Alzheimer's disease was responsible for more than 4,100 deaths in Pennsylvania in 2019, according to a report released by the Alzheimer's Association. This makes it the sixth leading cause of death in the state. Nationally, the CDC reports that 5.8 million Americans aged 65 and older were living with Alzheimer's disease in 2020. By 2060, this number is expected to increase to nearly 14 million.
Memory care facilities provide those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia with care that is tailored to their unique needs. Memory care can take place in its own facility, or as part of a designated wing of another residential care community. Staff members of memory care units or facilities undergo specialized training in caring for those with memory impairment, and the facilities often coordinate social activities and schedules specifically for the needs of those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
This guide will cover the cost of memory care in Pennsylvania, financial assistance options for paying for memory care, free memory care resources in the state, and a directory of memory care facilities in Pennsylvania.
Because of the specialized staff training and resources required to provide high-quality memory care, memory care typically costs more than other types of residential care. On average, memory care will cost 20-30% more than assisted living.
To calculate the cost of memory care, we added 25% to the assisted living rates reported in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. In Pennsylvania, memory care costs an average of $5,125 per month, which is more affordable than the average in the neighboring states of New Jersey ($8,119), Maryland ($6,125), Ohio ($5,794) and New York ($5,725). It's also less than the national median of $5,625 per month.
Within Pennsylvania, the cost of memory care varies depending on location. Due to its proximity to New Jersey, Philadelphia has some of the highest costs in the state, averaging $7,106 per month. To the north in Allentown, the cost drops to $5,980. Pittsburgh is close to Ohio and West Virginia, both of which have relatively low costs of living. As a result, the cost of memory care in Pittsburgh averages just $4,063 per month. Memory care is even more affordable in Scranton, at an average of $3,594.
In Pennsylvania, the Medicaid program is known as Medical Assistance. Although Medical Assistance doesn't directly pay for memory care services, Pennsylvania offers the Community HealthChoices Waiver to support eligible individuals who need long-term care.
Community HealthChoices Waiver
Pennsylvania's Community HealthChoices Waiver allows older adults and some younger people with disabilities to receive the services they need to stay in their communities. It doesn't cover the cost of room and board at an assisted living facility, but it can be used to pay for case management and services such as personal care and assistance with activities of daily living. Participants may also qualify for assistive technology to enhance their safety.
Applicants must live in Pennsylvania and be able to provide proof of citizenship, refugee status or lawful resident status. Medical Assistance is a need-based program, so it also has strict income limits based on household size. In 2022, the income limit for applicants interested in Community HealthChoices and other waiver programs is $30,276 per year for a single applicant.
For married couples, the limit depends on whether both spouses need coverage. If both spouses are applying, the income limit is $60,552 per year, with $30,276 allowed for each spouse. If only one spouse is applying, the limit is $30,276 per year for that spouse.
Medicaid also has limits on the value of assets owned by enrollees. In 2022, the resource limit in Pennsylvania is $2,000 for single applicants. For married couples, the limit is $4,000 ($2,000 per spouse) if both spouses are applying. If only one spouse needs coverage, the resource limit is $2,000 for the applicant and $137,400 for the non-applicant.
2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Pennsylvania
family size | annual income limits | asset limits |
---|---|---|
Single Person | $30,276 | |
Two-Person Household (Single Applicant) | $30,276 | $2,000 for applicant & $137,400 for non-applicant |
Two-Person Household (Dual Applicants) | $60,552 | $4,000 |
How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid in Pennsylvania
There are various resources available to assist seniors and their families with understanding and applying for Medical Assistance coverage to help with the cost of memory care.
resource | contact | description |
---|---|---|
Medical Assistance Eligibility Handbook | Online | The Medical Assistance Eligibility Handbook provides detailed information on the benefits available under the Pennsylvania Medical Assistance program. It also explains how program employees determine if an applicant meets the income eligibility requirements. |
Pennsylvania Health Law Project | 800-274-3258 | The Pennsylvania Health Law Project assists residents who need help getting Medicaid coverage or accessing needed services. PHLP operates a helpline that serves as an initial point of contact for Pennsylvanians who have Medicaid problems that need to be resolved. |
Community Legal Services of Philadelphia | 215-981-3700 | Community Legal Services of Philadelphia provides legal services to Pennsylvania residents who are having difficulty getting approved for Medicaid. The organization also assists residents who've been approved for Medicaid and are having trouble getting certain services covered. |
Unfortunately, Medicare does not generally cover the cost of Memory Care. Most Memory Care Facilities are considered to be "social settings," so Medicare does not cover the cost incurred in these facilities. The only exception to that is if you are receiving memory care services in a Nursing Home. While this situation is much less common, Medicare would sometimes cover the cost, depending on a number of circumstances.
That being said, Medicare does still cover qualified doctor visits, medications, etc., as it would if you were still at home, but it will not cover the cost of care received at the Memory Care Facility.
In addition to the state programs mentioned above, those looking for resources to finance memory care may consider:
In Pennsylvania, assisted living facilities have two levels of licensing. These are assisted living residences (ALRs) and personal care homes (PCHs). PCHs are not available to residents who require a nursing home level of care. Both levels of facilities are permitted to care for those with memory impairment and are licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
Facilities offering memory care must detail how they care for people with dementia, including their philosophy, staff training and the activities designed to meet the needs of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Facilities are inspected annually and in response to complaints.
Both types of facility provide services beyond room and board to residents. For residents who don’t require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), services include laundry and cognitive supports. Other residents receive assistance with ADLs, transportation and medication assistance.
Facilities that have a secure dementia care unit are required to provide certain services on a weekly basis, including:
Resident participation in these activities must be voluntary.
There is a wide range of residents who may be admitted into ALRs and PCHs. There are some restrictions on who can be admitted, but facilities can request an exception from the licensing agent under certain conditions. The below table gives an overview of who may or may not be admitted.
Residents Who May Be Admitted
Older adults and people with:
Residents Who May NOT Be Admitted
Those who require:
In addition, PCHs cannot admit or retain any residents who require a nursing home level of care.
A medical evaluation is required prior to admission to an ALR. This must be conducted by a physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner. The evaluation determines if the individual can be safely served in the facility and also helps develop a service plan. A further assessment is conducted within 30 days of admission to determine the support plan, with reassessments conducted yearly. Support plans are updated after a significant change in condition or at the Department’s request.
PCHs must also conduct an assessment prior to admission. This determines if the facility can meet the applicant’s needs. A support plan that takes into consideration the resident’s communication abilities, mobility, medication administration needs and cognitive functioning must be written and implemented within 30 days.
Both facility types must assess individuals within 72 hours of their admission to a secured dementia care unit. Memory care residents must be reassessed annually to determine if they need continuing residency.
Both facility types must provide assistance with self-administration of medication, if required. This assistance includes remembering medication schedules, storing medication and offering medication at the correct time. Medication administration services must be provided to residents who have been assessed as needing them and those who choose not to self-administer. These services must be provided by licensed professionals or staff that have completed and passed approved medication administration training.
Secured dementia care units in both ALRs and PCHs cannot have more than two residents occupying a living space. Facilities must also provide both indoor and outdoor exercise space. Each facility must detail how they will enhance environmental awareness, minimize stimulation and maximize independence for memory care residents. Doors equipped with locking systems may be installed with written approval from the Department.
ALRs must have direct care staff to provide personal care assistance to residents, and there must be direct care staff awake at all times. Each mobile resident must receive at least one hour of assisted living services each day, and those with mobility needs must receive at least two hours of care daily. Administrators must also be present in the residence for an average of at least 36 hours a week. While there are no minimum staffing ratios, there must be enough staff to meet the needs detailed in residents’ care plans.
Both administration and direct care staff must complete and pass the licensing agency-approved training. Administrators must complete 24 hours of continuing education each year, and direct care staff must complete 16 hours of annual training relating to their job responsibilities. Staff working with memory care residents must complete an additional eight hours of dementia-specific training within 30 days of being hired and at least eight hours of dementia training annually.
PCHs also have no minimum staff ratios. There must be at least one direct care staff person awake whenever residents are present. In addition, the administrator must be present for an average of at least 20 hours each week. PCH administrators must have 24 hours of annual training relating to their job responsibilities, and direct care staff must complete 12 hours of annual training. Direct care staff working with memory care residents must complete at least six hours of dementia-specific training in addition to other prescribed annual training.
Pennsylvania does not have any programs that cover residents in assisted living residences or personal care homes. However, Medicaid covers those residing in nursing home facilities.
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging has a 24-hour hotline for the reporting of elder abuse, whether the person lives at home or in a care facility. Reporters can remain anonymous and have legal protection from retaliation. The Department of Aging can be reached by phone on 1-800-490-8505.
Memory loss is a concerning issue, but Pennsylvania residents have access to many helpful resources. The state has two universities engaged in cutting-edge research, along with nonprofit organizations that can provide information on using health insurance to cover the cost of dementia-related care. Support groups also exist to help caregivers understand more about dementia and its effects.
resource | contact | description |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at the University of Pennsylvania | 215-349-8226 | Established at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center aims to educate community members on Alzheimer's disease and research potential cures for this form of dementia. The ADRC offers many free services to people with Alzheimer's disease and their family members. |
Penn Memory Center | 215-662-7810 | Penn Memory Center is a one-stop resource for adults aged 65 and older who are experiencing memory loss and other signs of cognitive decline. In addition to evaluating and diagnosing patients, the professionals at Penn Memory Center conduct research and educate community members about recent advances in dementia-related research. |
University of Pittsburgh Alzheimer's Disease Research Center | 412-692-2700 | The University of Pittsburgh Alzheimer's Disease Research Center offers memory evaluations for people who've been experiencing forgetfulness or difficulty thinking. After each evaluation, the ADRC team meets to make a diagnosis. Participants receive counseling and education to help them choose appropriate treatments. |
Alzheimer's Association Greater Pennsylvania | 800-272-3900 | Alzheimer's Association Greater Pennsylvania provides information, training and support to help people with Alzheimer's disease maintain the highest quality of life possible. AAGP also provides support to caregivers and maintains a comprehensive database of community resources for people with Alzheimer's disease. |
Area Agencies on Aging | 717-541-4214 | Area Agencies on Aging provide support for older adults and their caregivers. Pennsylvanians with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia may benefit from speaking with an AAA representative about using Medicare, Medicaid or long-term care insurance to cover dementia-related care costs. |
Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/13/2022. Since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, be sure to contact your Memory Care Facility or local Area Agency on Aging for the most up-to-date information.
question | answer |
---|---|
Am I allowed to visit my loved one in person? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
Is my loved one required to quarantine after I visit him or her? | No |
Am I required to wear a mask if I visit my loved one in person? | Yes |
Are visitors screened for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
Are residents allowed to leave the facility at-will? | Yes |
Are residents of senior living facilities who leave required to quarantine when they get back? | No (Conditions Apply) |
Are staff members and contractors checked for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
Are staff members and contractors tested for COVID-19? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
Do staff members have to regularly screen residents for COVID-19 symptoms? | Yes |
Do staff members have to regularly check residents for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
Do staff members have to regularly test residents for COVID-19? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |