There is a large difference between the two. A nursing home provides daily professional skilled care to residents (RN, LPN, CNA, therapy, etc.) Nursing homes are regulated by the Department of Health and provide a higher level care and so usually have higher costs than personal care homes.

A personal care home provides food, shelter and personal assistance and /or supervision in activities of daily living (eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, etc.) or instrumental activities of daily living (meal preparation, telephoning, laundry, etc.) Personal care homes are regulated by the Department of Public Welfare.

Written questions about the Ombudsman's Program should be directed to Randy Benkosky, at the Area Agency on Aging, 326 S. Water Street, Kittanning, PA 16201.