Residents of Assistive Living value the socialization component, forming new friendships and having planned recreation programs has proven in various studies conducted to promote a person's mental and physical health. Currently, more than a million Americans live in an estimated 30,000 Assistive Living residences. Some are couples, some are siblings and others are widowed or single. Costs vary with the residence, room size and the types of services needed by the residents. The cost is substantially less than a skilled nursing facility and generally less than the cost of home health services and in many instances is not much more than a person is spending in his or her current home.
Regulations vary from state to state.
Providers usually have specially trained staff either as a state requirement or organizational policy. Since the development of Assistive Living was consumer-driven, seniors continue to play an important role by expressing their opinions in regard to the benefits and drawbacks of increasing regulations. All residences must comply with local building codes and fire safety regulations. Any care component is provided through either a licensed facility or a licensed home health care agency in New York State.