Assisted Living in Media, PA

Assisted Living Costs in Media

According to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care survey, seniors living in Media pay an average of $5,318 per month for assisted living, making the area the most expensive in the state. Prices in Media are about $1,300 more per month than the national average ($4,000) and about $1,500 higher than the state average of $3,750. There are many cities in the state with less expensive assisted living options, including Pittsburg ($3,150), Harrisburg ($4,418) and Lancaster ($4,350). Seniors looking for the least expensive option can consider assisted living in Scranton, where the average cost is only $2,400 per month. 

Note: Specific senior care cost data wasn’t available for Media. Data for the nearest major city, Philadelphia, was used instead. 

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

Senior care costs are based on a variety of factors, and perhaps the biggest one is the type of care provided. In Media, this is particularly noticeable when comparing assisted living with nursing home care costs, which are nearly $5,000 more per month. At first glance, the cost of home care appears to be less than that of assisted living. However, seniors living at home are still responsible for paying housing costs such as rent, utilities and food. In most cases, the cost of assisted living includes room and board. 

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Media

Medicaid in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s Medicaid system is called Medical Assistance. It’s available to low-income residents and is most often used by families with children, pregnant women, disabled persons and senior citizens. MA helps its beneficiaries access necessary health care services such as primary care, hospital care, diagnostic and laboratory tests, dental care and skilled nursing care. 

To qualify for MA as a senior, applicants must be residents of Pennsylvania and at least 65 years of age. Their income must be less than $793.10 per month, and they’re allowed up to $2,000 in countable assets. MA counts all sources of income towards eligibility; however, some assets are exempt, such as the applicant’s house, car and household furnishings. 

To apply for MA, seniors can complete an application online or contact the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services at (866) 550-4355. 

Community HealthChoices

Community HealthChoices is a mandatory Medicaid managed care plan for Pennsylvania seniors who require nursing care. It provides alternative care options with the goal of helping participants delay or avoid nursing home placement. Although the program doesn’t directly pay the cost of assisted living, it does cover certain services provided in this setting, which may allow seniors to put more of their income towards other expenses. Services covered by CHC include primary care, personal care, nonmedical transportation, physical therapy and prescription medications. 

To qualify for the program, seniors must require a nursing level of care or be dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare. Applicants who apply based on their need for care must undergo a comprehensive assessment to determine their physical and cognitive needs. 

Seniors can apply for Community HealthChoices online or call the program’s Independent Enrollment Broker at (877) 550-4227.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Optional State Supplement

The Optional State Supplement is available to aged, blind and disabled persons living in Pennsylvania. The benefit is combined with the monthly federal Supplemental Security Income benefit. The amount received is determined by a senior’s living situation, but for some it may be as much as $439.90 per month. This extra monthly benefit can help pay for expenses that aren’t covered by Medicaid. 

To qualify for OSS benefits, applicants must be at least 65 years old and a recipient of SSI. To apply, seniors can contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213. 

Elder Bridge Loan

Elderlife Financial Services offers bridge loans to help seniors with the upfront costs of moving to an assisted living facility. These loans are set up similar to a line of credit, allowing seniors to borrow just the amount they need when they need it. While bridge loans are an excellent option for seniors who need temporary financial assistance, it’s important to remember they’re not a long-term solution. Seniors often use these loans to cover a funding gap while awaiting the sale of their home, waiting for benefits to begin or when they’re required to pay an entrance fee to their care facility.

Seniors should have a good credit history to qualify for the loan and enough income to make monthly interest payments over a term of up to 12 months. Those who don’t can choose to apply with up to six family members to increase their chances of approval. 

Seniors can complete an application online or contact Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500 for more information. 

Assisted Living Resources in Media

Senior Centers

Surrey Services is a member-only senior center in Media that provides a variety of services to the area’s older residents. Members can participate in educational programming, fitness classes and social activities, such as card games, dances and planned shopping trips. 

Surrey Services
302 S. Jackson St., Media, PA 19063
(610) 566-0505

Veterans Affairs

The Delaware County Veterans Affairs office serves veterans and their immediate family members by providing assistance with obtaining the benefits they’re entitled to, including health care, disability and pensions. 

Delaware County Veterans Affairs Office
201 W. Front St., Media, PA 19063
(610) 891-4696

Aging Services

Seniors living in Media and throughout Delaware County can access a variety of services through the County of Delaware Services for the Aging. The office provides case management services and coordinates local resources with the goal of preserving the quality of life of county seniors. Services include referrals, long-term care programs and community activities.

Services for the Aging
206 Eddystone Ave., Eddystone, PA 19022
(610) 490-1300