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What Is a Type A Assisted Living Facility?
Date Updated: September 10, 2025
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Many assisted living facilities support various types of needs for seniors who require limited to advanced support. A Type A assisted living facility is for seniors who can mostly move around on their own and don't need overnight attendance or help following directions in emergencies.
Key Takeaways
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How Does a Type A Assisted Living Facility Differ From Type B and Type C?
Type A assisted living offers residents the most functional independence compared to Type B and Type C care. Type A is for residents who might benefit from having aides and nurses available when needed, but can generally move around a facility on their own and don't need overnight care. Type B assisted living offers more help with mobility, overnight care, and instruction during emergencies.
Note that Texas is the only state that uses the terms “Type A” and “Type B” to label types of assisted living facilities, and terms can vary by other states or facilities. For example, Utah uses the terms "Type I" and "Type II". Still, each term describes similar tiered support levels.
Type C assisted living — also a term unique to Texas — gives residents the highest level of care and is only licensed for four beds. These communities must meet the Texas Health and Human Services guidelines for adult foster care. Other states may refer to these limited-bed facilities as adult family care homes or group homes.
What Type of Care Do Assisted Living Residents Receive?
Assisted living is a step beyond independent living, where seniors live in their own apartments with access to amenities and community activities with minimal support. Assisted living residents receive help with activities of daily living, or ADLs. Examples of ADLs include bathing, dressing, getting around independently, and preparing meals.
Most communities define different levels of care depending on the amount of assistance residents require. For example, people at the lowest level of care often only need help with one ADL, while residents at the highest level of care require assistance with most ADLs.
Is Assisted Living Right For Your Loved One?
The decision whether to move to assisted living is rarely simple, but understanding your loved one's needs and desire for independence can help. It may be time for assisted living when a senior needs more help with ADLs or has increased safety risks by living independently. If you feel that assisted living is the right choice for your loved one, have a supportive conversation in which you actively listen to and address their concerns to make the transition smoother for both of you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- Adult family care home. (n.d.). Florida Agency for Health Care Administration
- Assisted living facilities (ALF). (n.d.). Texas Health and Human Services
- Does Medicaid pay for assisted living? (2025). National Council on Aging
- Does Medicare pay for assisted living? (2025). National Council on Aging
- Health and human services, health care facility licensing. (2025). Utah Office of Administrative Rules
- Residential facilities (group homes). (n.d.). Ohio Long-Term Care Consumer Guide