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Assisted living or residential care

Publication date: June 2, 2023

Understand the differences between assisted living and a licensed residential facility.

What is the Difference Between Assisted Living and a Licensed Residential Facility?

Assisted living residences and licensed residential care facilities both provide housing and services.

The key differences include:

  • The number and level of services provided on a daily basis;
  • The number of staff to assist people;
  • Whether a person is able to make decisions on their own behalf; and,
  • Whether a person can evacuate safely and independently in an emergency.  

Assisted living residences are intended for persons who are independent and require day-to-day assistance in one or more areas (e.g. medications, bathing or life skills). People in licensed residential care may require more assistance on a daily basis and with complex health care needs.

For more information, please visit Residential Care or Assisted Living.

The Assisted Living Registry is responsible for ensuring the health and safety of persons in assisted living residences. 

Contact the Registry if you want to:
  • learn about the health and safety standards for assisted living residences; 
  • open an assisted living residence;
  • find assisted living residences in your community, or
  • make a complaint or view Substantiated Complaint Information about an assisted living residence.