Finding a Provider

Once you have made the decision that you or a family member or friend need long term living services and supports, the next step is to locate providers who can meet your personal preferences and needs. To assist in this search, the following sites will provide you with information regarding licensing and certification of the various types of long term living services and supports.

Verifying licensure and certification

Who is responsible for certifying providers?

You can also search for a specific type of provider depending on your needs. The following is a list of some of the most common long term living services that will link to provider directories:

• Adult Day Services
  Adult day services provide daily services such as socialization, recreation, nutrition, transportation, supervision, basic personal care, and self-help training. These services can be found in most centers. In addition, physical therapy, occupational therapy, basic medical services, nursing services, and more intensive personal care may be available
• Attendant Services for Adults Under the Age of 60
  The Attendant Care Program provides in-home personal care services to help mentally alert, physically disabled older persons remain independent in their own homes. 
• Home Health Agencies
  Home Health Agencies provide health care services to people who are ill or who have disabilities. Services are provided in the home or place of residence, enabling people to live as independently as possible.
• Hospice Services
  Hospices provide end of life services that give comfort and support to patients and their families when a life-limiting illness no longer responds to cure-oriented treatments.
• Personal Care Homes
  These residences provide assistance beyond the basic necessities of food and shelter to people who do not need hospitalization or the services of a nursing facility.
• Assisted Living Facilities
  Licensing for these facilities will not be available until July 2009 at the earliest.
• Nursing Facilities
  Provide both short and long term nursing and rehabilitation care to individuals that require 24 hour services and support
• Continuing Care Retirement Communities
  Continuing care communities are facilities licensed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. These communities offer an independent living lifestyle for individuals who do not need constant physician or nursing supervision. In some cases, assisted living and nursing home facilities may be on the same or adjacent property of the complex.