Assisted Living in Beaver County, PA

Assisted Living Costs in Beaver County

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, Beaver County’s median monthly assisted living costs ($3,150) are several hundred dollars less than the state ($3,750) and national median ($4,000). Beaver County is one of the most affordable regions in the state for assisted living, along with Gettysburg ($3,100), Johnstown ($3,036) and Scranton ($2,400). On the other end of the cost spectrum are Chambersburg ($4,550), Erie ($4,588) and Harrisburg ($4,418).

Note: Senior care cost data wasn’t available for Beaver County, so data for the closest city, Pittsburgh, was used.

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Beaver County/Pittsburgh area: $3,150
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $3,750
• Chambersburg Area: $4,550
• Erie: $4,588
• Harrisburg: $4,418
• Gettysburg: $3,100
• Johnstown: $3,036
• Scranton: $2,400

Care Cost Comparison

When considering the total costs of senior care, the type of care needed is usually the determining factor. This holds true in Beaver County, where average monthly costs range from $1,365 for adult day health care to $9,399 for a private room in a nursing home. The cost of a semiprivate room in a nursing home ($8,699) is nearly double the cost of a home health aide ($4,481). Assisted living facility costs ($3,150) are comparatively affordable. Seniors evaluating long-term care options should remember to budget for the additional expenses associated with each type of care. Seniors living in assisted living facilities and retirement homes may have few additional expenses, while seniors receiving in-home care need to budget for home upkeep expenses as well as homemaker services. 

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,150
• Homemaker services: $4,481
• Home health aide: $4,481
• Adult day health: $1,365
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $8,699

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Beaver County

Medicaid in Pennsylvania

Medical Assistance, Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program, provides eligible low-income seniors with low-cost health care services. Benefits include optometry services, physical therapy, in-home nurse visits, behavioral health services, medical supplies and prescription drugs.

To receive coverage, Beaver County seniors must meet the state’s requirements. Most seniors are eligible for Non-Money Payment (NMP) Medical Assistance, which is a Supplemental Security Income (SSI)-related category for individuals who meet the aged, blind or disabled standards. For applicants in this category, their income cannot exceed $2,000 (one person) or $3,000 (two people). Seniors must also establish Pennsylvania residency and be U.S. citizens, lawfully admitted aliens or refugees.

When Beaver County seniors are accepted into the Medical Assistance program, they receive care from Community HealthChoices (CHC), the state’s managed care program for older adults. Beaver is one of the Southwest HealthChoices counties, which receives managed care from Aetna Better Health, Gateway Health Plan, Inc., United Healthcare Community Plan and UPMC. Seniors select a managed care plan from one of the available providers.

The standard CHC plans don’t cover room-and-board costs at assisted living facilities. Seniors who live in assisted living facilities can use their CHC plan to cover certain home and community-based services, such as assistive technology, community transition services, nonmedical transportation, personal assistant services and counseling.

Seniors can apply for Medical Assistance using Compass, Pennsylvania’s online tool that allows residents to apply for and manage programs and benefits. They can also call (724) 773-7300 or download the Pennsylvania Application for Benefits and send the completed form to the Beaver County Assistance Office:

171 Virginia Avenue
P. O. Box 349
Rochester, PA 15074-0349

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Supplemental Security Income

Beaver County seniors eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can use their monthly income to pay for assisted living costs. To be eligible for SSI, seniors must meet the following requirements:

• They are 65 years of age or older
• They have limited income/resources
• The total value of their property (excluding homes and cars) is no more than $2,000 (individuals) or $3,000 (couples)

In Pennsylvania, assisted living facilities are often referred to as personal care boarding homes. If seniors choose to use their SSI to finance personal care home costs, they’re placed in the Personal Care Boarding Home (PCBH) SSI category. In 2019, eligible seniors receive a monthly payment of $1,210.30 (individual) or $2,114.40 (couple). This payment includes a personal needs allowance, which seniors can use as they see fit.

Beaver County seniors can learn more about Supplemental Security Income by calling (800) 772-1213.

Aid & Attendance and Housebound Benefit

Veterans age 65 or older may be eligible for the Aid & Attendance or Housebound benefits. These benefits, which are paid in addition to the monthly veteran pension, are for those who meet specific eligibility requirements.

To receive the Aid & Attendance benefit, veterans must demonstrate that they need assistance performing basic daily functions, such as grooming, eating, dressing and/or adjusting medical devices. They may also be eligible if they’re bedridden due to a disability, are living in a nursing home due to an incapacity or have eyesight of 5/200 or less. 

To receive the Housebound benefit, veterans must demonstrate that they’re confined to their home due to a chronic disability. 

If seniors are deemed eligible for either of these programs, they can use the additional monthly pension funds to finance assisted living costs. To apply for these benefits, veterans should contact the Philadelphia VA Regional Office at (800) 827-1000. 

Assisted Living Bridge Loans

Beaver County seniors who need access to short-term funding may be able to finance their assisted living costs via Elderlife Financial Services. Elderlife bridge loans help seniors pay assisted living costs as they wait for additional sources of income, such as state benefits or home sale proceeds. They function as lines of credit, and senior borrowers can draw on their credit when needed. Seniors can apply for a bridge loan over the phone by calling (888) 228-4500 or fill out an online application.

Assisted Living Resources in Beaver County

Assistance Office

In Beaver County, the local assistance office helps seniors apply for Medical Assistance. The office also oversees additional state-sponsored benefits programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), home heating assistance (LIHEAP) and assorted long-term living services. 

Beaver County Assistance Office
171 Virginia Avenue, P. O. Box 349, Rochester, PA
(724) 773-7300

Office on Aging

The Beaver County Office on Aging offers programs and services to the county’s senior (60 and over) population. Available programs include the APPRISE Program, the Caregiver Support Program and the Options Services.

Beaver County Office on Aging
Human Services Building, 1020 Eighth Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010
(724) 847-2262

Senior Center Locations

Beaver County is home to several seniors centers, where seniors can take educational/exercise classes, use computers and eat hot meals.

Center at the Mall Lutheran Service Society
Beaver Valley Mall, 284 Beaver Valley Mall Blvd., Monaca, PA 15061
(724) 728-1422

New Brighton Community Center Circle of Friends
Holy Family Church, 1851 Third Avenue, New Brighton, PA 15066
(724) 846-1959

Veterans Affairs

Veterans in Beaver County may be eligible for benefits and pensions that can be used to fund long-term care. They can visit the Beaver County Veterans Affairs office for more information.

Beaver County Veteran Affairs
Beaver County Courthouse, 810 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009
(724) 770-4450

VBA Pittsburgh Regional Veterans Service Center
1000 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(800) 827-1000