What Is The Difference Between Personal Care and Assisted Living?

The terms “personal care” and “assisted living” are often used interchangeably. You may be familiar with the term “assisted living” because it has been around longer than “personal care”.

In 2011, Pennsylvania legally separated care communities into these two separate categories. So what is the difference between personal care and assisted living?

Similarities between assisted living and personal care

You might be surprised to learn that personal care and assisted living communities are similar. By definition, they provide seniors housing, food, and help with daily living activities.

At Living Branches, Personal Care is so much more than a place to sleep and eat. Residents enjoy their independence and expand their intellectual, emotional, and spiritual horizons, while receiving supportive services like medication administration, housekeeping, laundry, and more.

What Are the Differences Between Assisted Living and Personal Care Homes?

The primary difference between personal care and assisted living is the level of care available. Assisted living communities generally offer care services that may overlap with what is offered in a nursing home or skilled nursing. 

At an assisted living community there is typically no nursing home or health care center onsite. That means if a resident needs skilled nursing, they must be discharged to a health care center with availability. To be licensed as an assisted living community by Pennsylvania, an organization must also meet different requirements for its building, care options, and more.

By contrast, personal care communities receive a different license in Pennsylvania. Many times they are part of a larger retirement community that includes a nursing home and/or skilled nursing (called Health Care at Living Branches). This means that nursing care is not provided at the personal care level. When residents in personal care require nursing care, they can simply move to that community without leaving the organization.

Living Branches is licensed as Personal Care because we are a Life Plan Community (formerly known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community). That means our communities offer residents the full range of care services: Residential Living, Personal Care, Health Care, and Memory Care.

Residents who need a higher level of care have access to two available health care centers within Living Branches – at Dock Woods and Souderton Mennonite Homes.

Personal Care Services at Living Branches

Assistance with Daily Activities

Living Branches Personal Care team members can assist with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and medication management.

Worry-Free Medical Care

Personal Care offers the convenience of not having to worry about picking up prescriptions, scheduling doctor’s appointments, or managing health conditions like diabetes, allowing you to focus on enjoying your life.

At Living Branches, if you notice a change or have a question, there’s always someone ready to help. Our nurses – including RNs and LPNs – work right down the hall from your door.

High-Quality Dining

Enjoy first-rate meals and table service. To help you feel your best, chefs will tailor meals to your dietary needs and preferences. Fresh produce is served year-round in all eateries, and in some venues, you can opt for farm-to-table produce and antibiotic-free pork products.

Well-Maintained Apartments

We’ll maintain your apartment for you. Housekeeping, linen laundering, and maintenance are included. Let us take care of everything, from shoveling snow to replacing a lightbulb.

From Neighbors to Friends

Living in a Personal Care community means more time for socializing. You’ll spend less time planning and more time connecting with friends and neighbors. Friendship is just a door away!

Family is Always Welcome

Come and go as you like! Grab lunch in town, go shopping with friends, or celebrate a grandchild’s birthday. And your family members may visit at any time, for any reason.

24/7 Safety

Living Branches Personal Care homes are designed and maintained to reduce common dangers in the average home. Personal Care team members are trained on emergencies, and alert devices will summon our medical team anytime.

Outings and Events

Personal Care homes offer trips, socials, performances, classes, and other activities to connect and engage residents.

Check the resident portal of Living Branches to see what’s coming up! Mark your calendar for the next outing, concert, or class that catches your eye.

Campus Spiritual Life

In Personal Care, residents who want to practice their faith have ample opportunities, including church services, hymn sings, and Bible studies.

Living Branches Personal Care Neighborhoods

Whether you want to unwind or socialize, each Personal Care neighborhood offers plenty of space. When you visit campus, you’ll see many residents spending time with friends and family, strolling through the grounds, or enjoying a concert or special meal.

While each campus has its own flavor, residents find Living Branches communities a cut above. Each community is clean, well maintained, and tastefully decorated.

The Willows at Living Branches in Hatfield, PA

At The Willows at Living Branches, you’ll find a close-knit community where your apartment feels like home. Enjoy sunny spaces and a wealth of engaging activities. Learn more about The Willows.

Souderton Mennonite Homes in Souderton, PA

Just a short walk from downtown shops and restaurants, Souderton Mennonite Homes is a village-like community in the heart of Souderton. Personal Care residences have all the charm and comfort of home. Learn more about Souderton Mennonite Homes.

Dock Woods in Lansdale, PA

Tucked away on serene wooded grounds, Dock Woods is a large community brimming with amenities. Explore an upscale restaurant, a bistro, the breathtaking Derstine chapel, well-kept gardens, and more – all just a short distance from your doorstep. Learn more about Dock Woods.

Personal Care amenities

• Private apartments furnished and decorated with your own items
• Private bath with safety features
• Individual controls for heating and cooling
• Tasty restaurant-style dining tailored to your nutritional needs
• Snacks throughout the day
• Complimentary weekly housekeeping, linen laundering, and trash removal
• Numerous activities with your dedicated life enrichment team
• One-to-one counseling and support with a pastoral care team
• Exercise classes and fitness activities for all levels of fitness
• Creative arts therapy sessions in music, dance, and art

Community features

• Common areas including country kitchens, game rooms, libraries, fitness centers, and recreation rooms
• Beautiful outdoor spaces with walking paths and areas to socialize
• Private dining room for special events and celebrations
• Campus open around the clock for your loved one’s visitors
• Transportation available for scheduled activities and personal appointments
• Free off-street parking for guests and visitors
• Full-service hair salon
• Banking services (Souderton and Lansdale)
• Complimentary laundry facilities
• Complimentary WiFi
• Devotions and chapel services

Call us | Schedule a Tour | Learn More About Our Services