It is estimated that one million Americans live in more than 20,000 assisted living communities. Assisted living residents can be young or old, affluent or low income, frail or disabled.
Residents may suffer from mild Alzheimer's disease or memory disorders, or may simply need help with mobility, incontinence or other challenges. Assisted living is appropriate for someone who is too frail to live at home or who wants extra support. The average age is 84, with the range being between 55 to over 100.