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 Connecticut, assisted living services are regulated by the Department of Public Health (DPH). These facilities are known as Assisted Living Services Agencies (ALSAs) and are required to provide a combination of housing, meals, and supportive services to residents. The services include assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. Connecticut state statutes require ALSAs to be licensed and to adhere to specific operational standards to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. The regulations also mandate the presence of a managed residential community (MRC), which provides the housing component of assisted living, while the ALSA provides the supportive services. The state ensures that these facilities maintain a certain level of independence for residents while providing the necessary care and services. Additionally, Connecticut has a Residents' Bill of Rights that guarantees certain protections and standards of living for residents in assisted living facilities.