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 Massachusetts, assisted living centers are regulated by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) and must comply with the Assisted Living Certification Regulations. These regulations define the services that must be provided, including assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, grooming, and dressing, as well as instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) like housekeeping and meal preparation. Assisted living centers are not medical facilities but they do provide some health-related services, such as medication management. They are designed to promote residents' independence and offer social activities. Facilities must be certified by the EOEA and are subject to inspections to ensure compliance with state regulations. It's important to note that while assisted living centers provide a level of care, they are distinct from nursing homes, which offer more comprehensive medical care.