Long-Term Care Statistics

Fast Facts
Pennsylvania’s Aging Population

  • Pennsylvania has almost 2 million citizens over age 651
  • Pennsylvania ranks third in the U.S. by percentage of the population age 65 and older (behind Florida and West Virginia), and 1 in 5 Pennsylvanians are 60 or older.2 Pennsylvania ranks fourth in the U.S. by number of population over age 85, those who are the most intensive users of nursing home care.3
  • By 2020, Pennsylvania’s 60 and older population is expected to be 25% of the total population — more than 3 million people.4 By 2020, the number of people age 85 or older is expected to increase 10% to more than 360,000 residents.5

Long-term care statistics

  • Nearly 70 percent of those turning 65 this year eventually will require long-term care in their lifetimes.6

Pennsylvania’s Personal Care Homes

  • Pennsylvania has approximately 1,450 licensed personal care homes serving approximately 50,000 residents. “Assisted Living” homes and personal care homes are currently one and the same in Pennsylvania.7
  • The average annual cost of a personal care home is $2,714 a month for a one-bedroom unit, reflecting an average annual cost of $28,284.8

End Notes

  1. 2007 U.S. Census Estimates
  2. 2007 U.S. Census Estimates
  3. 2007 U.S. Census Estimates
  4. 2007 U.S. Census Estimates
  5. Legislative Budget and Finance Committee April 2005 “Long-Term Care for the Elderly in Pennsylvania”
  6. 2006 Congressional Quarterly Report
  7. PA Department of Public Welfare January 5, 2009 Personal Care Homes Monthly Statistical Report
  8. Genworth Financial 2009 Cost of Care Survey