Personal Care Home vs. Assisted Living: What’s the Difference?
Personal Care Home vs. Assisted Living: What’s the Difference?
If you or a loved one is beginning the journey of finding senior living options, you’ve probably come across the terms Personal Care Home and Assisted Living. While these two types of senior care may seem similar, there are some important differences that can help you decide which option is the right fit.
At Evergreen Senior Living in Winder, GA, we want families to feel informed when making these important decisions. Below, we break down the differences between personal care homes and assisted living communities.
What is a Personal Care Home?
A Personal Care Home (PCH) is a small, residential-style home designed to provide individualized care for older adults.
Key features of a Personal Care Home:
Smaller, homelike setting: Most personal care homes, like Evergreen Senior Living, house fewer residents (our home has 8 private beds).
Personalized care: Residents receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and meals.
Close staff-to-resident ratio: With fewer residents, care can be more attentive. Evergreen offers a 4:1 caregiver-to-resident ratio.
Focus on safety and independence: PCHs create a family-like environment while supporting residents to stay as independent as possible.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living communities are usually larger facilities, often with dozens or even hundreds of residents. They offer assistance with daily living tasks but in a more structured, apartment-style setting.
Key features of Assisted Living:
Larger community: More residents and staff.
Standardized care: While personalized care is still available, it may feel less individualized because of the larger scale.
Key Differences Between a Personal Care Home and Assisted Living
Size and Atmosphere
Personal Care Home: Small, home-like environment.
Assisted Living: Larger, more institutional setting.
Caregiver Attention
Personal Care Home: Higher staff-to-resident ratio, more one-on-one care.
Assisted Living: Staff shared across more residents.
Level of Care
Personal Care Home: Excellent for seniors who need close supervision or who prefer a cozy environment.
Assisted Living: Great for seniors who want independence but also access to amenities and social events.
Why Choose Evergreen Senior Living?
At Evergreen Senior Living in Winder, GA, we combine the comfort of a personal care home with a commitment to professional, individualized care.
Brand-new home opening September 2025
8 private beds for a truly home-like atmosphere
Owned and operated by Doctors of Physical Therapy who emphasize mobility, health, and independence
Less than 1 mile from Northeast Georgia Braselton Hospital for quick access to medical care
Our goal is simple: to provide a safe, supportive, and family-centered home for seniors who need extra help with daily living.
Which Option is Right for You
If you or your loved one values a smaller, more intimate environment with highly personalized care, a Personal Care Home like Evergreen Senior Living may be the perfect choice.
If you prefer a larger setting with more activities and amenities, an Assisted Living community could be a better fit.
Looking for a Personal Care Home in Winder, GA?
Evergreen Senior Living is now accepting pre-opening reservations for Fall 2025.
Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a tour:
Phone: (706)800-6686