Nursing Homes near Erie, PA

Nursing Home Options in Erie, PA

As we get older, it becomes tougher to perform the tasks of day to day life. Once our minds and bodies slow to the point where completing these activities is no longer possible, there are a few options available. Seniors can neglect these chores and risk major health issues. They can seek out aid from close friends and family, but these loved ones usually lack the necessary expertise to do an adequate job. Or, older adults can consider Erie skilled nursing facilities. As this option improves, more golden agers are going with these facilities.

What Are Skilled Nursing Facilities?

In skilled nursing facilities in Erie, Pennsylvania, also referred to as nursing homes, retired people get the care they need 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You have not been to a skilled nursing facility recently if you think of seniors watching television and playing cards for hours on end in an "old folks' home". These days, in addition to a wide selection of important daily care and rehabilitative services, older adults also have access to special events and social activities.

After a hospital visit, golden agers can regain their skills and recover in Erie nursing homes before they return home. These facilities offer physical therapy after surgery and occupational and speech therapy following a stroke. Additionally, retirees with chronic conditions, such as dementia, that require supervision at all hours of the night and day can count on skilled nursing facilities as an excellent long-term care alternative.

What Services Do Erie Nursing Homes Supply?

The highest level of care outside of a medical center is found in skilled nursing facilities in Erie, PA. Some of the services they perform are dietary counseling and meal preparation, coordination of care with patients' doctors and staff, incontinence care and toileting, assistance with medication management, and security to keep residents safe from wandering off unsupervised. Also, seniors get help with activities of daily living, including cleaning, bathing, grooming, and more.

How Affordable Are Skilled Nursing Facilities?

A variety of factors play a role in determining the price of nursing homes in Erie, PA, like the cost of living in your area, the exact kind of care needed, and the length of your stay. For example, specialized memory care in skilled nursing facilities in the city center will cost more than general retirement home care in a remote suburb or metro town. Some of the costs may be covered by long-term care coverage, Medicare, private health insurance, or Medicaid. Plus, veterans can typically get financial assistance from the Veterans Administration.

What Makes Erie Special?

The first Europeans to arrive in the region were the French in 1753. They constructed Fort Presque Isle nearby to help defend New France against the British. Situated in the northwestern part of the state on the southern shore of Lake Erie, today, Erie is the fourth most populous city in Pennsylvania with an estimated 2013 population of 100,671. After initially being known for its heavy industry, Erie has diversified its economy to keep with the times.

There are numerous amateur and professional performing arts groups in Erie. In continuous existence for more than a century, the Erie Philharmonic is the most significant of these. Local skilled nursing facilities often take day trips to places like the Erie Art Museum, which has an emphasis on modern art and folk art. The art gallery also hosts a popular blues and jazz concert series.

Why Are Seniors Drawn to Erie?

With several colleges and universities in the area, Erie has a significant college aged population. However, there are still plenty of older adults. Golden agers appreciate the reasonable tax rates as well as the low cost of living. Erie residents spend eighteen percent less for products and services than the United States average. This is great news for retired people trying to live on a fixed income.

There are four main general medical and surgical hospitals in Erie: UPMC Hamot, St. Vincent Hospital, Erie Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Millcreek Community Hospital. UPMC Hamot is one of the top hospitals in the state and features a trauma center and more than 350 licensed beds.

Erie residents 60 and over stay safe and active with the help of services from the Greater Erie Community Action Committee Area Agency on Aging. With the reasonable taxes, low cost of living, and many attractions, it is no wonder so many golden agers are choosing skilled nursing in Erie. There is something for everybody.