Home Health in Erie, Pennsylvania: Search Near You, How to Pay, Licensing, Local Resources, and Questions to Ask
Erie, located along the shores of Lake Erie in northwestern Pennsylvania, offers a peaceful, waterfront lifestyle well-suited for retirees. Home health care services in Erie allow older adults to remain in their homes while receiving professional medical support. Pennsylvania ranks 21st nationally for assisted living, indicating strong elder care infrastructure statewide. In Erie, residents enjoy access to lakefront parks, cultural venues, and a relaxed pace of life that supports well-being. The combination of scenic surroundings and accessible services creates an inviting environment for aging in place. With four distinct seasons and a community-oriented atmosphere, Erie provides both comfort and continuity for those choosing to remain at home. Seniors here benefit from a balance of independence and health care access.
Home Health Communities near Erie, Pennsylvania
Interim Healthcare Of Northwest Pennsylvania
Erie, PA 16505
Community Nursing Services Of North East
North East, PA 16428
Family Hospice
Erie, PA 16501
Vna Hospice Services Of Erie County
Erie, PA 16506
Bayada Home Health Care, Inc.
Erie, Pennsylvania 16505
Heartfelt Home Healthcare Services, Inc
Erie, Pennsylvania 16506
Bayada Home Health Care, Inc.
Erie, Pennsylvania 16505
Heritage Health Care
Fairview, Pennsylvania 16415
Aveanna Healthcare
Erie, Pennsylvania 16501
Royal Homehealth Care Service, Llc
Erie, Pennsylvania 16506
Ideal Homehealth Agency, Llc
Erie, Pennsylvania 16505
Caregivers Health Services
Erie, Pennsylvania 16506
About Home Health in Erie, PA
Home health care in Erie, PA involves clinical and rehabilitative services provided in the home for those recovering from illness or managing chronic conditions. Services include skilled nursing, therapy (physical, occupational, and speech), and support from home health aides. Additionally, care is often coordinated by a physician to ensure appropriate medical oversight. This model helps older adults remain safely at home while receiving essential medical services.
Considerations when looking for Home Health Care Agencies in Erie, PA
There are 10 Home Health providers within 10 miles of Erie, Pennsylvania. The city has a population of approximately 93,928, with 16.7% of residents aged 65 or older. In Erie, the summers are warm and partly cloudy, the winters are freezing and snowy, and it is generally cloudy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 20°F to 79°F and is rarely below 7°F or above 87°F.
Cities near Erie, PA
- Wesleyville, PA – 4 miles east
- Lawrence Park, PA – 5 miles east
- Harborcreek, PA – 7 miles northeast
- Fairview, PA – 10 miles southwest
- North East, PA – 14 miles northeast
Pricing and How to Pay for Home Health Services
Paying for senior care involves several factors, including the type of services needed and coverage options available. On average, seniors can expect to pay $5,720 per month for home health services, which typically include skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and medical social services. These essential services help ensure a comfortable and well-supported aging experience. Costs may vary based on location, level of care required, and agency offerings.
Many home health care agencies choose to become Medicare-certified, allowing them to receive reimbursement for eligible services. Additionally, home health providers may educate individuals and their families on self-care techniques to promote independence. When prescribed by a physician, home health services are often covered by medical insurance and are commonly provided after a hospital stay or skilled rehabilitation.
How to pay for Home Health and available coverage
Medicare:
Generally Medicare reimburses the cost of Home health services. Medicare typically covers your loved one when recovering from an illness or an accident or a surgery.
*Medicare covers the specific ailment. When treatment is completed Medicare coverage stops.
Medicare is not a long-term care solution.
Medicaid:
Medicaid programs are put in place on a state-by-state basis. Each state will have their own regulations regarding the coverage of care. Some individuals at a certain low-income level may qualify for Medicaid Home and Community Based Service Waivers.
Veteran Aid and Attendance:
This benefit is available to some military veterans or surviving spouses.
- 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.
Private Insurance:
- Most health insurance companies typically cover some services for acute medical needs.
- Do be aware, long-term coverage vary by plan. Not all long-term insurance will assist with home health services as the needs of the person tend to be temporary.
Private pay:
Families which can afford to do so may pay for care with private funds. Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, pension payments and family members may contribute funds toward a loved one’s care as well.
Definitions of types of care
Home Care: Caregiver assistance related to activities of daily living, including: mobility, eating, toileting, bathing and personal hygiene, dressing and grooming or cognition support. These services are typically not covered by medical insurance and do not require a physician’s order.
Home Health: includes skilled nursing services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language therapy and medical social services. A home health care agency may choose to be Medicare certified to be reimbursed for their services. Home health agencies may also teach you how to care for yourself. Services ordered by a physician, covered by Medical Insurance and typically provided following a hospital or skilled rehab stay.
Rehabilitation & Therapy: treatment for an injury, illness, or pain with the goal of restoring function, including nursing and therapy services. Rehab is ordered by
a physician and services are provided by nurses and physical, occupational, and speech therapists. Examples include working with a physical therapist to help you walk and with an occupational therapist to help you get dressed.
Respite Care: short term relief for family caregivers to take a break from the caregiving responsibilities and allows for a healthier and better quality of life for both the caregiver and care receiver. Respite services include: companionship, personal care, recreational activities and security. Respite care can be provided as short stay or for a longer period that allows the family caregiver to go on vacation or a business trip. Longer duration respite care is generally found at select senior housing communities although some Companion services may provide this service in the home.
Hospice Care (Palliative Care): emphasizes comfort measures and counseling to provide social, spiritual and physical support to the dying patient and his or her family. The goals of hospice are to keep the patient as comfortable as possible by relieving pain and other symptoms. Hospice care, is typically offered in the last six months of life and covered under Medicare Part A .
Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers in Erie, PA
- UPMC Hamot
201 State St, Erie, PA 16550
(814) 877-6000 - Saint Vincent Hospital
232 W 25th St, Erie, PA 16544
(814) 452-5000 - Shriners Children’s Erie
1645 W 8th St, Erie, PA 16505
(814) 875-8700 - Millcreek Community Hospital
5515 Peach St, Erie, PA 16509
(814) 864-4031 - Erie VA Medical Center
135 E 38th St, Erie, PA 16504
(814) 868-8661
Questions to ask when looking for Home Health
- How long has the agency been serving this community?
- Does the agency have any printed brochures describing the services it offers and how much they cost?
- Is the agency an approved Medicare provider?
- Is the agency currently licensed to practice (if required in the state where you live)?
- Does a national accrediting body certify the quality of care?
- Does the agency offer seniors a “Patients’ Bill of Rights” that describes the rights and responsibilities of both the agency and the senior being cared for?
- Is there a care plan in place that outline the patient’s course of treatment, describing the specific tasks to be performed by each caregiver?
- How closely do supervisors oversee care to ensure quality?
- Will agency caregivers keep family members informed about the kind of care their loved one is getting?
- Are agency staff members available around the clock, seven days a week, if necessary?
- Does the agency have a nursing supervisor available to provide on-call assistance 24 hours a day?
- How does the agency ensure patient confidentiality?
- How are agency caregivers hired and trained?
- What is the procedure for resolving problems when they occur?
- How does the agency handle billing?
- Is there a sliding fee schedule based on ability to pay, and is financial assistance available to pay for services?
- Will the agency provide a list of references for its caregivers?
- Who does the agency call if the home health care worker cannot come when scheduled?
- What type of employee screening is done?
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.
