Definitions of Personal Care Homes and Assisted Living in Pennsylvania

Recently, the State of Pennsylvania instituted changes in legislation regarding the usage of the term “assisted living” in Pennsylvania.  Guide to Retirement Living is committed to helping our readers understand these changes.

Current definition for Personal Care Home is as follows:

i) A premise in which food, shelter, and personal assistance or supervision are provided for a period exceeding 24 hours, for four or more adults who are not relatives of the operator, who do not require the services in or of a licensed long-term care facility, but who do require assistance or supervision in activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living.

ii) The term includes a premise that has held or presently holds itself out as a personal care home and provides food and shelter to four or more adults who need personal care services, but who are not receiving the services.

Current definition for Assisted Living Residence is as follows:

Any premises in which food, shelter, assisted living services, assistance or supervision and supplemental health care services are provided for a period exceeding 24 hours for four or more adults who are not relatives of the operator, who require assistance or supervision in matters such as dressing, bathing, diet financial management, evacuation from the residence in the event of an emergency or medication prescribed for self-administration.