10 Best Nursing Homes in Pittsburgh, PA
Nursing home is often used as an umbrella term to describe assisted living and other types of senior care facilities. But a nursing home is technically a skilled nursing facility for people with complex medical conditions. Nursing facility settings provide residents with round-the-clock medical supervision, treatments, and therapies by a staff of nurses and doctors. Senior care facilities, like assisted living and memory care facilities, are often a better fit for medically stable seniors. Senior care facilities don’t always provide access to 24/7 medical care, though they do provide daily personal care and a variety of other senior-specific services.
A Place for Mom partners with 36 senior care facilities within a 10-mile radius of Downtown Pittsburgh, which consists of both assisted living and memory care communities. Facilities with memory care provide similar services as assisted living, with additional enhanced security measures and specialized therapies and programs for residents with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. This detailed guide walks you through the various senior care options in Pittsburgh and covers a variety of topics that range from costs and payment options to amenities and services you can expect to find.
Nursing Homes Facilities near Pittsburgh, PA
The friendliness of the staff and care services gets a 5+. [name removed], the director, is dedicated, hard working, compassionate, and kind and leads by example. Everyone from the folks who work at the...
Overall, it was a good place. The lack of communication with the Director [name removed] was the biggest problem during our time there. Paying [fee removed] a month should at least entitle the family to be...
The facility was clean and did not have any odors The food service and the food was very good. The staff was friendly and very helpful. Unfortunately as it was my mother first time in a long term care...
It's a clean, beautiful facility with a lot of activities. The staff really takes good care of the residents. The residents seem very engaged and happy with their living situation. It's really expensive...
Arden Courts A ProMedica Memory Care Community in Jefferson Hills
380 Wray Large Road, Jefferson Hills, PA 15025
My mom became in resident in May. It is so comforting to see her thieve in her own environment. We could not ask for a better home.
Whitetail Springs Transitional Assisted Living and Memory Care Community
3401 Provost Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15227
5 for all of them! I think Whitetail Springs was perfect, only if my Aunt was a bit more healthy to have enjoyed it. The staff was caring to your needs of the family member, kept you up to date with calls if...
Depends on what your needs are. It's ok and most staff is very friendly and caring. We picked this community because of proximity to us and pricing was better at the time.
We picked them because of the affordability and the room size. The staff seemed very nice. It's certainly not a lively bunch of people but I guess that's what is to be expected in assisted living. I would...
Maybe I would recommend need to see more from staff. Staff is always talking about being under staffed. We picked them because of the size of the facility.
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5 across the board. It has been a couple years but I think her name was [name removed], who managed accounting I believe. well she was super, I had a bit of a situation with dad's long-term insurance and...
I'd recommend to others. She is very happy there but gets frustrated over the annual cost increases. My Mom tries to see the good in every situation and does not complain about any drawbacks. Mom preferred...
Staff are always available when needed. The facility is in a great location. My loved one had to move because she needed more care than they were able to provide here.
My brother has been a resident at Celebration Villa of Allison Park since early[fee removed] I think it's a good value for the money. The monthly cost is [fee removed], which includes[fee removed]for his...
We picked this community because it is proximity to family and the unit that she got is one of the few that have her own door into the common courtyard and a little patio. Food is fantastic. And she does a...
Arden Courts A ProMedica Memory Care Community in North Hills
1125 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA 15237
We rate all of them a 5. The caregivers do their best and my mom was well cared for. She always said the people were nice and she enjoyed the food. They bought her "weighted silverware and cups" for her...
Everyone is professional, attentive and caring. They all want to make residents happy. Food is tough. My mom was moved to memory care sometimes she complains she is hungry and certain foods are too sweet...
From the first time we walked in, the facility was first rate, everyone we talked to was friendly and knowledgeable. We could see the interaction with the residents was excellent. Everyone there was...
The head nurse is wonderful. The med techs are nice, but there is a lot of turnover. So they aren't always up to speed on what is going on. The dining staff are very nice. The administration return most...
When it comes to the care services my only issue is that my father is not being shaved every day. For the meals my dad is very picky but they are always willing to make him a grilled cheese. Based on the...
I have to make sure that my mom gets showers. They struggle keeping staff and the food isn't great but for the price you can't beat it! Mom is safe and happy and that's all that matters to me. If you're on a...
We chose this facility because it was one of the only ones that did not smell of urine when we walked in. It is also a great value for the money for this area. I would recommend Locust Grove to others.
We are very pleased with Harmony, it is beautiful.The only problem is what it is everywhere, short staffed. There has been a lot of turnover since we moved our aunt in, but she is happy & has adjusted well....
The staff is very friendly and engaged with the residents. The facility is very clean, but not updated. They could improve on the food by hiring a Michelin 5 star chef.
This is more specific to my situation, but I think in situations like mine where I was putting my mother there because I was 800 miles away, I would have liked to call and get updates on her easier, but I...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Pittsburgh community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Pittsburgh 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
- Costs of nursing homes in the Pittsburgh area
- What families are saying about nursing homes in Pittsburgh
- How people pay for nursing homes in Pittsburgh
- Understand Pennsylvania laws and regulations for nursing homes
- What to expect from nursing homes in Pittsburgh
- Pittsburgh nursing homes services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Pittsburgh? Highlights for seniors
Costs of nursing homes in the Pittsburgh area
The level of care provided in a senior care facility plays an important role in the costs. Factors like a community’s location, the floor plan, and selected services or add-on amenities can also affect the cost of a Pittsburgh senior care facility. You can almost always expect assisted living or memory care to cost less than a skilled nursing home though, given that they don’t provide the extent of medical support and services as skilled nursing homes. We go into detail about some of the specific costs of different Pittsburgh senior care facilities below.
Cost of Pittsburgh skilled nursing facilities
Pittsburgh skilled nursing facilities are often the most expensive type of senior care facility because of the costs associated with on-site medical staff, skilled nursing services, and round-the-clock medical supervision. The average monthly cost of a Pittsburgh nursing home is around $9,700 for a semi-private room and $10,700 for a private room, according to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care survey.[02]
Assisted living and memory care costs in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh assisted living and memory care facilities are a much more cost-effective option for seniors who don’t require the 24/7 medical care provided in a skilled nursing facility. The average cost of one of A Place for Mom’s in-network Pittsburgh assisted living communities is $5,000, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This amount paints an accurate picture of assisted living costs in Pittsburgh and incorporates the cost of services that are typically included in the monthly rate.
Here is what will likely be covered with your monthly rent at an assisted living or memory care facility in Pittsburgh:
- Rent
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Meals and snacks
- Organized activities and outings
- Fitness and educational classes
- Concierge
The following can also be found on-site at an assisted living or memory care facility, though they may have associated add-on fees:
- Pet rent/pet-care
- Transportation
- Parking
- Beauty or barber services
Pittsburgh memory care facilities provide similar care services offered in an assisted living community, with additional services just for memory care. Staff is more specialized and provides round-the-clock supervision and dementia-specific therapies and activities. As a result, memory care facilities usually cost a bit more than general assisted living. In Pittsburgh, the average cost of our partner memory care facilities is $5,600 per month.[01]
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Pittsburgh, PA vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Pittsburgh, PA vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Pittsburgh vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Nursing Homes in Pittsburgh, PA by room type
Average cost of Nursing Homes in Pittsburgh over time
What families are saying about nursing homes in Pittsburgh
Recent reviews for nursing homes in Pittsburgh
Tapestry Senior Living Moon Township in Coraopolis, PA
Arden Courts A ProMedica Memory Care Community in North Hills in Pittsburgh, PA
The Faidley House in Monongahela, PA
How people pay for nursing homes in Pittsburgh
Seniors and their families often utilize a variety of resources to pay for nursing homes in Pittsburgh. This usually looks like a blend of private and public sources of funding. In some cases, Medicare and Medicaid can be used to offset the costs of long-term or skilled nursing care services. Veterans benefits can also help with long-term care expenses. To relieve some financial stress, it’s best to understand what financial options are available early on, so your family can stay on top of long-term care costs.
Take a look at the assortment of private and public payment options that may be available to you or a loved one below.
Seniors and their families typically first begin looking into personal assets on hand to pay for a desired senior care facility. This can look like a savings account or sources of retirement income from pensions, Social Security benefits, and an IRA or 401(k). These sources of retirement income, in particular, can go a long way for seniors in Pittsburgh. This is because Social Security, pensions, and retirement accounts are tax exempt for seniors age 60 and older in Pennsylvania.[03]
Depending on resources, your family may also consider some of the following options to help cover long-term care expenses.
Number of veterans who currently live in Pittsburgh
Disabled veterans and surviving spouses may be eligible for generous federal benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Some benefits can be put toward all or some of the costs of long-term senior care. The Aid and Attendance benefit, specifically, is an addition to the VA Pension that can provide a substantial amount of supplemental income for qualified veterans or surviving spouses. This particular VA benefit can be used to pay for anything that improves quality of life, like expenses related to senior care and housing costs. This is just one of the various VA benefits that you or a loved one may qualify for.
How can a senior access VA benefits in Pittsburgh?
It’s highly recommended that families contact a local veterans service officer before applying for VA benefits, as the application process is complex and eligibility depends on many factors. Veterans service officers can be found at one of the veterans service organizations (VSOs) located at the Pittsburgh VA Regional Office. These service officers can inform veterans or surviving spouses on their benefit eligibility and assist them with the application process. They can even help appeal denied claims. We provide a list of those local VSOs and some helpful guides to VA benefits below.
Additional resources
Pittsburgh VA Regional Office
1000 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs — PA VETConnect
4141 Fifth Ave., Third floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3347
Phone: 412-621-3622
Allegheny County Veterans’ Services
4141 Fifth Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3347
Phone: 412-621-4357
Contact Veterans’ Services form
American Legion — Pittsburgh service officers
1000 Liberty Ave., Room 1607
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-395-6230
Pittsburgh Paralyzed Veterans of America — Find a national service officer
1000 Liberty Ave., Room 1602
Phone: 412-395-6255
American Veterans (AMVETS) — Pennsylvania service officers
1000 Liberty Ave., Room 1605
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-395-6267
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) — Find your local office
1000 Liberty Ave., Room 1606
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-395-6241
Medicaid programs are jointly funded by the federal and state government. Benefits and coverages for Medicaid vary on a state-by-state basis. Medical Assistance is Pennsylvania’s state-managed Medicaid program that covers some long-term care services for eligible individuals. We break down what types of settings and services may be covered through Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program below.
Medicaid for Pennsylvania nursing homes
A nursing home — or skilled nursing facility — is eligible for Medicaid coverage if the services are considered medically necessary. This means a doctor needs to confirm that a senior has a condition requiring a nursing home level of care. Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program will cover room and board costs as well as services that include skilled nursing care and prescriptions in a Medicaid-contracted facility. It doesn’t cover nonmedical care services or private rooms.
Medicaid for assisted living and memory care facilities
Unlike with a skilled nursing facility, Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program doesn’t pay for room and board costs at private assisted living or memory care facilities. There is a selection of waiver programs — sometimes called home and community based services (HCBS) — that help people receive certain services from within their community instead of a nursing home or other institutional setting. You can find a complete list of home and community based service programs on the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website.
Community HealthChoices is a managed care program for individuals who require a nursing home level of care but would rather receive care from their community instead of a nursing home. The program lets participants choose a managed care organization that helps coordinate their health services at their home or assisted living community.
The overall goal of Community HealthChoices is to make sure beneficiaries have access to quality health care in their home or community by covering the mandatory services and benefits needed to help a person live as independently as possible and avoid nursing home placement.
Community HealthChoices doesn’t pay for the room and board costs of a senior care facility, but it does offer a range of health care services that can be received in the community of your choice, be that a home or an assisted living community. The types of long-term services and supports covered includes personal care, like assistance with activities of daily living, rehabilitative therapies, and medical equipment.
To qualify, an individual must meet certain financial and asset limits along with the following criteria:[05]
- They’re aged 65+ (or 21+ with a disability).
- They meet a nursing home level of care.
- They receive care in a nursing home that’s paid for by Medicaid.
- They’re eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare or need long-term services and supports through Medicaid because they need help with everyday personal tasks.
Applying for Medicaid
Applications for Medicaid can be submitted in several different ways. To submit an online application for Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program and other benefits, you can visit the COMPASS website. In-person applications can be done at your local county assistance office. You can also download an application from the Department of Human Services website and mail it to your county assistance office instead. Lastly, you submit applications over the phone by dialing 866-550-4355.
Medicaid resources
For help with Medicaid, you can contact one of the Allegheny County assistance offices via phone or in person. You can also contact the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services helpline for Medicaid benefits assistance, as well as the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging. The Pennsylvania Health Law Project can also be a helpful resource for seniors experiencing issues with Medicaid benefits and eligibility.
Medicaid resources
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
COMPASS/Benefits helpline: 800-692-7462
Allegheny County Assistance Office
Piatt Place
301 Fifth Ave., Suite 470
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-565-2146
Pennsylvania Health Law Project
Phone: 800-274-3258
Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging
2100 Wharton St., Second floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Phone: 412-350-4234
Some short-term medically necessary health care costs could be covered by Medicare, the federal health insurance program for seniors aged 65 and older. Medicare coverage largely depends on a person’s Medicare plan and the type of senior care setting where services are provided.
Medicare for assisted living and memory care
Many services provided in assisted living and memory care aren’t covered by Medicare, because these are considered custodial care. However, certain medical care services could be covered by Medicare for seniors living in an assisted living or memory care facility, such as nursing care, prescriptions, preventative care, rehabilitative therapies, and medical supplies.
Medicare coverage for skilled nursing facilities
A short-term stay in a nursing home — or skilled nursing facility — is usually covered by Medicare for up to 100 days, if it’s considered medically necessary. This includes the cost of a semiprivate room and the following medical care services:[06]
- Skilled nursing care with physician oversight
- Meals and nutritional counseling
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Specialized rehabilitative therapies
- Medications
To qualify for a short-term stay in a skilled nursing facility, an individual must have a confirmed need for daily skilled care and services must be delivered in a Medicare-certified facility. A person must also meet the following criteria to be approved for Medicare coverage in a skilled nursing home:[06]
- They require skilled nursing services due to a medical condition that was either treated while receiving care in the nursing facility or during an inpatient hospital stay.
- They have a qualifying three-day inpatient hospitalization.
- They’re enrolled in Medicare Part A and have unused days in their benefit period.
Medicare savings programs
Qualified seniors may be able to reduce out-of-pocket Medicare costs by utilizing Pennsylvania’s Medicare Savings Program (MSP) and Extra Help, which is also called the Part D low-income subsidy. Eligible seniors can use these programs to help pay for expenses such as Medicare premiums, prescriptions, and deductibles. You can learn more about eligibility and how to apply for the state’s Medicare cost-savings programs on the Pennsylvania Department of Aging website.
Medicare resources for seniors
Pittsburgh seniors have access to free Medicare counseling services through the Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA-MEDI). PA-MEDI’s trained counselors are available to help guide seniors through any questions they have about Medicare eligibility and coverage. You can get in touch with one of the PA-MEDI counselors via the PA-MEDI hotline or by contacting your local area agency on aging (AAA).
Medicare resources
Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
2100 Wharton St., Second floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Phone: 412-350-4234
Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA-MEDI) helpline
Phone: 800-783-7067
Understand Pennsylvania laws and regulations for nursing homes
Pittsburgh nursing homes and senior care facilities have to follow state regulations that make sure a community is a safe and livable environment for seniors. Skilled nursing facilities — or nursing homes — must follow additional federal regulations to be certified by Medicare and/or Medicaid. We lay out some of the different regulations in place for various Pennsylvania senior care facilities below.
Pennsylvania regulations for nursing homes
Pennsylvania nursing homes that serve as medical facilities are licensed and regulated by the state’s Department of Health. We detail some specific standards in place for long-term nursing facilities in Pennsylvania below.
- Facilities need to have a coordinated discharge plan for all residents to make sure they have proper care that will continue upon leaving.
- All nursing units need to have a nurses’ station less than 120 feet from the farthest resident room.
- Facilities must provide nursing services on a 24-hour basis with a sufficient amount of personnel to accommodate residents’ needs.
- Resident bathrooms or shower rooms need to have one emergency signal bell. Grab bars should be installed in every tub and shower, as needed.
- Facilities must designate resident care policies to make sure residents receive proper care, are protected from accidents and injuries, and are kept comfortable and clean.[07]
Regulations for assisted living and memory care facilities
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services regulates personal care homes in the state, which is the license name granted to assisted living and memory care facilities. Personal care homes are classified as residential facilities that provide the following:[08]
- Assistance with personal tasks
- Meals
- Shelter to at least four residents who don’t need 24-hour nursing care
These types of senior care facilities are inspected about every 24 months to make sure laws and regulations like those below are being followed.[08]
- Residents must have a medical evaluation before moving in and receive a care plan upon admission.
- Facilities must be adequately staffed to provide sufficient care that meets the needs of each resident.
- All suspicions or concerns about elderly abuse or neglect have to be reported.
- Different service packages should be available for residents who need help with activities of daily living and for those who don’t.
- All prescribed medications need to be properly labeled, stored, and administered.
Assisted living facilities that offer memory care usually have distinguished areas that are often referred to as secured dementia units. Residents in memory care are required to have a pre-admission cognitive assessment within 72 hours of admission. This is evaluated annually and updated as needed to verify the need for memory care. All direct staff in memory care units also must undergo annual memory care-specific training on this specialized form of care.
Pennsylvania senior care facility licensing and inspection reports
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services publishes quarterly licensing reports on its website. To review recent licenses issued and revoked for personal care homes and assisted living facilities, visit the department’s page and scroll down to the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL). You can also review the department’s personal care homes monthly report page for stats about licensed personal care homes in Allegheny County.
A list of inspection surveys for Pennsylvania nursing homes can also be found on the Department of Health website. This provides monthly inspection reports for nursing facilities across the state and can show you if a community has been investigated recently. You can also find information for all licensed nursing homes in Allegheny County, which includes patient care surveys and building safety surveys.
Pennsylvania senior care facility complaints
There are several different courses of actions you can take to share any concerns or complaints you have about a senior care facility in Pennsylvania. Take a look at some of the different options available to submit a complaint for a nursing home and personal care home below.
- To submit a nursing home complaint, you can fill out the Department of Health’s online complaint form or call 800-254-5164.
- To file a complaint about a personal care home, like assisted living or memory care, you can submit an online complaint form to the Bureau of Human Services licensing.
- In all cases, you can also reach out to your local area agency on aging and the local ombudsman program with any complaints.
COVID-19 regulations for Pittsburgh nursing homes
Senior care facilities in Pittsburgh don’t have any statewide COVID-19 mandates or regulations in place, as of June 2023. Some senior care facilities may continue to follow guidance from local officials or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and may have stricter policies in place to protect residents and staff. Skilled nursing facilities, in particular, may be especially diligent about implementing rules for masks and social distancing to protect high-risk patients with complicated health issues. That said, you might consider contacting prospective communities directly to get a sense of any specific precautions in place.
What to expect from nursing homes in Pittsburgh
Many people group senior care facilities into a general category, but there are some key differences in the types of care and services offered. You can learn more about the different types of senior care facilities you’ll find in Pittsburgh below.
Skilled nursing facilities
A nursing home — or skilled nursing facility — is generally a temporary living option for someone who needs extensive medical care services, like 24/7 skilled nursing care or rehabilitative therapies. Patients usually move into a nursing home to seek medical rehabilitation and often return to their homes or community upon recovery. Nursing homes are generally reserved for people with complex medical conditions following surgery, illness, or injury.
A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with stand-alone skilled nursing facilities. However, some of our partner assisted living and memory care communities offer access to skilled nursing services to their current residents in the event of illness or injury. Skilled nursing services require a referral from a physician or specialist.
Assisted living facilities
Assisted living communities are a more ideal fit for seniors who don’t need extensive nursing care but do need help with activities of daily living. In Pennsylvania, assisted living facilities are also referred to as personal care homes. Many Pittsburgh assisted living facilities have convenient on-site amenities that can include the following:
- Fitness centers and pools
- Beauty salons and/or barbershops
- TV lounges and theaters
- Game rooms
- Restaurant-style dining halls
- Relaxing libraries and communal living areas
- Convenience shops
Most of our in-network Pittsburgh assisted living communities have baseline services that are usually rolled in to the monthly cost, including housekeeping, transportation, and personal laundry. All of our partner assisted living communities provide meals, and some even have options like room service and guest meals available. You’ll always find that assisted living facilities have ample opportunities to socialize with peers.
Most of our partner communities offer day trips and outings, and nearly all offer a diverse selection of activities and clubs that can include the following:
- Game and poker nights
- Stretching classes and yoga
- Gardening
- Interest clubs
- Parties for birthdays and holidays
- Happy hours
- On-site devotional activities
- Live musical performances
- Educational speakers
- Art classes
- Movie nights
Memory care
Pittsburgh memory care communities provide a safe environment for seniors with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. Some memory care facilities are exclusively for residents with a dementia diagnosis, but many share their campus with a general assisted living community. These multicare communities typically have designated memory care wings or neighborhoods with specialized staff for residents with dementia. You can expect memory care facilities to provide similar types of amenities and services as assisted living, but with more specialization tailored to those with memory care needs.
For instance, memory care staff are required to undergo annual training on topics related to providing specialized dementia care and services. Additionally, communities with memory care are often equipped with enhanced safety features — enclosed courtyards, secured entryways, and specialized wander-prevention systems — to keep residents safe. You’ll also find that memory care communities host engaging therapies and activities designed just for residents with dementia. Some examples of dementia-specific programs include sensory-based activities, light therapy, and reminiscence therapy.
Pittsburgh nursing homes services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Pittsburgh nursing homes
Availability of select dementia care services in Pittsburgh nursing homes
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Pittsburgh nursing homes
Availability of select dining options in Pittsburgh nursing homes
Availability of select programs and activities in Pittsburgh nursing homes
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
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Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Pittsburgh? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors in Pittsburgh over the age of 65 in 2021
Average amount of retirement income for Pittsburgh seniors age 65 and older[09]
Health care for seniors in Pittsburgh
Some of the country’s top hospitals can be found in the Pittsburgh area. Take a peek at just some of the renowned health care options Pittsburgh has to offer.
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) is a Pittsburgh-based health system and insurer with locations throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, and western New York. UPMC has several hospitals in the Pittsburgh area that include UPMC Shadyside and UPMC Mercy. UPMC Shadyside is a Magnet-designated hospital, known for its exceptional nursing services. UPMC Mercy is a Catholic hospital and is the site of a Level I trauma center, comprehensive burn center, and a rehabilitation institute set to open in 2023.
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Harmarville
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Harmarville offers inpatient rehabilitation for an array of conditions ranging from strokes, brain injuries, and hip fractures to spinal cord rehabilitation. It has been awarded the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Disease-Specific Care Certification in several rehabilitation specialties, including Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and advanced inpatient diabetes.
Allegheny General Hospital is located in Pittsburgh’s Central Northside neighborhood and is part of the Allegheny Health Network (AHN). It was the first hospital in the northeastern United States to offer emergency medical helicopter services, which helps people within a 130-mile radius quickly access an AHN hospital. Allegheny General Hospital is also the first hospital in the region to become a designated Level I trauma center, and it’s been ranked in the top 10% of hospitals in the region for Medical Excellence in Organ Transplants by CareChex® in 2021.
Transportation for seniors in Pittsburgh
On-site transportation is available at all of our partner assisted living and memory care facilities in Pittsburgh. About half of these communities have complimentary transportation for residents, while the other half offers at-cost transportation. Community transportation services are a safe and reliable way for seniors to get around. These services are especially advantageous to seniors with limited mobility, Alzheimer’s, or other types of dementia.
Seniors who feel comfortable safely navigating the city independently can utilize Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT). PRT operates over 700 buses throughout Pittsburgh, as well as a rail line system with over 30 miles of track covering the city. Seniors age 65 and older with a Senior Citizen ConnectCard can enjoy free rides on PRT lines. Additionally, for seniors far from bus and rail stops, there are several convenient door-to-door public transportation services for seniors in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area.
- PRT also offers a door-to-door paratransit service through its ACCESS paratransit service. The program is designed to help people with disabilities and seniors age 65+.
- Agewell Rides offers no-cost transportation to seniors age 60 and older who don’t drive and need help getting to and from locations like grocery stores, social settings, and appointments.
- Older Persons Transportation (OPT) is a similar service to PRT’s ACCESS program, but limits rides to medical appointments and grocery stores.
- Seniors in the Squirrel Hill area can also utilize Elder Express, a scheduled van service for seniors age 65 and older in that area.
Senior activities in Pittsburgh
The Electric City of Pittsburgh presents endless opportunities to enjoy culture and attractions. The attractions and events below just scratch the surface of fun activities for seniors in Pittsburgh. You can find even more ideas for your next Pittsburgh outing on the Visit Pittsburgh website.
Duquesne Incline
The Duquesne Incline is one of Pittsburgh’s top attractions for people of all ages. This historic incline cable car is nearly 150 years old, fully restored to its charming elegance. It scales Mt. Washington to provide riders with striking panoramic views of Pittsburgh and the surrounding rivers. This favorite attraction offers free rides to senior Pennsylvanians age 65+ with a blue or yellow Pennsylvania Senior ID card or a Senior Citizen ConnectCard. Wheelchair accessibility is available at their Upper Station.
Annual festivities
Pittsburgh hosts several annual events and festivals throughout the year that celebrate everything from local restaurants and culture to pickles. Here are just a few of the engaging events you can expect to find throughout the year.
- Picklesburgh Festival
- Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival
- Pittsburgh Restaurant Week
- Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival
- Pittsburgh Taco Festival
- Pittsburgh Irish Festival
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is situated on over 15 acres of delightful floral displays and exhibits. Phipps has guided and self-guided tours available for those who want to explore the conservatory and learn about the various collections and shows on display. Most gardens are wheelchair-accessible for visitors with limited mobility. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Local farms
The area’s local farms and farmers markets are a large part of Pittsburgh’s culture. You’ll find there’s ample opportunity to explore one of Pittsburgh’s farmers markets and community gardens, which pop up across Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods almost daily. You can also pay a visit to one of the U-pick farms located near the Pittsburgh area, where you can pick your own produce and find other locally made goodies like candles and gifts. Some of the local nearby pick-your-own farms include the following:
- Simmons Farm
- Triple B Farms
- Soergel Orchards
- Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse
- Sarver Hill Farm Organic Farm and CSA
Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium
The Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium is a favorite attraction for people of all ages. The zoo is home to over 8,000 animals and has a range of experiences and programs available for those who want to enjoy hands-on interactions with the animals. As a bonus, seniors age 60+ enjoy discounted ticket prices for general admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Elizabeth Seton Memory Care Center, Ridgecrest and Arden Courts A ProMedica Memory Care Community in Jefferson Hills are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Pittsburgh, PA. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Pittsburgh is $4,922 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Views -> Challenger -> By Care type answer 3
References
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Genworth. (2021). Cost of care survey.
Smart Asset. (2021). Pennsylvania retirement tax friendliness.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Pittsburgh. [Data set]. American community survey.
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. (2019, August). Eligibility for CHC.
U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care. Medicare.gov.
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United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Pittsburgh. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
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