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What Is Personal Care in Pennsylvania?

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A personal care home staff checking in on a resident of a personal care home.

At some point in life, we all need a hand. And as we get older, this becomes more true with every passing year. When your loved one needs more help than you can give, it’s time to think about trying personal care—but what is personal care?

Personal care homes are specialized environments for older adults who need help with some daily activities while staying independent where possible. They can be an excellent way for your loved one to get the care they need.

What Is Personal Care?

Personal care homes are a type of senior living community. They’re designed to support seniors who want to stay independent but need a hand with some of their daily tasks. Aging can sometimes make things like dressing, bathing, or cleaning a little harder, and personal care homes aim to help.

In these communities, older adults can live in a community setting full of interesting programs, activities, and amenities. There are plenty of social opportunities where they can meet like-minded people in the community. Every resident gets their own apartment or condo, and there’s a team of trained caregivers on-site in the community who can help with your loved one’s daily tasks.

Personal care communities are designed to get your loved one the care they need to maintain as much independence as possible. We design a custom treatment plan so they can get the support they deserve, and we help however we can.

Who Can Live in Personal Care?

Guidelines and restrictions often vary from community to community, however, there are a few general guidelines.

Potential residents should be:

  • In need of assistance with some daily activities
  • Medically and cognitively stable
  • Able to communicate
  • Non-aggressive

The goal is to improve your loved one’s quality of life and promote their independence while getting them the care they need. However, these communities aren’t ideal for older adults in need of extensive medical care. While there’s often a medical support team in personal care, the communities aren’t designed to offer long-term medical care. So, if your loved one has a complex medical condition or a significant degree of memory impairment, another type of care may be ideal.

How to Tell if It’s Time for Personal Care

How can you tell if it’s time for your loved one to transition to personal care? There are a few signs you can keep an eye out for:

  • They’re having difficulty with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, cooking, or cleaning.
  • They would benefit from increased socialization and personal interactions. Isolation can have an impact on a person’s mental, emotional, and physical health.
  • They’re at risk of falling and harming themselves.
  • They’re no longer taking proper care of their home.
  • They’re no longer taking medication or constantly forgetting it.

If you notice any of these signs, it might be time to consider personal care for your loved one.

Choosing the Right Personal Care Home

A older adult couple enjoying a conversation by the pool of a personal care home.

If you think it’s time for your loved one to move to a personal care home, you might be wondering: how exactly do you choose the right personal care home? What should you look for?

When you’re planning this transition, there are a few things to keep in mind, including:

  • The overall atmosphere.
  • The physical location. It can help to choose a community located near family or friends so you can regularly visit and maintain a strong support system for your loved one.
  • The services, amenities, and programs offered. Try to choose a community that offers activities that match your loved one’s interests.
  • The cleanliness and maintenance of the facility. A well-kept environment speaks volumes about the level of care provided.
  • The community approach to dining and cuisine.
  • The overall atmosphere.
  • Your budget.

Thinking about these factors can help you make an informed decision! And don’t forget: most communities offer the chance to schedule a tour ahead of time so you can see your loved one’s future home for yourself. Make sure you include your loved one in this process as well!

Can Personal Care Help My Loved One?

Personal care can be an excellent way to get your loved one care and support from a team of trained caregivers. They provide a nurturing, supportive environment where your loved one can maintain their independence while still getting the care they need.

At The Bridges at Warwick, we have plenty of communities to help you and your family. Contact us today, and let’s find a community that can give your loved one the quality of life they deserve.

Written by
Christina Dolan

More Articles By
Christina Dolan
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