Situated on picturesque Lake Erie — the fourth-largest of the Great Lakes — Erie offers an ideal environment for seniors in memory care who seek a tranquil lifestyle and a strong sense of community. Presque Isle Bay and its serene waterfront offer an opportunity to indulge in maritime activities and take in views from the shore for you and your loved one.
Memory care communities often follow structured daily routines and offer specialized programs and activities that are designed to engage residents and stimulate their cognitive abilities. These can include memory-enhancing activities, socialization opportunities, physical exercises, and sensory stimulation programs, all in a secure environment where you can feel comfortable knowing your loved one is safe and well cared for.
This guide offers a detailed overview of our partner memory care facilities in Erie, including cost and payment options, regulatory guidelines, available health care services, transportation options, and suggestions for engaging activities and places to visit with loved ones.
If I could not be in my own home, this is the only place I’d want to be. Everyone here is so friendly and goes above and beyond for the residents. There’s always someone here to help. Lovely atmosphere,...
Let me start by saying she was only there for a little over a month. She loved it there compared to [community name removed] She quickly went down hill with difficulty eating and drinking. She was...
I have been a resident at Westlake Woods for 4 months. The staff tries to be responsive to resident needs and unplanned absences and turnover have a demise impact on that.
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We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
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According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, the average actual monthly cost of memory care in Erie at our partner facilities is $4,980, which includes associated fees and additional services.[01] This amount covers meals and dining, care services, transportation, and personalized care plans and activities.
The following breakdown of costs illustrates the price of living in memory care in the Erie area before any additional fees are considered.
Seniors and their families have access to several methods to finance memory care. For example, programs like Medicare and Medicaid can cover specific health care expenses, while private funding can help with custodial costs like rent.
While some individuals choose to rely on a single financial source to support their transition to memory care, most people combine multiple income streams to cover expenses and maximize the benefits they are entitled to.
This section will offer insights into how programs like Medicaid, Medicare, VA benefits, and private payments can be utilized to finance memory care in Erie.
Private pay methods are used in some capacity by most seniors and families to pay for Erie memory care. These income sources include Social Security benefits, pensions, returns on investments, and the following options:
Number of veterans who live in Erie
About 30% of Erie veterans are 75+
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides benefits to help those who served with the cost of care and improving their lives. One of these benefits is the VA Pension, which Erie veterans can use to cover the costs of memory care facilities and other expenses. Another benefit is the Aid and Attendance benefit, which offers financial assistance for veterans who need daily assistance and is added to the VA Pension.
Connecting with a veterans service officer before submitting benefit applications is a good idea. These officers are trusted sources of information on benefits and eligibility criteria. Pennsylvania residents can easily access an online directory of veterans service officers categorized by county. These offices can also help your loved one at veterans services organizations (VSOs), such as Erie’s American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts, or through the Erie County Department of Veterans Affairs.
Resources for Erie veterans
Erie County Department of Veterans Affairs
140 W. Sixth St., Room 111
Erie, PA 16501
Phone: 814-451-6265
Email: veteraninfo@eriecountypa.gov
Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
560 E. Third St.
Erie, PA 16507
Phone: 814-878-4980
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 470
1808 W. 26th St.
Erie, PA 16508
Phone: 814-456-1339
American Legion Post 700
1938 Buffalo Road
Erie, PA 16510
Phone: 814-898-0410
American Legion Post 771
260 E. Third St.
Erie, PA 16507
Phone: 814-455-4892
American Legion Post 773
4109 W. 12th St.
Erie, PA 16505
Phone: 814-838-3980
Disabled American Veterans
135 E. 38th St.
Erie, PA 16504
Phone: 717-216-6153
Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services is responsible for administering Medical Assistance (MA), also known as Medicaid. While MA focuses on providing health care services, it does not cover memory care’s custodial costs (room and board) for Erie residents. However, seniors can check their eligibility for Pennsylvania’s home and community based services waiver (HCBS) programs, which would help cover care delivered to a resident of a memory care facility in Erie.
For Medicaid-related advice and application assistance, the Area Agency on Aging, operated by the Greater Erie Community Action Committee (GECAC), offers financial counseling and support. There, you can find a Long-Term Care Ombudsman, who can assist individuals in memory care communities by educating them on their rights and offering support with Medicaid.
Applications for Medical Assistance can be submitted online through the COMPASS website. Alternatively, you can fill out the application and send it by mail to the Erie County Assistance Office.
Erie resident Medicaid resources
Erie County Assistance Office
1316 Holland St.
P.O. Box 958
Erie, PA 16512
Phone: 814-461-2000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Greater Erie Community Action Committee
18 W. Ninth St.
Erie, PA 16501
Phone: 814-459-4581
Contact: Carolyn DiMattio, Ombudsman
Phone: 814-459-4581, Ext. 593
Email: ombudsman@gecac.org
Medicare does not cover room and board, also known as custodial costs, for residents of a memory care facility, but it does provide coverage for certain medical expenses for individuals aged 65 and above.
Medicare consists of Part A and Part B, with different coverage levels.
In order to alleviate the financial burden of deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments associated with Medicare Parts A and B, the Pennsylvania Medicare Cost-Savings Programs offer valuable assistance by covering or reducing those costs. The state also provides a Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly program, commonly referred to as PACE and PACENET, which specifically cater to Medicare Part D prescription expenses. The application process for PACE and PACENET is convenient, allowing individuals to apply online, over the phone, or by downloading an application to be submitted to the address listed in the resources below.
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), alternatively known as LIFE (Living Independence for the Elderly), is a supplementary program designed to meet the needs of eligible seniors who — without it — would need to be cared for in a nursing home. In Erie, this program is administered through the LIFE Northwestern Pennsylvania center, where dedicated providers deliver a comprehensive range of social services and health care directly to the homes (including memory care facilities) of seniors in need.
Seniors in Erie looking for assistance with their Medicare applications can rely on Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA MEDI), which provides knowledgeable counselors dedicated to helping navigate the Medicare enrollment process and eligibility for any cost-saving programs.
For more Medicare inquiries, contact the Social Security Administration. The Greater Erie Community Action Committee (GECAC) Area Agency on Aging provides advocacy services and additional support through the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program for Medicare-related concerns. When ready, sign up for Medicare online or at your local Social Security office.
Erie resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration Office
717 State St., No. 500
Erie, PA 16501
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA MEDI)
Phone: 800-783-7067
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Greater Erie Community Action Committee
18 W. Ninth St.
Erie, PA 16501
Phone: 814-459-4581
Contact: Carolyn DiMattio, Ombudsman
Phone: 814-459-4581, Ext. 593
Email: ombudsman@gecac.org
Greater Erie Community Action Committee Area Agency on Aging
18 W. Ninth St.
Erie, PA 16501
Phone: 814-459-4581
Mail paper applications to:
P.O. 8806
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8806
Phone: 800-225-7223
Fax: 888-656-0372
Email: papace@magellanhealth.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
LIFE – Northwestern Pennsylvania
121 W. 12th St.
Erie, PA 16501
Phone: 844-456-5433
Memory care communities, as a specialized form of assisted living, are regulated under the same guidelines as assisted living facilities (assisted living residences or ALRs in Pennsylvania). The Department of Human Services is responsible for regulating and licensing memory care facilities, conducting annual inspections as a minimum requirement.
Memory care facilities and ALRs fall under the umbrella of personal care homes, which are places for seniors to reside and receive support with shelter, meals, personal care, and supervision. ALRs go beyond the services provided by personal care homes and encompass laundry, housekeeping, daily activities, medication administration, transportation, round-the-clock supervision, basic cognitive support services, and additional health care services.
Inspections typically involve on-site visual inspections, reviews of facility records, and interviews with staff, residents, and families. Additional requirements include:
Memory care communities also require a special care designation to demonstrate their ability to care for residents with cognitive difficulties. This designation includes ensuring the following:
The Department of Human Services Provider Directory enables seniors and their families to discover licensed facilities, while personal care home reports grant access to inspection information. To gain a comprehensive understanding of inspection procedures and more, individuals can peruse the regulatory compliance guide.
Erie County Department of Health
606 W. Second St.
Erie, PA 16507
Phone: 877-724-3258
At present, the city of Erie does not have any COVID-19 mandates in effect. However, it is vital for individuals to stay informed and adhere to the latest guidelines and recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Additionally, facilities may have their own regulations, so it’s a good idea to check with any facility you’re interested in.
Vaccines are strongly recommended by the CDC and are readily available to all eligible individuals in Erie County.
It is advisable to wear masks as needed. Individuals experiencing symptoms, having tested positive for COVID-19, or having been in contact with the virus should wear masks indoors.
Health care settings and senior care facilities should have alcohol-based sanitizers readily available for visitors and disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly.
It is recommended to practice social distancing from individuals who have had contact with those who have tested positive for COVID-19.
Memory care in Erie is a specialized form of long-term care designed for individuals with memory loss, particularly those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. These facilities are considered a type of personal care home, which is defined by primarily providing seniors with shelter, meals, supervision, and other personal care. Memory care communities provide a safe and supportive environment that caters specifically to the unique needs of individuals with cognitive impairments.
Trained staff members in memory care communities have expertise in caring for individuals with memory loss. They understand the challenges associated with dementia and are skilled in providing compassionate care. Staff members receive specialized training on communication techniques, behavior management, and memory-enhancing activities.
In our partner Erie memory care communities, the physical layout and design are often structured to promote safety and minimize confusion. This can include secured entrances and exits, color-coded corridors, and clear signage to help residents navigate the environment. The living spaces are typically designed to be easy to navigate and promote familiarity.
Memory care communities we partner with in Erie provide enhanced security measures for those seeking additional safety precautions. These communities typically feature secured environments with enclosed courtyards and designated indoor and outdoor walking paths for a breath of fresh Lake Erie air. Specifically designed to cater to individuals with memory loss, these communities often offer systems such as WanderGuard to further ensure the safety of residents.
One of the benefits of transitioning to memory care in Erie is the presence of a supportive community and the chance to connect with individuals who share similar interests. Residents can enjoy diverse activities tailored to their preferences, including social gatherings like reminiscence and pet-focused programs. Various movement and exercise classes are available, which are beneficial for those with cognitive difficulties, such as yoga and tai chi.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Erie
Median annual income for Erie seniors 65 and older
AHN St. Vincent Hospital, with five locations throughout Erie, provides a wide range of health care services. Recognized nationwide for its excellence, the hospital excels in cancer and pain management, cardiovascular care, and orthopedics. To ensure timely assistance and support, St. Vincent Hospital offers a complimentary nurse line available 24/7, allowing individuals to receive guidance and address their health concerns at any time.
UPMC is a highly regarded health care provider offering a comprehensive range of inpatient and outpatient services, including urgent care. UPMC has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top performer in Renowned for its expertise in kidney transplants, orthopedics, cancer treatment, and four other procedures and conditions.
Erie’s VA Medical Center offers urgent care, general surgery, mental health care, pain management, orthopedics, and more to Erie’s veteran population. The center also has a pharmacy and offers Telehealth visits.
Erie has several transportation options for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia who are unable to travel by themselves. First and foremost, our partner memory care facilities offer transportation to residents — some offer it at cost while it is complimentary at other locations.
For those who can safely use a fixed-route bus service with a caregiver, the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA) operates a bus service in Erie, with a comprehensive network of 20 routes covering various areas of the city every day except Sunday. To support seniors aged 65 and above, EMTA offers a Senior Citizen Program that grants free rides on any EMTA bus. Interested seniors can access the program application online.
In addition to the regular fixed-route bus service, EMTA provides specialized paratransit services. The paratransit service offers rides at varying prices, ranging from $2.25 to $6.75. However, seniors attending medical appointments or senior centers can benefit from complimentary transportation through this service.
For veterans in need of transportation assistance for scheduled medical appointments, the Erie VA Medical Center, in collaboration with Disabled American Veterans (DAV), offers transportation services and allows caregivers to accompany anyone needing assistance.
For individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia, Erie offers a wonderful range of art experiences tailored to their needs. The Erie Art Museum, in addition to the art on display, provides opportunities for seniors to deeply engage with art through events and art classes. Special discounts are available, ensuring accessibility for seniors to immerse themselves in the art world.
Erie is a perfect getaway for seniors who enjoy the great outdoors. While Lake Erie serves as a prominent attraction, providing a tranquil setting for relaxation and people-watching, there are plenty of options beyond lakefront activities. One notable gem is the vast 3,200-acre Presque Isle State Park. Here, you can spend the afternoon exploring the scenic trails, engaging in fishing activities, or simply indulging in a picnic with your loved ones while soaking up the sun.
Asbury Woods is another choice for those who are more mobile and enjoy the outdoors. This 216-acre park organizes various events throughout the year, including concerts and exclusive dining experiences, allowing seniors and their families to enjoy the beauty of nature and participate in organized activities.
If you’re looking for a special dining experience for your loved one, consider The Station Dinner Theatre. Savor a delightful three-course meal along with coffee or tea, all while enjoying an enchanting performance. This venue promises an unforgettable evening with friends or family. It’s worth noting that the theater also offers wheelchair seating to ensure comfortable accommodations for individuals with mobility needs.
There is growing evidence that animals can have a positive impact on people with Alzheimer’s or dementia, whether it’s through improved social interactions or sensory stimulation. For seniors who are in the earlier stages of dementia, a trip to Erie Zoo is always a fun experience with the family. This zoo has more than 400 animals and offers a senior discount. It also features wheelchair-accessible trails (with wheelchairs for rent) for those unable to walk long distances.
For a more passive experience but one that is just as enriching, consider visiting some feline friends at Purrista Cat Cafe. This low-key cafe is by appointment and only allows 12 people in at a time which is helpful for those who might feel stressed by excessive noise or activity. If you want to enjoy a coffee with your loved ones but cats aren’t their thing, Memory Cafe might be a wonderful option. This event, on the first and third Thursday of every month, allows people with Alzheimer’s, and their caregivers, to connect and enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed environment. Reservations at Memory Cafe are not necessary but preferred.
The Residence at Presque Isle Bay, Parkside at Glenwood and Westlake Woods are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Erie, PA. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in Erie is $5,099 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (n.d.). St. Vincent Hospital-Erie.
U.S. News and World Report. (n.d.). UPMC Hamot.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (n.d.). St. Vincent Hospital-Erie.
U.S. News and World Report. (n.d.). UPMC Hamot.