How to Find a Personal Care Home in Georgia
- Roxford Digital
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
Choosing a personal care home in Georgia can feel like navigating a maze—especially when you're balancing emotions, urgency, and the fear of making the wrong decision. The best homes aren’t always the most expensive or the ones with the flashiest brochures. They’re the ones that align with your loved one’s needs, values, and daily routines. Here’s how to find one you can trust—without the guesswork.
What Is a Personal Care Home?
In Georgia, personal care homes (PCHs) are licensed residential settings that provide housing, meals, and supervision for seniors or adults who need help with daily tasks—but don’t require skilled nursing care. They’re regulated by the Georgia Department of Community Health and must meet safety, staffing, and quality-of-life standards.
PCHs are ideal for those who may need help with:
Bathing or dressing
Medication reminders
Daily meals and activities
Basic health monitoring
They're not the same as nursing homes, which offer 24/7 medical care. You can explore the regulatory differences here.
5 Steps to Finding A Personal Care Home
1. Start with a List of Licensed Homes
Georgia maintains a full directory of licensed facilities through the Healthcare Facility Regulation Division (HFRD). Always verify that the home you’re considering is licensed and in good standing.
Avoid relying solely on online reviews—some of the best homes aren’t listed on popular senior care platforms. That’s why local recommendations matter.
2. Ask the Right Questions During Your Search
Here are a few essential questions to ask when evaluating options:
What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
Are staff trained in dementia care?
How often are residents taken offsite?
Is there a nurse available on-call or onsite?
What are the visitation rules?
Use this printable checklist from the National Institute on Aging to guide your visits.
3. Visit During Different Times of Day
Don't just schedule a tour during lunch or activity time—drop by in the evening or on a weekend if you can. You’ll get a better picture of the day-to-day life and how staff interact with residents when no one’s “on stage.”
Look for:
Cleanliness and lighting
Engagement (not just TVs on)
Residents appearing relaxed and cared for
No strong odors or obvious neglect
4. Understand What’s Included—and What’s Not
Some homes charge a flat monthly fee. Others have tiered pricing based on care needs. Make sure you understand:
What’s included in the base rate
How medication assistance is billed
Whether toiletries and linens are provided
What happens when needs increase
Use the Georgia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program for advocacy if you need help navigating contracts or voicing concerns.
5. Use the Preferred Provider List to Shortlist Homes
At Roxford Digital, we maintain a Preferred Provider List to make your search easier. These aren’t just any personal care homes—they’re ones we’ve vetted for:
Local reputation
Compliance history
Online presence and transparency
Resident engagement and care quality
Think of it as a pre-screened shortlist that saves you hours of Googling and second-guessing.
Final Tips for Families
Finding a personal care home can be a task. With this in mind:
Start early: Many quality homes have waitlists.
Trust your gut: If something feels off, it probably is.
Talk to other families: Their experiences can reveal red flags or hidden gems.
Choosing a personal care home isn’t just a decision—it’s a transition. The right one can bring peace, connection, and renewed dignity to someone you love.
Need Help Finding a Trusted Option?
Don't sort through endless directories or outdated reviews alone. Use our Preferred Provider List to find verified personal care homes across Georgia—so you can make the right choice with confidence.
