Pennsylvania Memory Care Facilities

Pennsylvania is a wonderful state located on the east coast of the United States. Along with other parts of New England, Pennsylvania is known for its high quality of living, scenic views, coastal shoreline, excellent healthcare, and well reputable doctors. It is hard to beat the well-rounded coverage of memory care in Pennsylvania.

The phenomenal service does come with a stiffer price; however, as dementia care homes in Pennsylvania do rank higher than the national average. Pennsylvania currently sits in the Top 10 for memory care cost, just making the cut at number ten for most expensive memory care homes in the nation.

Detailed Cost of Memory Care Facilities in Pennsylvania

While Pennsylvania Alzheimer's care homes do run higher than the national average, compared to the rest of the northeast, they are actually much more affordable.

The average median for the state is $169 per day, slightly higher than the national average. For a monthly stay, families generally spend about $5,000 and $60,000 for the year. It may seem costly, but for quality memory care communities, Pennsylvania rates are actually reasonable, especially for the east coast.

In fact, of the Top 10 priciest states for memory care facilities, seven are located in the northeast part of the United States, and Pennsylvania is the least expensive based on average monthly rates. New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Maryland and New Hampshire all rank within the top six. Pennsylvania Alzheimer’s care homes are substantially lower.

For example, one would expect to spend nearly $6,000 per month in New Jersey or Connecticut for memory care. On the other hand, Pennsylvania is almost $1,000 less per month, which equals savings of $12,000 or more per year. As a result, dementia care homes in Pennsylvania feature the same excellent healthcare and reputable skilled dementia care staff as other parts of the northeast, yet at far lower monthly rates.

Pennsylvania Alzheimer's care facilities can get even lower than the statewide median, as some dementia care homes have prices starting at $100 per day, with a few more in the $120 to $150 price range. The table below details average memory care costs in Pennsylvania, based on estimated facility prices:

Medicaid and Medicare Coverage of Memory Care in Pennsylvania

Understanding how Medicaid and Medicare assist with memory care costs in Pennsylvania is important for families seeking financial support for their loved ones.

Medicare Coverage for Memory Care in Pennsylvania

Medicare, a federal program primarily for individuals aged 65 and older or those with certain disabilities, has limited coverage for memory care services. It does not typically pay for long-term residential care, including memory care facilities. However, it does cover some aspects of treatment and medical services for individuals with memory-related conditions:

• Medical Treatment: Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) cover doctor visits, diagnostic testing, and hospitalization related to memory care needs. For example, if someone with dementia is hospitalized for complications, Medicare may cover the hospital stay and related services.

• Skilled Nursing Care: If a memory care patient requires skilled nursing care following a hospital stay, Medicare may cover a limited period of care in a nursing facility. However, this is usually restricted to up to 100 days and must be medically necessary.

• Prescription Drugs: Medicare Part D can help cover the cost of medications used to treat dementia and its symptoms.

While Medicare offers valuable medical coverage, it does not pay for the non-medical custodial care provided in most memory care facilities in Pennsylvania.

Medicaid Coverage for Memory Care in Pennsylvania

Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, offers more robust support for memory care than Medicare, particularly for those with limited income and assets. In Pennsylvania, Medicaid’s coverage includes services for individuals requiring memory care, often through the state’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) or waiver programs.

• Long-Term Care in Memory Care Facilities: Medicaid can cover the cost of care in nursing homes that provide memory care services. This includes assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, medication management, and supervision.

• Waiver Programs: Pennsylvania operates several Medicaid waiver programs to provide memory care services outside of nursing homes. For example:

  • The Community HealthChoices (CHC) program offers services for seniors and individuals with disabilities, including memory care assistance, in their homes or assisted living facilities.
  • The Aging Waiver supports elderly individuals who need nursing home-level care but prefer to stay in a community setting or memory care facility.

• Eligibility for Medicaid Memory Care: To qualify for Medicaid in Pennsylvania, applicants must meet certain income and asset limits. Pennsylvania also has programs to assist with “spend down” strategies, where individuals can become eligible for Medicaid by reducing their countable income and assets.

What Medicaid and Medicare Don’t Cover

Even with Medicaid and Medicare support, some costs may not be fully covered:

• Private rooms or luxury accommodations in memory care facilities.
• Non-medical services like recreational activities, unless part of a Medicaid-approved program.
• Certain therapies or treatments not deemed medically necessary.

Families often use private funds, long-term care insurance, or veterans' benefits to cover these additional costs.

Key Considerations for Memory Care in Pennsylvania

1. Eligibility for Medicaid: Ensure the applicant meets financial and medical eligibility requirements. Work with a Medicaid planner or an elder law attorney if necessary.
2. Finding a Certified Facility: Not all memory care facilities accept Medicaid. Families should look for facilities that are Medicaid-certified and provide specialized memory care services.
3. Plan Ahead: Since Medicaid eligibility can take time to process, it’s essential to apply early if memory care services will be needed in the future.

By combining Medicare benefits for medical needs with Medicaid for long-term care services, families in Pennsylvania can better manage the costs of memory care for their loved ones.

Understanding Senility, Dementia, and Alzheimer's Disease

Years before, people referred to the decline in a person's physical and cognitive abilities because of their advanced age as senility. Today, senility is treated more as an insult than a medical term because it presents 'being old' as the prime factor in the abnormal changes in a person's body and mind.

To the unaware, dementia may seem like senility because it shows a drastic decline in a person's thinking capabilities over time. However, it is incorrect to assume that having dementia and being senile is the same.

Dementia is an umbrella term that refers to the loss of cognitive abilities, memory, and language due to abnormal alterations in a person's brain. Unlike senility, dementia can affect anyone at any age.

Studies from the Alzheimer's Association posit that Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia in the United States. It was found that 5.8 million Americans have Alzheimer's, with over 5.6 million individuals over 65 years old and 200,000 younger than 65 years old. Sadly, this number is projected to increase by up to 13.8% by 2050.

Alzheimer's is a progressive disease that affects a person's brain more and more as time passes. This damage causes disrupts a person's life as it slowly eats away memories, the ability to do daily living tasks, and eventually, their ability to move. Although it has been well over a hundred years since the disease was discovered and scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries about the disease, there is no cure available yet.

Without a cure, people with dementia and Alzheimer's try to live a peaceful life in their homes or with family members. In recent years, however, the surge in memory care units', availability of financial support from state and non-state programs, and the population's natural aging may have triggered the increase of admission to memory care facilities in Pennsylvania and other states. But is this also a good move for you and your loved one who is diagnosed with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia?

Making the Move to a Pennsylvania Dementia Care Home

Every Alzheimer's and dementia patient is unique, and they go through the stages of Alzheimer's differently. That is why no one can accurately pinpoint the right time to make the move to a Pennsylvania memory care home.

However, to make the decision-making easier, geriatricians suggest looking into the changes in their behavior, safety requirements, health conditions, and needs, and then reassess your capability as a caregiver as well as your own condition and well-being.

Behavior

• Is your loved one who is usually neat and tidy suddenly forgoing hygiene because they forgot the purpose and process of taking baths?
• Is your family member becoming more frustrated due to their inability to recall simple daily tasks?
• Are they becoming more reserved and anxious?
• Are they often confused and disoriented?

Safety

• Can you still leave your loved one at home without being anxious that they might wander outside and get lost?
• Are you still able to let them drive without fear that they may forget how to drive along the way and be involved in an accident?
• Can they still recognize people whom they can ask for help when they get lost or hurt?

Health Condition

• Is your family member still able to eat, drink, and take their medicine independently?
• Are they able to do so at the right time?
• Are they having incontinence issues?
• Can they still move freely and independently?
• Are they still responsive?

Needs

• Do they need 24/7 monitoring?
• Do they require assistance in all their daily living tasks?

Caregiver Capabilities

• Are you able to provide the level of care that your loved one needs?
• Can you handle assisting them with their daily hygiene, even if it means handling incontinence?
• Can you physically move or carry them when the situation requires it?
• Are you able to give consistent care even in the long run?

Caregiver Conditions

• Are you becoming an irritable and impatient caregiver?
• Are you unconsciously neglecting your responsibilities unrelated to caregiving?
• Do you feel disconnected from friends and other family members?
• Do you feel like you tired all the time and close to burning out?
• Are you becoming sickly?

Your desire to personally care for your loved one may be strong, but you have to understand that there are people who can help you. When your loved one's needs surpass the care you can give, perhaps that is the right time to look for a new home in a Pennsylvania dementia care community.

Pennsylvania Memory Care Communities vs. Assisted Living Communities

People living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia can find a new home in an assisted living facility. Both facilities offer comfortable living spaces, healthy meals, and round-the-clock assistance and support services. But depending on which stage of Alzheimer's your loved one is, they may be better suited to one over the other.

Suppose that your family member is in the early to early moderate stages of Alzheimer's. In these stages, people can still move freely but may need minimal assistance with some daily living activity tasks like bathing and dressing. In this case, they would be more suitable in the apartment-style arrangement that an assisted living home has to offer. But, if they are at the more advanced stages of the disease, they may need the more specialized care that only trained staff at a Pennsylvania memory care community can provide.

Memory care facilities in Pennsylvania have qualified staff to give first-rate memory care, behavioral services, supervisory care, directed care, personal care, memory care-specific treatment administration, and individual and group therapy supervision.

The licensing and regulation of memory care homes in Pennsylvania fall under the state's Department of Human Services duties. They inspect these facilities ensuring the residents receive great-quality care and are treated with respect and dignity. They also check if the amenities are well-maintained, the staff is competent and well-compensated, and the community is well-managed. They also look into concerns related to these communities.

Requirements for Pennsylvania Memory Care Facility Admission

The Department of Human Services requires memory care communities in Pennsylvania to declare their admission requirements. Admissions are used to ensure that any admitted resident will receive the appropriate care that the facility can give.

With the staff's expertise, Pennsylvania memory care homes can accept Pennsylvania residents with dementia, Alzheimer's, mental health conditions, physical handicaps, and developmental disabilities.

However, they cannot accept those who need constant nursing care but without a third-party provider, ventilator-dependent people, and continuous IV therapies. Similarly, memory care facilities may refuse to take people who need to be continuously restrained and those who may harm themselves, other residents, and the staff.

As every patient is different, special considerations may apply to your loved one. That is why it is always a good idea to contact the facility of your choice and set up a meeting with the management and care staff.

Finding the Pennsylvania Dementia Care Facility for Your Family Member

Looking for the right Pennsylvania memory care community for your loved one is similar to finding a new home. You have to consider what they would like, what they would need, and how they will fit in the community.

If your loved one is responsive, ask them what they like in their current and previous homes. You can also ask them what they want to see or experience in their new home. Make sure to inquire about the type of help that they would need as well.

Suppose that your family member is no longer as responsive or coherent, enlist the help of a person who knows your loved one as much as you do, and brainstorm about what you think that your loved one will enjoy and need in their new home.

After taking note of their preferences, jot down their care needs and dietary requirements. Then compare the items on your list with an institution published amenities and services.

Once you have a list of prospective dementia care homes in Pennsylvania, call the establishment and schedule a facility tour and a meeting with the management and care personnel.

During the meeting, you may want to discuss your loved one's care needs as well as the available service, facility amenities, staffing situation, organized community activities, the family's involvement, the prospect of continuing care and aging in place, and other related policies.

When should someone with dementia go to memory care in Pennsylvania?

Dementia is a progressive condition that often requires specialized care as it advances. Deciding when to transition someone to memory care in Pennsylvania involves assessing their safety, well-being, and quality of life. Here are key factors to consider:

1. Frequent Wandering or Getting Lost

When a person with dementia begins to wander or get lost frequently, it’s a significant safety concern. Memory care facilities in Pennsylvania are designed with secure environments to prevent wandering and ensure their safety.

2. Decline in Personal Hygiene

If your loved one struggles with bathing, grooming, or dressing and is unwilling or unable to accept help, memory care offers trained staff to assist with daily activities while preserving dignity.

3. Safety Concerns in the Home

Accidents such as falls, forgetting to turn off the stove, or improper use of medication signal the need for 24/7 supervision, which memory care facilities can provide.

4. Caregiver Burnout

Caring for someone with dementia can be physically and emotionally exhausting. If caregiving responsibilities become overwhelming, transitioning to memory care can relieve family members while ensuring the individual receives professional care.

5. Increasing Aggression or Behavioral Changes

Aggression, paranoia, or extreme agitation can be difficult to manage at home. Memory care facilities in Pennsylvania are equipped to handle these behaviors with trained staff and specialized care plans.

6. Difficulty Managing Medical Needs

As dementia progresses, managing other health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or mobility issues can become challenging. Memory care staff are trained to handle complex medical needs.

7. Isolation and Lack of Social Interaction

Social engagement is essential for emotional well-being. If your loved one is becoming increasingly isolated, memory care communities in Pennsylvania provide structured activities and opportunities for social interaction.

8. Malnutrition or Weight Loss

Forgetting to eat, difficulty preparing meals, or refusing to eat can lead to severe health complications. Memory care facilities provide balanced meals and monitor nutrition.

9. Escalating Confusion or Disorientation

When confusion leads to fear or frequent distress, the structured environment of memory care can provide consistency and reduce anxiety.

10. Incontinence Management

If incontinence becomes an issue and is challenging to manage at home, memory care facilities provide compassionate and dignified care to address this need.

11. Difficulty Adapting to Home Care Services

Sometimes, in-home care is no longer sufficient, either due to increasing care needs or incompatibility with caregivers. Memory care may be the better option.

12. Caregiver’s Physical Limitations

If family caregivers have health problems or physical limitations that make caregiving unsafe or unsustainable, transitioning to memory care ensures proper support.

13. Frequent Emergency Situations

Repeated trips to the hospital or emergency interventions indicate that the individual’s needs are not being met at home, signaling a need for higher-level care.

14. Need for Specialized Activities

Memory care programs in Pennsylvania often include therapeutic activities tailored to dementia patients, such as music therapy, art, and memory exercises, which may be unavailable at home.

15. Decline in Overall Quality of Life

If your loved one’s quality of life is diminishing—whether through loneliness, anxiety, or unmet care needs—memory care can provide an environment where they thrive under compassionate, professional attention.

Pennsylvania Memory Care Home Amenities

The best Alzheimer's care homes in Pennsylvania focus on a well-rounded approach to dementia. They realize that cognitive diseases are very complicated, and thus no two residents are treated exactly the same way. However, with that being said, certain common features are included in daily lifestyles.

Social engagement and interaction are highly encouraged. The Skilled staff understands that seniors are best suited to thrive with Alzheimer's when they are not isolated. Visitation with friends and family should be actively encouraged, along with clear lines of communication when health may deteriorate or the moods of the loved one shift noticeably.

Personal leisure activities and productivity tasks can assist with cognitive abilities while also endorsing an improvement of well-being. Activities can include individual games or puzzles, along with group exercises like playing cards or gardening.

The top-ranked memory care communities in Pennsylvania also work to provide high-quality daily meals, housekeeping, institute security measures to help warrant wandering, and other standard amenities of dementia care like security pendants and medication management.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the amenities typically offered:

1. Secure Living Spaces

Memory care facilities ensure resident safety by implementing secure layouts with locked entrances and exits, alarms on doors, and continuous video surveillance. These measures help prevent wandering, a common concern for individuals with memory issues. Walking paths are often designed in loops to allow safe exploration without dead ends, reducing frustration.

2. Personalized Care Plans

Every resident receives an individualized care plan created by healthcare professionals and family members. These plans address specific needs such as dietary restrictions, mobility assistance, behavioral triggers, and preferred routines to provide consistent, personalized care.

3. 24/7 Trained Staff

Staff members are trained to understand the stages of dementia and use techniques like redirection, validation therapy, and compassionate communication to manage behaviors and emotions. Caregivers are available at all hours to assist with tasks such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and mobility, ensuring residents’ needs are promptly met.

4. Specialized Dining Programs

Dining services are tailored to residents’ cognitive and physical abilities. This includes easy-to-handle finger foods, modified textures (e.g., pureed meals), and visually appealing plate presentations to encourage eating. Mealtime is supervised, and adaptive utensils or hand-over-hand assistance is provided as needed.

5. Therapeutic Activities

Daily activities aim to stimulate memory and cognitive function while fostering social connections. Examples include:

• Music therapy: Familiar songs can trigger positive memories and improve mood.
• Art therapy: Creative outlets that engage fine motor skills and imagination.
• Reminiscence therapy: Guided discussions using old photographs or objects to evoke memories.
• Sensory stimulation: Activities like aromatherapy, textured items, or nature sounds that soothe and engage the senses.

6. Memory Boxes and Personalization

Residents often struggle with wayfinding, so memory care facilities personalize their rooms with shadow boxes or displays featuring family photos, mementos, or their names. This helps residents identify their living spaces, reducing confusion and promoting familiarity.

7. Safe Outdoor Spaces

Many facilities feature enclosed outdoor areas with walking paths, gardens, and seating. These spaces allow residents to enjoy fresh air and sunlight in a controlled environment. Raised garden beds may also be provided for light gardening activities.

8. Medication Management

Managing medications can be challenging for individuals with memory issues. Licensed nurses or caregivers oversee proper medication administration, ensuring accuracy in dosage and timing. Staff also monitor side effects and coordinate with physicians for adjustments.

9. Housekeeping and Laundry Services

Facilities include comprehensive housekeeping and linen services, ensuring a clean and organized living environment. Laundry services often include labeling clothes to prevent misplacement or confusion.

10. Social and Recreational Programs

Residents benefit from structured daily schedules filled with engaging activities, such as group exercises, card games, puzzles, movie nights, and holiday celebrations. These programs provide a sense of purpose and maintain cognitive and emotional well-being.

11. On-Site Healthcare Services

Many memory care facilities in Pennsylvania partner with healthcare providers to offer on-site services like physical therapy, occupational therapy, and wellness checks. Residents may also have access to visiting specialists, such as neurologists, podiatrists, or psychologists.

12. Transportation Services

Scheduled transportation is provided for off-site medical appointments, community outings, or special events. Vehicles are equipped with accessibility features to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

13. Behavioral Support

Memory care staff are trained to manage challenging behaviors like aggression, anxiety, and hallucinations. Non-pharmacological approaches, such as redirection techniques, calming environments, and consistent routines, are used to minimize distress.

14. Family Support and Education

Memory care communities often offer family counseling, educational seminars, and support groups. These resources help families understand dementia progression, caregiving techniques, and coping strategies, fostering stronger relationships with their loved ones.

15. Emergency Call Systems

Residents are provided with call buttons, pendants, or bracelets that allow them to request immediate assistance. Rooms and common areas are also equipped with emergency response systems monitored by staff.

Additional Features in Select Facilities

• Life Skills Stations: Simulated activity stations—such as a baby care corner, office desk setup, or cooking area—help residents engage in familiar tasks and evoke positive memories.
• Hydrotherapy or Wellness Rooms: Specialized spaces with calming environments for relaxation, such as hydrotherapy baths, soothing lighting, or aromatherapy sessions.
• Spiritual Services: On-site chapels or visiting clergy provide spiritual guidance, religious services, and emotional support, catering to diverse faith traditions.

Security Measures in Memory Care Facilities in Pennsylvania

Memory care facilities in Pennsylvania implement a range of security measures to ensure the safety and well-being of residents living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other cognitive impairments. These measures are specifically designed to address the challenges of memory loss while maintaining residents’ dignity and independence. Below is a detailed overview of the common security features in such facilities:

1. Controlled Access and Secured Entrances

Memory care facilities often have secured entrances and exits to prevent wandering, a common concern among residents with cognitive impairments. Controlled access systems may include:

• Electronic keypads or swipe card systems for authorized staff and family members.
• Locked doors with alarm systems to alert staff if a resident attempts to exit.
• Visitor sign-in protocols to monitor who enters and leaves the facility.

2. Wandering Prevention Systems

Many facilities use advanced technologies to minimize the risks of wandering, such as:

• GPS tracking devices for residents.
• Wearable alarms or bracelets that alert staff when a resident moves beyond a designated area.
• Motion sensors installed in hallways and common areas.

3. 24/7 Monitoring and Supervision

Staff are typically available around the clock to ensure the safety of residents. Monitoring systems include:

• Security cameras in common areas to observe residents’ movements.
• Regular wellness checks performed by trained caregivers.
• Emergency response systems in each room to allow residents to call for assistance when needed.

4. Safe and Secure Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor areas are designed to be secure while allowing residents to enjoy fresh air and physical activity. Features often include:

• Enclosed courtyards with high fencing.
• Gates with locks that require staff authorization to open.
• Landscaping designed to prevent tripping or other hazards.

5. Specialized Staff Training

Staff in memory care facilities are trained to handle the unique needs of residents with memory loss, including:

• Techniques to de-escalate agitation or confusion.
• Emergency response training for wandering or falls.
• Understanding signs of cognitive decline and managing behavioral challenges effectively.

6. Personalized Care Plans

Facilities often implement individualized care plans tailored to each resident’s cognitive abilities and preferences. This may include:

• Specific safety measures based on the resident’s level of risk for wandering or injury.
• Routine schedules to reduce confusion and anxiety.

7. Medication Management Systems

Proper medication management is critical in memory care settings. Security measures include:

• Locked medication cabinets to prevent unauthorized access.
• Digital records to track medication administration and avoid errors.
• Supervised dispensing of medications by licensed professionals.

8. Fire and Emergency Safety Protocols

Facilities adhere to strict fire and emergency safety standards, such as:

• Smoke detectors, sprinklers, and fire alarms installed throughout the building.
• Clearly marked evacuation routes and staff trained in emergency response.
• Regular emergency drills to ensure preparedness.

9. Design Features for Safety

Memory care facilities incorporate design elements that enhance safety and reduce confusion, such as:

• Hallways with clear signage and color-coded paths.
• Non-slip flooring to minimize fall risks.
• Bathrooms equipped with grab bars, emergency pull cords, and anti-scald water systems.

10. Technology Integration for Safety

Advanced technology plays a significant role in improving security, with features such as:

• Real-time resident tracking systems that notify staff of unusual movements.
• Smart lighting systems to prevent accidents during nighttime.
• Automated alerts for doors or windows left open.

Memory Care vs Dementia Care in Pennsylvania

When considering care options for individuals with cognitive impairments in Pennsylvania, it is essential to understand the distinction between memory care and dementia care. Both provide support for individuals with memory-related conditions, but the services, settings, and levels of care can differ significantly. Here’s a detailed overview tailored to Pennsylvania’s care environment.

What Is Memory Care?

Memory care is a specialized form of senior living designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other memory-related conditions. These facilities provide structured environments with 24/7 supervision to ensure safety, along with programs that support cognitive functioning and quality of life.

In Pennsylvania, memory care is often provided within dedicated units in assisted living facilities or personal care homes. These units are regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and must meet specific safety and care standards, including secure environments to prevent wandering, trained staff in dementia care techniques, and tailored activities to promote cognitive engagement.

Features of Memory Care in Pennsylvania:

• Specialized Training: Staff receive focused training on dementia and Alzheimer’s care.
• Secured Premises: Facilities typically have locked or alarmed doors and secure outdoor areas to prevent wandering.
• Personalized Programs: Residents often participate in memory-enhancing activities like music therapy, reminiscence therapy, and sensory stimulation.
• Focus on Quality of Life: Emphasis is placed on maintaining dignity and fostering independence where possible.

What Is Dementia Care?

Dementia care refers more broadly to support provided for individuals with various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia. It encompasses care offered in different settings, such as in-home care, adult day programs, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice care.

In Pennsylvania, dementia care can vary widely depending on the setting. For instance:

• In-Home Dementia Care: Caregivers provide personalized assistance at home, including help with daily living activities, medication management, and companionship.
• Adult Day Programs: Many senior centers in Pennsylvania offer dementia-focused day programs, providing social interaction and structured activities in a supervised setting.
• Skilled Nursing Facilities: For those with advanced dementia requiring medical care, nursing homes in Pennsylvania provide comprehensive services, often with a dementia care wing.

Features of Dementia Care in Pennsylvania:

• Flexibility in Settings: Care can be delivered at home, in adult day care centers, or in specialized facilities.
• Range of Services: Dementia care addresses medical, emotional, and practical needs based on the severity of the condition.
• Access to Specialized Programs: Pennsylvania has numerous community-based initiatives and support services for families navigating dementia care, such as Alzheimer’s Association chapters and Area Agencies on Aging.

Key Differences Between Memory Care and Dementia Care

While memory care is a type of dementia care, not all dementia care qualifies as memory care. Here are some notable differences:

Choosing the Right Care in Pennsylvania

Selecting the appropriate care depends on several factors, including the individual’s medical condition, safety needs, and family preferences. Here are steps to help guide your decision:

1. Evaluate the Stage of Dementia: Early stages may benefit from flexible in-home care, while later stages might require the structured support of memory care.
2. Consider Safety Requirements: If wandering or other behavioral concerns are present, memory care facilities in Pennsylvania offer secured environments.
3. Assess Financial Options: The cost of memory care in Pennsylvania averages $5,000 to $7,000 per month, depending on the location and services. Medicaid waivers and other financial assistance may be available for eligible residents.
4. Visit Facilities: Touring memory care units or consulting with dementia care providers in Pennsylvania can provide insight into the quality and appropriateness of care.
5. Leverage Local Resources: Pennsylvania’s Department of Aging and other organizations provide guidance, caregiver support, and referrals.

Affording Pennsylvania Memory Care Home Admissions

When you need a little help in affording the cost of Pennsylvania memory care communities, the following state and non-state programs may be able to help you.

• OPTIONS Program Eligibility
  • Pennsylvania residents
  • Must be 60 years old or older
  • Must need a high level of care
  • Must be Medicaid-ineligible
  • Must not be living in residential care facilities
  • Dom Care beneficiaries may also be eligible
• PA Domiciliary Care Program Eligibility
  • Pennsylvania residents
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must require help with daily living activities
  • Must be mobile or semi-mobile
  • Must not need intermediate nursing care
  • Private payers and Supplemental Security Income-eligible
• Living Independence for the Elderly Eligibility
  • Pennsylvania residents
  • Must be 55 years old and above
  • Must need nursing or rehabilitation facility-level of care
  • Must be financially eligible according to County Assistance Office standards
  • Must live within the service area
• Community HealthChoices Waiver Eligibility
  • Pennsylvania residents
  • Must be Medicaid-eligible
  • Monthly income must not exceed $16,612 for single applicants and $22,491 for couples
  • Must need nursing home-level of care or receiving Medicare assistance

Veterans benefit, reverse mortgage, long-term care insurance, and life insurance may also be other channels you may look into as additional channels for support.