Today is the start of National Assisted Living Week, where those facilities will be recognized for giving an opportunity for senior citizens to live with some independence with help from nurses and aides.

About 6.5 million seniors in the United States live in assisted living residences, according to the 2000 Census. Seniors who live at these residences enjoy a place that feels more like a home than a traditional nursing home setting, which may be too regulated for some seniors.

Because of a national awareness of this type of housing, it's also a good time for seniors and their families to consider this option.

When looking for a residence, Our House, an Austin assisted living residence, suggests to make sure the atmosphere is right, that the services included in the general cost are understood and to know what the home's health care procedures are.

The residences also allow seniors to take a new direction in their lives. In assisted living residences, seniors meet more people and start new activities or hobbies.

The population of 80- to 85-year-olds is becoming the largest growing demographic segment in the United States. With advances in medicine and nutrition, senior citizens are able to live longer without much assistance.

Assisted Living offers a balance between independence and dependence, making daily activities more manageable without taking away an active lifestyle.