Number of Facilities - According to a 2007 report published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are approximately 38,000 assisted living residences in the United States housing about 975,000 people.
Size - The average assisted living community has 54 units. However, assisted living facility size varies greatly and facilities may be much smaller or larger.
Fees - Costs for assisted living residences vary greatly and depend on the size of units, services provided, and location. In 2009, assisted living facilities reported charging an average monthly fee of $3,022 for private units. About half used tiered prices for bundles of services. Twenty two percent reported charging a singe, all-inclusive rate.
Services - Assisted living residences typically provide or coordinate
- 24-hour supervision;
- Three meals a day plus snacks in a group dining room; and
- A range of services that promote resident quality of life and independence, including:
- Personal care services (help with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, etc.);
- Various health care services;
- Medication management;
- Social services;
- Supervise person with cognitive disabilities;
- Social and religious activities;
- Arrangements for transportation;
- Laundry and linen service; and;
- Housekeeping and maintenance.
Fire Safety - Ninety-seven percent of assisted living facilities built after 1996 have sprinklers in resident rooms and in common areas. Almost 100 percent have smoke detectors in residents' rooms and in common areas.
Most of the information above comes from the "2009 Overview of Assisted Living," published by the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, American Seniors Housing Association, Assisted Living Federation of American, National Center for Assisted Living, and National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry, or reflects NCAL's philosophy of assisted living.