Assisted Living Facilities Statistics In The United States: The American Health Care Association and the ​National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) is the largest association in the United States representing long term and post-acute care providers, with more than 14,000 member facilities. AHCA/NCAL represents the long term care community to the nation at large – to government, business leaders, and the general public. AHCA/NCAL, its affiliates, and member providers advocate for individuals who – because of social needs, disability, trauma or illness – require services provided in a long term care setting.
According to AHCA/NCAL:
T​here are approximately 28,900 assisted living communities with nearly 1 million licensed beds in the United States today.
The average size of an assisted living community is 33 licensed beds.

Communities Makeup​

Regional Distribution

  • 8.6% Northeast
  • 22.6% Midwest
  • 28.0% South
  • 40.8% West

Ownership​

  • 56% are chain-affiliated (an organization with two or more communities
  • 42% are independently-owned

Operations

​Typical Services:

  • 24-hour supervision and assistance
  • exercise, health and wellness programs
  • housekeeping and maintenance
  • meals and dining services
  • medication management or assistance
  • personal care services (such as Activities of Daily Living [ADLs])
  • transportation

Tailored Communities

​Some assisted living communities specialize in serving individuals with specific needs. These may include, but are not limited to, Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia (such as memory care units), intellectual and developmental disabilities, and particular medical conditions (e.g., Parkinson’s disease) or other needs.
Percentage of assis​ted living co​mmunities that provide Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias-specific programs:
  • 14.3% have a dementia care unit, wing or floor designated
  • 8.7% only serve adults with dementia

Health Care Services

​​​Percentage of assisted living communities that provide (by employees or arranged with an outside service provider) certain health care services:
  • 83.6% pharmacy/pharmacist
  • 82.8% dietary and nutritional
  • 71.4% therapy (physical, occupational or speech)
  • 67.7% hospice
  • 66.1% skilled nursing
  • 55.0% mental health or counseling
  • 51.1% social work services​

Source

A paper published by the NCAL Risk Management Work Group in October 2013 stated: “As assisted living communities continue to grow in popularity and accept residents with higher levels of disability and health needs, resident care litigation has been more frequent and poses a greater risk to providers. Many communities say that allowing residents to “age in place” is a central aim. Whether due to this philosophical goal or simply pressure from residents who wish to remain where they live, acuity levels of residents are increasing. As in nursing homes, accidents or clinical problems at assisted living centers can translate into liabilities. ”

Source

If you or a loved one suffered harm while a resident of an assisted living facility in the United States due to assisted living facility abuse, assisted living facility neglect, assisted living facility negligence, or the failure to provide appropriate care for a vulnerable adult, you should promptly find an assisted living facility claim lawyer in your state who may investigate your assisted living facility claim for you and file an assisted living negligence claim on your behalf or behalf of your loved one, if appropriate.

Visit our website to be connected with medical malpractice attorneys (assisted living claim attorneys) in your U.S. state who may assist you with your assisted living claim, or call us toll-free in the United States at 800-295-3959.

Turn to us when you don’t know where to turn.