Who are you searching for?

The term “nursing home” is often used to describe various types of senior care facilities. But a nursing home is really a facility, much like a hospital, that provides around-the-clock medical care and skilled nursing services. In some instances, a nursing home may be used to describe assisted living and memory care facilities that have skilled nursing units on site.

While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, it’s important to distinguish between the different senior care options available in Philadelphia. A Place for Mom alone partners with 39 senior living communities within a 10-mile radius of Center City. Of those communities, 31.6% have access to on-site skilled nursing services for seniors with serious medical needs. The remaining communities are more suitable for seniors who need help with activities of daily living, but don’t require 24-hour medical care. We can help you navigate the ins and outs of senior care in Philadelphia, including tips on how to cover costs, facility regulations, and the different senior living dynamics in the area.

Nursing Homes Facilities near Philadelphia, PA

Our methodology

How we rank order the Philadelphia community options above

We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Philadelphia community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:

Proximity to your search location
Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
The amount of detailed community information available

Where we source our information

14,000+ communities

We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information

350,000+ reviews

We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities

Read our full methodology

Table of contents

Philadelphia nursing home costs
What families are saying about nursing homes in Philadelphia
How to pay for nursing homes in Philadelphia
Understand Philadelphia nursing home laws and regulations
Philadelphia: A city for all ages
Philadelphia nursing homes services and amenities
Explore senior care with confidence
New to Philadelphia? Details for seniors

Philadelphia nursing home costs

Nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities, typically cost more than other types of senior living, given the expenses like medical staff and around-the-clock supervision. The average cost for a nursing home in Philadelphia is $12,897 per month, according to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.^[02]

If a senior doesn’t need the extensive medical care provided in a skilled nursing facility, there are other types of senior care available at a significantly lower cost. Assisted living communities can provide personal care services and assistance with activities of daily living, and the cost of an assisted living facility in Philadelphia averages around $4,875 per month. The rate of a Philadelphia Assisted living facility with memory care is slightly more expensive, with an average monthly cost of $5,371.^[01]

Nursing homes costs in Philadelphia, PA, vs. state and national averages

Philadelphia, PA

$7,074/mo

Pennsylvania state

$6,518/mo

U.S. national average

$5,853/mo

Nursing homes costs in Philadelphia, PA, vs. other senior living options

Assisted Living

$6,367/mo

Memory Care

$7,959/mo

Independent Living

$4,127/mo

Nursing Homes

$7,074/mo

Nursing homes costs in Philadelphia, PA, by floor plan type

Semi-Private

$6,807/mo

Private

$7,155/mo

Senior living costs in Philadelphia vs. state and national costs

Cost comparison table showing community type costs by location. This table contains 4 rows of data across 4 columns.

Column communityType: Community type

Column destination: Philadelphia, PA

Column state: Pennsylvania

Column national: U.S.

Community type	Philadelphia, PA	Pennsylvania	U.S.
Nursing Homes	$7,074/mo	$6,518/mo	$5,853/mo
Assisted Living	$6,367/mo	$5,701/mo	$5,909/mo
Memory Care	$7,959/mo	$7,255/mo	$7,121/mo
Independent Living	$4,127/mo	$3,813/mo	$3,532/mo

Nursing Homes

Philadelphia, PA:$7,074/mo

Pennsylvania:$6,518/mo

U.S.:$5,853/mo

Assisted Living

Philadelphia, PA:$6,367/mo

Pennsylvania:$5,701/mo

U.S.:$5,909/mo

Memory Care

Philadelphia, PA:$7,959/mo

Pennsylvania:$7,255/mo

U.S.:$7,121/mo

Independent Living

Philadelphia, PA:$4,127/mo

Pennsylvania:$3,813/mo

U.S.:$3,532/mo

Table showing 5 of 4 items. Click to show less.

Nursing homes costs in Philadelphia, PA, over time

The line graph below shows how monthly nursing homes costs have shifted over the past five years in Philadelphia and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent quarterly averages of what seniors actually paid after moving into A Place for Mom partner communities.

Philadelphia, PAPA stateNational

Nursing homes cost trends in Philadelphia, PA

The table below shows how monthly nursing homes costs in Philadelphia have changed in the last two years and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent averages of actual costs paid by seniors who moved into A Place for Mom partner communities in 2023 and 2024.

Cost comparison table showing 2023 and 2024 average costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.

Column location: Location

Column cost2024: 2024 average cost

Column cost2023: 2023 average cost

Column percentChange: Percent change

Location	2024 average cost	2023 average cost	Percent change
Philadelphia, PA	$6,796/mo	$6,456/mo	+5.3%
Pennsylvania	$6,101/mo	$5,825/mo	+4.7%
National	$6,098/mo	$5,866/mo	+4.0%

Philadelphia, PA

2024 average cost:$6,796/mo

2023 average cost:$6,456/mo

Percent change:+5.3%

Pennsylvania

2024 average cost:$6,101/mo

2023 average cost:$5,825/mo

Percent change:+4.7%

National

2024 average cost:$6,098/mo

2023 average cost:$5,866/mo

Percent change:+4.0%

Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

What families are saying about nursing homes in Philadelphia

Recent reviews for nursing homes in Philadelphia

Brandywine Pennington by Monarch

5.0

My mother passed away at Brandywine last month. The decisions you are facing now about the care of a loved one are difficult and life-changing ones. It is with great gratitude that share my experiences with Brandywine at Pennington to assist you. This is the third review I have written over ...

Brandywine Princeton by Monarch

4.8

My mother has been here for over a ½ year and loves it! I could go on-and-on about how wonderful this place is. The Activities Dept. is spectacular! And when you live in a place like this, you need an incredible variety to pick from. I’m not talking about the normal things like Bingo or Crafts, ...

Alcoeur Gardens of Toms River

4.0

Alcoeur Gardens of [Removed] was a nice place for dad to stay for a brief respite stay. The staff was very attentive and caring to his needs. The atmosphere was warm and inviting. The activities director was very young and hopefully, as she gains more experience they will have more ...

How to pay for nursing homes in Philadelphia

When it comes to paying for nursing homes or skilled nursing services in Philadelphia, there are several different options available. An estimated 1.2 million Pennsylvanians will need long-term care services within the next 20 to 30 years, according to the Pennsylvania Health Care Association (PHCA).^[03] So, planning ahead now and knowing what private and public options are available can help you anticipate the unexpected.

Private pay methods

Some families may choose to source their available private funds to pay for senior care before looking into public resources. Private funds can go a long way for seniors living in Philadelphia, as Pennsylvania doesn’t tax retirement income for residents after age 59 ½.^[04] This includes savings from IRAs or a 401k, pensions, and Social Security benefits.

In some instances, long-term care insurance can be used to help with the cost of senior care. But, this depends on the policy. You’ll want to contact your policy agent or representative to make sure you have a complete understanding of what’s covered. Long-term care insurance in Pennsylvania will usually cover care services in both home and medical settings if someone experiences cognitive decline or isn’t able to perform everyday tasks by themselves. You can find more information about insurance coverage for seniors on the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance website.

The Pennsylvania Property Tax or Rent Rebate Program may also benefit seniors and individuals with disabilities in Pennsylvania. Income-eligible seniors could receive reimbursement on rent paid to stay in a long-term care facility, such as an assisted living or memory care residence. This program only covers the monthly rental amount. Costs related to medicine, medical care, and personal care aren’t covered. This is a helpful program since most long-term care insurance policies will only cover the cost of care services and do not cover rent.

Read on for some other ways to privately pay for long-term senior care like skilled nursing:

VA benefits for nursing homes in Philadelphia

Senior Philadelphian veterans may be eligible for federal benefits from the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to help offset the cost of nursing home or skilled nursing care.

The VA’s pension programs provide supplemental income on a monthly basis to low-income veterans who meet service and financial eligibility requirements. Veterans must also meet one of the following requirements in order to qualify for VA pensions:

Be age 65 or older
Reside in a nursing home and receive skilled nursing services
Have a total permanent disability
Are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

The VA Aid and Attendance benefit can be added on top of a veteran’s monthly VA pension amount to help pay for the costs of long-term care. This benefit can be used for long-term care services that include the following:

Round-the-clock nursing
Help with activities of daily living (ADLs)
Physical therapy

These services can be provided in different care settings, such as nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care communities. VA Aid and Attendance is supplemental income that can be used for any assisted living costs. Our guide to VA benefits outlines long-term care eligibility for veterans and how to apply for VA benefits.

The VA may also help cover the cost of nursing home or skilled nursing care for eligible Pennsylvania veterans and their spouses at one of the six State Veteran Homes.

45682

Overall number of veterans living in Philadelphia, per data from the U.S. Census Bureau

Percentage of Philadelphia veterans ages 75+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau

Additional resources for veterans

Resources for Philadelphia veterans:

City of Philadelphia Office of Veterans Affairs
City Hall, Room 127
Philadelphia, PA 19131
Phone: 215-686-3256
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

VA Philadelphia Regional Office
5000 Wissahickon Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Veterans Administration Center Philadelphia Field Office
Phone: 215-381-3040

Philadelphia Veteran Centers: Northeast Philadelphia Vet Center
101 E. Olney Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19120
Phone: 215-924-4670

Center City Philadelphia Vet Center
801 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 215-627-0238

Resources for New Jersey veterans

Joint Military and Family Assistance Center
1048 US Highway 206 South
Bordentown, NJ 08505
Phone: 609-496-9242

Camden/Gloucester County

Woodbury Armory
658 N. Evergreen Ave.
Woodbury, NJ 08096
Phone: 856-853-4184
856-853-4185
856-853-4186
Fax: 856-384-3772

Philadelphia Medicaid for nursing homes

Medicaid benefits vary on a state-by-state basis. Medical Assistance (MA) is Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program that covers long-term care services in a skilled nursing facility, if a doctor confirms there’s a medical need for that level of care. Pennsylvania Medical Assistance doesn’t offer reimbursement for room and board in an assisted living or memory care community. However, a Community HealthChoices (CHC) waiver offers some supportive services in assisted living and memory care communities for individuals receiving both Medicare and Medicaid that meet what’s considered a nursing home level of care.

Applications for Medical Assistance programs can be done using the COMPASS website, which provides access to other sources of assistance and convenient self-service features. New Jersey residents will want to visit the state’s Medicaid website, where they’ll find an application for the NJ FamilyCare Aged, Blind, and Disabled programs. These programs can help seniors age 65+ who need medical services in a long-term care facility.

Medicaid resources

For Pennsylvania residents:

Philadelphia County Assistance Office
801 Market St., #6
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 215-560-7226

Pennsylvania Health Law Project helpline
Phone: 800-274-3258

Pennsylvania Health Access Network (PHAN) helpline
Phone: 877-570-3642

For New Jersey residents:

Camden Medicaid office
2 Riverside Drive, #401
Camden, NJ 08103
Phone: 856-614-2870

Camden Department of Human Services
1000 N 6th St.
Camden, NJ 08102
Phone: (856) 757-7285

Medicare nursing home coverage in Philadelphia

Medicare normally covers a short-term stay at a Philadelphia skilled nursing facility when that level of care is considered medically necessary by a doctor and is provided in a Medicare-certified facility. Through Medicare, the cost of approved skilled nursing services are covered in full for the first 20 days and a portion of expenses from day 21 until day 100. From day 101 and beyond, all costs in a skilled nursing facility will have to be paid out of pocket. Some of the Medicare-covered expenses include the following:

Medications
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Medical supplies and equipment

For the most part, Medicare doesn’t pay for the costs of long-term care. Specifically, this is in regards to the costs to live in long-term care communities and of the many personal care services provided, such as help with activities of daily living (ADLs). However, Medicare can be used for care that’s considered skilled and provided by licensed medical professionals, such as registered nurses and physical therapists.

We know, there’s a lot of confusion when it comes to Medicare and long-term care. To keep things simple, try to remember nonmedical care means it’s usually not covered by Medicare. Medical care that requires support from skilled health professionals is typically covered by Medicare.

You can also look into some of the programs the Pennsylvania Department of Aging offers to help seniors navigate through Medicare:

Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA MEDI) gives free Medicare counseling services to senior Pennsylvanians on topics such as eligibility and enrollment, financial assistance programs, and Medicare benefits.
Pennsylvania Medicare Cost-Savings Programs are available to help older, low-income Pennsylvanians with out-of-pocket expenses for prescriptions, deductibles, and Medicare premiums.
PACE and PACENET help Pennsylvania residents ages 65 and older qualify for prescription assistance programs. These prescription drug plans, which include VA benefits and Medicare, may help to lower the cost of medications.

New Jersey residents can also unlock Medicare savings with help from the state’s Department of Aging Services by applying for NJSave. You can find out even more about Medicare benefits and enrollment by contacting your nearest Social Security Administration office or your local Area Agency on Aging.

Medicare resources

Additional Medicare resources for Philadelphia residents

Philadelphia County Area Agency on Aging
642 N. Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: 215-765-9000

PA MEDI Helpline
Phone: 800-783-7067
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Additional Medicare resources for New Jersey residents

New Jersey Medicare Information and Referral ServicePhone: 1-877-792-8820

Camden County Senior Services Division
512 Lakeland Rd #4
Blackwood, NJ 08012
Phone: (856) 858-3220

Understand Philadelphia nursing home laws and regulations

Since nursing homes or skilled nursing units are considered medical facilities in Pennsylvania, they’re subject to a different set of rules and regulations than other types of senior living communities. Philadelphia nursing homes or skilled nursing centers serve as medical facilities and are licensed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Assisted living communities and personal care homes are licensed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

There are a number of state and federal regulations for skilled nursing facilities to make sure proper safety and health standards are in place. Pennsylvania’s state guidelines for long-term care facilities include the following:

All residents should have a care plan implemented within seven days of moving in to outline an individual’s needs and treatment goals.
There should be at least one on-duty nursing staff employee for every 20 residents.
Staff should be considerate and respectful of residents’ privacy when performing care duties.
All residents should have a release plan that confirms they have appropriate care arrangements in place after leaving.

If you or your loved one is not in need of the advanced, 24/7 medical care provided at a nursing home or skilled nursing facility, you may want to look up the regulations specific to Philadelphia assisted living or Philadelphia memory care communities. Some of these include:

Assisted living facilities need to have different service packages available for residents who do and don’t need help with ADLs.
Medications should be appropriately stored, labeled, and administered.
Each resident must receive a medical evaluation upon move in and have a written care plan in place.
Staff at memory care facilities are required to receive specialized dementia training.

Inspections

The Pennsylvania Department of Health conducts on-site, annual inspections of skilled nursing facilities in Philadelphia to oversee whether state and federal regulations are followed. All inspection reports from the past five years are available to the public, and the Department of Human Services publishes a monthly report on licensed senior communities in Pennsylvania.

If residents or their families have concerns with the safety or quality of care at a nursing home or skilled nursing center at an assisted living facility, they can reach out to the facility’s respective department or a state ombudsman, as well as ombudsman services through the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. You can also file an online complaint through the Department of Human Services.

Resources for nursing home laws

For Pennsylvania residents:

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
642 N. Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: 215-765-9040

Pennsylvania Department of Health
625 Forster St.
Harrisburg, PA 17120

For skilled nursing facility complaints: 800-254-5164

For complaints regarding personal care homes and assisted living communities: 877-724-3258

Department of Human Services
Health and Welfare Building
625 Forster St., Room 631
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: 717-783-7375

For New Jersey residents:

New Jersey Department of Health
55 North Willow St.
Trenton, New Jersey 08625

Nursing Home Administrators Licensing Board
Phone: 609-633-9706

Nursing home complaints
Phone: 800-792-9770

Nursing home ombudsman
Phone: 877-582-6995
Email: ombudsman@ltco.nj.gov

COVID-19 regulations for Philadelphia nursing homes

Although COVID-19 regulations have become more relaxed in some areas of life, Philadelphia nursing facilities or skilled nursing units continue to follow COVID-19 guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s PA Health Alert Network (PA-HAN).

Staff safety. Staff should be provided with and wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when it’s deemed necessary.

Vaccinations. Staff, residents, and visitors are encouraged to remain current on all COVID-19 vaccine doses.

Philadelphia: A city for all ages

Philadelphia’s senior population has been on the rise over the years, both in size and diversity. The city offers an array of senior living options to accommodate varying care levels and budgets. Pennsylvania’s senior population over the age of 60 are expected to make up nearly one-third of the state’s population by the year 2030.^[04]

The rapid increase in Philadelphia’s aging population puts a demand on the state government to provide accessible and inclusive care resources to all senior Pennsylvanians. Efforts have been made by city officials over the years to help make Philadelphia a senior-friendly city with the creation of affordable housing, meal delivery services, and senior community centers. Philadelphia’s Age-Friendly Action Plan outlines future plans to make community benefits and resources more available to all seniors. This includes expanding access to internet resources, increasing availability of home modifications and repairs, and providing culturally inclusive services to the city’s diverse communities.

Additionally, Pennsylvania’s 2022-2023 state budget plans to invest over $500 million into long-term care and skilled nursing facilities. Specifically, skilled nursing facilities will receive a 17.5% Medicaid rate increase. This is expected to help narrow the gap between Medicaid reimbursement and the cost of care at a skilled nursing facility by providing an additional $35 in Medicaid per resident per day. The state’s budget will also allocate leftover stimulus funds to senior care communities, including both skilled nursing and assisted living care types.

Types of nursing homes in Philadelphia

For many, a stay in a nursing home or skilled nursing facility isn’t usually a permanent living option. It’s usually just a short-term stay for recovery or treatment. Planning ahead for long-term care after a recovery can help make for a smooth and safe transition. Luckily, the city offers an array of senior living options to accommodate varying care levels and budgets. Understanding all of these options will make it easier to determine the best fit for an individual’s unique needs.

Skilled nursing facilities

Skilled nursing facilities offer the highest level of care of all senior care types. Unlike general assisted living residences, a stay in a skilled nursing facility is ordered by a doctor or physician for either hospice or for a rehabilitation following a hospitalization or illness. Staff in these units consist of medical professionals and licensed nurses who provide round-the-clock care and supervision.

Assisted living communities

With over 30 partnered assisted living communities within 10 miles of Center City district in Philadelphia, A Place for Mom can help you find the right assisted living community for you or your family. Assisted living communities are an ideal fit for seniors who need help with everyday tasks but still wish to maintain as much independence as possible. These communities vary significantly in costs depending on many factors, like the senior’s required care services and on-site amenities. Residents in Philadelphia assisted living communities often enjoy amenities such as chef-prepared meals, on- and off-site activities, and transportation services.

Memory care

Memory care communities in Philadelphia can provide specialized activities and therapies to residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Memory care communities in Philadelphia are required to provide staff with dementia-specific training and will typically feature enhanced safety features, such as enclosed courtyards and secured entryways. Some communities may offer memory care exclusively, but many assisted living communities also have memory care units, with a separate wing or neighborhood for memory care residents. These types of communities make it easy for couples with different care needs to remain living on the same campus.

Philadelphia nursing homes services and amenities

These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Philadelphia nursing homes communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in Philadelphia, but support comparisons against nationwide offerings. Our Senior Living Advisors can help you find communities that fit your preferences.

Availability of select care services in Philadelphia nursing homes

Nursing homes communities offer a variety of care services and visiting health care providers to meet seniors’ health needs. The chart below shows the percentage of nursing homes partners in Philadelphia that offer these care services compared to the percentage of partners that offer them nationally.

Philadelphia, PANational

Full medication management

58%

2.5%

Doctor on call

54.6%

9.7%

24-Hour awake staff

81.9%

23.7%

Diabetic care

80.9%

24%

*Visiting health care professionals

64.9%

10%

Home care agency on-site

35.1%

0.8%

Non-ambulatory care

78.4%

20.4%

Respite or short term stays

55.8%

6.9%

Hospice available on-site

62.6%

17.5%

0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

*Including nurse, dentist, OT, PT, speech or podiatrist

Availability of select dementia care services in Philadelphia nursing homes

Our community partners provide many services to keep residents with dementia or other memory concerns safe and engaged. Below, take a look at what percentage of Philadelphia Nursing Homes partners offer the selected dementia care services compared to the percentage of partners nationally.

Philadelphia, PANational

Dementia behaviors care

57.6%

Specialized memory care training for staff

43.6%

0.3%

Secured community and/or wander guard

51.7%

5.5%

Memory care only community

17%

1.2%

0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dietary accommodations in Philadelphia nursing homes

Nursing homes communities help seniors maintain a balanced diet by accommodating their health needs, allergies, and other restrictions. Below you’ll find the percentage of Philadelphia partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.

Philadelphia, PANational

Nutritionist / dietician

37.2%

0.6%

Low / no sodium

51.7%

1.4%

No sugar

49%

1.4%

Vegetarian

44.7%

3.5%

0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in Philadelphia nursing homes

Our nursing homes communities know that seniors want top-quality meals and options for how they dine. The chart below indicates the percentage of Philadelphia communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.

Philadelphia, PANational

Professional chef

42.2%

0.2%

Restaurant style dining

48.8%

0.5%

Room service

41%

0.3%

Anytime dining

23.1%

0.7%

0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in Philadelphia nursing homes

Senior living communities offer a variety of programming to keep seniors socially, mentally, and physically vibrant. The chart below shows what percentage of partnered nursing homes communities in Philadelphia offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.

Philadelphia, PANational

Activity director

52.8%

0.4%

Pet-focused programs

40.4%

0.3%

Community service programs

36%

0.3%

Devotional activities on-site

55.1%

6.5%

Parties / BBQs / happy hour

54.4%

0.5%

Outings / off-site activities

59.6%

6.6%

Piano or organ

46.7%

0.4%

Arts and crafts center

45.3%

0.3%

Educational speakers / life long learning

45.8%

0.3%

Clubs / games / karaoke

52.4%

0.4%

Live performances

53%

0.4%

Dances

37.9%

0.2%

Fitness center

27%

0.3%

Fitness classes

53%

0.4%

0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

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New to Philadelphia? Details for seniors

14%

Percentage of Philadelphia’s population that is made up of seniors ages 65 and older

89000

Number of Philadelphians over the age of 75

40%

Percentage of Philadelphians living with a disease

Health care for seniors in Philadelphia

Seniors in Philadelphia have access to some of the top medical care in the country. These medical care centers and hospitals are known for their outstanding cancer and diabetes care and for their specialties, such as neurology.

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania-Penn Presbyterian

Penn Presbyterian is ranked No. 1 in both Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia metro and No. 13 in the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals Honor Roll.” On top of being nationally ranked in 12 adult specialties, it’s ranked as a high-performing hospital in two adult specialties and 19 procedures and conditions.

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

Jefferson University Hospital follows as the No. 2 hospital in Philadelphia and No. 3 in Pennsylvania. In addition to being nationally recognized in nine adult specialties, Jefferson University Hospital has received Age-Friendly Health System designations for its exceptional care provided to older adults.

Main Line Health Lankenau Medical Center

Main Line Lankenau Medical Center is located in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, and is Philadelphia’s No. 3 hospital. Main Line Health is nationally ranked in one adult specialty and is the No. 6 hospital in Pennsylvania. Main Line Health has also been ranked as high performing in specialties ranging from cardiology, lung surgery, and urology to hip and knee replacements.

ChristianaCare Hospitals

ChristianaCare Hospital is nationally ranked in one adult specialty and is the No. 4 hospital in Philadelphia. It’s regarded as a high-performing hospital in 13 procedures and conditions, which include heart failure, uterine cancer surgery, and hip and knee replacements.

Senior-friendly transportation in Philadelphia

While Philadelphia steadily ranks as one of the country’s most walkable cities, there are plenty of transit ways to get around the city, as well. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) provides public transportation in and around the city via its bus, trolley, subway, and train routes.

Public transportation is free to Philadelphia residents ages 65 and older with a SEPTA Senior Fare Card. This covers transportation within the city and the surrounding areas, making it easier to plan weekend getaways to see the grandkids. SEPTA CCT Connect also offers door-to-door senior transportation services. You can find additional city transportation resources below or by dialing 2-1-1.

Additional transportation resources

For Philadelphia residents:

Mayor’s Commission on Aging
100 S. Broad St., 4th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19110
Phone: 215-686-8450

SEPTA
1234 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 215-580-7800

For New Jersey residents:

NJ Transit
Customer Service: 1 (973) 275-5555

A group of seniors painting during an art class

Activities for seniors in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, or “Philly” as it’s lovingly known, is a city thriving in history and culture. Iconic landmarks represent symbolic moments in history, both American and cinematic nostalgia. From the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall to the “Rocky steps” in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the city is filled with attractions to entertain all interests, ages, and abilities. Seniors can also find several senior community centers throughout Philadelphia that offer nutritious meals, social activities, and convenient services, such as transportation.

Around 97% of Philadelphia nursing homes coordinate their own on-site activities and events, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.{{citation: 1}} Many Philadelphia senior living communities also plan off-site activities and provide shuttle buses to fully enjoy the city’s local amenities, like shopping, dining, and cultural events. And, several of Philadelphia’s popular attractions are completely wheelchair accessible; for example, the National Constitution Center, the Philadelphia Zoo, and Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Additionally, Penn Museum partners with Philly Touch Tours to provide accessible tours for people with impaired vision. In a culturally and historically rich city like Philadelphia, there is always something to do or see.

References

A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Genworth. (2021). Cost of care survey.
Heisler, E. (2022, July 12). Long-term care receives priority in Pennsylvania’s budget with historic investments in senior care. Pennsylvania Health Care Association.
SmartAsset. (2021). Pennsylvania Retirement Tax Friendliness.
Wolf, T., & Torres, R. (2020). State plan on aging 2020-2024: Keystone for empowered aging. Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
American Community Survey 2021: ACS 1-year estimates subject tables. U.S. Census Bureau.

More questions?

Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.

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“From start to finish, it was such a seamless experience and was truly meant to be. Now I know my mom is being well cared for...”

- Jo Ann Markowski

seamless meant to be

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10 Best Nursing Homes in Philadelphia, PA

Nursing Homes Facilities near Philadelphia, PA

Our free advisors can help

Our methodology

How we rank order the Philadelphia community options above

Where we source our information

14,000+ communities

350,000+ reviews

Philadelphia nursing home costs

Nursing homes costs in Philadelphia, PA, vs. state and national averages

Nursing homes costs in Philadelphia, PA, vs. other senior living options

Nursing homes costs in Philadelphia, PA, by floor plan type

Senior living costs in Philadelphia vs. state and national costs

Nursing homes costs in Philadelphia, PA, over time

Nursing homes cost trends in Philadelphia, PA

What families are saying about nursing homes in Philadelphia

Recent reviews for nursing homes in Philadelphia

How to pay for nursing homes in Philadelphia

Understand Philadelphia nursing home laws and regulations

Inspections

Resources for nursing home laws

For Pennsylvania residents:

For New Jersey residents:

COVID-19 regulations for Philadelphia nursing homes

Philadelphia: A city for all ages

Types of nursing homes in Philadelphia

Skilled nursing facilities

Assisted living communities

Memory care

Philadelphia nursing homes services and amenities

Availability of select care services in Philadelphia nursing homes

Availability of select dementia care services in Philadelphia nursing homes

Availability of select dietary accommodations in Philadelphia nursing homes

Availability of select dining options in Philadelphia nursing homes

Availability of select programs and activities in Philadelphia nursing homes

Explore senior care with confidence

New to Philadelphia? Details for seniors

Health care for seniors in Philadelphia

Senior-friendly transportation in Philadelphia

Additional transportation resources

For Philadelphia residents:

For New Jersey residents:

Activities for seniors in Philadelphia

References

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