Finding a Personal Care Home in Philadelphia

Philadelphia has one of the largest concentrations of licensed personal care homes in Pennsylvania, ranging from small family-run homes in rowhouse neighborhoods to large suburban facilities on the Main Line and in Delaware County. Here's what families should know when searching locally.

The Philadelphia landscape

Within the city limits, many PCHs are smaller homes (4–20 residents) operated in rowhouses or converted multi-family buildings. They tend to serve neighborhood communities and often have lower costs than suburban facilities. In the inner-ring suburbs — Delaware, Montgomery, and Bucks counties — you'll find larger purpose-built facilities, more amenities, and correspondingly higher monthly rates.

Cost considerations

Personal care homes within Philadelphia city limits generally start around $3,200–$4,500/month for a private room at a small home, though SPP beds at some homes run lower. Larger suburban facilities in Montgomery and Delaware County typically run $4,500–$6,500/month, with premium locations on the Main Line going higher. Memory care surcharges add $800–$1,500/month across the board.

Popular neighborhoods to search

• Northeast Philadelphia — high density of smaller family-run homes, good transit access, moderate pricing.
• West Philadelphia and Overbrook — long-established community care homes, often with close neighborhood ties.
• Delaware County (Media, Havertown, Springfield) — larger facilities, easier parking, suburban setting.
• Montgomery County (Jenkintown, Elkins Park, Abington) — mix of mid-size and large facilities, strong medical infrastructure nearby.
• Bucks County (Bensalem, Feasterville, Doylestown) — larger facilities, newer construction, higher price points.

Visiting and transit

One of the biggest drivers of resident well-being is how often family visits. If you live in Philadelphia and public transit is the realistic visiting option, prioritize homes near SEPTA regional rail stations or bus lines that work for the family members doing most of the visiting. A slightly less luxurious home that's 15 minutes from the person who visits is usually better than a nicer one that's 45 minutes away.

Key local resources

• Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) — the local Area Agency on Aging for Philadelphia, running the county's Long-Term Care Ombudsman and adult protective services programs.
• The PA Elder Abuse Hotline (1-800-490-8505) for any suspected abuse or neglect.
• The PA DHS provider-search tool for licensing history on any Philadelphia-area PCH.
• Our Philadelphia directory of personal care homes — filter by city or ZIP to see every licensed home.