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 Illinois, assisted living centers are regulated under the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act (210 ILCS 9). This legislation outlines the requirements for such facilities, including the provision of personal care, the maintenance of a homelike environment, and the delivery of certain services. These services may include assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, as well as medication management. Assisted living centers must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), which enforces standards for resident care, staffing, and building safety. The Act also mandates that facilities provide residents with service plans tailored to their individual needs and preferences, ensuring a degree of independence while offering necessary support. Additionally, the IDPH provides a Resident's Bill of Rights, ensuring the protection of the dignity, privacy, and autonomy of individuals residing in assisted living centers.