Senior Housing Guides From the Berks County Area Agency on Aging
The Berks County Area Agency on Aging publishes guides that explain the main senior housing choices in the county: independent living and continuing care retirement communities, nursing homes, personal care homes and assisted living communities, and subsidized housing. Each guide can be downloaded from the housing page at berkspa.gov/departments/aging/housing, and a Spanish version of the page is at berkspa.gov/departments/aging/opciones-de-alojamiento.
Continuing care retirement communities, or CCRCs, offer seniors long-term contracts that guarantee lifelong shelter and access to specified health care services. Residents usually pay a lump-sum entrance fee and regular monthly payments, and if they become sick or need more personal care they can remain there. There are requirements for admission to CCRCs, and generally residents who move in are independent and able to take care of themselves. Independent living communities are residential communities for active older adults who want a lifestyle free of home maintenance. Many provide activities such as shopping trips, cultural event outings, educational programs and organized gatherings, plus amenities such as tennis courts, swimming pools and activity rooms. Most offer a variety of meal plans as well as the option of cooking in your own apartment, and most are fully secured.
Nursing care facilities, also called post-acute care facilities, provide care for people who need nursing care on a regular basis but do not need to be hospitalized. Nursing professionals give the care under the direction of a physician, and state departments of health regulate the facilities. Many also offer sub-acute, respite, rehabilitation and other short-term care.
Personal care communities are designed for people who cannot function in an independent living environment but do not need skilled nursing care on a daily basis. They usually help with bathing, dressing, meals, housekeeping and other personal care, and the amount and type of help depends on individual need. Many have licensed nurses and other health care professionals on staff or available on call. Personal care communities are licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. Assisted living is a separate Pennsylvania licensing category with more stringent regulations for higher levels of care, so people can age in place. There is currently one licensed assisted living community in Berks County, and it is noted as such on the personal care home listing. Assisted living communities are licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
The subsidized housing guide covers apartments for seniors or handicapped individuals that have programs to lower the cost of rent. Rent is based on about one third of a person's income and is adjusted by certain expenses.
The Area Agency on Aging serves Berks County residents over 60 and those with disabilities, with services that include information and referral. Its office is at 400 E. Wyomissing Ave., Mohnton, PA 19540, open Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with 24 hour emergency service. The general department number is 610-478-6500; use it for questions about senior housing or other aging services.
The page does not say whether the guides cost anything, and it does not describe any application or request process for them.
Source: berkspa.gov/departments/aging/housing, read September 18, 2026.
The details
In Berks County Area Agency on Aging’s words
Continuous care retirement communities (CCRCs) offer seniors long-term contracts that guarantee lifelong shelter and access to specified health care services. In return, residents usually pay a lump-sum entrance fee and regular monthly payments. CCRC residents enjoy an independent lifestyle with the knowledge that if they become sick or have additional personal care needs, they can remain there and their needs will continue to be met. There are requirements for admission to CCRCs. Generally,…
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Berks County Area Agency on Aging
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This listing summarizes publicly available information from berkspa.gov/departments/aging/housing. Last recorded review: September 18, 2026. Contact the provider to confirm eligibility, hours and availability before you go. If something here is wrong, tell us.