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 West Virginia, assisted living centers, also known as assisted living facilities (ALFs), are regulated by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, specifically through its Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification. These facilities provide a combination of residential accommodation and personal care services to individuals who require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) but do not need the level of care offered by nursing homes. The state regulations require ALFs to offer services such as meals, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and social activities, in addition to assistance with personal care and medication management. Assisted living centers in WV must be licensed and comply with specific standards related to staffing, resident care, medication administration, and the physical environment to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. The state also mandates that these facilities have plans in place for emergency situations and provide ongoing training for staff to cater to the needs of residents.