70 Assisted Living Communities in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania

The average cost of assisted living in the Philadelphia Area, including Montgomery County, is $5,318 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the county, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 70 Assisted Living Communities in Montgomery County and several in surrounding areas.

• Assisted living: $5,318
• Nursing home semiprivate room: $10,372
• In-home care: $4,576
• Adult day health services: $1,668

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, Montgomery County and the rest of the Philadelphia area has an average monthly cost of $5,318, which is significantly higher ($1,318) than the national average of $4,000. In fact, Montgomery County has the highest assisted living cost in the state, which averages just $3,750 a month. Harrisburg ($4,818) has the next highest cost of the state’s major metropolitan areas, and the Pittsburgh area ($3,150) has one of the lowest monthly average costs. Seniors looking for the lowest assisted living rates in the commonwealth may wish to visit Scranton ($2,400).

The type of care chosen has a major impact on the cost of senior care. For example, nursing home care is nearly double the cost of assisted living in Montgomery County. The average monthly cost of a private, one-bedroom apartment in an assisted living facility is $742 more than the average monthly cost of homemaker services or a home health aide. It’s important to remember that the cost for home care doesn’t include separate expenses, such as water, electricity, groceries and rent or mortgage payments. However, the monthly fees for assisted living include these additional expenses. Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $5,318

• Homemaker services: $4,576

• Home health aide: $4,576

• Adult day health: $1,668

• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $10,372

The Pennsylvania Community HealthChoices Program is a Medicaid program for Pennsylvania citizens who are 21 or older and qualify for both Medicaid (called Medicaid Assistance in PA) and Medicare or those eligible for nursing home care.

CHC was rolled out in phases under the Pennsylvania Department of Aging Medicaid Waiverand caters to seniors and the disabled with medical benefits and long-term support to encourage independent living and avoid unnecessary placement in nursing homes. Services include personal care services, including help with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as bathing, meal preparation and meal assistance. These services can be used by residents of assisted living facilities. Enrollment is mandatory for those who meet the eligibility requirements.

Montgomery County seniors who meet the eligibility standards for CHC must meet the asset and income requirements for the program. This income includes employment wages, IRA withdrawals, pension payments, alimony payments, Social Security disability income, Social Security income and stock dividends. As of 2018, a single elderly individual cannot earn more than $2,313 per month or $4,626 for a married couple. The asset limit per senior is $2,000, but an additional $6,000 can be disregarded, for a total exemption of $8,000. In addition, the following are disregarded: your home (if you live in it or plan to return, and it’s valued under $572,000), household items and personal effects.

There are several ways for Montgomery County seniors to apply to CHC. You can apply or renew Medical Assistance benefits online via COMPASS. You can also call the Consumer Service Center for Health Care Coverage at 866-550-4355. Alternately, contact your local county assistance office for help.

PACE (LIFE)

Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) provides an all-inclusive package of medical and supportive services for Montgomery County seniors. It’s part of a national program called the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. All PACE providers in Pennsylvania have “LIFE” in their name.

LIFE is available to help frail elders eligible for nursing home care stay in their homes or assisted living facilities. Services include social, medical and day services for Montgomery County seniors age 55 and older. No Montgomery County senior is turned down due to income. However, those who aren’t eligible pay the premium that Medicaid would pay to receive long-term care services. Locate a LIFE Provider in your area, or call the PA CHC Helpline at 1-844-824-3655

Elderlife Bridge Loans

Elderlife helps Montgomery County seniors looking to move to senior living, including assisted living. This company offers bridge loans to the elderly and family members in need of gap funding to pay for care. Loan approval is based on creditworthiness, but several family members can cosign to help pay for care and improve the likelihood of approval. Lenders typically require that a permanent plan for funding be in place before approving a loan. For more information or to apply, call (888) 228-4500.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Families of seniors seeking financial assistance should ask their loved one if they purchased a long-term care insurance plan, which can be used to cover the cost of assisted living facilities. If seniors are still living at home and in good health, they may still be able to buy long-term care insurance. Fidelity is just one company offering this product, and the company has an online calculator to help you determine the cost of a policy in Montgomery County. For more information, call (866) 489-0963.

Eligible veterans in Montgomery County can receive medical treatment and other support through the county’s Department of Veterans Affairs. Contact the local Veterans Affairs office to apply for medical and other benefits and to find out what your entitlements are. The Montco VA has many different programs to support aging veterans and their families, and the Philadelphia-based VA hospital also servers Montgomery County veterans.

Montco Veteran’s Center
1430 Dekalb St.
Norristown, PA 19404
(610) 278-3285

Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VAMC
3900 Woodland Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104-4551
(215) 823-5800

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.