Assisted Living Week

Categories:: Health
Tags:: Awareness Mental Health
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Week starting on National Grandparents Day (first Sunday after Labor Day)
Holiday emoji:: 👵👴

Assisted Living Week shines a light on the invaluable care provided to older adults and individuals with disabilities, running from September 7–13, 2026. This week is a chance to recognize the staff, volunteers, and communities that foster independence and well-being. Take time to appreciate these dedicated professionals and facilities, volunteer, or support initiatives that enhance resident quality of life.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Hero
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
Observe

Expected Assisted Living Week Deals

During Assisted Living Week, the focus shifts from commercial deals to appreciation and support for the assisted living community. Organizations like the American Health Care Association (AHCA) and the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) often promote awareness campaigns and provide resources for celebrating. Local businesses, such as florists and bakeries, may offer discounts for gifts to residents or staff. Companies like CVS Health and Walgreens, which often partner with long-term care facilities, might highlight their services or offer special programs. Senior living providers such as Brookdale Senior Living and Sunrise Senior Living will host special events and activities for residents and their families. We will update this page with confirmed live appreciation programs and community events as September 7 approaches.

Platform Guide for Assisted Living Week

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #AssistedLivingWeek. Share stories of dedicated staff or innovative care programs within your professional network.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #AssistedLivingWeek. Organize a virtual appreciation event or share photos of local facility celebrations.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #AssistedLivingWeek. Highlight the importance of quality senior care and advocate for policies supporting assisted living residents and workers.

Assisted Living Week Hero

Keren Brown Wilson

Keren Brown Wilson (1942–2014) was a pioneering advocate for assisted living in the United States. After her mother experienced inadequate nursing home care, Wilson dedicated her career to developing and promoting assisted living models that emphasized independence, dignity, and personalized care. She founded the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) and played a crucial role in shaping policy and standards for the industry.

Assisted Living Week timeline

1995

Welcome, National Assisted Living Week

The National Center for Assisted Living started National Assisted Living Week.

1970s

Concept of assisted living introduced

Thanks to Jessie F. Richardson and her daughter, Dr. Keren Wilson, the concept of assisted living became more mainstream.

1965

Medicare & Medicaid

Medicare and Medicaid arrived, influencing the development of modern nursing facilities.

1935

The U.S. passed social security

Retired workers began taking advantage of Social Security benefits.

1823

Indigent Widows’ and Single Women’s Society opened

One of the first homes to dedicate itself to the care of the elderly was opened in Philadelphia.

Assisted Living Week FAQs

When is Assisted Living Week?

Assisted Living Week 2026 runs from Monday, September 7, through Sunday, September 13. It is a time to recognize the dedicated staff and vibrant communities in assisted living facilities.

How many Americans live in assisted living facilities?

As of recent data, approximately 800,000 to 1 million Americans reside in assisted living communities nationwide. This figure reflects a growing demand for supportive senior care options.

What types of services do assisted living facilities provide?

Assisted living facilities offer a range of services designed to support residents’ independence while providing necessary care. These typically include assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management, as well as meals, housekeeping, transportation, and social activities.

Is Assisted Living Week a federal observance?

Assisted Living Week is not a federal holiday or a federally mandated observance. It is an annual initiative led by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) to raise awareness and celebrate the assisted living community.

How to Observe Assisted Living Week

Visit someone in an assisted living facility
Whether it is a family member or friend, make it a point to visit someone. Whomever you are stopping by to see is sure to appreciate the visit, and you will have the chance to catch up on old times and become more familiar with the community.
Take an assisted living facility tour
Many assisted living communities offer tours to help acquaint the public with the services provided. A tour will help familiarize you with all of the amazing things that take place there on a daily basis.
Create something special for residents
Consider writing a few letters or gathering a group of kids together to design art projects. These thoughtful gifts are sure to put a smile on just about anyone's face.

5 Important Things To Remember About Assisted Living And Aging

We're living longer
By 2040, it's estimated that there will be 14.1 million people over 85.
Where my girls at?
The Assisted Living Federation of America has estimated that the female to male ratio in assisted living communities is 7:1.
Growing older is expensive
One in five seniors racks up more than $25,000 in care costs in a given year.
It's never too late to start exercising
Research has found that beginning to exercise at 75 or even 80 can help to reduce unwanted effects of aging.
Most of us will need long-term care
Almost 70 percent of Americans will end up needing long-term care in their life.

Why Assisted Living Week is Important

It's an opportunity for assisted living communities to host events and activities
Unless you know someone who lives in an assisted living facility, you may not be familiar with many of their services. National Assisted Living Week serves as a time for these communities to host special events — ranging from lectures to volunteering opportunities.
National Assisted Living Week highlights great work
The week helps to fight any stigmas that people may have about choosing to reside in a place other than the home they have lived in for years. Thanks to National Assisted Living Week many people find that these facilities are great housing options.
Each year has its own theme
This year, it's "Capture the Moment." The theme has the goal of inspiring assisted living facility residents to seize the day and take advantage of all that life has to offer. Now, that's a mission we can get behind.