10 Best Nursing Homes in Erie, PA

Seniors and their families have a range of choices when financing long-term care. Medicare and Medicaid offer coverage for specific health care expenses, while private funding can be utilized for custodial costs such as room and board.

It is common for individuals to combine multiple income streams and benefit programs to cover their expenses effectively. In the following sections, you will gain insight into how private pay, Medicaid, Medicare, and VA benefits can be utilized to address the costs associated with care in Erie.

Laws and regulations are primarily guided by the type of long-term care community you choose. For example, nursing homes in Pennsylvania undergo annual licensing and inspections conducted by the state Department of Health. These inspections serve various purposes, including:

• Observing staff and resident interactions
• Ensuring residents have necessary services in a safe and comfortable environment
• Ensuring nutritionally balanced and delicious meals
• Verifying appropriate management of medication

Erie’s nursing home inspection reports are available online on the Department of Health website. In addition to being inspected for compliance with Pennsylvania laws, nursing homes are also federally regulated and checked against those standards, too.

Assisted living and memory care facilities laws and regulations

The Department of Human Services oversees the licensing and regulation of assisted living facilities, memory care communities, and personal care homes in Pennsylvania. Personal care homes are residences that provide shelter, meals, supervision, and assistance with personal care for seniors. Assisted living facilities, which are called assisted living residences (ALRs) in Pennsylvania, provide everything that a personal care home does plus laundry, housekeeping, daily activities, medication administration, transportation, 24-hour supervision, basic cognitive support services, and supplemental health care services.

Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services conducts regular inspections, typically at least once a year, to ensure compliance. The regulations for assisted living include the following:

• Availability of a licensed nurse: Memory care communities must have a licensed nurse available on-site or through on-call services to provide continuous care.
• Staff training and competency: Staff interacting with residents must undergo training and pass a competency test on providing Activities of Daily Living (ADL) services. Memory care facilities are also expected to develop and schedule annual staff training plans.
• Personalized assessment and support plans: Each resident in memory care must have a customized assessment and support plan tailored to their specific needs.

Many memory care communities are part of a larger assisted living facility, so while memory care follows the same guidelines as assisted living, they must also obtain a special care designation to demonstrate their capability to provide care for individuals with cognitive difficulties. This designation includes the following requirements:

• Comprehensive memory care support: Memory care communities must offer nonpharmacological interventions, establish routine schedules, and provide daily programming designed to support individuals with memory impairments.
• Diverse activity offerings: The communities are expected to provide a range of activities every week, including self-care, social engagement, sensory stimulation, outdoor experiences, and exercise opportunities.

The Department of Human Services Provider Directory helps seniors and families find licensed assisted living and memory care facilities, while personal care home reports provide detailed inspection information for these facilities. For more details on inspections and procedures, consult the regulatory compliance guide.

Pennsylvania Department of Health contact information

Erie County Department of Health
606 W. Second St.
Erie, PA 16507
Phone: 877-724-3258

COVID-19 regulations for Erie nursing homes

Currently, there are no COVID-19 mandates in effect in the city of Erie. However, individuals must stay updated and follow the latest guidelines and recommendations from reputable sources like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). It is also advisable to check with the specific facilities you plan to visit, as they may have their own regulations.

Long-term senior care communities in Erie offer a nurturing and pleasant setting for individuals who need support with daily activities while promoting independence and fostering a sense of belonging. With Lake Erie on the horizon, Erie offers tranquil lakeside living for seniors looking to settle down and get extra care. Care is tailored to meet each individual’s specific needs, whether it involves assisting with bathing and dressing or medication management. Trained staff members are available to ensure the well-being and comfort of residents at all times in our partner assisted living and memory care facilities in Erie.

Skilled nursing care versus other types of care

While the term nursing home is commonly used as a general label for different senior living choices, it refers to skilled nursing care. Skilled nursing facilities in Erie primarily cater to individuals with significant health conditions, offering specialized care to meet their needs. These facilities prioritize assistance with personal care, dedicated attention from staff members, on-site health care services, rehabilitation programs, and palliative care for those in need. While A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with stand-alone nursing homes, we do have assisted living and memory care partners, which may provide the type of care your loved one needs.

Personal care homes are another type of care in Pennsylvania. They provide seniors with shelter, meals, supervision, and other personal care needs. Assisted living residences (ALRS) provide all of those services and more, including 24-hour supervision, housekeeping and laundry, daily activities, administering medication, transportation, basic cognitive support services, and supplemental health care services.

Care designed with seniors in mind

For individuals who value increased safety measures, our partner assisted living communities and memory care facilities in Erie offer enhanced security features. These communities commonly provide secured environments with enclosed courtyards and designated indoor and outdoor walking paths for fresh Great Lake air. In particular, many are designed to meet the needs of individuals with memory loss. They may include additional safety systems such as wander guards to protect the well-being and security of residents.

Combined care for an easier future

A Place For Mom partners with facilities in Erie that integrate forms of long-term care. Integrating care services within a single facility offers significant advantages for individuals anticipating their care needs to evolve over time. These integrated long-term care facilities provide a seamless continuum of care, enabling seniors to receive the necessary support while preserving their desired level of independence. For example, one of our partner facilities in Erie combines assisted living with independent living options, and two partner communities offer assisted living with specialized memory care services on the same campus.

Health care for seniors in Erie

Transportation for seniors in Erie

Transportation options in Erie will vary depending on the mobility of your loved one. While most seniors may not drive, it’s important to consider that Erie is primarily a car-centric city. However, visitors will find the city to be pedestrian-friendly, with a well-established public transportation system in place. Additionally, transportation is generally provided at our partner assisted living and memory care facilities. It’s either free or provided at cost.

Erie offers a reliable bus system, providing public transportation for seniors to travel with their loved ones or caregivers. The bus service in Erie is operated by the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA). With a well-developed network of 20 routes, EMTA covers various areas of the city from Monday to Saturday. To support seniors aged 65 and above, EMTA offers a Senior Citizen Program, which provides free rides on any EMTA bus. Seniors who wish to join the program can access the application online.

Apart from the standard fixed-route bus service, EMTA offers specialized paratransit services for individuals unable to use regular buses. The paratransit service provides rides at different rates, ranging from $2.25 to $6.75. However, seniors attending medical appointments or senior centers can avail themselves of complimentary transportation through this service.

For veterans requiring transportation support for scheduled medical appointments, the Erie VA Medical Center, in partnership with Disabled American Veterans (DAV), offers transportation services and allows caregivers to accompany individuals needing assistance.

Senior activities in Erie

Erie offers a wonderful environment for you to enjoy with your loved one when you visit. In addition to the beautiful Lake Erie, a popular destination for relaxation and observing people, many other options are available. One of the standout attractions is the vast 3,200-acre Presque Isle State Park. Take your loved one on a leisurely stroll along the trails, go fishing, or simply enjoy a picturesque picnic while watching the sunset.

The Erie Maritime Museum offers a glimpse into the region’s maritime history. Visitors can step onto the gundeck, explore the intricacies of a mainmast, and stand in awe of the U.S. Brig Niagara, an authentic reconstruction of the flagship from the Battle of Lake Erie. It is recommended to check the docking status of the brig at the port before planning your visit, so you don’t miss the opportunity to behold this historical ship.

Asbury Woods is the perfect choice for individuals who appreciate outdoor activities and prefer organized events. Encompassing 216 acres, this park offers a wide range of events throughout the year, including concerts and exclusive dining experiences. It’s an excellent opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while participating in structured and enjoyable activities.

Research indicates that animals can significantly benefit individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia, enhancing social interactions and providing sensory stimulation. For active seniors and those in the early stages of dementia, a visit to Erie Zoo is an enriching experience to enjoy with family. With over 400 animals to observe, the zoo offers a senior discount and ensures accessibility for wheelchair users through wheelchair-accessible trails (wheelchair rentals are also available), catering to those who may have difficulty walking long distances.

For a serene experience, consider visiting Purrista Cat Cafe, where you can enjoy the company of feline friends. This cozy cafe operates by appointment and restricts entry to 12 people at a time, creating a tranquil atmosphere that is especially beneficial for individuals who may find excessive noise or activity overwhelming.

Memory Cafe could be an excellent alternative if you’re seeking a coffee outing with your loved ones, but cats aren’t your cup of tea. Held on the first and third Thursday of each month, this event offers a relaxed environment for individuals with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers to connect and enjoy each other’s company. While reservations are not required, they are preferred.