Questions and finger-pointing have increased in the days since a fire at a Massachusetts assisted-living facility killed nine and hurt dozens.

When a loved one is no longer able to safely live alone due to illness or frailty, assisted living offers a supportive environment with round-the-clock oversight and access to care, as well as comprehensive safety measures. These communities must comply with federal, state and local safety regulations.

The Massachusetts assisted-living facility where a fatal fire killed nine people was caring for dozens of aging residents reliant on wheelchairs and oxygen tanks, but it lacked the safety measures and most of the staffing requirements that are commonplace in nursing homes.