What Assisted Living Is
Assisted living (sometimes known more generally as residential care) is state-regulated residential long-term care that provides meals, around-the-clock supervision, and help with personal care, but is not licensed as a nursing home. In the U.S., assisted living is the largest provider of residential long-term care (excluding post-hospital rehabilitation), and the largest provider of residential care for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. In 2020, almost 820,000 older adults resided in more than 30,000 assisted living communities across the country.
What CEAL@UNC Is
The original Center for Excellence in Assisted Living (CEAL) was formed as a result of the first recommendation in the landmark Assisted Living Workgroup report, delivered to the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging in 2003. For 20 years, CEAL thrived as a unique collaborative of diverse national organizations that work closely together to promote excellence in assisted living.
In 2023, CEAL became CEAL@UNC, which maintains this national collaborative and goal. CEAL@UNC has expanded capacity to develop evidence, bolster the workforce, and promote the adoption of evidence-based practices and policies, all toward advancing the well-being of the people who live and work in assisted living.
CEAL@UNC Vision, Mission, and Guiding Principles
Vision
All people have access to person-centered assisted living options in which to live, age, visit, and work with dignity
Mission
Advance the well-being of the people who live and work in assisted living through research, practice, and policy
Guiding Principles
Assisted living communities in which people want to live, age, visit, and work …
- Are person-centered, consumer driven, and actively engaged with the community at large
- Foster the professionalism of their workforce through education, training, and sharing of best practices, and provide competitive wages and benefits that reflect the local market area
- Advance programs and policies based on evidence and best practices
- Provide access to high quality assisted living for all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, income, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and other differences
- Are licensed and operate in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations
- Operate in a responsible, ethical, and professional manner
