As you or your loved ones enter later life stages, it’s natural to start thinking about how to get a little extra help throughout the day. This is the phase of life where personal care homes come in. These homes are designed for four or more residents and provide personalized care tailored to individual needs. Whether it’s assistance with daily tasks, help with specific activities, or simply having someone around to supervise and support, personal care homes offer a comforting solution.
When it comes to retirement, choosing the right living option is a big decision. It’s about finding a place where comfort, safety, and quality of life are prioritized. To help you navigate this critical choice, we’ve answered some common questions about personal care homes below. If you cannot answer your question using the information on this page, please feel free to reach out to us here at Zerbe Retirement Community.
Are Personal Care Homes the Same Thing as Nursing Homes?
While personal care homes and nursing homes may seem similar, they cater to different needs, offering unique environments for seniors. Both types of residential care homes provide essential services, but understanding the differences can help you choose the right fit.
Nursing homes are licensed residential facilities where residents receive care from medical professionals. These homes are inspected and licensed by the state’s Department of Health, making them ideal for individuals who need daily medical attention and support due to illness or limited mobility.
On the other hand, personal care homes offer different support. Pennsylvania’s Department of Health also inspects and licenses these facilities, but they’re designed for those who need less medical care and prefer a more socially engaging environment. Personal care services are available to residents living in these homes, making them a great option for those who value assistance and independence.
It’s important to note that personal care communities and assisted living facilities are not the same, even though they are often confused. Assisted living facilities have additional stipulations and provide a different level of care, making the distinction crucial when exploring your options.
What Services Do Personal Care Homes Offer?
Each personal care home can outline its specific services if you have questions. Harvest View at Zerbe Retirement Community has experienced caregivers who are dedicated to senior healthcare and senior living. We want to ensure all our residents are well-cared for, treated with dignity, and receive the respect they deserve as individuals.
Our residents experience a close relationship with other members of our community because we cultivate a family-based experience. At Harvest View, there is a focus on caring for residents’ physical, social, and spiritual needs so they can lead a well-rounded life here.
You’ll enjoy up to four different levels of care because your needs may change while you live with us at Harvest View. Residents can also feel comfortable knowing that if they eventually require higher levels of care, we can help transition them into our skilled nursing care facility, Zerbe Sisters Skilled Nursing Center.
Is Personal Care Right for Me or My Loved One?
Personal care might be the right choice if you or a loved one needs assistance with daily living but want to keep your independence and social life. Our personal care home option helps you maintain some of those daily activities while incorporating the community here at Harvest View so you can be with others in the same stages of life. Sharing this experience fosters a feeling of togetherness at our personal care facility.
Do Personal Care Homes Have Planned Activities?
Personal care homes often offer a range of activities to keep residents engaged, but the specific options can vary from one facility to another. Finding a place that aligns with the personal care needs and interests of you or your loved one is key to ensuring a fulfilling experience. These activities, designed to promote physical, social, and spiritual health, are essential aspects of personal care services.
Whether it’s participating in small group activities, enjoying community-wide events, or engaging in personalized care programs, the goal is to support overall well-being in a socially engaging environment. A well-rounded approach to care can make all the difference in maintaining a high quality of life.
Does the State Regulate Personal Care Homes?
The Pennsylvania Department of Health plays a crucial role in regulating personal care homes across the state. These state licensing regulations are designed to safeguard the health, safety, and well-being of all residents in personal care homes. Understanding these regulations can provide peace of mind and help you make informed decisions about the best care environment for you or your loved ones.
You can view the regulations for personal care homes on the Department of Health’s website.
Are Personal Care Homes Medical Facilities?
Personal care homes are not medical facilities; doctors or nurses do not staff them. Instead, these homes provide support with everyday tasks, offering assistance that differs from the medical care you would expect in nursing homes. In a personal care home, caregivers focus on helping residents with daily activities such as remembering to take medication, bathing, grooming, or delivering meals during temporary illness when joining the community for meals isn’t possible.
While personal care homes provide valuable support, they do not offer medical care like prescribing medications for new ailments or handling more complex health needs. Suppose you or your loved one requires significant medical assistance or skilled nursing care. In that case, a skilled nursing facility may be a better fit, offering the medical attention needed for more serious health concerns. If you think you or your loved one would thrive in a skilled nursing facility, Zerbe Sisters Skilled Nursing Center might suit you better.
Do Personal Care Homes Allow Spouses with Different Needs to Share Living Quarters?
Depending on your needs and the personal care home’s accommodations, couples with different health-related needs may be able to share a space. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. If your spouse requires dedicated medical attention all day while you can care for yourself, you would both be unable to occupy the same room in a personal care home. You can speak with our different care facilities to see what their accommodations might be for your situation.
How Much Does a Personal Care Home Cost?
The cost of personal care homes varies depending on the facility. If you are interested in Harvest View, please get in touch with us to discuss the costs associated with our different levels of care available here.
What is Memory Care?
Memory care is a specialized form of long-term care designed to support residents through the various stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. This type of care provides a safe and structured environment tailored to the unique needs of individuals experiencing memory loss. In the earlier stages of these conditions, a personal care home may offer the right balance of assistance and independence, allowing residents to thrive. However, as the disease progresses, more skilled nursing care may become necessary to ensure the well-being and safety of the individual. When the disease is more advanced, personal care is not a feasible option.
Ready to Join Our Harvest View Family at Zerbe Retirement Community?
If you’ve read through our frequently asked questions and find yourself thinking a personal care home is the right choice for you or your loved one, you can contact us today! We would love to help you determine if Harvest View is the right living option for you to enjoy your retirement. If you have questions we did not cover here, please feel free to contact our friendly, helpful staff members!
