Assisted living could be a good option for seniors who require assistance with daily living but don't need the intensive services of a nursing home. On average, older adults in Pittsburgh pay $4,979 per month for assisted living, which is slightly above the state average of $4,653 and the national average of $4,459. Overall, assisted living in Pittsburgh is costlier than many other areas of the United States.
AssistedLiving.org spent dozens of hours researching the top assisted living communities in the Pittsburgh area to allow seniors and their families to find the community that’s right for them. Click through the facilities listed below to read in-depth reviews, what residents are saying, and details such as base pricing, room types, and more.
At St. Mary's Courtyard - Angels 211, residents enjoy a serene assisted living environment with a caring…
2.01
Average of 10 reviews
Reviews gathered from around the web
Sunrise Assisted Living of South Hills
1320 Greentree Road, Pittsburgh, PA 44177
Assisted Living
Independent Living
Memory Care
Skilled Nursing
Since 1985, Harbour Senior Living of South Hills, a pet-friendly facility, has served Pittsburgh seniors through assisted…
4.01
Average of 66 reviews
Reviews gathered from around the web
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In order to find the top assisted living communities in the Pittsburgh area, our team of researchers:
Sorted through 50 communities using our unique methodology
Spent over 15 hours researching assisted living communities in Pittsburgh
Read more than 145 reviews left by residents and their family members
After filtering out facilities that didn’t meet our high standards, we were left with 8 assisted living communities that earned our seal of approval. Through this process we discovered that the average cost of assisted living in the city of Pittsburgh is $3,265, which is lower than the state average of $3,913 and the national average of $4,051.
Christina Drumm-Boyd
Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and Geriatric Care Manager (GCM)
Christina Drumm-Boyd
Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and Geriatric Care Manager (GCM)
Christina is a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and Geriatric Care Manager (GCM) who is passionate about seniors and their families. Along with her staff, Christina works hands-on with each client to find the best solutions for the challenges that often come with aging.
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
Other Ways to Pay for Assisted Living in Pittsburgh, PA
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
Veterans Benefits
Life Insurance Policy
Long-Term Care Insurance
Reverse Mortgage
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Pennsylvania.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our Methodology
It’s not what we research, but the way we research that makes AssistedLiving.org stand out. We start by identifying problems and challenges in the senior care industry by gaining insight from conversations with industry professionals, older adults, and those that care for them. Next, our research team led by industry experts apply our data-driven research techniques to understand the magnitude of the challenge and how to overcome it. Finally, we present our findings in easy-to-understand guides and studies and share our actionable results with influencers and caregivers, as well as the general public.
Facility Features (40%)
Facility Health Services Graded on health services provided on the facility including, but not limited to, on-site nursing, pharmacy, skilled nursing, medicine administration, etc
Facility Amenities Graded on the available amenities.
Affordability Financial assistance acceptance and overall costs and value.
Residential Quality (40%)
Resident Satisfaction Polling & survey of overall facility satisfaction.
Facility Complaint and Violations Number of complaints and violations the facility had. Taking into account improvement over time.
Location-Based Benefits Including, but not limited to, proximity to hospitals, ambulance response times, senior resources available, and state and city financial assistance.
Location Quality Local crime rates, incidents against older adults, air quality, climate.
