Skilled Nursing in Allentown, PA

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Skilled Nursing in Allentown, PA

Skilled Nursing in Allentown, Pennsylvania : Search Near You, How to Pay, Licensing, Local Resources, and Questions to Ask

Skilled nursing in Allentown, PA, offers comprehensive care for those who require assistance with daily living activities, as well as medical support. Pennsylvania ranks in the top 10 states for assisted living, providing a wide range of options for seniors to receive both short-term and long-term care in a comfortable environment. Whether you’re looking for help with rehabilitation, managing chronic conditions, or simply enjoying a supportive community, Allentown’s skilled nursing services ensure seniors receive the attention they deserve.

Skilled Nursing in Allentown, PA

About Skilled Nursing in Allentown, PA

In Allentown, PA, skilled nursing is defined as a high level of medical care provided by licensed health professionals, including registered nurses, physical therapists, and other specialists. This type of care is typically offered in a residential setting and is designed for individuals recovering from surgery, illness, or those with ongoing medical needs. Services often include wound care, medication management, IV therapy, physical rehabilitation, and support with mobility or personal hygiene. Skilled nursing in Allentown emphasizes both clinical care and daily support, helping seniors maintain comfort and dignity throughout their recovery or long-term care journey.

A skilled nursing facility is the building

Skilled nursing facilities offer 24-hour care and medical services, which include intermediate care and rebab and therapeutic care, all provided by licensed nurses and support professionals. Usually, skilled nursing is short-term acute care but may also offer long term care and intermediate care.

SNF, “skilled nursing facility” is the umbrella under which different care levels operate. “Nursing Home” is a common term used when referring to any/all senior living, although the term is a bit outdated.

Skilled nursing: Care that requires the skill of a nurse

Skilled Nursing is for seniors who may have planned surgeries or procedures (knee or hip replacement, etc.) and those individuals with acute or unplanned medical issues (Sepsis, cellulitis, UTI, etc). The oversight of a nurse may be required because care is not predictable and able to be preformed on a set schedule.

Levels of care offered in a skilled nursing facility

It is important to understand the differences between care services.

Rehabilitation and Therapy 

  • This is treatment for an injury, illness, or pains with the goal restoring function, including nursing and therapy services.  
  • The rehab plan is ordered by a physician. The services are provided by nurses and physical, occupational, and speech therapists.

Intermediate Care Facility (ICF)

  • These are nursing facilities most suited for individuals who need 24-hour medical oversight in a well-structured setting. 
  • Often times, residents share a room and they are encouraged to bring personal items to create a more home-like environment. 

Long-term Care

  • Care provided by different caregivers in different settings. 
  • Assists with activities of daily living (ADLs). 
  • Care is not scheduled or predictable.

Examples of care provided at a Skilled Nursing Facility include:

  • Skilled Nursing offers 24-hour skilled nursing care and medical services administered by licensed nurses and support professionals.  
  • This is the highest level of care provided that is not a hospitalization.  
  • A physician oversees the care of the individual.
  • Trained staff assist with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, feeding, using the bathroom and getting in and out of bed.  
  • Physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapy. 
  • Regular monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, or blood sugar. 
  • IV therapy 
  • Wound and post-surgery care. 
  • Injected medications.

Considerations when looking for Senior housing in Allentown, PA

There are 21 Skilled Nursing facilities in Allentown, Pennsylvania . The estimated population of Allentown is 124,880 with 13.4% of that number being those ages 65 and older.

In Allentown, the summers are warm, humid, and wet; the winters are very cold and snowy; and it is partly cloudy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 23°F to 86°F and is rarely below 9°F or above 93°F.

Cities near Allentown, PA

  • Emmaus, PA – 5 miles southwest
  • Bethlehem, PA – 7 miles east
  • Macungie, PA – 9 miles southwest
  • Easton, PA – 18 miles east
  • Phillipsburg, NJ – 22 miles east

Pricing and How to Pay for Skilled Nursing

Paying for senior care depends on several factors. On average, residents can expect to pay $15,513 per Month for Skilled Nursing services. These fees encompass personalized care, engaging activities, and comfortable accommodations, ensuring a fulfilling retirement experience. Keep in mind these costs may fluctuate depending on factors such as location and facility amenities.

Paying for Senior Living and Care will vary depending on a few factors. For instance, the level of care needed; the income and savings of the resident; the state and location of the community; or if the resident is a veteran. In the United States there are over 400 programs that may offer some monetary relief for senior care, but often the majority of costs are covered by private funds and family assistance. These funds come from our Federal, State, and Local Governments. 

It is important to take your time when exploring payment and coverage options.

Private pay – YES:

  • Many families pay for assisted living with private funds.
  • Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
  • Family members may contribute funds to pay for assisted living or other senior housing and care.

Medicare -MAYBE:

Medicare will TYPICALLY cover Skilled Nursing (SNF) care ONLY under these factors: 

  • People 65 years and older and individuals with end stage renal disease are eligible for Medicare benefits, no matter their income.
  • Coverage is meant for people in need of short-term care.
  • The person has Medicare Part A, and has available days left in their benefit period. The person has a qualified hospital stay. (3 consecutive midnights or more) 
  • The individual must enter SNF within 30 days of leaving the hospital. 
  • The person’s doctor has ordered inpatient services at a skilled nursing facility. 
  • The individual must need and receive the skilled care daily. The care provided must be care that the person can only receive in a SNF. 
  • The person needs skilled services because of an ongoing condition or a new condition that started while in a SNF for treatment of an ongoing condition. 
  • The skilled services must be reasonable and necessary for the treatment of the condition.  
  • You must receive the care in a Medicare certified SNF.

Medicaid – MAYBE:

Medicaid can be a payer source if the patient needs both care and has a financial hardship based on the individual state criteria. Eligible participants include: low-income adults, elderly adults and people with disabilities. The program is funded jointly by each state and the federal government; and national guidelines are in place do decipher how states must spend Medicaid money, but with allowances toward the guidelines. Every state has their own individual Medicaid assistance program. Each state determines what levels of care will be covered by Medicaid, who is eligible, and how much the state will reimburse the care community.

  • Skilled nursing falls under Medicaid’s Nursing Facility Services. 
  • People who are eligible for Medicaid must meet the state criteria for skilled nursing care. 
  • The state of residency must abide by federal law and regulations when setting their skilled nursing care requirements.  
  • The patient meets the state guidelines for income and asset limits.

If you are unsure whether you qualify for Medicaid, you should apply. You may be eligible depending on your household income, family size, age, disability and other factors.For a clearer understanding on coverage contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

Long-term Care Insurance – MAYBE:

Long term care insurance is a great way to pay for assisted living, and planning ahead is important when considering how to pay for senior housing and care. Nearly 75% of people over the age of 65 will require long-term care services at some point, so naturally, buying into long-term care insurance when a person is in their 50s and 60s is the most common time to do so.

  • Long-term care insurance helps cover the costs of chronic medical conditions.
  • Individuals and couples with the ability to pay into long-term care insurance have the advantage of a head start in allocating funds for senior care.

Veteran Aid and Assistance – MAYBE:

This benefit is available to some military veterans and surviving spouses who live in an assisted living community and those who have in-home care.

  • There are specific guidelines, but a veteran may qualify for as much as $2,050 each month.
  • A veteran with a sick spouse may be eligible for $1,600 per month.
  • If a veteran has passed, their surviving spouse can qualify for $1,300 per month.

Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers in Allentown, PA

  • Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest
    • Address: 1200 S Cedar Crest Blvd, Allentown, PA 18103
    • Phone: 484-884-4000
  • St. Luke’s University Hospital
    • Address: 1736 Hamilton St, Allentown, PA 18104
    • Phone: 484-526-4000
  • Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital
    • Address: 850 S 5th St, Allentown, PA 18103
    • Phone: 610-776-8290
  • Lehigh Valley Hospital – Muhlenberg
    • Address: 2545 Schoenersville Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18017
    • Phone: 484-884-4000
  • St. Luke’s Sacred Heart Campus
    • Address: 421 W Chew St, Allentown, PA 18102
    • Phone: 484-526-3000

Questions to ask a skilled nursing facility

  • Is the facility licensed?
  • Has the facility’s license ever been revoked?
  • Is the facility Medicare/Medicaid certified?
  • What types of insurance is accepted?
  • Are all specific medical needs able to be met?
  • What services are offered?
  • What is the rate for basic care?
  • Are any reviews available to be seen by the public?
  • Are protocols in place to ensure healthy, balanced meals?
  • What if an individual has specific dietary restrictions, can they be met at the facility?

Additional questions and inquiries to ask skilled nursing facilities

  • What should a new resident (patient) bring with them?
  • What is the difference between skilled nursing and assisted living?
  • What happens in case of an emergency?
  • Can the family pet visit the resident?
  • What is the level of privacy?
  • What are the available social activities?
  • What is the hours for family visits?
  • Can patients request special meals for dietary needs?
  • Are skilled nursing facilities connected to hospitals?
  • How big are the rooms?
  • What are the training requirements of skilled nurses?

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PAC) The PCA mission is to improve the quality of life for older Philadelphians or people with disabilities and to assist them in achieving their maximum levels of health, independence, and productivity. For 50 years PCA has delivered vital programs and services to Philadelphia county. As one of the region’s largest nonprofits and partnering with 200 contracted providers, PCA offers services that allow individuals to remain engaged in their communities and empowered in their homes.

Pennsylvania Department of Aging The department provides a wide array of services and programs intended to help older Pennsylvanians live and thrive in their homes and communities for as long as possible. These services include home-delivered and congregate meals, caregiver support, health and wellness services, personal assistance, senior community centers, Medicare enrollment counseling, transportation, job training, elder abuse prevention, PACE prescription assistance and more.

Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resources  Easily connect you to local services/supports through any Link partner agency- Explore existing options to ensure a secure plan for independence- Assist consumers with applications to determine funding eligibility- Help consumers remain or return to their community because of a disability, an illness or accident, or to transition from an institution back to the community. There is no charge for information and assistance provided by any Link or Link partner agency.

Pennsylvania Senior Law Helpline The SeniorLAW Helpline is a free, confidential telephone legal service, staffed by attorneys, that is available to give Pennsylvania residents, 60 and older, legal information and advice.

Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.

Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings

Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.

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Written by The Care Availability Team
Experts in the senior care & retirement living industries

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