CLS can directly represent Personal Care Home (PCH) residents in such areas as involuntary discharge, resident rights issues and quality of care concerns. CLS will also file complaints to the licensing agency, Adult Residential Licensing, if it is suspected that a home is operating illegally without a license. If appropriate, CLS will also refer a resident to the long term care ombudsman for further assistance.
How We Can Help
What to Bring
Before you call or visit CLS, please gather any relevant documents, including any notices or letters from the personal care home.
Where To Get Help
- WALK-IN INTAKE
Community Legal Services
North Philadelphia Law Center
1410 West Erie Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Mondays and Wednesdays
9:00 am -12:00 pm
- PHONE INTAKE
Community Legal Services
215-981-3700
Thursdays 9:00am – 12:00pm
Your call will be returned within 2 business days.
*If a PCH resident is unable to travel to our offices for walk-in Intake, a CLS advocate may travel to the personal care home to meet the resident and conduct an Intake at the PCH.
CLS’ Aging and Disabilities Unit is supported in part by funding provided by PCA and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
About Personal Care Homes
Personal care homes (“PCH”) are residential homes that require a license from the Department of Public Welfare whenever 4 or more people with personal care needs who are unrelated to the operator live in the home. It does not matter if the home is providing personal care services; if 4 of the people who live in the home need personal care, then the home must be licensed. Personal care homes are supposed to be a safe, humane, comfortable, and supportive residential setting for residents who require assistance with various activities of daily living (ADLs). It is important to know that personal care homes are not a substitute for a nursing home, and these homes are not an institutional setting. Residents of personal care homes have a level of care need far different from nursing home residents. Also, if a resident receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the resident’s full income goes to the personal care home and the resident is given a monthly personal allowance of $90.
Additional Resources
Long Term Care Ombudsman Programs:
North, South, West and Southwest Philadelphia: Contact CARIE, Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly
215-545-5724
Northeast and Northwest Philadelphia: Contact the ombudsman program at 215-399-4970
Department of Public Welfare, Adult Residential Licensing-Personal Care Home Directory
This website will provide information on licensed personal care homes throughout the state of Pennsylvania. It is also a tool for obtaining information on whether a personal care home is licensed.
