The Difference between Independent and Assisted Living

The Difference between Independent and Assisted Living
For anyone starting to shop for senior housing, there can be an overwhelming amount of terminology and lingo to become familiar with. One of the biggest questions you may have is, "What is the difference between independent and assisted living?"

The answer to that may vary from community to community, and licensing and requirements for senior housing are regulated by the state. However the major differentiators are the way they are structured, the amount of care provided, and the type of care provided.
Assisted living falls under the umbrella of Personal Care Homes. These are residential facilities that offer personal care services, assistance and supervision to four or more persons. They are inspected and licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Sometimes they are advertised as "assisted living residences," "retirement homes" or "boarding homes." There are no federal regulations for personal care homes. There is no third party reimbursement for personal care homes, but many personal care homes accept residents of low income who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Independent senior living communities, also known as retirement communities, senior living communities or independent retirement communities, are housing designed for seniors 55 and older. In an independent living community, residents have the physical and mental capacity to live independently but want companionship from others his/her age. Independent living communities also offer specific services and amenities that cater to senior citizens and promote active, healthy lifestyles for the golden years.

Assisted Living
Let's first take a look at Assisted Living. Assisted Living Residences (ALRs) are designed to help people who require assistance with the activities of daily living. While they cannot live alone, they also do not require such extensive care that they need to reside within a nursing home facility. Typically, staff is available at all times to help with tasks such as cleaning, changing sheets, laundry service, help with bathing or dressing, meal preparation and transportation, to name a few. Residents can choose they level of assistance they need; for example, they can choose how many meals a day they prefer to prepare for themselves. Often the facility plans social activities and outings.
Different types of arrangements are available in assisted living facilities. For example, a smaller facility may be very home-like and house just a few residents. Alternatively, some facilities are very large and house hundreds of seniors. Some places may offer private rooms or apartments, and others have more shared space.
In January of 2011, ALRs started to be licensed under 55 Pa. Code, Chapter 2800 by the Office of Long-Term Living. Similar to Personal Care Homes (PCHs), ALRs have an initial assessment, development of a support plan, and a written contract between the resident and the residence

Independent Living
Independent Living Residences are structured to allow residents to live on their own. This concept is rapidly growing in popularity, as more seniors are choosing this alternative due to the fear of living alone or desire to be around people more regularly. Most often, Independent Living facilities offer private apartments for seniors, with several different floor plans to choose from. Meal plans are usually offered, although most apartments have fully-equipped kitchens. Similar to Assisted Living, an Independent Living facility typically plans social events and outings for residents to participate in as frequently as they choose.
Note: Nursing homes are in a classification separate from Assisted Living or Independent Living. Nursing homes are licensed medical facilities that are inspected and licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. They must meet both state and federal regulations. There is third party reimbursement (Medicare and Medicaid) for those who qualify based on income.

Sacred Heart Villa to host special Christmas Masses

For those in the Reading area who seek a place to worship on Christmas Eve and / or Christmas Day, Sacred Heart Villa will be hosting special masses.

On Christmas Eve mass will be at 6 pm. Mass will also occur at 10:30 am on Christmas morning. Anyone who wishes to attend mass is invited and the cathedral is open to all.

Merry Christmas from the Missionary Sisters and your friends at Sacred Heart Villa. 

Sacred Heart Villa Events

Events in 2014

Line Dancing 2014

Easter 2014

Hollywood Casino Bus Trip sponsored by Sacred Heart Villa

Wednesday March 26, 2014

Pick up at Klein's Transportation, Douglassville, PA at 8:45 am
or
Sacred Heart Villa, 51 Seminary Ave., Reading PA at 9:15 am
Arriving about 10:30am at casino, leaving at 4:30pm.

Cost: $26 per person with $25 free slot money, $5 off buffet or 25% off casual dining.
Light refreshments on bus along with door prizes.

RSVP by Monday March 24, 2014 at 610-929-5751

Brunch with the Easter Bunny

Join us for a fun day on April 13.
We are having an Easter Egg hunt and will have the Easter Bunny there for the children.

The festivities are from 11 am - 1 pm.
The egg hunt starts at 11.

Admission:
$9 for adults, $6.50 for children 6-11.
Children under 5 are free!

Open House Friday, October 25th, 2013 at 6pm. We had many visitors come to visit. Photos of the event are here.

 State Senator Judy Schwank (center) 11th Senatorial District visits Sacred Heart Villa.

Sacred Heart Villa Administrator and Staff interviewed on local radio station WEEU in Reading. Watch below

On Sunday, July 27^th 2014  at Sacred Heart Villa in Reading the residents, staff and their families enjoyed a picnic at Sacred Heart Villa in Laureldale. Sacred Heart Villa is a personal care home operated by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The picnic will bring together the young and old to enjoy fellowship, good music and great food.

There was live country music from One Last Rider and homemade funnel cake from the Sacred Heart culinary staff in addition to standard picnic fare. Attendees competed in the raffles to win numerous gifts.

The beautiful Sacred Heart Villa facility and property is located in a country setting on a hilltop in Laureldale. Senior residents enjoy all inclusive pricing, nutritious meals, free transportation to medical appointments, weekly housekeeping, linen and towel service, and many other services and activities.

 For a tour or more information about Sacred Heart Villa call 610-929-5751 or visit http://sacredheartvillapa.org/.