Assisted Living in Pittsburgh, PA

Read on for in-depth information about the top assisted living facilities in Pittsburgh, a brief dive into our methodology for determining the best assisted living communities, and a searchable directory of 50 communities in the Pittsburgh area.

How to Pay for Assisted Living in Pittsburgh, PA

Determining how to finance assisted living often starts with the question, “What’s the cost?” In today’s economy, where inflation plays a significant role, having current data is crucial for senior living financial planning. AssistedLiving.org has gathered cost information from its expansive network of over 75,000 senior living providers. This data offers a glimpse into the average expenses for assisted living in Pittsburgh and 100 additional cities within Pennsylvania.

How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Assisted Living in Pittsburgh, PA

Inflation increased the cost of assisted living in Pittsburgh by 9.5% between 2022 and 2023, getting very close to the average nationwide rise of 10%. Price increases across Pennsylvania are comparatively steeper, with monthly costs up by 17.5%, from $3,908 to $4,653. Prices in Pittsburgh are projected to rise by 7.5% between 2023 and 2024. Other Pennsylvania cities are set to record similar hikes, with 7.5% increases predicted in West Mifflin, Beaver Falls and Darlington. Strategic planning for projected senior living costs can help older adults prepare better for assisted living.

Location	2022 Cost (Historical)	2023 Cost (Current)	2024 Cost (Estimated)
Pittsburgh	$4,545	$4,979	$5,362
U.S. Average	$4,070	$4,459	$4,802
Pennsylvania	$3,908	$4,653	$5,016
West Mifflin	$4,477	$4,905	$5,282
Beaver Falls	$2,962	$3,245	$3,495
Darlington	$2,682	$2,938	$3,164

 

Assisted Living vs. Other Types of Care in Pittsburgh, PA

Senior living prices in Pittsburgh depend on several factors, including the care type, services and amenities of individual settings. Assisted living typically costs around $4,979, and the cost of memory care is comparable at $4,978. Independent living is significantly more affordable, at $3,191 on average. This type of care usually costs less because independent living communities generally provide fewer services than communities offering intensive care.

Care Type	Cost
Assisted Living	$4,979
Memory Care	$4,798
Independent Living	$3,191

 

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Pittsburgh, PA

Free and Low-Cost Assisted Living Resources for Seniors in Pittsburgh, PA

Numerous resources are available in Pittsburgh, PA to support seniors during their retirement. AssistedLiving.org has gathered data on local groups, initiatives, and agencies, and organized them according to care categories for convenient access.

For details about resources across the state and in neighboring cities, please visit the Pennsylvania state page on assistedliving.org.

Area Agency on Aging

Your local Pittsburgh Area Agency on Aging is a valuable resource for retirees, offering guidance on financial aid, in-home care, and long-term care planning. They also link seniors and caregivers to community resources.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging	800-344-4319	The Pennsylvania Department of Aging oversees the operations of each Area Agency on Aging in the state. These agencies provide a range of services to seniors, including legal assistance, Medicare counseling, and prescription assistance. Seniors can also find information on financial exploitation, protective services, and the long-term care ombudsman program. Housing and meal assistance are available as well. Additionally, the agency offers the Senior Community Service Employment Program, which is open to eligible Pennsylvanians aged 55 and above.

Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living

Seniors in Pittsburgh, whether residing independently or in a senior living facility, have access to various local financial aid options. These entities assist in offsetting certain in-home or long-term care expenses and link them to beneficial community resources.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Community LIFE East End	886-419-1693	LIFE, also known as Living Independence for the Elderly, is a care program available in Pennsylvania. It caters to seniors aged 55 and older, providing them with a comprehensive range of medical and supportive services. These services encompass dental care, audiology, in-home assistance, and medical transportation. To qualify for the LIFE program, seniors must reside in an area served by a LIFE provider and meet the necessary care requirements typically associated with nursing homes.
LIFE Pittsburgh	412-388-8050	LIFE, also known as Living Independence for the Elderly, is a care program available in Pennsylvania. It caters to seniors aged 55 and older, providing them with a comprehensive range of medical and supportive services. These services encompass dental care, audiology, in-home assistance, and medical transportation. To qualify for the LIFE program, seniors must reside in an area served by a LIFE provider and meet the necessary care requirements typically associated with nursing homes.

Food Assistance Programs

In Pittsburgh, various local initiatives are dedicated to promoting senior health through balanced nutrition. They offer services like meal delivery, communal dining, and food banks, ensuring elderly residents have access to affordable, nutritious food.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Hazelwood-Greenfield Meals on Wheels	888-998-6325	Hazelwood-Greenfield Meals on Wheels is a program provided by Fishes and Loaves Cooperative Ministries. Its primary goal is to guarantee that seniors residing in the Greater Hazelwood and Greenfield regions have convenient access to nutritious meals. This program involves dedicated volunteers who diligently deliver a bagged lunch and microwaveable dinner to seniors who are unable to leave their homes or prepare their own food. The meals are offered completely free of charge and are delivered on weekdays, from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Meals on Wheels of Southwest PA – McKnight Kitchen	888-998-6325	Meals on Wheels of Southwest PA offers the McKnight Kitchen program, which delivers nutritious meals to seniors in the McKnight area who are unable to shop or cook for themselves. The program provides one hot lunch and one cold dinner on weekdays, delivered by dedicated volunteers. In addition to meeting the nutritional needs of homebound seniors, this initiative also fosters social connections and meaningful interactions.
Meals on Wheels of Southwest PA – North Boroughs / Sewickley Area Kitchen	888-998-6325	Meals on Wheels of Southwest PA operates the North Boroughs/Sewickley Area Kitchen, a crucial program that offers essential food support to seniors residing in various communities throughout the Greater Pittsburgh region. Our team of skilled professionals prepares meals in a certified, community-based kitchen, which are then delivered directly to the doors of seniors by our dedicated volunteers. Deliveries take place on weekdays and include a nourishing hot lunch and a satisfying cold dinner. This ensures that seniors have access to well-balanced and nutritious meals, while also providing an opportunity for those who may be isolated to engage in meaningful social interaction.
South Park Meals on Wheels	888-998-6325	South Park Meals on Wheels is a program managed by Grace Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh, PA. This nonprofit initiative is dedicated to serving older adults in South Park, Pleasant Hills, and surrounding areas. Through the efforts of dedicated volunteers, we provide home-delivered meals to local seniors and individuals with disabilities. In addition to nutritious meals, we may also offer a variety of other items, including canned goods, pasta, sauces, and household essentials like trash bags and cleaning supplies.

Home Repair and Modifications

In Pittsburgh, numerous programs are available to aid seniors and individuals with disabilities in financing home modifications and repairs. These programs, offering grants or loans, have diverse eligibility requirements specifically designed for retirees.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) – Pittsburgh	800-841-6899	The Weatherization Assistance Program in Pennsylvania offers financial support to enhance energy efficiency and lower energy expenses. Eligible participants may receive assistance for various weatherization services, including minor repairs, insulation for attics and windows, caulking, and even replacement of heating or cooling systems.
Allegheny Home Improvement Loan Program	412-350-6337	The Allegheny Home Improvement Loan Program in Pittsburgh offers valuable assistance to seniors in need of home repairs or improvements. With this program, eligible individuals can receive up to $10,000 for emergency repairs, completely interest-free. For more general improvements, seniors can access up to $23,000 at a low interest rate of just 1%. To qualify, applicants must be year-round residents of a single-family home (with some exceptions), own at least 50% of the property, and meet income limits based on household size. For example, a two-person household has a maximum income limit of $64,250, while an eight-person household is capped at $106,000. This program provides a valuable opportunity for seniors to enhance the safety and comfort of their homes without the burden of high interest rates.

Legal Resources

In Pittsburgh, numerous agencies provide affordable or complimentary legal assistance to the elderly. They offer counsel on matters like estate management, living wills, and power of attorney. Some even serve as advocates for seniors’ rights in long-term care facilities.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Elderlaw Clinic	412-648-1300	The University of Pittsburgh Law School offers a legal clinic that caters to low-income Allegheny County residents aged 60 and above. The clinic is run by students under the guidance of a practicing attorney. Its primary focus is to provide assistance in various legal matters, including the creation of powers of attorney and living wills, planning for incapacity and estate, and obtaining public benefits.
Legal Resources for Older Adults – Pittsburgh	866-761-6572	Neighborhood Legal Services offers valuable support to the elderly community in McKeesport by providing free civil legal services. Our team of licensed professionals specializes in assisting individuals aged 60 and over. We offer benefits counseling and expert guidance in applying for essential programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security Disability Insurance, and Supplemental Security Income. These services are designed to help seniors cover the costs of long-term care services.

Senior Centers

In Pittsburgh, senior centers serve as a hub for older adults, providing recreational activities, events, and valuable resources. These centers also offer wellness programs, nutritional guidance, and assistance with senior-related concerns.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
HAL Senior Center	412-937-3068	The Monroe Senior Center provides a wide range of activities, services, and programs tailored for adults aged 50 and above in the community. Our center offers various social clubs, a Wii Bowling league, shuffleboard contests, health and wellness programs, monthly craft classes, computer classes, movie days, and exciting monthly special events. Additionally, we provide health screenings, income tax assistance, health care support, and training classes for senior drivers. Our comprehensive fitness program includes a fully equipped fitness center and a variety of fitness classes to cater to different interests and abilities.

Social Security Offices

In Pittsburgh, Social Security offices provide essential services to seniors and individuals with disabilities. They offer guidance on retirement benefits, disability allowances, and Supplemental Security Income.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Pittsburgh Social Security Offices	800-772-1213	Social Security serves as a financial resource for individuals who have reached retirement age or are unable to work due to a disability. The funding for Social Security is derived from a payroll tax imposed on employers, employees, and self-employed individuals. Upon retirement, beneficiaries are entitled to receive monthly payments based on their previous earnings.

Transportation Assistance

For seniors in Pittsburgh struggling with private transportation, help is at hand. Community services are available to aid the elderly and disabled in their local travels, facilitating errands and appointments within the city.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
ACCESS Paratransit Service	412-562-5353	ACCESS Paratransit Service is a convenient transportation option available to elderly and disabled residents in the Pittsburgh area who are unable to utilize the regular fixed-route transit system. This service is specifically designed to cater to the needs of individuals aged 65 and older, providing them with the ability to schedule rides to various destinations within Allegheny County. In addition to its reliable transportation services, ACCESS also offers person-centered amenities such as package assistance, hand-to-hand service, and step assistance. With operating hours from 6 a.m. to midnight, 7 days a week, ACCESS is committed to ensuring that individuals have access to transportation whenever they need it.

Veteran’s Services

Veteran services in Pittsburgh offer invaluable assistance to retired military personnel. These local entities guide veterans in utilizing their rightful benefits and provide counsel on diverse matters.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Pittsburgh Vet Center	412-920-1765	The Pittsburgh Vet Center, situated in Pittsburgh, PA, offers a diverse array of services to veterans, returning service members, and their families in a welcoming and nonclinical environment. Our team of specially trained counselors provides support to individuals dealing with mental health challenges, grief and loss, post-traumatic stress disorder, or military sexual trauma. For medical benefits, suicide prevention, and substance abuse assistance, veterans are directed to the appropriate VA or community programs.

 

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Pittsburgh, PA

Assisted Living Communities in Pittsburgh are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined by the state. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.