After 12 years, Pennsylvania’s regulations for Assisted Living Residences went into effect Jan. 18, 2011, says Orla Nugent, President for Pennsylvania’s Assisted Living Association (PALA).
In the absence of regulations, the term “assisted living” previously had no official or practical meaning in the state. Irrespective of whether providers considered or promoted themselves as “assisted living providers” or “personal care home providers,” they all were previously licensed as personal care homes.
The assisted living regulations impose higher standards in terms of living space, private units, a resident’s independence, dignity, choice and clinical oversight. A principal focus with assisted living is that residents can “age in place.” Assisted Living Residences provide supplemental health care services that will enable residents to do just that. It is an alternative care choice to a skilled nursing facility.
The hope is that in time this new licensure option will end the confusion in the marketplace and provide prospective residents with a better understanding of the services offered so they can finally compare apples to apples.
Columbia Cottage Assisted Living Residence on State Hill Road in Wyomissing was the first and is still the only licensed Assisted Living Residence in Berks.
“Columbia Cottage has always provided assisted living services to its residents,” says Nugent. “Where a personal care home can house up to four residents per room, Columbia Cottage has always provided each resident with a private living apartment complete with private bathroom.” While personal care home regulations do not require a nurse on staff, Nugent says that has always been a rule of hire on her management team. Each cottage has a nurse overseeing the care of the residents and the training of the staff.
As the only licensed Assisted Living residence in Berks, Columbia Cottage is unique in offering seven levels of care to the aging population. Columbia Cottage seeks to ensure that each resident receives all the help he/she needs and wants. Husbands and wives have the option of staying together, even if one requires more care than the other. To learn more visit columbiacottages.com or call 610.927.0310.
