Assisted Living in New Castle, PA

Assisted Living Costs in New Castle

With an average rate of just $3,150 per month, seniors in New Castle pay significantly less for assisted living than their counterparts across the state ($3,750) and country ($4,000). The cost savings are also notable in comparison to other cities in Western Pennsylvania, such as Altoona ($3,765), State College ($3,818), Harrisburg ($4,418) and Chambersburg ($4,550). Only two cities in the region offer more affordable assisted living; Gettysburg ($3,100) and Johnstown, where the average monthly price is $3,036.

Note: Data for senior care costs in New Castle wasn’t included in the 2018 Genworth Cost of Care survey, so data for the nearby city of Pittsburgh was used instead.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

Compared to other types of senior care, assisted living is one of the most affordable options in New Castle. Nursing homes charge over $5,500 more per month on average. The 24-hour skilled nursing and other extra care services provided by these facilities explain this drastic price difference.

The average rate for homemaker and home health aide services provided in seniors’ own homes is about $1,300 higher than the price for assisted living. A comparison of what’s covered in the rates reveals that the true price difference is much greater. Rates for in-home care only cover actual service hours, whereas assisted living generally includes housing and meals. Seniors staying at home have to pay household operating expenses on top of the cost of care services.

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in New Castle

Medicaid in Pennsylvania

Americans who can’t afford standard health insurance may be eligible for coverage through Medicaid. This national, government-funded program provides essential health care services to economically vulnerable families with dependent children, pregnant women, disabled adults and the elderly.

The Pennsylvania program, called Medical Assistance, serves roughly one-fifth of the state population, which includes over 900,000 seniors and disabled adults. Eligible New Castle residents can receive a variety of benefits through MA, including:

• Doctor and specialist visits
• Inpatient, outpatient and emergency hospital care
• Prescription medications
• Lab tests and X-rays
• Long-term care

Qualifying for Pennsylvania Medical Assistance

New Castle seniors must be American citizens or legal immigrants and aged 65 or older to qualify for MA coverage for in-home, community-based and nursing home long-term care. Applicants also must be assessed as needing a nursing-facility level of care and have income and assets within the program guidelines of:

• No more than $2,313 in monthly income and $8,000 in assets for individuals
• No more than $4,626 in monthly income and $16,000 in combined assets for spouses applying together

MA counts all sources of income toward the above limits but automatically disregards a number of assets, including one vehicle, an owner-occupied home worth $585,000 or less, household furnishings, personal belongings and burial plots and reserves.

Seniors in New Castle can complete an application for MA coverage online or call the Consumer Service Center for Health Care Coverage at (866) 550-4355 to apply by phone.

Community HealthChoices Program

New Castle seniors approved for MA are automatically enrolled in the Community HealthChoices managed-care program. CHC participants receive comprehensive coverage for medical services and nursing home or community-based long-term care. The plan doesn’t cover assisted living facility fees for room and board, but it does provide a range of support services such as:

• Care coordination
• Personal care
• Nursing care
• Medical supplies and equipment
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Nonmedical transportation

Interested New Castle seniors can call the CHC independent enrollment broker at (877) 550-4227 to learn more about the program or apply.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Domiciliary Care Program

Seniors who can no longer live independently without assistance and have no family support may be eligible for the Domiciliary Care program. To qualify for this state-funded plan, seniors must meet the eligibility guidelines for SSI benefits and be willing to reside in a certified DOM care private home along with their care provider’s family. In addition to accommodations, the DOM Care program provides meals, assistance with personal care, medication supervision, housekeeping, laundry, transportation and recreational and social activities.

The local Area Agency on Aging provides needs assessment and placement services along with ongoing case management and wellness checks for approved participants.

For more information about the DOM Care program or to apply, New Castle seniors can contact the Lawrence County Area Agency on Aging at (724) 658-3729.

Optional State Supplementation

Seniors with limited income and assets who qualify for Supplemental Security Income benefits may also receive a monthly top-up through the Pennsylvania Optional State Supplementation program. Those with too high an income but meet all other SSI eligibility requirements may also qualify. The amount of OSS is determined by the applicant’s living arrangements, income and marital status. The maximum amounts are $439.30 for single recipients and $957.40 for married couples.

New Castle seniors can call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 to apply for SSI and Pennsylvania OSS benefits.

LIFE Lawrence County

The LIFE program offered in Lawrence County by Lutheran Senior Life is modeled on PACE plans available nationwide. These programs provide elderly Americans with all-inclusive medical and community-based long-term care to delay or prevent their placement in a nursing home.

To qualify for LIFE services in New Castle, seniors must be aged 55 or older, live within the program’s service area and be assessed as requiring a nursing-home level of care. Seniors who qualify for SSI or Medicaid may receive services through LIFE Lawrence County at no cost.

While the program doesn’t reimburse the cost of services provided by an assisted living facility, it can help reduce a participant’s overall cost of care by providing:

• Case management
• Medical professional services
• X-rays, lab work and diagnostic tests
• Nursing services
• Pharmacy services and prescriptions
• Medical equipment and supplies
• Vision care and prescription eyewear
• Dental care and dentures
• Podiatry services
• Physical, occupational and speech therapy
• Audiology services and hearing aids
• Personal care and assistance with daily living activities
• Nutritional counseling
• Recreational programming

To learn more about availability and eligibility for the program, New Castle seniors can contact the Intake Coordinator at LIFE Lawrence County at (724) 657-8800.

Assisted Living Resources in New Castle

Area Agency on Aging

Catholic Charities’ Challenges: Options in Aging is the designated Lawrence County Area Agency on Aging. The nonprofit helps residents aged 60 and older access local resources to preserve their well-being and independence. The AAA coordinates community support services, health benefits counseling, long-term care advocacy, transportation services, caregiver support and nutrition programs.

The AAA also operates the New Castle Challenges Center, which offers a wide variety of social and recreational activities for local seniors. The wheelchair-accessible center serves breakfast and lunch, Monday through Friday. Throughout the week, seniors can enjoy arts and crafts, bingo, card games, Spanish lessons and group exercises. The center features a computer lab, indoor shuffleboard court, billiards room, state-of-the-art fitness room and reading lounge. Regular health screening, special dinners, bowling and golf outings and day trips are also offered.

Membership and fees apply for some programs, and transportation for meals is available to those aged 65 and older.

Challenges: Options in Aging AAA
2706 Mercer Rd., New Castle, PA 16105
(724) 658-3729

Senior Legal Aid

New Castle residents aged 60 or older who need noncriminal legal assistance may qualify for free advice, representation or private attorney referrals through the Neighborhood Legal Services Association. The nonprofit firm assists low-income seniors with matters related to debt, taxes, housing, health care, public benefits and elder exploitation. Assistance is also available with guardianships, powers of attorney and living wills.

Neighborhood Legal Services Association
125 E. North St., Ste. 329, New Castle, PA 16101
(724) 658-2677