Making a decision on which senior care option works for an aging loved one during their transition from independent living to long-term care is a serious task that can be overwhelming if you are just starting out on your search.

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During this transition, the choice is often between a personal care home (PCH) and an assisted living community (ALC) and many ask what the difference is between the two. The main difference between an assisted living community and a personal care home is size. ALC have more residents than PCH but both provide similar services as mandated by law. Regardless, your loved one might be a better fit for one option over the other and with that, the need for us to take a closer look at each option to help you make a decision on which one fits your loved ones needs best.

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Assisted Living

Assisted living communities are ideal for seniors who need some assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) but are interested in leading a social, active lifestyle.

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Assisted living communities may offer:

• Suites with mini-kitchens, or larger apartments that allow couples to age together

• Help with laundry, housekeeping, and activities of daily living — like medication management, bathing, and grooming — that seniors may have difficulty with

• Restaurant-style dining, happy hours, and activities based on resident interest

• Outings and transportation to local stores, theaters, and museum

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It should be noted that assisted living communities often have health standards for admitting new residents that may require residents to be able to feed themselves independently or move from a bed to a wheelchair without assistance.

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When is assisted living the right fit for a loved one?

Assisted living may be the right choice for seniors who:

• Need minor nursing assistance or medication but don’t require full-time medical care

• Are looking for new friends or social activities

• Want more amenities, activities, and recreational opportunities than what a board and care home would offer

• Are currently in good health but know they’ll need more help soon

• Need help with daily activities like dressing and bathing

• Want a maintenance-free lifestyle without lawn care or home repairs

• Would prefer an active life but don’t have access to transportation

 

Personal Care Homes

Personal care homes are houses in residential neighborhoods that are equipped, and staffed to care for a small number of residents, usually between two and 10.

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These homes provide comparable care to what’s offered at assisted living communities but usually less than what a nursing home provides. This means personal care homes can help with daily routines but typically don’t provide 24-hour skilled nursing assistance.

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Caregivers at personal care homes prepare three home-cooked meals a day for residents and typically help with activities such as:

• Mobility

• Health condition monitoring

• Grooming and hygiene

• Medication management

• Toileting

 

Like assisted living, personal care homes are licensed by the state of Georgia

 

When is a personal care home the right fit for a loved one?

Personal care homes may be a better fit for elderly loved ones who:

• Prefer a cozy, intimate, and homelike environment

• Need some help with everyday tasks like dressing and bathing but don’t need 24-hour skilled care

• Want a home with fewer residents, which allows for more interaction and attention from staff

• Would enjoy a relaxed, unstructured environment

• Want the privacy of a bedroom without all the responsibilities of an entire apartment, like housekeeping

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Why select a smaller home for senior care?

Small home owners say 80% of their customers move to the PCH from the bigger places, citing inadequacy of care as the number one reason. This may be because staffing ratios in the smaller homes are generally much lower (better) and because the owner-operator concept drives greater accountability for resident care outcomes. Initially the changes confused the market, but now people generally understand that most senior living needs can be met in either type of facility.

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You decide which setting is best for you!

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