Mars, Pennsylvania, which is home to a flying saucer replica as a humorous nod to its unusual name, was first settled in 1798. Since then, this small community has played a significant role in the region's economy, serving as a farming community, a railroad town, an oil boomtown, a commercial hub and a rural-suburban community. Today, the county in which it's situated has over 187,000 people, roughly 18 percent of whom are over the age of 65.
To serve local seniors, Mars has three assisted living facilities, and there are an additional 54 in the surrounding cities. These facilities are officially referred to as "assisted living residences" or "personal care homes," depending on the care needs of the population they are licensed to serve. Assisted living residences are licensed through the Department of Aging, Office of Long-Term Living, Division of Licensing, and personal care homes are licensed through the Department of Public Welfare, Adult Residential Licensing.