A 2026 Guide to Assisted Living Facilities – How to Find the Right Community for You

Assisted living facilities provide safety, comfort, and socialization opportunities for older adults. If you or a loved one needs support with activities of daily living, such as bathing, cleaning, eating, or dressing, an assisted living facility may be a great choice.

Assisted living is not the same thing as a nursing home, and is not meant for those who need round-the-clock medical care. This care also differs from independent living communities, designed for independent older adults looking for an amenity-rich environment, free from strife.

Both assisted living and independent living communities offer living options like private apartments or cottages. Budget-friendly, shared living situations are also available. Shared spaces can be an excellent fit for single seniors or couples, who want to maintain their autonomy, while having help nearby.

If living alone has become more challenging, or you’re looking for a community and opportunities to socialize, an assisted living facility may be a great choice. Most assisted living facilities offer services such as dining room meals, housekeeping, and medication management. Some also offer amenities like fitness centers, transportation services, and outdoor spaces to encourage health and well-being. Some even allow pets! Since isolation reduces quality of life, and often health, the built-in social network provided by an assisted living community can be a powerful tool for maintaining physical and mental wellness.

Before you visit assisted living communities near you, you may wonder what it’s like to live there. You likely have pressing questions: “What exactly do the monthly fees cover? Are the rules too restrictive for my lifestyle?” Keep reading for the inside scoop! In the years I worked at an assisted living facility, I spoke with dozens of residents who call assisted living facilities home. Their insights, and my experience, informed our guide. Let’s jump in and see if assisted living is right for you!

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living provides a long-term residential setting for older adults who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, medication management, and meal preparation. This support helps older adults maintain a higher standard of living. Assisted living is ideal for active and social older adults who require assistance with day-to-day tasks. According to the National Center for Assisted Living, approximately 850,000 Americans reside in assisted living communities across the United States.

Seniors and their adult children can take comfort in knowing that 24/7 support is available. If you or a loved one isn’t ready to transition into an assisted living facility, check out our guide to independent senior living.

For more details on assisted living, check out the video below with our Editor-in-Chief, Jeff Hoyt.

What Care Is Provided in Assisted Living?

Services provided in an assisted living community vary, but generally, you can expect meals, laundry, housekeeping, and home maintenance support.

According to the National Center for Assisted Living,2 typical services provided by assisted living communities include:

• Round-the-clock supervision and assistance.
• Exercise, health, and wellness programs.
• Laundry, cleaning, and other housekeeping and maintenance services.
• Personal care and help with activities of daily living.
• Meals and dining services.
• Medication management.
• Transportation services.

Some assisted living communities offer services “a la carte,” meaning they cost extra. In my experience helping families navigate these contracts, extra fees often apply for beauty salon visits, covered parking spots, and specialized guest meals. When touring the community, ask whether these sorts of perks are included in the monthly base rate. Also ask if services and amenities can be added on, as needed, at a later date.

Are There Different Levels of Assisted Living?

Senior living facilities typically offer multiple levels of care. The structure can vary, and may include independent living, assisted living, and memory care levels. Assisted living may be further grouped into multiple support tiers. It is common for people to start at one tier and then require more care over time, so don't worry about getting “stuck” at a too-low level permanently.

Levels of care are based on multiple factors, including the amount of assistance a resident needs with the six main activities of daily living (ADLs).3

Basic ADLs include:

• Dressing
• Using the restroom
• Personal hygiene and grooming
• Ambulating (moving around safely)
• Continence
• Feeding

Generally, the higher the care level, the more assistance you will receive from staff. This may increase your monthly fees, at some facilities. The staff at the facility will work with you to determine the best level for your needs.

Though it will vary from place to place, here is a general assisted living structure for reference:

Do I Qualify for Assisted Living?

If cooking, cleaning, and managing your medication is overwhelming and tiring, assisted living may be for you. If you’re active and get around well on your own, or with the assistance of a cane or walker, you may benefit from assisted living. Here many daily task are taken care of for you. It frees up your time and energy to enjoy hobbies, spend time with friends and family, and volunteer if you'd like.

Some signs that you or your loved one may be ready for assisted living include:

• Loneliness and depression
• Trouble managing money and paying bills
• Worsening health condition
• Inability or difficulty cooking and cleaning
• Help needed with personal care and managing medication
• Increased risk of falling or have had multiple falls or accidents around the home

SeniorLiving.org Is Now Livestreaming

We are hosting live Q&As with senior care and housing experts on our YouTube channel. Check out one of our latest streams below and tune in to upcoming streams @SeniorLiving.Org on YouTube!

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost?

According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the national median cost of assisted living is $ $5,900 per month as of [citation  id=”4″]2024.[/citation] Costs vary from facility to facility. Your geographic location, type of residence, and amenities offered, will greatly impact upon cost.

For example, assisted living in New York City, Hawaii, and Washington, D.C. can exceed $9,000 monthly for luxury options. Don't let that panic you, however. Lower cost options are also available throughout the U.S.

Costs depend on housing factors such as room size, amenities, and geographic location, plus care services. Residents may have separate fees for assistance with laundry, pet care, physical therapy, and other needs. If the need for care advances, a person might make arrangements for on staff or private hire extra help to avoid transferring to a nursing home.

So, how do you pay for assisted living? Many seniors combine their resources, such as personal savings, long-term care insurance, and veterans’ benefits. It’s important to note that Medicare doesn’t cover room and board at assisted living facilities. Medicaid may cover some or all of the services you receive there, but many facilities don’t accept Medicaid at all. Some communities have staff available to guide you through the options and paperwork; however, you can hire a geriatric planner (or lawyer) to walk you through.

How to Research Assisted Living Facilities

Figuring out whether assisted living is right for you or a loved one may feel like quite an undertaking, which is why enlisting trusted support and expert guidance can relieve some of the burden.

Consider taking these first steps to help find an assisted living community in your area:

• Search our assisted living directory.
• Check your state’s Department of Health or Social Services website for inspection reports and violation histories to ensure the facility is safe.
• Ask your health care provider which assisted living communities they recommend.
• If you have friends or family living in a local assisted living community, ask them about their experience and recommendations.

How to Find the Right Assisted Living Community

You can find the right assisted living community by visiting several facilities in person. To find communities near you, search the SeniorLiving.org housing directory. When touring an assisted living facility, evaluate cleanliness and the personal interaction between residents and each other, as well as with staff. Many assisted living facilities publish or provide calendars that let you get a sense of the extra-curricular activities they offer. You can also check out weekly menus. Remember, for a high quality of life, it’s critical to find a good social match, not just a facility that meets basic needs.

Visiting prospective communities in person is the only way to get a true “vibe check” of the social setting and culture. Eating a meal at the facility can be a great way to gain an insider’s view. Arrange an interview over lunch or dinner at the facility, if possible. It will also give you insight into the expected menu and food quality, if that’s particularly important. A good alternative is to observe a class or club meeting, if available. This will provide insights into the social climate in the community and the sorts of activities offered to residents.

Questions About the Home or Facility

1. How many people live at the facility? What is the ratio of caregivers to residents?
2. Does the facility feel home-like? Do you like the décor?
3. What are the apartment and room choices? Do you have an entire apartment with a kitchen?
4. Do you have a private bath? Will you share an apartment?
5. Does the residence have a community pet? Can residents bring their pets? What are the restrictions regarding pets? For example, are fish allowed but not mammals, or do dogs need to be under a certain weight?
6. Can residents bring their furniture and decor? Are any furnishings provided?
7. Is there a separate thermostat in your room?
8. Is there plenty of natural lighting?
9. What is the view like?
10. Is there enough closet and storage space?
11. Are kitchen cabinets easy to reach?
12. Are the outside areas well-maintained?
13. Are there any stains or odors?
14. Are there social activities available?
15. Are there enough common areas, such as dens and living rooms?
16.  Are there any security protocols or cameras to help residents feel at ease?
17. Is Wi-Fi included in the room or only in common areas? Is the signal strong enough for streaming or video calling?
18. Does the facility allow smoking? Can residents smoke in their rooms, or are there designated outside spaces for smoking? If medical marijuana is legal, can residents smoke it on the premises?
19. Are religious services provided?
20. Are there game rooms or a library?
21. Is there a salon or barber shop?
22. When can friends and family visit?

Questions About the Quality of Life

1. Are the residents clean, happy, and friendly? Don’t hesitate to ask current residents about their experiences.
2. Are staff members attentive and kind?
3. Would you enjoy sharing meals with the residents? Do you share common interests?
4. Are the residents somewhat independent? Are there social activities in the common areas or a place where individuals can practice their faith?
5. Do the residents seem happy?

Questions Related to Facility Safety and Medical Well-Being

1. Is staff available around the clock? Are all entrances and exits secured?
2. Are there appropriate safety measures, such as emergency exits and smoke detectors?
3. Are registered nurses on staff? If so, what are their hours, and what is the staff-to-patient ratio? If an RN isn’t on duty 24/7, it’s vital to know the center’s protocol in case of nighttime emergencies.
4. Are the halls and grounds well-lit? Are there handrails in the hallways?
5. Are the hallways and doorways wide enough for walkers and wheelchairs? Are there walk-in showers?
6. Do the rooms and bathrooms have handrails and emergency call buttons?
7. Do guests have to undergo any kind of search before entering the premises (i.e., using a metal detector)?
8. How is routine medical and dental care, like vaccinations, teeth cleanings, and screening tests provided?

Questions Related to the Amenities

1. Is there a monthly events calendar posted?
2. Are the spiritual services on-site?
3. Does the facility have a space for outdoor recreation? If so, ensure the area looks inviting and relatively safe from trespassers.
4. Are there transportation schedules for errands and medical appointments?
5. What social activities, classes, and field trips are staff-facilitated?
6. Is there a craft room? Are there computers and printers? Is there a swimming pool? What about a convenience shop?
7. Is the facility located near town centers or community landmarks? Be sure to inquire about the closest shopping center, spa, movie theater, and/or library to ensure you can still enjoy your favorite pastimes.

Other Considerations and Questions

1. Is there a meal menu, and can residents choose when to eat? Do the menu selections vary from day to day?
2. Determine your specific state’s licensing agency and contact them. Additionally, most states have an ombudsman program that has detailed records. These records are invaluable for spotting patterns of neglect or recurring medication errors before you sign a lease.
3. Ask for a copy of the resident agreement spelling out the facility's obligations. It will also list the charge for extra items, like laundry service.
4. How close are you to friends and relatives? Are they allowed to stay overnight?
5. What is the staff-to-resident ratio? Inquire about this ratio to ensure you or a loved one is cared for. As you tour facilities, be on the lookout for staff members and check if residents appear to be attended to regularly.
6. Who dispenses medication, and how much training have they had? States have different training and licensing requirements.
7. What are the rules regarding moving out? Under which circumstances might a senior be asked to leave?