Seattle Times Investigates Deaths at Adult Homes
The Seattle Times has launched a large scale investigation into hundreds of deaths at poorly regulated adult homes. The "Seniors for Sale" series investigates 263 deaths at the adult homes that were not properly investigated and may have been the result of neglect or abuse.
The "Seniors for Sale" series focuses on the fast-growing phenomenon of adult home care facilities. Begun 20 years ago by Washington state, adult home care allows homeowners to rent spare bedrooms to seniors who might otherwise have to live in nursing homes. The idea behind the program was to allow seniors to live in a more comfortable and familiar residential setting instead of a clinical nursing home. To encourage people to participate, the state imposed fewer regulations on these facilities than regular nursing homes.
The program has been lauded as a model for elder care around the country. However, the massive investigation by the Seattle Times has found serious problems with the industry, including substandard training for owners and employees, lax enforcement of regulations, and may unexplained deaths that may be the result of neglect or abuse.
The investigation turned up many harrowing stories like this one, of a woman named Anne who placed her husband, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease
Though the adult home facilities are unique to Washington, they highlight a bigger problem the resounds around the country, including Arizona. Many states are looking at ways to create more choice in elder care, but safety should not be sacrificed in the process. In Arizona, assisted living centers operate in a manner similar to the adult home facilities and have similarly lax regulations. Residents and their families should be aware of these differences in regulations and do extensive research before deciding what type of facility best fits their needs.
Thanks for srhinag. What a pleasure to read!