Editor, Gazette-Journal:

This week marks the 20th anniversary of National Assisted Living Week in the United States. Established in 1995, the week provides a unique opportunity for families, caregivers and local communities to learn more about assisted living and the health and welfare of seniors. Despite medical breakthroughs over the past two decades, most Americans are still unfamiliar with the unique needs of seniors. Among the top 10 causes for death, according to the Center for Disease Control, five of them are preventable with the right care and attention. One of them is accidents in the home, such as falling. 

Many family members and caregivers of seniors are reluctant to discuss assisted living as a viable option for their loved ones, but assisted living communities offer seniors dignity and an active lifestyle in a home-like, independent environment.

Assisted living provides residents with the freedom and independence they expect combined with the medical and psycholo...