Assisted living is a long-term care alternative for seniors who need more assistance than is available in a retirement community, but who do not require the intensive medical and nursing care provided in a nursing facility. While many seniors relocate to an assisted living residence after a period of rehabilitation in a nursing home or hospital, nearly half come directly from their homes.

Assisted living residences are designed to be operated, staffed and maintained to best meet the needs and desires of their residents. Security and independence, privacy and companionship, and physical and social well-being are the primary characteristics of an assisted living setting. This accounts for its popularity among seniors and their families. Individuals receive, as needed, supervision, personal care assistance and health care services that emphasize their right to control their lives.

Residents live in a residential setting that generally provides personal services, 24-hour supervision and assistance, social activities and health-related services designed to: