An assisted living center is a residential living and medical care facility for people who may need help with daily needs such as bathing, grooming, dressing, laundry, housekeeping, and food preparation—and who may need some medical care or assistance with medication management—but not the degree of medical care provided by a nursing home. Assisted living centers are designed for senior citizens who are no longer capable of living alone but who want to enjoy some independence and the social aspects of group dining, activities, and outings to local places and events.

In Arizona, assisted living centers are regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). These facilities are designed to provide a combination of housing, personalized supportive services, and health care designed to meet the needs of people who require assistance with the activities of daily living. Assisted living centers in Arizona must be licensed and comply with state statutes and regulations that govern their operation, including staffing requirements, resident rights, medication management, and the physical environment of the facility. The level of care provided in these centers does not reach the intensity of a nursing home, but it does include assistance with daily tasks and some medical monitoring. Facilities must also provide recreational and social activities to promote a quality of life for their residents. Arizona's regulations ensure that residents of assisted living centers receive appropriate care while maintaining a degree of independence, with the goal of enhancing their well-being in a safe and supportive environment.