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 Rhode Island, assisted living centers are regulated by the Department of Health, which sets forth standards for licensure that facilities must meet to operate legally. These standards cover a range of requirements including staffing, resident care, medication management, and physical facility specifications. Assisted living centers in RI are designed to provide a combination of residential accommodations, personal care services, and healthcare designed to respond to individuals who need assistance with activities of daily living. The state ensures that these facilities provide a homelike environment that promotes independence, dignity, and the right to privacy. They must also offer organized social and recreational activities, as well as provide meals and housekeeping services. Assisted living centers are distinct from nursing homes in that they do not offer the same level of medical care. However, they are required to have staff available to meet the scheduled and unscheduled needs of residents, and to assist with medication administration or supervision.