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.
The nurses, administration and staff at Residence at Bala have been extremely helpful in caring for my mother-in-law. They are communicative and go out of their way to help. She is in the memory unit but...
I'm happy I chose it for my Mom- it's a great fit and really good care. We picked this community because of the location and size of the residence.
My experience at Phoebe Wyncote Ministries: Independent Senior Living has been mostly positive. I would recommend it as an option for consideration for anyone seeking a place of their own. Especially if...
Good care from aides. Nurses can do little more than pass meds. Several things missing in 2 months-clothing, glasses. Nothing has been found. Expected this in a facility. Most important is that the staff...
No place is perfect! We have to give some grace but things are getting better each day, multiple changes are being made for the better. More organized, plus lovely outdoor spaces, and fountain, I encourage...
My parents are at this facility and they are having a great experience so far, they are over in the independent living section. The only thing that has gone downhill some since covid would be the food.
The price was great and overall it was a decent place. The rooms were bright and a good size. Some of the staff were so wonderful. My mom complained about the food. The facility was clean but older. It was...
Penn Home is an older community but its very good and the people there were very nice, and it was kept pretty clean. The care services were good, however the food was average. There wasn't a huge variety of...
My sister suffers from Alzheimer's. She is still at a stage where she can dress herself and care for herself but is beyond being trusted with a stove, driving or navigating on her own. We found the...
My loved one is satisfied. It is a smaller place and it was a good fit for him. The staff is quick to respond and they check on him every day.
The service is good. My loved one's caretaker has been taking good care of her. She hasn't been complaining about anything. The nurses are very pleasant and helpful. When she hits the call bell they come...
The staff is very caring and follows through on their promises. They return phone calls and are just very responsible for their treatment of the patient.
I think what sticks out most about Premier Cadbury is the friendliness of everyone. They were very welcoming and caring. The facility is a little dated, but it is overall a very nice place.
I was discharged on September 9th 2022 after approximately 5 weeks of therapy and care. Although I feel the care and food were good, I am writing more so about the Therapy experience at the Church Rd...
My Dad was here for 2 weeks and he really liked it. The staff was very good and whatever food they served, he inhaled so he seemed to like that a lot. The dining area was very nice and quaint. They had a few...
We chose this facility at the time because they offered an affordable price and it was close. The room sizes here were decent. This facility has closed and my dad is now in Voorhees senior living. It is very...
McCallum Assisted Living may certainly not be the newest, shiny and modern community but it is nice and we have been very pleased with the staff. It is clean but it is just an older building. The staff are...
Overall a good experience. The staff were amazing. However, it was probably not the best spot for someone with extremely advanced Parkinson's as my dad had. We moved him into my sisters house after about 8...
My aunt has had the same nurse for two years. Staff is so important. Consistency of care at this place is the best I’ve seen. Now, I see the facility is getting the overdue attention that it has needed for a...
Caring and Kind staff. They are always there to help you. They make you feel like you are right at home. The facility is really clean and has a very happy and enriching atmosphere. Highly recommended!
Attentive caregivers in a loving family oriented environment. I appreciate the level of professionalism provided here along with the compassionate care for clients. I highly recommend!
My Mother found a whole new family at Brandywine almost three years ago. And this is because the people that choose to work there treat 1) the job like a vocation, and, 2) the residents like their own...
The chef was excellent. The food was specially made and they could accommodate dietary needs. The care was wonderful. a great staff team. and always at least one nurse on site. They had a...
My parents have been there for a year. The staff is wonderful and very caring. They consistently go above and beyond to make sure everyone is happy and well cared for. I walk in and I am reminded of a...
The community is nice, the location isn't the best. This is because it is off a main road. The community is close to me. The community has mass available to residents, and this is one reason why my...
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 $5,727 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
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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.