at Cinnaminson 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 $5,821 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.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
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.