Allentown Senior AdvisorWho licenses personal care homes in Pennsylvania?
The Department of Human Services licenses personal care homes under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 2600 and assisted living residences under Chapter 2800; nursing homes are licensed by the Department of Health.
In Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, DHS's provider directory lists 68 licensed personal care homes and 2 assisted living residences, with 5,255 licensed resident places between them (retrieved November 6, 2026).
How often are personal care homes inspected?
DHS inspects every personal care home and assisted living residence at least once a year for license renewal, with extra unannounced visits for complaints and incidents.
The reports are posted on each home's inspection history page in DHS's provider directory.
What does a provisional license mean?
A provisional license means DHS found the home out of compliance at a licensing review and gave it up to six months to fix the problems; it can be renewed no more than three times (55 Pa. Code 20.54).
3 licensed homes in the three counties held a provisional license when we retrieved DHS's data (November 6, 2026): Abode Care of Allentown (Allentown), Devonhouse Senior Living (Allentown), Heritage Hill Senior Community (Weatherly).
Are personal care homes required to have a nurse?
No: a personal care home is not required to employ a nurse, though many do; an assisted living residence must have a licensed nurse in the building or on call.
Medications in a personal care home are usually given by aides who completed DHS's medication administration course.
Can a personal care home lock the doors?
Only on a secured dementia care unit approved on its DHS certificate, for residents whose medical evaluation documents the need; otherwise residents must be free to come and go.
29 of the 70 licensed homes in Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties have a secured dementia care unit or special care unit on their DHS certificate, with 1,122 unit places in all; the largest is Saucon Valley Manor with 100.
Are personal care homes required to have sprinklers and fire drills?
Personal care homes must meet fire safety rules including fire drills on a set schedule, and fire drill citations are among the most common in Lehigh Valley inspection reports.
Ask how residents who need help are evacuated, especially at night.
What should I do if I see something unsafe during a visit?
Tell the administrator right away and put it in writing; if the problem is serious or not fixed, report it to DHS at 1-877-401-8835, and report suspected abuse or neglect to 1-800-490-8505.
Keep notes with dates and names. The long-term care ombudsman can also help a resident raise concerns.
Do personal care homes do background checks on staff?
Yes: Pennsylvania requires criminal history background checks for personal care home staff under the Older Adults Protective Services Act, and homes must keep records showing the checks were done.
Ask how the home screens agency and temporary staff as well as its own employees.
