Definition and classification of assisted living.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this article is to discuss the benefits and limitations of, and considerations in, developing a typology of assisted living (AL).

DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a review and comparison of nine AL typologies drawn from the literature.

RESULTS

Typologies addressed matters related to the structure, process, population, and philosophy of AL to varying degrees. A lack of available data and different sampling frames hindered attempts to quantitatively compare the typologies.

IMPLICATIONS

Typologies are potentially useful for consumers, practitioners, policy makers, and researchers. It is advisable to identify state-based typologies and then empirically determine types that have national representation. Stakeholders should consider the tradeoff between sensitivity and specificity and allow any resulting typology to anticipate ongoing evolution in the field of AL.