Personal Care vs. Assisted Living in Pennsylvania: What’s the Difference?

If you’re searching for senior living in Pennsylvania, you may notice something confusing: many

communities that look and feel like assisted-living communities are actually licensed as Personal Care Homes.

So, what’s the difference?

For most families searching for senior living, there is very little noticeable difference in the day-to-day experience. Both Personal Care and Assisted Living communities can provide housing, meals,

medication management, assistance with bathing and dressing, housekeeping, activities, and 24-hour staff support.

The biggest difference is how the community is licensed by the state of Pennsylvania.

Personal Care Homes

Personal Care Homes provide housing, meals, supervision, and assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and medication management.

The majority of Pennsylvania senior living communities offering this type of care are licensed as Personal Care Homes — even though families may commonly think of them as “assisted living.”

Assisted-Living Communities

Pennsylvania also has a separate Assisted Living Residence license. These communities must meet specific state licensing requirements that differ somewhat from those for Personal Care Homes.

However, a Personal Care Home is not a lower level of care or a lesser option simply because of its

license. Most Personal Care Homes provide extensive support and may offer many of the same

amenities and services families associate with assisted living.

What Does This Mean for Your Family?

When searching for senior living, try not to get too caught up in whether a community is technically

licensed as Personal Care or Assisted Living. What matters most is whether the community can safely meet your loved one’s individual needs, preferences, and level of care.

At Peggy Powers Placement, we help families understand these differences and identify communities that are the right fit. We know the local senior living options, the levels of care they provide, and the questions families should ask when comparing communities.

Our service is always free to families, and we’re here to make the search for senior living easier and less overwhelming. Learn how we work with families throughout the entire process.

Peggy Powers Placement offers complimentary consultations for families in the Western PA area.

724-757-0042 | www.peggysplacement.com