Philadelphia is one of America's great healthcare cities, home to some of the nation's oldest and most respected hospitals, medical schools, and healthcare institutions. This deep medical infrastructure translates into a comprehensive post-acute care market, though access and quality vary across the city's diverse neighborhoods.

This guide provides a complete overview of post-acute care options in the Philadelphia area, covering every major care category and how to find providers through NDPAP's directory.

In This Guide

Post-Acute Care in Philadelphia: An Overview
Home Health Care in Philadelphia
Hospice and Palliative Care
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Rehabilitation Services and LTACHs
Assisted Living and Memory Care
Navigating Medicare and Medicaid in Philadelphia
Philadelphia's Unique Post-Acute Care Considerations
Finding Providers in Philadelphia Through NDPAP
The Bottom Line

Post-Acute Care in Philadelphia: An Overview

Post-acute care in Philadelphia is shaped by the city's extraordinary medical infrastructure, diverse population, and significant socioeconomic variation. The region is anchored by three major academic health systems — Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, and Temple Health — along with numerous community hospitals and specialized facilities.

Philadelphia has a higher percentage of elderly residents than most major U.S. cities, driving substantial demand for post-acute services. The city's Medicaid population is also significant, with Pennsylvania's Medical Assistance program playing a major role in covering long-term care and home-based services.

The surrounding counties — Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks, and Chester — add to the regional post-acute market, with many providers serving both the city and suburbs.

Home Health Care in Philadelphia

Home health is the most common post-acute service in Philadelphia. The city's large older population and high chronic disease burden generate significant demand for skilled nursing, physical therapy, and other home-based clinical services.

Philadelphia's row-home neighborhoods create unique challenges for home health delivery, including access issues, steep stairs, and parking limitations. Agencies experienced in serving the city navigate these challenges daily.

For a detailed guide, see our article on home health agencies in Philadelphia. Search for home health providers in Philadelphia on NDPAP.

Hospice and Palliative Care

Philadelphia has a mature hospice market supported by strong nonprofit organizations and academic palliative care programs. Penn Medicine's palliative care program is nationally recognized, and Jefferson and Temple also offer comprehensive palliative care services.

Hospice utilization disparities exist in Philadelphia, with lower enrollment rates in some communities of color. Local hospice providers are working to address these gaps through community outreach and culturally informed care.

For more details, see our Philadelphia hospice guide. Search for hospice providers in Philadelphia on NDPAP.

Skilled Nursing Facilities

Philadelphia and its surrounding counties have a significant number of skilled nursing facilities. SNFs provide 24-hour nursing care for patients who need more support than home health can offer, whether for short-term rehabilitation or longer-term care.

Medicare covers up to 100 days in a SNF after a qualifying three-day hospital stay. The first 20 days are fully covered, days 21-100 require a daily copay, and coverage beyond 100 days requires Medical Assistance or private pay.

Philadelphia's SNF market includes a range of quality levels. Use Medicare's Care Compare tool and visit facilities in person. Pay attention to staffing levels, infection control practices, and therapy program quality. Search for SNFs in Philadelphia on NDPAP.

Rehabilitation Services and LTACHs

Philadelphia is a strong rehabilitation market, benefiting from the academic programs at Penn, Jefferson, and Moss Rehabilitation (part of Einstein Healthcare Network). Inpatient rehabilitation facilities provide intensive therapy for patients recovering from stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, and complex surgical procedures.

Long-term acute care hospitals serve patients requiring extended hospital-level care. These facilities specialize in ventilator weaning, complex wound management, and other conditions requiring prolonged treatment.

Outpatient rehabilitation is widely available through hospital-affiliated clinics and independent practices. Many home health agencies also provide in-home therapy services.

Assisted Living and Memory Care

Philadelphia and its suburbs offer a wide range of assisted living options. The city itself has fewer large assisted living campuses than the suburbs, but personal care homes and smaller residential facilities serve urban neighborhoods.

Memory care facilities provide specialized care for patients with Alzheimer's and other dementias. Pennsylvania licenses these as personal care homes or assisted living residences, depending on the level of care. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services oversees licensing and inspections.

Cost varies significantly between city and suburban locations. Philadelphia city facilities may be somewhat less expensive than Main Line or Bucks County options, though quality should be the primary selection criterion.

Navigating Medicare and Medicaid in Philadelphia

Understanding coverage is critical for post-acute care planning:

Medicare covers home health, SNF care after a qualifying hospital stay, hospice, DME, and outpatient therapy. Each benefit has specific eligibility rules.

Pennsylvania Medical Assistance (Medicaid) covers a broader range of long-term care services. Pennsylvania's OBRA waiver and other home and community-based service waivers help eligible individuals receive care at home rather than in institutional settings. The Aging waiver and LIFE (Living Independence for the Elderly) program are particularly relevant for Philadelphia's older adults.

Managed care. Pennsylvania Medical Assistance operates through managed care organizations in Philadelphia. These plans coordinate benefits and may have preferred provider networks for post-acute services. Understanding your plan's network is important for avoiding unexpected costs.

Dual-eligible coordination. For patients with both Medicare and Medical Assistance, coordination between programs can be complex. Pennsylvania's LIFE program is a dual-eligible special needs plan option that integrates all medical and long-term care services.

For more on coverage, see our understanding Medicare coverage guide.

Philadelphia's Unique Post-Acute Care Considerations

Housing stock. Philadelphia's iconic row homes create real challenges for post-acute care. Steep stairs, narrow hallways, and small bathrooms affect what DME can be used and how home health and hospice clinicians access patients. Occupational therapy for home modifications is particularly valuable in this market.

Neighborhood variation. Access to post-acute services varies dramatically across Philadelphia. Center City and affluent neighborhoods have abundant provider options, while some underserved communities in North and West Philadelphia have fewer choices.

Healthcare workforce. Philadelphia benefits from its many nursing schools and health science programs, which provide a pipeline of clinicians for post-acute providers. However, competition for qualified nurses and therapists remains strong.

Social determinants. Poverty, food insecurity, and housing instability affect a significant portion of Philadelphia's population and directly impact post-acute care outcomes. Providers who address social determinants alongside clinical needs tend to achieve better results.

Seasonal considerations. Philadelphia's cold winters and hot, humid summers both affect post-acute patients. Winter ice and snow create fall risks, while summer heat waves can be dangerous for patients with respiratory or cardiac conditions who lack adequate air conditioning.

Finding Providers in Philadelphia Through NDPAP

NDPAP's directory provides comprehensive listings of post-acute care providers in the Philadelphia area:

The Bottom Line

Philadelphia's post-acute care market is deep and varied, reflecting the city's status as a major healthcare hub. But navigating it requires understanding neighborhood-level access differences, insurance coverage complexities, and the practical challenges posed by the city's older housing stock. Work closely with your hospital discharge team, use NDPAP to research providers, and prioritize agencies experienced in serving your specific area.

Search all Philadelphia post-acute care providers on NDPAP