What assisted living is called in Pennsylvania, what it costs, how Medicaid can help, how to check a community’s license and inspections, and who to call if something goes wrong. Every fact links to the official source.
An assisted living residence that serves people with Alzheimer's or dementia in a special care unit must follow extra rules. Before admission, the person needs a medical evaluation that documents the dementia diagnosis and the need for a special care unit.5
Questions to ask memory care about nights.
The median cost of assisted living in Pennsylvania is $6,480 a month, above the national median of $6,200 (CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025, collected July to November 2025). Prices vary with the apartment, the level of care and the community, so ask each one for its current rate sheet, including care-level fees.
Plan with our free tools: how long will the money last? and home care or assisted living?
Medicare does not pay for assisted living. Families pay from savings and income, long-term care insurance, or benefits such as VA Aid and Attendance (estimate it). Who actually pays for long-term care.
Medicaid. Personal care homes and assisted living residences usually are not paid for by Medicaid, and most residents pay privately. Some residents also get home and community-based services. Program: Home and Community-Based Services.2 Medicaid does not pay rent or meals in assisted living in any state, and not every community accepts it, so ask each one.
Personal Care Home (PCH) Supplement. People who get SSI and live in a licensed personal care home can get an extra monthly state payment to help cover room and board. Some people whose income is too high for SSI, but still below SSI plus the supplement combined, can also get it. Apply through the local Area Agency on Aging using form PA-761.6
Look up a license. Search licensed personal care homes and assisted living residences by county, region, city, zip code, or name. The directory shows each home's size and license status. Search Pennsylvania’s records.7
Inspection reports. The Department of Human Services inspects each personal care home and assisted living residence every year. Its Human Services Provider Directory shows inspection results, though it notes some may not appear during ongoing system upgrades; if one is missing, contact the department.7
Always visit in person, at a mealtime or in the evening if you can. Bring the tour scorecard and the 8 tour questions.
Complaints about care or conditions. The DHS Bureau of Human Services Licensing investigates all complaints about personal care homes and assisted living residences. File online or by phone. Call 877-401-8835 or file online.4
Abuse, neglect or exploitation. Call 1-800-490-8505. How to report.8 If someone is in danger, call 911.
The long-term care ombudsman is a free advocate for residents of assisted living and nursing homes: they help resolve problems with a community, including move-out notices. Call 717-783-8975 or find your local ombudsman.3
Assisted living by city
Memory care by city
Every community and county in Pennsylvania · 20 with verified resident reviews
Personal care homes and assisted living residences usually are not paid for by Medicaid, and most residents pay privately. Some residents also get home and community-based services. Medicaid does not pay rent or meals in assisted living.
The median is $6,480 a month (CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025), compared with $6,200 nationally.
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Long-Term Living, Bureau of Human Services Licensing.
The DHS Bureau of Human Services Licensing investigates all complaints about personal care homes and assisted living residences. File online or by phone. Phone: 877-401-8835.
Search licensed personal care homes and assisted living residences by county, region, city, zip code, or name. The directory shows each home's size and license status.
Facts checked against these official sources on September 28, 2026. Rules and programs change; confirm with the agency before making a decision. General information, not legal or financial advice.
A Lilisity advisor will send current prices for communities that fit your needs and budget. Free, no obligation.
Or call (833) 612-4732