What is The Difference Between Personal Care and Assisted Living?
March 17, 2022
There may come a time when you are interested in relieving some of the burdens of homeownership and household management, instead of investing in the pursuit of leisure activities and personal fulfillment in your later years. Or, perhaps you have a loved one who has been living independently but has increasingly demonstrated the need for a little extra help throughout the day.
As eldercare has evolved over the years, so have the options available to older adults – and determining the best fit can feel overwhelming. Having a basic understanding of the types of care settings and the needs they address can simplify the process and help you figure out where to begin your search. The experts in senior living at The Hickman can help you understand what the differences are between personal care and assisted living.
What Are The Main Differences between Personal Care and Assisted Living in Pennsylvania?
Personal care homes and assisted living communities, in particular, have much in common, but a few key differences are important to consider when deciding where to relocate.
Personal Care Home
In a personal care home, you can expect to receive services such as assistance with activities of daily living, bathing, dressing, medication management, meals, and housekeeping in the comfort of a private or semi-private room.
The community typically offers round-the-clock security and on-call nursing availability, along with a variety of leisure activities and programs offered for you to enjoy as you choose.
Often, the personal care home arranges for visiting physicians and therapists to come directly to the community, eliminating the need to arrange for transportation to and from necessary appointments.
A personal care home is designed for you to live as independently as possible, knowing there is basic care available when you need it.
Assisted Living Facilities
Many of the same personal care home amenities and securities are enjoyed by residents of an assisted living community, but an important distinction in the state of Pennsylvania is that an assisted living facility is licensed to meet more complex healthcare needs as they arise. As a result, residents can remain in place as their needs increase instead of relocating to a different facility that can provide more skilled nursing care.
Additionally, where a personal care home can offer semi-private accommodations, an assisted living home is required to provide private rooms for its residents.
If you’re trying to decide between assisted living and personal care in Pennsylvania, hopefully, this article has helped give you a better understanding of the differences. Personal care is a great option if you need some help with basic activities of daily living, but don’t require around-the-clock supervision. Assisted living is best suited for seniors who need more intensive care and supervision.
Where Can You Find the Best Personal Care Community in Chester County PA?
In its beautiful and historic setting in the heart of downtown West Chester, The Hickman offers several levels of care to suit a variety of needs, including independent living, personal care, memory care and short-term respite stays. Contact us today to schedule a tour and find the right place for you or a loved one to call home.