Discover the Differences Between Assisted Living & Personal Care: Making the Right Decision for Your Loved One

Home is where we feel comfort, peace, and security. When you or your loved one is considering moving to a retirement living community, it’s important to understand the various levels of care so that you and your family can feel confident that you’ve made the right decision. The Hearth at Drexel, a premier assisted living community located in the Main Line suburbs of Philadelphia, gives residents and their families that confidence.

While both assisted living communities and personal care homes provide medical and residential services for adults in their later years, there are three main differences between them that are important to understand.

1. The Concept of Aging in Place

Assisted living communities like The Hearth, provide access to higher levels of care as residents’ needs may increase over time. Assisted Living communities provide or arrange for the provision of supplemental services like hospice, specialized cognitive support services, physical and occupational therapy, as well as skilled nursing services. Compared to personal care homes, these supplemental services may not be available, causing residents to be moved to an entirely different community.

Aging in place benefit residents in innumerable ways. Moving, for a person in their later years, can be detrimental to their physical and emotional well-being. Leaving the place they know as home and entering another community, that can be incredibly difficult. At The Hearth, our residents have the ability to stay and receive the care that they need.

Kylie Hood, Certified Dementia Practictioner & Director of Sales and Marketing at The Hearth at Drexel, shares, “I’ve worked in personal care homes in the past, and one of the most difficult parts of that job was telling a resident’s family member that their loved one couldn’t return back to their community simply because their level of care increased. At The Hearth, residents are provided that increased level of care throughout their lifetime, so we never have to tell them that difficult news.

“This really gives our residents the privacy and dignity they desire and deserve. For adults in their later years who may need assistance with activities of daily living like showering and getting dressed, maintaining that sense of privacy is extremely important,” Kylie adds.

Discover why residents love living at The Hearth! Explore our dedication to compassionate care by visiting The Hearth’s website and clicking here.

2. Construction and Layout of the Community

Another main difference between assisted living communities and personal care homes are their construction. Assisted living communities like The Hearth require private apartments for each individual resident, unlike personal care homes that may have shared rooms. Private apartments within assisted living communities include a kitchenette that has a refrigerator and microwave, a private bathroom and spacious living areas.

This residents the privacy and dignity they desire and deserve. For adults in their later years who may need assistance with activities of daily living like showering and getting dressed, maintaining that sense of privacy is extremely important. The Hearth at Drexel team goes above and beyond to provide that assistance for residents while maintaining their dignity, ensuring that they look their best each and every day so that they can live their life confidently and dignified.

3. Staffing Requirements

An assisted living community must have a licensed nurse on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A registered dietitian must also be on staff. The Hearth at Drexel team members work around the clock with licensed nurses. With professional care accessible 24 hours a day, as well as a registered dietitian, residents at The Hearth know that care will be there for them whenever they need it.

The Hearth at Drexel: Caring for Residents like Family

Dedicated to providing compassionate care for their residents, one of the many qualities that sets The Hearth apart from all other assisted living communities is their outstanding team.

“Our team truly cares for our residents like family. Our management leaders go above and beyond to make sure we are not only meeting, but exceeding, the expectations of our residents and their families,” Kylie shares.

Why do residents love living at The Hearth?

• Luxurious accommodations with spacious, private apartments
• Five-star quality dining with freshly prepared meals
• Household models that provide the comfort of home surrounded by friends and neighbors
• Extensive Community Life programming with weekly activities calendars.
• Nursing care available 24/7
• Spiritual care
• Beautiful gardens and landscaping

From luxurious accommodations with spacious, private apartments to five-star quality dining, there’s so much to love for residents living at The Hearth. In addition to the beautiful outdoor grounds and inviting terraces, residents benefit from extensive community life programming in which each resident’s unique interests inspire new activities, clubs, and events.

Whether residents want to indulge their intellect with educational lectures from college professors, or delight in leisurely activities like flower arranging and book club, residents at The Hearth at Drexel create their ideal lifestyle that brings them fulfillment and joy.

Your Lifestyle, Your Way! Discover the real meaning of compassionate care here!