PHLP is a nationally recognized expert and consultant on access to health care for low-income consumers, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. For more than two decades, PHLP has engaged in direct advocacy on behalf of individual consumers while working on the kinds of health policy changes that promise the most to the Pennsylvanians in greatest need.

Many people require long term care and services. Whether it is due to a disability or a result of physical and mental decline with aging, long term care and services are invaluable.

Long term care and services are available in many settings: in the consumers home, in a community based residential setting/facility, or in a nursing home.

Services in the home or community: Most consumers prefer to receive long term care and services in their home (or the home of a family member) or in a residential setting in their community. These services are often referred to as a Home and Community Based Services (HCBS). For more information on HCBS programs, go to our HCBS Programs page.

While most people would prefer to receive services in their home, there are some barriers to doing so. The state is actively working to remedy these. Click to view a 2001 report of the Barriers to Receiving HCBS.

Services in a Group Home, Personal Care Home, or Domiciliary Care Home: For those who wish to live with others in a group setting, this may be done in group homes, personal care homes, or in domiciliary care homes. For more information on residential settings, go to Pennsylvania's Long Term Care Website.

To access reports about conditions in Personal Care Homes:
Pennsylvania Health Law Project White Paper
Performance Audit by Auditor General Bob Casey

Services in Assisted Living Residences: In Pennsylvania, Assisted Living is not a separately licensed community living option. These facilities are licensed as personal care homes. There have been many legislative efforts and discussion workgroups around licensure of Assisted Living. For more information see:

Assisted Living: A Choice for the Future
Assisted Living Long Term Care and Services Discussion Findings
What Do You Need and How Do You Want It? Focus Group Findings

Services in Nursing Homes and Long Term Care Facilities: For more information on long term care facilities, go to Pennsylvania's Long Term Care Website.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have a tool called "Nursing Home Compare". This tool helps consumers make educated decisions about nursing homes in their area. Go to "Nursing Home Compare" for more information.

Complaints about the quality of care that is received in any of the settings for long term care and services should be filed with the appropriate state agency. Contact the Pennsylvania Health Law Project helpline (800)274-3258 for more information about or assistance in filing complaints about quality of care or services, violation of consumer rights, and more.