What is the Difference between Personal Care Homes and Skilled Nursing Homes in Pennsylvania

Decisions about family well-being can be challenging, especially when it comes to that of an elderly family member. After all, we want to make sure that they get the best care in their golden years. As the Bible mentions in Philippians 2:4, we show love and compassion by looking out for one another’s interests. This includes prayerfully considering different care options to ensure that our elderly ones can maintain their dignity and spiritual routine.

Understanding the difference between a personal care home and a skilled nursing facility helps us make a wise and loving decision. This guide outlines the key differences which help families walking this path.

The Difference According to Law in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has nearly 1,200 assisted living communities and personal care homes that care for over 80,000 people. Choosing what best suits the needs of our loved ones is what you can decide as a family.

Personal Care Homes:

In Pennsylvania, personal care homes (PCHs) are licensed by the Department of Human Services and are governed by Chapter 2600 of the Pennsylvania Code. This arrangement will suit individuals who need basic support but don’t require 24-hour medical attention.

Skilled Nursing Facilities:

Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) are licensed by the Department of Health under the Health Care Facilities Act. They provide 24-hour medical care with qualified nurses and therapists. This option better suits individuals recovering from surgery or chronic illness.

 

 

What to Expect in a Skilled Nursing Facility

Skilled Nursing Facilities are equipped for serious or complex medical needs, including:
• Wound care
• IV therapy and injections
• Post-operative care
• Stroke rehabilitation
• 24-hour monitoring
These facilities provide a structured medical care plan developed by a physician-led team. These health-care services can be a viable option, especially when they can relieve distress and support recovery.

What to Expect in a Personal Care Home

Personal Care Homes provide:
• Help with meals, bathing, dressing, and medication reminders
• Shared or private rooms
• Supervised but home-like environment
• Opportunities for socialization and worship
Many families appreciate that residents can still engage in regular Bible reading, meetings, and even the ministry if their health allows.  Joy from worship can be experienced even from assisted living, sharing Bible truths with staff and residents alike.

You will find more information on this in our article on Personal Care: https://www.legacyplace.org/senior-care/personal-care-for-seniors/

A Spiritual Perspective on Care

The Bible speaks tenderly about our responsibilities. 1 Timothy 5:8 says, “If anyone does not provide for those who are his own… he has disowned the faith.” Choosing proper care for an elderly parent or spouse is an expression of faithful love.

Facilities like Legacy Place Cottages reflect these values. We provide personal care in a setting where Jehovah’s Witnesses can freely practice their faith, including streaming meetings and reading spiritual literature. Residents can feel supported in both their physical and spiritual routines.

Here is some information on how residents are helped to maintain their spiritual routine in Legacy Place: https://www.legacyplace.org/general/maintaining-a-spiritual-routine-despite-age/

How to Choose Wisely

• Pray to Jehovah for wisdom and clarity (James 1:5).
• Assess care needs—do they require medical care or just daily assistance?
• Visit facilities in person. Ask specifics about the care provided and what the arrangements are to make sure their spiritual beliefs will be supported, like meeting attendance, ministry etc.
• Talk to congregation elders, who may offer insight or even know of brothers or sisters working at trusted facilities.

Legacy Place – A Spiritual Haven for the Elderly

As Jehovah’s people, we view elderly care as an opportunity to show loving kindness and we take our care-giving role seriously. At Legacy Place, caring for our elderly is a sacred responsibility. That’s why our home is designed for comfort and to maintain a spiritual environment for our residents. In our Personal Care and Memory Care households, each day is thoughtfully shaped to make them feel safe, dignified, and spiritually refreshed.

If you have any questions, please have a look at our FAQs: https://www.legacyplace.org/general/legacy-place-faqs-and-helpful-links/

If you are considering personal or memory care facilities at Legacy Place for your loved ones, please give us a call, and we can discuss your options.

If you would like to Donate towards elderly care in Legacy Place, please click here: Donate