Issue link: https://www.newlifestylesdigital.com/i/453625
31 Since January 2011, there has been much confusion about the differences between the new Assisted Living Regulations in Pennsylvania and the existing Personal Care Home regulations. Prior to January 2011, all Personal Care Homes (PCH) referred to themselves and their services as Assisted Living. Now only those Communities that are licensed as Assisted Living Residences (ALR) may use "assisted living" terminology. The Pennsylvania Health Care Association has published a comparison of the two regulations in order to clarify the differences for the public: Personal Care Homes (PCH) are senior living residences that provide a safe, home-like living environment, three meals a day, nursing care and assistance with activities of daily living. Personal Care Homes are typically for older individuals or those with physical, behavioral health or cognitive disabilities who are unable to care for themselves. Available services vary and are based on individual needs of the resident which is determined through a medical assessment or evaluation. Personal Care Homes are inspected and licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. Assisted Living Residences (ALR) are very similar in comparison to Personal Care Homes (PCH), and are based on these three categories: Concept, Construction and Level of Care. Concept: ALR's and PCH's both embody the concept of allowing a resident to "age in place" without having to move to a licensed long-term care facility when their needs increase. Construction: The construction of an ALR is not that different from a PCH. ALR residents will have private living units with kitchen capacity and locking doors. PCH residents will have the option for private or semi- private living accommodations with locking doors, but are not required to have efficiency style kitchen space. Level of Care: The level of care provided in an ALR is comparable to a PCH. A person who needs significant assistance is permitted to reside in a PCH with the appropriate medical evaluation and may use the services of a Visiting Nurse Agency, Home Care Agency or Hospice. What is the Difference between an Assisted Living Residence and a Personal Care Home?