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 Washington State, assisted living facilities, also known as assisted living residences, are regulated by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). These facilities provide housing and supportive services, supervision, personalized assistance, health-related services, or a combination thereof, to meet the needs of residents who are unable to perform, or who need assistance in performing, the activities of daily living. Assisted living facilities in Washington are designed to promote resident self-direction and participation in decisions that emphasize choice, dignity, privacy, individuality, shared risk, and independence. The level of care offered does not include the complex medical services provided by a nursing home. State regulations require these facilities to be licensed and to comply with a set of standards that cover staffing, resident care, medication management, and resident rights, among other things. Facilities must also provide certain disclosures to residents, including a description of the services offered, fees, and the rights and responsibilities of residents.