There are a lot of reasons to seek assisted living services in Pennsylvania, and we’re going to cover them, along with some things you need to look out for. Our goal is to better inform you, so that you can make an informed decision. Doing research is great, but if you don’t understand the importance and significance about the various things you are researching, that time spend on research isn’t going to be as effective, and it’s very easy to overlook certain things so we’re here to ensure that doesn’t happen.

We’ve compiled this in-depth look at assisted living, memory care, and senior care in Pennsylvania both for people who are from here, or for those who are considering moving from out of state. There are many choices out there, and being able to narrow them down and filter out the ones that don’t meet your needs, so you can focus on the ones that have the best shot of being perfect, is one of the many great luxuries that the internet affords us – so take advantage!

If you’re seeking care for a loved one, you have their best interests in mind. We just want to remind you there isn’t necessarily a be-all-end-all “BEST” place to choose. It’s all about understanding the needs of your loved one, figuring out a reasonable monthly budget, and finding a place that can hit all the right notes. Let’s get right into it…

Quick Facts about Pennsylvania

• This historic state has no shortage of interesting places to go, things to read about, and new things to learn. There’s the Liberty Bell, The National Civil War Museum, and a lot more.
• Pennsylvania is the 33^rd largest state, form Philadelphia, to Pittsburg, to Harrisburg, there’s no shortage of things to do or see across this state, even if it isn’t one of the biggest.
• On the other hand, when it comes to population, it ranks in 6^th place with 12,784,277 people.
• The median household income is average, in 20^th place, at $60,383.
• Some of the facts that make it a nice place to retire, at least as far as money is concerned and being able to stretch those dollars, are the fact that retirement income isn’t taxed at all. That can make a big difference in the long run.

Types of Assisted Living in Pennsylvania

There are two types of assisted living facilities here, they are Personal Care Homes and Assisted Living Residences. The distinction between them is basically the types of care either will provide, and the assessment process that we’ll discuss in a moment helps to determine which one will be the better option for any given individual.

Both types of facilities can provide housing and care to those seeking memory care for cognitive issues, however they both handle it slightly differently and have different requirements, so we strongly recommended looking into both options more in-depth on a facility-by-facility basis.

Requirements for Moving in or Moving Out

Initial assessment information: This is a key aspect, it ensures that you or your loved one are moving into a place that is equipped to meet your needs. It’s important to be completely honest on these types of evaluations, as it will help dictate the types of care one receives for years moving forward. Of course, assessments can be updated, and should be, as one’s condition changes – however it’s also important to be upfront and thorough right from the get-go for an optimal quality of life.

After being admitted, there are still certain conditions that can cause one to be removed and placed into a different type of care. Some of these things are if a ventilator is required, if one has a disease that can be spread through infections, if skilled nursing services are required around the clock, if the resident poses a risk to themselves or others, and more.

General Information About Care

Bathroom requirements: This will vary based on the type of facility, with those in personal care homes potentially being required to share a bathtub or shower among up to 10 people, and having to share a sink and toilet among six individuals. This isn’t a great ratio, but it’s also not the worst.

In an assisted living residence in Pennsylvania, however, every unit must have its own private bathroom.

Medication handling: People living in either type of facility in this state can administer their own medication for themselves, but they can also be helped by a licensed care provider or somebody who has taken the proper training.

Fire and Safety information: Smoke detectors are required, as far fire extinguishers, and alarms that are patched into local emergency services or monitored by a third party around the clock.

Staff Training and Requirements

Staff members in either type of facility need to take safety courses and understand all of the procedures, they need to go through an in-depth orientation process which deals with a variety of things including how to spot and handle abuse, understanding the important rights of every resident who lives there, and those working in more advanced care situations also need to take additional training as well.

Medicaid for Assisted Living in Pennsylvania and Additional Information

When it comes to Medicaid assistance in Pennsylvania, there is not an option for support available. In certain facilities however, there may be other types of state funding available, and it is possible that Medicaid could be available in the future. You can get additional information, or have any lingering questions answered, by contacting the Bureau of Human Services.