If you're noticing that daily tasks are becoming harder for your parent, you're not alone—and choosing personal care in Exton doesn't mean giving up their independence. It means gaining the support, safety, and community they deserve.
Personal care (also called assisted living) at Arbor Terrace Exton provides the right balance: your loved one maintains their autonomy while receiving help with daily activities, enjoying chef-prepared meals, and connecting with a vibrant community. Located at 100 Oaklands Blvd in Chester County, Arbor Terrace Exton combines local comfort with the trusted expertise of The Arbor Company's 30+ years in senior living.
The difference between assisted living and personal care in Pennsylvania
Signs it may be time to consider personal care for your loved one
How Arbor Terrace Exton personalizes care while preserving independence
What makes senior living in Exton unique for Chester County families
Cost considerations and what's included in personal care
In Pennsylvania, you'll often hear the term "personal care" used alongside or instead of "assisted living." Here's what you need to know: they're essentially the same level of care, but Pennsylvania licenses these communities as "personal care homes." Both provide 24-hour support, help with daily activities like bathing and dressing, medication management, and meals in a residential setting.
The key difference from independent living? Personal care communities have trained staff available around the clock to help with activities of daily living (ADLs). Unlike skilled nursing communities that provide hospital-level medical care, personal care focuses on maintaining your loved one's independence while offering the exact amount of assistance they need—no more, no less.
Has your parent had a fall recently, or are you worried about their balance? Maybe you've noticed expired food in the fridge or the stove left on unattended. These aren't signs of failure—they're signals that daily life has become challenging. At Arbor Terrace Exton, emergency call systems provide immediate help, and staff conduct fall risk assessments to keep residents safe while maintaining their dignity.
When cooking becomes burdensome instead of enjoyable, or when getting dressed in the morning requires exhausting effort, quality of life diminishes. Your loved one might be skipping meals, wearing the same clothes repeatedly, or letting housework pile up. Personal care communities eliminate these stressors. At Arbor Terrace Exton, residents enjoy restaurant-quality meals prepared by experienced chefs—no grocery shopping, no dishes, just time to focus on what they love.
Loneliness accelerates cognitive decline and affects both mental and physical health. If your parent spends most days alone, rarely sees friends, or has stopped participating in activities they once enjoyed, it's time to consider a change. Arbor Terrace Exton creates natural opportunities for connection through shared meals, activity programs, and a warm community where friendships flourish organically.
Before your loved one moves in, the award-winning Arbor team conducts a thorough assessment in your home to understand their specific needs, preferences, and routines. This creates a personalized care plan that adapts as needs change. Some residents need minimal help—maybe just medication reminders. Others require assistance with bathing and dressing. The beauty of personal care at Arbor Terrace Exton is that support is customized, never institutional.
Through Dining with Dignity®, The Arbor Company's award-winning program, residents at Arbor Terrace Exton enjoy chef-prepared meals tailored to dietary needs and personal preferences. Whether your loved one requires a low-sodium diet, has food allergies, or simply prefers vegetarian options, the culinary team works to create delicious, nutritious alternatives. Meals aren't just about nutrition—they're social experiences where residents connect over shared tables and good conversation.
When we talk about "luxury" at Arbor Terrace Exton, we're not talking about extravagance. We mean comfort, dignity, and the freedom to live life your way. Private apartments with full kitchens allow residents to prepare their own snacks when they want. Beautiful common spaces—like the library with a cozy fireplace, the bistro café, and outdoor courtyards—offer choices about where to spend time. This isn't about cost; it's about creating a comfortable environment where your loved one feels at home.
Chester County families choosing Arbor Terrace Exton benefit from both local convenience and national expertise. The community is ideally located near Chester County Hospital and Main Line Health providers, making healthcare coordination seamless. Exton's vibrant Main Street, with its shops and restaurants, is easily accessible through the community's scheduled transportation services.
The area's natural beauty—from Marsh Creek State Park to the scenic Chester Valley Trail—provides opportunities for outdoor activities and group outings. Arbor Terrace Exton embraces the community's character, organizing trips to local attractions like Longwood Gardens in nearby Kennett Square and cultural events in West Chester.
Many families wish they had explored personal care earlier. Waiting for a crisis—a serious fall or hospitalization—means making rushed decisions with limited options. When you start the conversation before the situation becomes urgent, your loved one has time to adjust, make friends, and thrive in their new environment.
Counterintuitively, many residents become more independent after moving into personal care. Why? Because they're no longer exhausted from household chores, worried about meal preparation, or anxious about safety. With these burdens lifted, they have energy to participate in activities, make new friends, and rediscover old hobbies.
If you're managing your parent's care while juggling work and your own family, you're likely experiencing stress, guilt, and exhaustion. This isn't sustainable, and it doesn't serve anyone well. Personal care at Arbor Terrace Exton provides professional and compassionate support around the clock, giving you back the ability to simply be a daughter or son instead of a primary caregiver.
Personal care costs in Chester County typically range from $5,000 to $8,000 per month, depending on the level of care needed and apartment size. At Arbor Terrace Exton, the monthly fee includes:
Private or shared apartment with utilities (electric, water, Wi-Fi, cable)
Three chef-prepared meals daily plus snacks
Weekly housekeeping and laundry services
Medication management and personalized care assistance
Scheduled transportation for appointments and outings
Access to all community amenities and activity programs
24-hour emergency response and trained staff
When you calculate what your loved one currently spends on mortgage or rent, utilities, groceries, home maintenance, and potential in-home care, personal care often costs less than aging at home, with significantly better quality of life.
Additional financial resources may help offset costs, including Veterans benefits (approximately $2,000 monthly for eligible veterans or surviving spouses), long-term care insurance, and potential tax deductions for medical expenses. The team at Arbor Terrace Exton can help you explore these options.
Personal care and assisted living are the same level of support—Pennsylvania simply uses different licensing terminology
Signs it's time include safety concerns, difficulty with daily tasks, isolation, or caregiver strain
Arbor Terrace Exton provides personalized care plans that adapt to individual needs
The Arbor Company's 30+ years of experience brings proven quality to Chester County
Customized meals, comfortable living spaces, and dignified assistance preserve independence
Starting the conversation early leads to better outcomes and more choices
No. Personal care communities like Arbor Terrace Exton provide residential living with support for daily activities. Residents live in private apartments, maintain independence, and receive help only when needed. Skilled nursing provides intensive medical care for complex health conditions. Personal care focuses on quality of life and maintaining abilities.
If your loved one can manage all daily activities independently (bathing, dressing, medication management, cooking) and primarily wants social opportunities and maintenance-free living, independent living may suffice. Personal care becomes appropriate when they need regular assistance with these activities or you're concerned about their safety living alone.
Yes! Apartments at Arbor Terrace Exton are unfurnished, allowing residents to bring cherished furniture, family photos, and personal belongings. This helps apartments feel like home from day one. The team can provide guidance on what fits comfortably in different apartment sizes.
Arbor Terrace Exton offers a continuum of care, including personal care, the Bridges program for early memory support, and Evergreen Memory Care. As needs change, your loved one can transition to more specialized support without leaving the community they've come to call home.
Very involved! Family participation is encouraged and welcomed. You can join your loved one for meals, attend community events, participate in care plan discussions, and visit any time. Many families say their relationships improve when they're no longer managing all caregiving duties and can simply enjoy time together.
Choosing personal care for your loved one isn't about giving up—it's about ensuring they have the support, safety, and community connection they deserve in this chapter of life. At Arbor Terrace Exton, we understand the emotions families experience during this transition. Our team is here to answer questions, provide tours, and help you explore whether personal care is right for your family.
Located in the heart of Chester County at 100 Oaklands Blvd, Arbor Terrace Exton combines beautiful living spaces, personalized care, and the trusted expertise of The Arbor Company. Your loved one deserves to thrive, not just survive.
Download our comprehensive guide: The Complete Guide to Personal Care to get answers to your questions and explore what makes Arbor different. You can also schedule a personal tour by calling (484) 265-9610 or visiting ArborExton.com.