Page 6 of Best Senior Communities in Pennsylvania

Overview of Waverly Heights

Serving Montgomery County residents through personal care, memory support, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, home care, and care management, Waverly Heights operates as an 82-bed nonprofit Life Plan Community in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania. Waverly Senior Services manages the community, which accepts Medicare and private pay. Staffing is the facility’s defining strength. Nurse staffing averages 6 hours and 15 minutes per resident per day, placing Waverly Heights 9th out of 203 skilled nursing facilities statewide, a level of direct-care coverage that significantly exceeds the Pennsylvania norm. Across six inspections from 2021 to 2024, the facility averaged 6 deficiencies per year, roughly 28% above the state average of 4.7. The most recent renewal, in October 2024, cited 8 deficiencies tied to medication management, record confidentiality, and documentation practices; all corrective plans were accepted and implemented by December 2024. A May 2023 renewal closed with zero citations. No fines, Immediate Jeopardy findings, or substantiated complaints appear in the inspection record. The campus is built around an active, residential lifestyle. Outdoor amenities include a putting green, pool, dog park, and working greenhouse, along with bocce courts, a walking path, and an outdoor dining patio. Memory support and respite care are available on-site. The facility’s current occupancy rate is 70%, below Pennsylvania’s average of 78.7%, indicating near-term availability for families planning a transition. Waverly Heights fits older adults and their families who are planning a long-term care continuum on a single campus, particularly those prioritizing high staffing ratios and a lifestyle-forward residential setting in the western Philadelphia suburbs

Overview of Concordia at the Cedars

Operated by Concordia Lutheran Ministries of Pittsburgh, Concordia at the Cedars is an 87-bed nursing home on Northern Pike in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families numerous ways to afford long-term nursing care. With an occupancy rate near 79 percent and an average stay of 36 days, the community serves residents recuperating from acute illness or injury and those requiring continuous skilled nursing support.

Daily care is anchored by substantial nursing hours: each resident receives roughly 3 hours 35 minutes of total nursing care per day, supported by registered nurses, nursing aides, and licensed practical nurses 24/7. This consistent staffing presence allows the facility to manage complex medical needs and provide diligent assistance with daily living activities, medication administration, and wound care. Rehabilitation services exist for those in recovery from surgery or stroke. The neighborhood where Concordia sits scores 49 on the Walk Score, meaning a few nearby services are within walking reach, though most trips demand a car. This somewhat walkable setting offers a quieter residential area while remaining reasonably accessible for visiting families. Daily life is structured around practical support and community. Occupants eat three chef-prepared meals daily, and the kitchen handles special dietary needs and nutritional requirements. The home offers activity rooms and maintains a full calendar of programs and special events alongside more contemplative opportunities through its chapel services, Bible studies, and hymn sings. Amenities include a beauty and barber shop, wellness and exercise programming, and comprehensive housekeeping and laundry services. The facility coordinates medical appointments and transportation to lessen the logistical burden on families.

Recurring areas of focus in medication administration practices and resident safety protocols have been flagged by state inspections. The facility has worked to address identified findings as they emerge, with ongoing attention to these areas as part of its dedication to resident care quality.

Overview of Country Meadows of Bethlehem V

Country Meadows of Bethlehem V is a skilled nursing home on Green Pond Road in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It delivers short-term rehabilitation and longer-term nursing care through its parent company, Country Meadows Of Northampton Associates. The facility is owned by Leader Holdings and caters to residents via Medicare and private pay arrangements. With 126 beds, the home currently maintains a 48 percent occupancy rate, reflecting an average stay of 44 days, suiting the facility’s emphasis on post-acute rehabilitation and recovery instead of permanent residence.

Everyday nursing care is robust, averaging 4 hours and 5 minutes per resident across the entire care team. It’s a combination of registered nurses, nurse aides, and licensed practical nurses working 24/7 to give continuous support. This staffing structure supports the facility’s range of programs, including skilled nursing and rehabilitation, short-term rehab and respite care, restorative care, and assisted living and personal care options. Memory support services alongside broader nursing and therapeutic offerings are likewise offered by the facility. Meanwhile, dining follows a restaurant-style service model, with professionally prepared meals in shared dining and private dining settings, letting residents and their families select how they dine. The car-dependent surrounding community on Green Pond Road has a Walk Score of 5, so most errands necessitate a car, though this location also provides close access to regional healthcare resources.

Over the past five years, Pennsylvania Department of Health inspections have centered on medication management and fire safety protocols. Country Meadows of Bethlehem V has implemented corrective action plans and staff retraining to address these areas, which remain crucial focus points for ongoing compliance.

Serving residents in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, Shenango Presbyterian Home is a skilled nursing facility operated by Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare. The 46-bed home accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, giving families several ways to arrange care. Its location on South Market Street is in a moderately walkable area. The community has a Walk Score of 65, so visiting family members can complete some nearby errands on foot.

The home has an occupancy rate of 85%. Residents stay an average of 74 days, which includes a mix of short-term rehabilitation residents and those receiving longer-term skilled nursing care. Daily nurse staffing averages 5 hours and 14 minutes per resident. Registered nurses, nurse aides, and licensed practical nurses work together to provide hands-on care and medical oversight.

State inspections have reviewed areas such as documentation practices, medication management, and abuse-reporting procedures. Any cited deficiencies have been corrected. Families considering the facility should ask how these programs and procedures are managed daily.

Overview of Cumberland Crossings Retirement Community

Owned by Bradford Weiser, Cumberland Crossings Retirement Community is a nursing home in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, that offers skilled nursing, rehabilitation services, and respite care. Moreover, this 59-bed community currently serves 43 residents, with an average length of stay of 93 days, reflecting a combination of short-term rehabilitation and long-term care needs. It is also situated in a highly walkable neighborhood where most daily errands and essential services are within walking distance.

Nursing care is provided at approximately 4 hours and 49 minutes daily, including support from registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides. This level of staffing provides consistent access to skilled care and assistance around the clock. Furthermore, rehabilitation programs are individualized to help residents maintain independence after hospitalization or while managing ongoing health conditions. Medicare and private-pay are both accepted, offering flexibility for families navigating payment options.

Dining services focus on meals tailored to individual preferences and dietary requirements, with a variety of quality options that support both nutrition and enjoyment. Multiple dining venues and gathering spaces also enhance the social aspect of mealtimes. Amenities also promote wellness and engagement, including a swimming pool, fitness center, and community center. Transportation and housekeeping services are also available to support convenience and independence.

Over the past five years, medication management, staff training, confidentiality practices, and food safety standards have been cited through state inspections. However, the most recent inspection reported no deficiencies, and previous concerns were addressed through corrective action plans. No fines or enforcement actions were issued.

Make the Most of Every Stage of Life at Elm Terrace Gardens

Elm Terrace Gardens, a not-for-profit senior living community in Lansdale, PA, offers a full continuum of care designed to meet residents’ needs today and in the future. Whether you are seeking the independence and convenience of maintenance-free living, the support of personal care, specialized memory care, short-term rehabilitation, long-term nursing care, or a respite stay, Elm Terrace provides compassionate services in a vibrant, community setting.

Residents enjoy the peace of mind that comes with 24-hour security, an emergency call system in every apartment, and access to comprehensive healthcare services right on campus. Our professional team is here to provide support when needed—so residents can focus on living life to the fullest.

Life at Elm Terrace also includes chef-prepared dining, housekeeping, transportation, and beautifully maintained grounds. With a full calendar of recreational activities, exercise programs, and opportunities for enrichment, residents have endless ways to stay active, engaged, and connected.

At Elm Terrace Gardens, residents and their families find comfort knowing that quality care and a supportive community are always close at hand.

Overview of EverTrue Luther Crest

Supporting both skilled nursing and rehabilitation care, EverTrue Luther Crest is a nursing home in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The 71-bed facility is operated by Lutheran Senior Services East under the ownership of Lawrence Delp. Families can choose from Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay to cover care costs.

Its location on Hausman Road is in a neighborhood where some errands are within walking distance. However, most visits and outings require a car.

Residents stay an average of 82 days, including short-term post-acute rehabilitation residents and those needing longer-term nursing care. Daily nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 42 minutes per resident. Registered nurses provide 1 hour and 15 minutes of care each day, nurse aides contribute 2 hours and 33 minutes, and LPN/LVN staff provide 54 minutes. The staffing mix supports both hands-on daily care and clinical oversight.

State inspections have reviewed areas such as documentation accuracy, resident communication, and care oversight. Topics also included staffing records, pressure ulcer management, resident notifications related to transfers, and ensuring physician orders are carried out properly. These are important operational areas, and families touring EverTrue Luther Crest should ask how they are managed daily.

The facility has an occupancy rate of 35%, with 25 of its 71 beds occupied. The lower census means residents can expect more individualized attention and a quieter environment. Still, it’s worth discussing how staffing and operations are adjusted accordingly.

Nestled in the heart of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Paramount Senior Living at South Hills is dedicated to providing unparalleled services that adhere to senior nursing home rules and regulations, ensuring the utmost care and safety for the residents. The commitment to individualized care extends beyond independent living, as Paramount Senior Living offers a comprehensive range of services, including memory care with skilled nursing. Their state-of-the-art facility is meticulously designed to cater to every aspect of the residents’ lives.

For more intimate gatherings, there is a private dining room, perfect for sharing cherished moments with family and guests. The communal spaces, including television and living room areas, create a vibrant hub for socializing and relaxation. Stepping outside onto the spacious porch, adorned with cozy sitting areas, the gentle breeze allows the residents to connect with nature and each other. Paramount Senior Living prioritizes safety with a comprehensive fire safety system in place, providing peace of mind for everyone.

Overview of Masonic Village at Sewickley-Star Points Building

Providing skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services, Masonic Village at Sewickley’s Star Points Building is a nursing community in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. The 64-bed community is operated by Masonic Villages of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania under owner Tracy Leja. Families can choose from Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay to cover care costs. Its location is in a very walkable area with a Walk Score of 87. Family members can visit and run nearby errands conveniently.

The community has an occupancy rate of 67%, and residents stay an average of 246 days. The population is a mix of short-term rehabilitation residents and those needing longer-term skilled nursing care.

Daily nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 49 minutes per resident, which includes about 1 hour and 5 minutes of direct care from registered nurses each day. The level of staffing supports residents recovering from surgery, illness, or a hospital stay and those requiring ongoing skilled care.

Short-term rehabilitation, transitional care, personal care assistance, and 24-hour staffing are available. Memory support is also available for residents living with cognitive changes. Dining has a residential feel rather than an institutional setting. There’s a grill room, clubhouse restaurant, and clubhouse pub serving daily specials and a variety of meal options. Residents join in wellness programs, recreational activities, clubs, and entertainment.

Documentation practices, safety systems, and staff training are important operational areas within the facility. It has focused on compliance and ongoing oversight while serving residents and their families.

Overview of The Inne at Riddle Village

Operated by Riddle Village Inc, The Inne at Riddle Village is a nursing home in Media, Pennsylvania, on West Baltimore Pike. It is a highly walkable neighborhood, with a foot traffic score of 93 out of 100. The community accepts Medicare and private pay. With 76 beds and a current occupancy of 63%, it’s an intimate setting with solid operational scale.

Nurse staffing is provided for 5 hours and 21 minutes per resident, and nurse aides provide an additional 4 hours and 4 minutes per day. This hands-on staffing is in place to support residents recovering from surgery, hospital stays, or managing ongoing medical needs.

Rehabilitation services and respite care are available on-site, with 24-hour nursing coverage, making it a great choice for residents undergoing post-acute recovery. Most stay an average of 69 days, a mix of rehabilitation-focused admissions and some longer-term residents.

The facility had deficiencies in staff training and documenting resident care plans, but corrective actions were implemented. Earlier inspections identified additional compliance issues, which were also remediated.

Residents can dine at one of four restaurants, and there are many amenities for rest and recreation. They also have access to a state-of-the-art fitness center, swimming pool, woodworking shop, and wellness spaces. If they prefer quiet gatherings, there’s a library and community room.

Other programs include bocce ball, shuffleboard, theater, and a resident chorus, providing residents with regular social and group activities. Transportation and housekeeping are available, so families can easily visit and explore the area.