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 New York State, assisted living centers are regulated under the New York State Department of Health (DOH). These facilities are officially referred to as Assisted Living Residences (ALRs), which include Adult Homes, Enriched Housing Programs, Assisted Living Programs (ALPs), and Assisted Living Residences for seniors who require help with daily activities but not the intensive medical care provided by nursing homes. ALRs must be licensed by the DOH and are required to provide residents with personal care services, room and board, housekeeping, 24-hour on-site monitoring, and case management services. Additionally, some ALRs offer Enhanced Assisted Living Residences (EALRs) licenses, which allow them to serve residents with greater physical needs, and Special Needs Assisted Living Residences (SNALRs) licenses for residents with special needs such as dementia. Regulations ensure that residents receive appropriate care while maintaining a level of independence, with a focus on quality of life and dignity.