Chapter Preface

Living alone can be difficult for many senior citizens who find previously simple tasks, such as mowing the lawn or preparing meals, no longer easy to accomplish. For the elderly who have lost most of their physical (and sometimes mental) ability, nursing homes are a common option. However, for those who are generally healthy but no longer able or willing to live alone, assisted-living facilities have gained in popularity. These facilities typically feature apartments with common dining rooms, 24-hour emergency care, and assistance with tasks such as getting dressed in the morning or going into town for errands.

As of 1999, 2.2 million elderly Americans lived in assisted- living complexes. These facilities are often praised for the independence they provide their residents. John Greenwald writes in Time: “Assisted living gives the elderly some measure of independence, a...