A personal care home provides a place to live for many elderly, mentally or physically disabled persons who are unable to care for themselves, but do not require 24 hour nursing services in a licensed nursing care facility. In a personal care home, meals are prepared, linens provided and clothes laundered.

Residents receive assistance with personal hygiene, bathing and dressing, medications, making phone calls and with correspondence. They may also be offered assistance with obtaining transportation to appointments and help with their personal finances. Socialization, activities, and contact with community services are arranged. Assistance is provided to access both emergency and on-going health care services. This can include visiting nurses, in-home rehabilitative therapy services and medical testing.