According to “State Assisted Living Policy 2002,” in 2002 there were over 36,000 assisted living facilities with an estimated 900,000 residents. The states with the highest concentration of assisted living facilities are:

1. California 6,207
2. Michigan 4,353
3. Florida 2,328
4. Maryland 2,000
5. Pennsylvania 1,786
6. Georgia 1,648
7. Arizona 1,524
8. Wisconsin 1,472
9. Texas 1,324
10. North Carolina 1,313
11. Ohio 1,267

The above 11 states have a total of 25,222 licenses assisted living facilities or 70% of the total number of facilities in the United States.

Assisted living became known in the 1990’s with the growth of companies such as Sunrise, Marriott, Hyatt and Alterra. These chandeliered, large facilities became the public face of assisted living. However, over half of the assisted living facilities nationwide house less than 10 residents. These smaller facilities charge significantly less than those that are more well known and visible. Many small facilities are located in residential neighborhoods and do not draw attention to themselves with signage.

The general public’s perception of an assisted living facility is typically a large facility (housing 60+ residents) on a public roadway costing in excess of $45,000 per year. The reality is that the majority of facilities are small (10 or less residents), and charge $2,500 or less per month. The majority of assisted living residents are not individuals with significant financial means.

Most people move into assisted living because of a significant change in their health condition, and frequently this occurs in a crisis mode. Over one-half of assisted living residents are aged 85 or older and need assistance with two or more activities of daily living. Estimates vary concerning the percentage of residents who have cognitive impairment ranging from 25 – 67%.

Since assisted living is a new supportive residential housing option for this generation, most people do not have intuitive knowledge or understanding about what it is and what it can provide. Compounding this is the fact that each state regulates assisted living differently, and facilities themselves vary significantly about the scope of services provided.

Many assisted living residents have cognitive impairment and therefore need an environment that is safe and secure with staff that are well-trained to care for and meet their needs. Because of the frailty and potential vulnerability of assisted living residents, CCAL was founded in 1995 to advocate and educate for the needs, rights, and protection of consumers of assisted living. CCAL operates a telephone Helpline and web-based message board to provide consumers with answers to their questions. In 1998, CCAL published its highly acclaimed booklet “Choosing An Assisted Living Facility: Considerations for Making the Right Decision” in order to assist consumers navigate the confusing array of options and make an informed choice for their needs. In 2003 CCAL produced a 25-minute award winning video to further assist consumers.

CCAL also works at the national public policy level to advocate and educate policymakers about consumer needs, and is one of the founding organizations to establish the national Center for Excellence in Assisted Living.