Senior man talking with a caregiver outside on bench.
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Personal Care Community

These licensed long-term care communities offer comprehensive, around-the-clock care and supervision for senior residents. Personal care communities are only available in specific states, such as Kentucky.

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Table of Contents

What Is a Personal Care Community?

Personal care communities are a type of long-term care community in certain states, including Kentucky. Though more comprehensive than assisted living facilities, they are similar, still offering basic care to residents 24 hours a day. Under state authority, personal care communities must provide, at minimum, the following services to their residents:

  • Around-the-clock supervision
  • Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) as needed
  • Personal services such as housekeeping and laundry
  • Basic health care such as medication reminders and supervision
  • Arrangements for therapeutic services as ordered by a resident’s physician
  • Social and recreational activities

In addition, personal care communities must provide residents with three meals a day. These meals must meet residents’ nutritional and dietary needs.

These homes are licensed by the Office of Inspector General.

Is Personal Care a Good Fit?

Consider these statements below to determine if a couple of them describe you, or your loved one:

  • Having someone on hand all the time would be helpful
  • I would prefer to be surrounded by others, versus living alone
  • Regular meal preparation would be helpful
  • I no longer feel safe living in my home alone
  • Family or friends are not nearby if I need help with daily tasks
  • I have a slight shuffle as I walk, and I often grab onto furniture for assistance

If most or all of the above statements apply, then a Personal Care Community may be a good option. You could also consider the following solutions:

If you or your loved one are in better health than these statements indicate, the following solutions may be a better fit:

If you or your loved one need more hands-on care, the following options may be a better fit:

Still not sure? Take our Care Assessment to see what care level may be best.

Questions to Ask When Considering a Personal Care Community

Financial

  • Is there an entrance fee?
  • What is the monthly fee?
  • What does the monthly fee cover?
  • What other services are provided at an additional cost?

Social

  • Does their activity program appeal to you?
  • Is there scheduled transportation?
  • Are there regular outings?

Environmental

  • Does it appear to be a warm and hospitable setting?
  • Do the residents seem cared for and content?
  • Is there a controlled entry system (especially important if there’s a concern about your loved one wandering)?
  • Visit during off hours (like in the evenings or on weekends).
  • Does the community still look as well maintained and organized as it did during daytime hours?

Staffing

  • Is the staff friendly and helpful?
  • Is someone available 24 hours a day?
  • How often and how many nurses are staffed at a time?
  • Does the person giving a tour of the facility know the names of the residents they pass in the hallway? This is a good indicator of the staff involvement.
  • What is the average length of employment for the community?

The world runs on kindness.

– Kathleen Glasgow