In short
Lancaster County has one of Pennsylvania's most active Area Agencies on Aging and a deep network of personal care homes and assisted living residences, plus a strong home care market. Assisted living runs about $5,500 to $7,000 a month.
What’s available in Lancaster
Lancaster County has one of Pennsylvania's most active aging networks, with a deep roster of personal care homes, assisted living residences, and home care agencies.
| Type | Who it’s for | What’s included | In Lancaster |
|---|---|---|---|
| Care at home | Wants to stay home, needs daily help | Aides, nursing visits, meals, rides | Licensed agencies available |
| Independent living | Active, done with upkeep | Apartment, meals, activities | Range of options |
| Assisted living | Needs help with meds, bathing, meals | Private apartment, 24-hour staff, care plan | Multiple communities |
| Memory care | Alzheimer’s or dementia | Secured, higher staff ratio | Standalone and campus-based |
| Skilled nursing | Round-the-clock nursing or rehab | Nurses, therapy, medical oversight | Available; Medicare for short rehab |
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What it costs here
Lancaster costs run about $5,500 to $7,000 a month for assisted living, depending on the level of care and the neighborhood. Here is the typical range:
| Type | Typical monthly cost | What moves the number |
|---|---|---|
| Independent living | $3,000 to $4,800 | Apartment size, meal plan, amenities |
| Assisted living | $5,500 to $7,000 | Base rent plus care level; higher needs add $500-$1,500 |
| Memory care | $6,000 to $8,500 | Staffing ratio, private vs. shared room |
| Home care | $30 to $35 an hour | Hours per week; rates may vary |
| Skilled nursing | $9,500 to $12,000 | Private vs. semi-private; Medicare for short rehab |
How Pennsylvania helps pay
Pennsylvania programs that help seniors pay for care
- Medicaid long-term care
- Pennsylvania's Medicaid program covers long-term care for seniors who qualify. Apply through the Lancaster County Assistance Office.
- Where to start
- Lancaster County Office of Aging, 717-299-7979, toll-free 800-801-3070; 150 N. Queen St., Lancaster PA 17603; lancoaging.org
- Veterans
- VA Aid and Attendance pension for wartime veterans who need help with daily activities.
- Medicare
- Does not pay for assisted living or long-term care. Covers short rehab stays.
Sources: State agency; Medicare.gov; VA.gov. Rules change; confirm current eligibility.
Local resources worth knowing
- Lancaster County Office of Aging 717-299-7979, 800-801-3070. Free services including Medicaid screening, caregiver support.
- PA DHS Department of Human Services. Licensing and inspection reports for personal care homes.
- South Central AAA Network Regional coordination of Area Agencies on Aging.
- Eldercare Locator, 1-800-677-1116. The federal government’s free line for aging services anywhere in the country.
- Adult Protective Services. To report elder abuse or neglect, call the state APS hotline or 911 if there is immediate danger.
Still sorting through it?
Ten minutes on the phone is usually enough to make the whole thing feel smaller.
Questions from Lancaster families
What's the difference between a personal care home and assisted living in PA?
Pennsylvania licenses both. Personal care homes provide room, board, and personal care services in a residential setting. Assisted living residences offer more privacy and independence with similar support.
Does Pennsylvania have a Medicaid program for home care?
Yes. Pennsylvania's Community HealthChoices program covers home and community-based services for seniors who qualify for Medicaid.
How do I check a facility's record in PA?
The PA DHS Bureau of Human Services Licensing publishes inspection reports and complaint information.
Sources: CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025; Medicare.gov; Lancaster County Office of Aging, 717-299-7979, toll-free 800-801-3070; 150 N. Queen St., Lancaster PA 17603; lancoaging.org; state agency websites. Retrieved October 8, 2026.