at alpha.org, the website of the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA), a not for profit trade association of assisted living facilities. Provides an introduction to assisted living, and its regulation, prevalence, and financing: “There are 36,000 assisted living communities nationwide serving 650,000 seniors. …Assisted living is regulated in all 50 states… While the majority of assisted living residents today — 86.2% — pay from their personal financial resources, 41 states offer “home and community-based waivers” [under Medicaid] that allow low-income residents to live in assisted living. Also, more seniors are purchasing long-term care insurance to help plan for and finance their long-term care needs.” ALPHA is the largest national association of assisted living facilities in the U.S.
http://www.alfa.org/i4a/pages/Index.cfm?pageID=4361
