Assisted living communities are designed primarily for seniors who can benefit from around-the-clock access to assistance with day-to-day activities such as meal preparation, dressing, personal hygiene, etc. These residences typically feature private or semi-private apartments (often with kitchenettes) and a variety of common areas where scheduled meals are served throughout the day, social activities are held, and residents can participate in their favorite pastimes.

Services usually include building security, emergency response systems in all apartments and throughout the common areas, planned activities such as social, cultural, education, and recreational events; scheduled transportation; housekeeping and laundry services; on-site, 24-hour staffing to provide assistance with activities of daily living and protective oversight; medication management; and wellness programs.

Assisted living is particularly appealing to the families of older persons who are functionally and/or cognitively impaired and need supervision, as well as help with their day-today routines. Assisted living is ideal for the frail elderly who cannot live independently, but do require skilled nursing home care