Statistics on Who Lives in Assisted Living

Curious about who lives in assisted living and what area has the most communities? Organizations like the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) and the American Health Care Association (AHCA) provide in-depth answers with overviews of studies conducted by associations and agencies who research and survey senior housing in America.  

Currently, statistics show the US has approximately 28,900 assisted living communities and nearly 1 million licensed beds. Regionally the West has the most assisted living communities with 40.8 percent. The South has 28 percent of all A.L. communities, the Midwest 22.6 percent and the Northeast only 8.6 percent. 

Services common to most assisted living communities include: 

• 24-hour personal care services for the activities of daily living (ADLs)

• exercise, health and wellness programs

• housekeeping and maintenance

• meals and dining services

• medication management or assistance

• transportation

Fewer A.L. communities cater to seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of memory loss. Recent statistics report only 14.3 percent of communities have a dementia care unit, wing or designated floor; and a smaller percent (8.7) of communities strictly serve adults with dementia. 

Assisted living communities are home to 800,000 older adults and the most common service required is help with bathing (64 percent). Other services required include help with walking (57 percent), dressing (48 percent), toileting (40 percent) and bed transfer (29 percent) to eating (19 percent). More than half of the residents suffer from high blood. Other common health conditions include arthritis, heart disease, and depression. 

The Denver area is home to several of MorningStar’s senior living communities. Opening in late 2022, we add another home in the desirable South Denver neighborhood and near to the Observatory Park. MorningStar at Observatory Park’s assisted living offers comprehensive care and hospitality services, luxury amenities and wellness programs and activities to enhance quality of life for our residents. We also provide trusted, holistic memory care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. 

Morning Star communities are trusted for their excellence–and for authenticity–in why we serve and how we serve. Visit our website to reserve your select suite today, and ask about our “Founders Club Specials.”

Source: ahcancal.org/Assisted-Living/Facts-and-Figures/Pages/default.aspx