570.322.4436
Montoursville, PA
Families researching memory care in PA often need to answer two questions: What type of support does my loved one need, and how does memory care differ from personal care?
Both settings may help older adults with daily routines, but they serve different needs. Personal care may suit someone who needs regular help with everyday tasks, while memory care is intended for people whose memory-related needs require additional guidance and structure.
Hillside Senior Living offers both options at its community in Montoursville, Pennsylvania. Comparing their purposes, services, and costs can help your family decide which option to explore.
What Is Memory Care?
Memory care is a residential senior care option for people experiencing Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other significant memory-related changes. It combines help with daily routines with an environment and approach intended for residents who need greater structure and guidance.
A diagnosis alone does not determine whether someone should move to memory care. Families should consider how memory changes affect medication routines, meals, personal care, communication, daily activities, and safety.
A healthcare professional can help evaluate medical concerns. A senior living assessment can help families understand which residential care option may be appropriate.
Families who want to understand how individualized support may shape daily routines can read Why a Memory Loss Care Plan Matters for Daily Support.
Memory Care vs. Personal Care in Pennsylvania
The main difference between memory care and personal care is the type and degree of support a resident needs.
| Consideration | Memory Care | Personal Care |
| Primary purpose | Supports people with significant memory-related needs | Supports people who need help with daily routines |
| May fit someone who | Needs more guidance and structure because of memory changes | Can participate in daily life with regular personal assistance |
| Daily support | May include help with medication, meals, and routines in a memory-support setting | May include help with medication and other everyday responsibilities |
| Community services at Hillside | Dining, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, activities, and social spaces | Dining, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, activities, and social spaces |
| Hillside starting price | $5,000 per month | $4,700 per month |
A one-time, non-refundable community fee equal to one month’s rent applies to both options.
The right choice depends on the person’s complete situation, not on one symptom or isolated difficulty. Consider whether memory changes interfere with familiar routines, whether regular reminders provide enough support, and how consistently the person can manage daily responsibilities.
Families who are unsure which option to discuss can complete Hillside’s care assessment.
How Pennsylvania Regulates Residential Senior Care
Pennsylvania regulates personal care homes and assisted living residences as separate types of residential settings. Personal care homes operate under Chapter 2600 regulations, while assisted living residences operate under Chapter 2800.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services licenses and inspects both types of communities. State requirements address areas such as health and safety, staff education, meals, service delivery, and the physical site.
“Memory care” describes the type of support offered, but families should still determine a community’s underlying Pennsylvania license. When comparing providers, ask to see the current license and review available inspection information.
The state’s Personal Care Homes and Assisted Living Residences resource explains the licensing framework and offers guidance for evaluating a community.
What Memory Care at Hillside Includes
Hillside Senior Living is located at 2725 4 Mile Drive in Montoursville, PA. Memory Care residents have access to practical services and community amenities that support daily living.
Available services and amenities include:
- Medication assistance
- Dining
- Housekeeping
- Laundry services
- Wi-Fi and cable television
- On-site transportation
- On-site rehabilitation services
- Activity rooms and social spaces
- Community and event rooms
Residents may also have opportunities to participate in art classes, fitness classes, games, movie screenings, and religious services. Community outings may include visits to museums, restaurants, and other attractions around Montoursville.
Families can view Hillside’s amenities before arranging a visit.
How Much Does Memory Care Cost in PA?
There is no single price for memory care throughout Pennsylvania. Rates can vary by provider, location, accommodations, included services, and the amount of support a resident needs.
Memory Care at Hillside starts at $5,000 per month. A one-time, non-refundable community fee equal to one month’s rent also applies.
Before comparing prices, ask each community:
- What is included in the monthly rate?
- Which services have additional fees?
- How and when can rates change?
- Are medication assistance, transportation, and activities included?
- Is there a separate charge for specific accommodations or support needs?
Hillside’s cost comparison tool can also help families compare senior living expenses with the costs associated with remaining at home.
Does Pennsylvania Medicaid Pay for Memory Care?
Pennsylvania Medicaid, also called Medical Assistance, does not automatically pay the room-and-board cost of a private residential memory care community. Personal care homes and assisted living residences generally establish their own rates and are commonly paid for with private funds.
A person who meets the financial, medical, and program requirements may qualify for certain Medicaid long-term services and supports. These may include eligible home- and community-based services or nursing-facility care, depending on the person’s needs and program eligibility.
Coverage for a particular support service is not the same as payment for the full monthly cost of a memory care residence. Families should confirm both eligibility and covered services before including Medicaid in their financial plan.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services provides information about Medicaid and payment for long-term-care services.
How Families May Pay for Memory Care
Many families use more than one source to pay for memory care. Available options depend on the person’s finances, insurance coverage, benefits, and eligibility.
Possible sources include:
- Personal income, savings, or other private funds
- Proceeds from the sale of a home or other assets
- Long-term care insurance benefits
- Qualifying Medicaid long-term services and supports
- Other benefits for which the individual is eligible
Long-term care insurance coverage varies by policy. Review the benefit triggers, covered settings, daily or monthly limits, elimination period, and exclusions before assuming a policy will cover a specific community.
Pennsylvania’s long-term care insurance guidance explains common policy features and considerations. Families can also review the Department of Aging’s financial planning and payment for care.
What to Ask When Comparing Memory Care Facilities Near You
Searching for “memory care facilities near me” can produce communities with different licenses, services, prices, and approaches. A tour gives your family an opportunity to look beyond marketing language and ask how a community would address your loved one’s needs.
Consider asking:
- What Pennsylvania license does the community hold?
- Where can we review its inspection information?
- What staff education or training is required?
- How does the community evaluate a prospective resident’s needs?
- What assistance is included in the monthly rate?
- Which services cost extra?
- How are medication needs handled?
- What does a typical day include?
- How does the community communicate with families?
- What rooms are currently available?
- How does the community determine whether it can continue meeting a resident’s needs?
Use the same questions at each community so you can compare the answers consistently.
Explore Memory Care at Hillside Senior Living
Hillside Senior Living offers Memory Care in Montoursville, PA, along with Personal Care and Respite Care. Memory Care starts at $5,000 per month, plus a one-time, non-refundable community fee equal to one month’s rent.
Families can explore Hillside’s Memory Care option before visiting the community.
Schedule a tour of Hillside Senior Living or call 570-322-4436 to discuss your family’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PA Medicaid cover memory care?
Pennsylvania Medicaid does not automatically cover the full cost of living in a private memory care community. Eligible individuals may qualify for certain long-term services and supports through Medicaid programs. Coverage depends on financial eligibility, care needs, the program, and the setting. Families should confirm whether covered services can be provided at the community they are considering. Medicaid service coverage should not be assumed to include room and board.
How much does memory care cost in PA?
Memory care costs in Pennsylvania vary by location, accommodations, included services, and support needs. Pennsylvania does not set a statewide standard price for private residential memory care. At Hillside Senior Living, Memory Care starts at $5,000 per month. A one-time, non-refundable community fee equal to one month’s rent also applies. Families should request a written explanation of included services and possible additional fees.
How can families pay for memory care in PA?
Families may use income, savings, assets, or qualifying long-term care insurance benefits. Some individuals may also qualify for Medicaid-funded services, although eligibility does not guarantee payment of a private residence’s full monthly charge. Insurance coverage depends on the terms and benefit requirements of the individual policy. Families should verify benefits directly with each program or insurer. A qualified financial or benefits adviser can help evaluate options for a specific situation.
