When caring for a loved one, it’s important to find a home that provides both the care and the comfort that they need.

Although both assisted living and personal care facilities are similar in many ways, they are also starkly different. They each require different licensing and different staff.

You need to understand the difference between assisted living and personal before making a decision.

The right assisted living vs personal care comparison will help you make the right decision for your loved ones.

Personal Care Homes (PCHs)

Also referred to as personal care facilities, these are establishments that are just below nursing home skilled care.

Personal Care Homes in Louisville, KY are residential buildings built around a medical model of care. They’re equipped with nursing care 24 hours a day and keep medical records on-site, including personal medical and prescription records. All resident care falls under nursing oversight.

Seniors in Personal Care Homes require daily medical care and assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including preparing and eating meals, grooming, bathing, getting in and out of bed, toileting, and mobility.

While they receive ongoing personal care, they still receive a range of social and entertainment opportunities available to them to provide fulfillment in daily life.

A major difference between assisted living vs personal care is that the later includes services by a nurse.

Who Needs Personal Care?

Personal care is best for seniors who require health care services provided by a nurse.

Typically, seniors in Personal Care Homes are less independent compared to assisted living. Even for those who are largely independent, if they require consistent medical care now or soon, a Personal Care Home would be best for you or your loved one.

Assisted Living Community (ALC)

An assisted living community is built around a social model rather than a medical model of care.

Residents in an Assisted Living Community receive similar assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). In an Assisted Living Community, seniors have the freedom to live as independently as they would like and require less medical attention outside of first aid.

Unlike Personal Care Homes, Assisted Living Community staff are not licensed to provide advanced medical services like determining or changing prescription dosage, administering dosage, or giving medical advice on the appropriateness of medication.

Who Needs Assisted Living?

Assisted living is best for seniors who are looking for more independence and privacy and do not require any form of advanced medical care on a regular basis.

Assisted living residents may require some form of assistance with daily living and reminders or help to take their prescriptions but don’t provide constant medical care.

With the focus on retaining their ability to manage their own lives, an Assisted Living Community provides a bit more support than they would have if they lived in their own home while maintaining privacy and independence.

An assisted living vs personal care comparison is necessary to find out whether your loved ones need advanced medical care or just some form of assistance.

Similarities Between Personal Care vs Assisted Living

If you’re looking for any of the following services, you’ll find them at either a Personal Care or an Assisted Living facility.

  • Socialization Opportunities
  • Housing
  • Full Meal Service
  • Assistance with activities of daily living like bathing, grooming, etc.
  • Full on-site security
  • Trained and qualified full-time staff

Choosing the Right Senior Home Facility

Finding the perfect home for your loved one can be a difficult process, so acknowledging the assisted living vs personal care comparison is of crucial importance.

You want somewhere they will be comfortable and also a facility that provides the services they require.

If your loved one needs constant medical care or administration of medication, a personal care facility is best for them.

If they need a little more help than they’d receive at home, assisted living is the perfect option.

Senior Home Transitions is here to help with all of your Louisville assisted living needs. We are here to help you find the perfect spot for your loved one to keep them safe and provide peace of mind for family and friends. If you are looking for the perfect solution, give us a call.