Assisted living promotes independence and dignity – normally for seniors, who cannot live independently in a private residence – but who do not need the 24-hour medical care provided by a skilled nursing facility. Assisted living residences provide supervision and assistance with activities of daily living (ADL's) including dressing, bathing, housekeeping, laundry and medication management.

Options vary from single or double rooms to suites and apartments. Assisted living residences may be part of a retirement community, nursing home or elderly housing facility, or they may stand alone. Whatever the setting, assisted living offers the opportunity for residents to continue living as independently as possible.