Cost of Pennsylvania Assisted Living Facilities

The average cost of assisted living in Pennsylvania is $2,500 per month

The range of costs is from $1,400 to $4,400 per month

This data is based on 44 of the larger facilities within the state and may not represent all facilities within the state. Additional fees may apply.

More info on Assisted Living Costs

Pennsylvania Assisted Living Information

Pennsylvania defines an assisted living facility as a personal care home for people who do not need continuous nursing services, but who may need assistance with some of their ADL's. Residents of a personal care home include the elderly, those with mental illness and retardation, as well as those with physical disabilities. Pennsylvania law is being revised and distinctions may develop which separate assisted living residences from personal care homes.

Pennsylvania Assisted Living Facilities Scope of Care

In Pennsylvania, an assisted living facility provides food, shelter and personal assistance or supervision 24 hours a day. Staff members may assist residents with ADL's, including: · eating, drinking, · ambulating, · transferring in and out of a bed or chair, · toileting, bladder and bowel management, · personal hygiene, · securing and managing health care, · self-administering medication, · proper turning and positioning in a bed or chair

Pennsylvania Assisted Living Admission Requirements

Residents of an assisted living facility must not require continuous nursing care. A facility must have a written program description including the services the home can effectively provide and the needs of the residents that can be served without jeopardizing their health or safety. A resident cannot be admitted if doing so would violate staffing guidelines, fire safety regulations or physical site policies.

Pennsylvania Assisted Living Care Plan Requirements

Pennsylvania has very specific guidelines regarding the development and maintenance of a care plan for assisted living residents. Specific forms are required for several different types of assessments which must be completed at various intervals throughout the admissions process. When all of the evaluations have occurred, a support plan must be identified and in place no later than 30 days following admission.

Pennsylvania Assisted Living Medication Management Requirements

An assisted living facility is required to help residents as needed with their medications, if such assistance has been determined to be a part of the resident's care plan. Medication assistance may only be performed by staff who are either licensed medical personnel or who have completed an approved medical administration course.

Pennsylvania Assisted Living Facility Requirements

Private units must allow for at least 80 square feet of livable floor space, while double occupancy units must allow for at least 60 square feet of livable floor space per person. In addition, residents with mobility needs must have at least 100 square feet of living space and allow room for necessary equipment. Other policies apply regarding general and fire safety, and sanitation needs. No more than four residents are allowed per residential unit. There must be one toilet for every six users and one tub/shower for every ten users. Users include staff, residents and visitors.

Pennsylvania Assisted Living Staffing Requirements

Direct care staff must be sufficient in number to meet the needs of the residents. At least one direct care staff member must be present and awake at all times. Staff members must be 18 and have a high school diploma. Staff must have orientation and at least forty hours of initial training related to safety, resident rights and reporting abuse. An administrator must be 21, and meet a variety of different educational requirements. He or she is required to be in the home at least 20 hours per month.

Pennsylvania Assisted Living Medicaid Policy

Medicaid funding is not available, although a state supplement to Supplemental Security Income is available for residents in personal care homes.

Pennsylvania Alzheimer’s Unit Requirements

No more than two persons are allowed per bedroom in this unit. Staff who work in the unit must have specific training for working with that population. At least one specially trained staff person must be present in the unit at all times. Additional policies apply to these units. Weekly activities must include: · gross motor activities, such as dancing, stretching, and other exercise; · self-care activities, such as personal hygiene; · social activities, such as games, music, and holiday and seasonal celebrations; · crafts, such as sewing, decorations, and pictures · sensory and memory enhancement activities, such as review of current events, movies, story telling, picture albums, cooking, pet therapy, and reminiscing; · outdoor activities, as weather permits, such as walking, gardening, and field trips.

Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, Bureau of Adult Residential Licensure