An assisted living facility (ALF), also known as an assisted living residence, is a housing facility designed for seniors who need assistance with various personal or medical care. An ALF can be for seniors who need help with activities of daily living (ADL’s) but may not require the necessity of a skilled nursing facility (SNF). Seniors in ALF usually live in their own individual rooms, shared room, or apartment, while the quality may range from as low as 25 to possibly higher than 100 residents. 

These individuals have access to many support and services, including up to three meals a day; assistance with personal care; help with medications, housekeeping, and laundry; 24-hour supervision, security, around-the-clock staff; as well as recreational activities. An ALF can also provide companion care and promote social activities such as exercise classes, cooking workshops, outings to theaters, and more. The diverse options of services are what make ALF apart and unique from other facilities. 

The purpose of an ALF is to promote individual independence in an in-home setting; It is specifically designed to promote social activities and opportunities to stay engaged with friends and peers. This is the significant difference between an SNF and an ALF. The lifestyle of an ALF is different from that of an SNF as the senior has more options to learn and choose what activities they would like to participate in.