Home Care in Germantown and Mt. Airy: A Family Guide

Germantown and Mt. Airy sit in the heart of northwest Philadelphia — neighborhoods with deep roots, tight communities, and a significant population of older adults aging in homes they’ve lived in for decades. For families here, keeping a parent or grandparent at home isn’t just a preference; it’s a commitment to community continuity.

Pennsylvania’s Medicaid programs support that commitment. Through Community HealthChoices and Participant-Directed Services, Germantown and Mt. Airy families can have a family member hired and paid as a caregiver— $13.50 to $18.00 per hour, biweekly paychecks, W-2 employment protections.

What We See in Germantown and Mt. Airy

In our experience, these neighborhoods have some of the highest concentrations of long-term homeowners among older adults in Philadelphia. Many are living in homes they’ve owned for 30or 40 years. The homes are familiar, the neighbors are familiar, and the idea of leaving for a facility is deeply unwanted.

But the homes themselves can present challenges. Older row homes and twins in Germantown often have steep staircases, narrow bathrooms, and accessibility limitations.

Through CHC and certain waiver programs, home modifications — grab bars, stair rails, accessible bathroom conversions — may be covered as part of the care plan. If your loved one’s home needs physical changes to support safe home care, raise this during the
care planning process.

Mt. Airy’s close-knit community organizations — particularly the faith communities along Germantown Avenue and the community groups in West Mt. Airy — are trusted information sources. CareChoice has connected with families through these networks, and we’ve found that word-of-mouth within these communities drives awareness faster than any digital channel.

Local Resources

PCA at (215) 765-9040 serves the entire city. The Center in the Park senior center in Mt. Airy is a well-known community resource.  Germantown community health centers
serve Medicaid-enrolled residents and can provide referrals.

Contact CareChoice →Philadelphia team

Written by Jailah Johnson, Community Engagement Coordinator — Philadelphia | CareChoice