WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) today revealed Shining Through the Years as this year's theme for National Assisted Living Week®. The annual, national observance provides a unique opportunity for residents, their loved ones, staff, volunteers, and local communities to celebrate the individuals who live, work, and volunteer in assisted living and to learn more about this important part of the continuum of long term care.
“Shining Through the Years reflects what makes assisted living so meaningful: the people,"
said NCAL Executive Director LaShuan Bethea. “It's about honoring residents for the lives they lead and the wisdom they share, while also recognizing the caregivers and staff whose compassion and dedication help that light continue to shine every day."
Established by NCAL in 1995, National Assisted Living Week (NALW) will be held Sept. 13-19, 2026. Shining Through the Years encourages assisted living communities around the country to host a variety of events that honor the impact that assisted living has on residents, their families, staff, and surrounding communities.
“This week also offers a special opportunity to celebrate NCAL's 25th anniversary," said NCAL Board Chair Sarah Silva. “For decades, NCAL has been focused on supporting providers like me with policy efforts, quality improvement, advocacy, and everything in-between to ensure we have the resources to deliver high-quality resident care both today and for many years to come."
The Shining Through the Years logo is available for download, and a variety of promotional materials for assisted living communities, stakeholders, and members of the public, on the NALW website. Official NALW products, including themed gifts, giveaways, and decorations, will be available soon. In the coming months, NCAL will issue a planning guide to help celebrate Shining Through the Years. Participants can plan now to share their celebrations throughout the week on social media with the hashtag #NALW. Visit
www.nalw.org for updated information and resources.