There are many alternatives for seniors when it comes to residential care. Georgia is one of the few states that offers a specific type of residential care called personal care homes. It is easy to assume that personal care homes and assisted living are the same because state law stipulates that personal care home and assisted living community must provide residents with the same senior care services regardless of licensure type. However, there are differences and benefits that are unique to each residential care settings.

Assisted living facilities are often setup like an apartment with a kitchen, living rooms and bedrooms where seniors live independently with caregivers and neighbors nearby. Personal Care Home provides a little more assistance for seniors who no longer want to live in an independent living community or be living lonely at home. Personal care Homes provides socialization and extra care just as Assisted Living facilities.  In a personal care home resident can attend a community activity, their meals are prepared and served by the caregivers.

Caregivers assist with ADL(activities of daily living), and medication management. However, due to state and federal regulations personal care homes staff members are not allowed to take care of certain skilled situations including wound care, catheter care, and extensive transfer. Families can choose to hire additional private care staff to assist with extra services if the personal care home allows.