I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Pittsburgh, PA

Ranked as one of the best places to retire, Pittsburgh offers a lower-than-average cost of living, a beautiful scenic landscape and plenty of senior-friendly amenities. It comes as no surprise that of its 300,286 residents, nearly 15% are aged 65 or older. Pittsburgh is also home to some of the country’s leading health care facilities, such as the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the Allegheny General Hospital.

Pittsburgh serves as one of the state’s major cultural hubs where you’ll find a number of world-renowned museums, including the Carnegie Science Center and the Andy Warhol Museum. That’s not all. There are plenty of additional activities for you to partake in, such as touring the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, taking in a professional football game at Heinz Stadium, riding the Duquesne Incline to enjoy stunning views of the city skyline or visiting any of the city’s numerous green spaces, including Highland Park and Pointe State Park.

These great attractions and senior-friendly amenities in combination with professional home care services and resources make Pittsburgh one of the top retirement spots in Pennsylvania.

II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Pittsburgh, PA

Home care costs vary based on location and the specific types of services provided. However, according to Genworth’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly cost for home care services in the Pittsburgh area is $4,576 per month. While in some cases, the cost of home health care is slightly higher than standard home care due to the higher level of support provided, average rates in Pittsburgh are exactly the same ($4,576) for home care and home health care.

Genworth set the average hours of home care services at 44 per week when calculating costs, which brings the average rate for home care and home health care in Pittsburgh to $24 per hour.

The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities

Monthly home care costs in Pittsburgh are the same as the state average and just $95 more per month than the U.S. median. Additionally, Pittsburgh’s costs fall right in the middle when compared to nearby cities. For example, in State College, you can expect to pay about $334 more per month for home health care, while in Johnstown, you’ll pay an average of $496 less per month, and in Altoona, monthly rates are $381 less on average.

The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options

When determining which senior living options are right for you or your loved ones, it’s best to compare associated costs. While adult day care services offer the lowest monthly rates of $1,473, these services aren’t adequate for all seniors. Alternatively, assisted living at $3,550 per month costs just over $1,000 more than home care and home health care. However, the monthly care costs for a semiprivate room at a nursing home ($9,125) are almost double the average for home care.

III. How to Find Home Care in Pittsburgh, PA

Finding a home care provider for yourself or a loved one can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Below, we explain the process of how to find a home care provider in 5 simple steps. Use the infographic below to help guide your search for in-home care in Pittsburgh, PA.

An infographic giving steps to finding a home care provider

Remember that there’s not necessarily a right or wrong choice – it comes down to choosing a provider that you feel comfortable with and who’s capable of meeting your specific needs. No matter which provider you choose, you should always have a formal arrangement with your expectations and the payment rate in writing. Doing so will prevent confusion or potential disagreements down the line so that the focus remains on helping the person receiving care.

IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Pittsburgh, PA

Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging

What You Should Know
The Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging can connect you with invaluable resources in the area that may enable you to remain in your home longer. The agency’s case managers provide everything from information and referral services to senior assessments. They can also assist you with the completion of applications for benefits, such as property tax rebates, LIHEAP utility bill assistance and PACE while providing health care counseling and caregiver support. The city’s Ombudsman Program is also managed by the Allegheny County Agency on Aging.

Who Is Eligible?
The Allegheny County Agency on Aging serves all seniors aged 60 years and over who live in Allegheny County as well as their caregivers.

How to Get Started
You can contact the agency directly at (412) 350-4234 for more information or to schedule an appointment for services.

Meals on Wheels Southwest PA

What You Should Know
Meals on Wheels Southwest PA provides nutritious meals to seniors who are unable to prepare their own food at home. They deliver one hot lunch and one cold dinner daily Monday through Friday. Delivery times vary based on your specific location, but most meals are delivered between 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. In addition to meal delivery, Meals on Wheels volunteers provide you with daily communication and conduct quick check-ins. Additionally, volunteers can alert the appropriate parties of any noted concerns.

Who Is Eligible?
Meals on Wheels caters to homebound seniors who are unable to prepare nutritious meals on their own. Services are offered on a needs and first-come, first-served basis.

How to Get Started
If interested, contact your local Meals on Wheels location, such as North Boroughs/Sewickley (412) 766-7763, McKnight (412) 487-4088, North Country (724) 935-1877 or West Hills (412) 262-5973.

Senior Community Centers in Allegheny County

What You Should Know
The greater Pittsburgh area is home to more than 40 local senior centers. These centers offer a wide range of services that are designed to promote social, cultural and physical well-being. You can participate in a variety of activities, such as signing up for fitness classes or computer lessons, attending special events and workshops, joining discussion or support groups or obtaining information about additional local resources from a senior center staff member or volunteer.

Who Is Eligible?
Senior Community Centers in Allegheny County are specifically for residents aged 60 or older.

How to Get Started
You can contact the Department of Human Services SeniorLine at (412) 350-5460 for more information or to find the closest senior center.

Port Authority of Allegheny County

What You Should Know
The Port Authority of Allegheny County manages the local bus, light rail and incline services. It serves more than 60 million riders every year and extends to nearly all regions within the Pittsburgh area. As a senior citizen, you can ride all Port Authority vehicles free of charge. The Port Authority also sponsors the ACCESS Paratransit service, which provides shared rides using more than 300 vehicles. You can obtain these door-to-door transportation services for a nominal fee.

Who Is Eligible?
Seniors aged 65 or over can ride the Port Authority vehicles free of charge but are required to have a state-issued Senior Citizen ID card or a Senior ConnectCard prior to riding. All Pittsburgh residents are eligible for the ACCESS Paratransit services but preferential treatment is given to seniors and disabled adults.

How to Get Started
You can obtain more information about the Port Authority ID requirements by contacting the office at (412) 442-2000. To schedule ACCESS Paratransit services, you should call (412) 562-5353. Alternatively, you can contact any Pittsburgh area senior center for more information.

City of Pittsburgh Snow Angels

What You Should Know
The city of Pittsburgh operates the Snow Angels Program that connects seniors and disabled adults with nearby neighbors who volunteer to remove snow from walkways and sidewalks. This service ensures that you are still able to receive vital services, such as mail delivery, as soon as possible after any major snowstorm. The program attempts to connect you with a volunteer who lives within walking distance to ensure that they can provide needed support regardless of road conditions. Volunteers do their best to assist with snow removal within 24 hours after the snow has stopped. Volunteers also apply salt, when provided, to all icy areas to minimize hazardous conditions.

Who Is Eligible?
The Snow Angels Program is for seniors aged 60 years and older as well as disabled adults who live inside the Pittsburgh city limits and are unable to safely remove snow from their sidewalks. You are expected to have snow shovels and salt available for use.

How to Get Started
To learn more about the Snow Angels Program or to sign up for services, you can call (412) 255-2621 or complete the online request form.