Assisted living offers older people the opportunity to live independently, while still having access to the medical and domestic facilities of a nursing home and the day-to-day assistance of trained staff. For those who perhaps find it a bit of a struggle to cope with household tasks such as cooking and cleaning, or want the security of knowing that there is assistance available in case of emergency, assisted living is often an ideal solution to their needs. As such, it is an increasingly popular housing choice for older people, particularly those who do not wish, or feel they do not need, the more restrictive environment of a nursing home.

Assisted living developments typically have facilities for eating, laundry, and cleaning, and also a wide range of social activities on offer for residents. Assisted living developments can be both big and small; some are large enough to house hundreds of residents, while others cater to only a handful. What all assisted living facilities have in common, however, is that they are more affordable than a nursing home; the charge for an assisted living facility is typically about 70% that of a nursing home. Consequently, assisted living is an increasingly popular alternative to the rather restrictive and sometimes sterile atmosphere of a nursing home. Residents are attracted by the degree of autonomy and independence they offer, while still retaining 24-hour services for the benefit and convenience of older citizens, and the peace of mind of their children and relatives.