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Consumer Information

The Pennsylvania Assisted Living Association is committed to assisting and helping families when it comes time to place their loved one in either an Assisted Living Residence or Personal Care Home.

PALA knows that with all the information out there regarding senior care, it is not sometimes an easy or clear-to-understand decision.

As the only Association in Pennsylvania devoted exclusively toward these two levels of care (Assisted Living and Personal Care), PALA is a priority resource that families should look to when determining if a loved one should look toward Assisted Living and Personal Care.

Based off our expertise, membership relationships, and contacts in the industry, one of PALA’s main focuses is assisting both families and our membership Communities in finding the right fit for all involved!

It is PALA’s stated mission that our members have a “resident-centered” care focus, and PALA is here to assist both families and caregivers in that focus.

We encourage families, when looking to place their loved one in either an Assisted Living or Personal Care Home, to look for a general philosophy of care based on 10 principles – principles that make personal care home and assisted living residents the top priority.

Argentum Checklist for Reviewing a Community Download Checklist

Assisted Living Residences and Personal Care Homes in Pennsylvania
Assisted Living Residences and Personal Care Homes provides a unique combination of residential housing, personalized supportive services, socialization, nutrition and healthcare.

Personal Care may offer similar amenities as independent living communities, with the additional services provided for assistance of with his/her personal care needs. It is designed to meet the individual needs of those requiring help with activities of daily living, assistance with medication distribution but do not require skilled nursing care.

Assisted Living provides similar services as a Personal Care Home but is an alternative to a nursing home.  There are three concepts that distinguish them from a Personal Care Home: Concept, Construction and Care.  The concept of Assisted Living is to allow a resident to age in place.  The physical site requirements include a private living unit with a bathroom, kitchenette and minimum square footage.  A higher acuity of care needs of residents is monitored by nursing staff that is required in Assisted Living.

PALA Assisted Living vs Personal Care the 3 C’s

Paying for Personal Care and Assisted Living in Pennsylvania
To begin your search for a new residence, it is recommended that you assess your financial ability to pay the required monthly fee.  Rates vary at each community based on size of apartment and assistance that is needed to complete activities of daily living.
At this time in the state, both Personal Care and Assisted Living are private pay.  There are no Medicaid waivers available for residents.  Some individuals my be eligible for the Personal Care Home Boarding Supplement or Veterans Benefits.   Long term care insurance may subsidize the rent.

Assessments required to determine if your needs can be met at the Community.
We recommend that you speak with your medical doctor to determine whether he believes this alternative living arrangement will meet your medical needs. The community is required to complete an assessment to determine if they are capable of caring for your health care needs as necessary.

Who Licenses Personal Care Home and Assisted Living Residences?
Assisted Living Residences and Personal Care Homes in Pennsylvania are licensed and regulated by the Department of Human Services, Bureau of Human Services Licensing. New homes are inspected prior to opening and both new construction and existing homes/communities must meet and maintain the standards mandated by the current PA Code. To access more information regarding the Department of Human Services, Bureau of Human Services Licensing, please Click Here.

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