Assisted Living, Erratic Regulation

With No Federal Regulation And Limited State Laws, Negligence Cases Are Growing

(CBS)  Dennis Camarata lost his father in a way no child could imagine.

At age 83, Mike Camarata was healthy and active — but dementia had turned him almost childlike. So his family placed him in an assisted-living facility in Michigan because it would feel more like home, CBS News chief investigative correspondent Armen Keteyian reports.

"They encouraged you to wander around," says daughter-in-law Mary Camarata. "He would go in the refrigerator and drink orange juice out of the jug."

In April 2004, Mike Camarata drank from a jug he found in an unlocked kitchen cabinet. But he wasn't drinking juice — it was a toxic, industrial dishwashing detergent containing lye.

"The chemical just literally burned his entire mouth and then burned him all the way down," says Dennis.

Four days later, Mike Camarata died what Dennis calls "a horrific death."

So how could a toxic chemical be stored, unlocked, in an Alzheimer's wing? One reason: Unlike nursing homes, the nation's 36,000 assisted living facilities — places designed for seniors who don't need constant medical attention, just a little extra help — are not subject to any kind of federal regulation. A CBS News investigation has found that state laws are literally all over the map.

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Read Armen Keteyian's Reporter's Notebook
Elder Abuse Resources

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For example, only 32 states require CPR and first aid certification. Just 24 require a nurse on staff, and Alabama is the only state in which the medical director must be a doctor.

"No real policies. No real sanctions. No accountability," says
Jules Olsman, an elder-care attorney.

And no way, say elder-care experts and industry insiders, to track what they say are a growing number of negligence cases.

In Pennsylvania, 69-year-old Angelita Torres was an Alzheimer's patient who wandered away from an assisted living facility. She was found drowned in a nearby canal.

In Georgia, 70-year-old Ann Wideman should have been moved from assisted living to a nursing home after she became bedridden. Instead, the facility kept her; she developed a massive bedsores and died from the infection.

"They knew and they didn't do anything about it," says Toni Godfrey, her daughter. "They let her die."

In Michigan, where Mike Camarata died, facilities outnumber inspectors 100-to-1. There is no requirement that staff members for Alzheimer's residents receive any special training. As for regular caregivers, they must be "awake and fully dressed."

Keteyian asked Marianne Udow, the woman in charge of assisted living in Michigan, who writes the laws that basically say "awake and fully dressed" is enough in some people's mind to provide resident care.

"Those are probably old regulations," she says. When told that they date from March 2006, she adds that the laws "probably been in place for many, many years and have not been updated."

When asked if families know what the quality or lack of quality of some of the care is in the state's assisted living facilities at the moment, she says, "I think they don't."

After Mike Camarata's senseless death, the state's only response was a letter, asking the facility if a "corrective active plan" was implemented.

"So you're father's death boils down to a 'don't do this again' memo?" Keteyian asks.

"Pretty sad, isn't it," says Dennis Camarata.

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Correction: This story was updated Nov. 14, 2006, to reflect new information from the state of Minnesota. Minnesota recently implemented laws specific to assisted living that include background checks for all staffers and a nurse on-call at all times; last week the state confirmed to CBS News it had no staff requirements.

[lanaedawn]

Its sad that these deaths could've been prevented but I don't think all the blame should be placed on the facilities. If you want your loved ones closely monitored and you can't do it yourself they should be put in a nursing home. I don't understand why it was the facilities fault that the woman wasn't moved to a nursing home and developed bedsores and died. Her family should have moved her when she became bedridden.

People never want to take responsibility when their decisions, even made with the best intentions, leads to something bad happening.

[jkelloggkn]

3 instances of negative coverage and 0 instance of positive coverage. Shame on you.
There are many wonderful Assisted Living Companies out there check out ALC, Merrill Gardens, The Arbor Company, Elmcroft etc.

[jake123aa]

As an Administrator of an Assisted Living Facility, I would like to comment that the proof is missing in your article of neglect. Yes there are cases of neglect that should be investigated and delt with to the full extent of the law. But the industry as a whole has a track record that was ommited by this article. WHY ?
Yes negitive news makes the news, telling of the millions of seniors that are enjoying life at facilities across the nation, that are being assisted and having a great life is noteworthy but not newsworthy.

I am proud of the industry in general and the quality service provide, I love my seniors and respect them and thier choice of living at an assisted Living Facility, that is a consumer choice not a biased story.

[marilj]

All facilities whether it be Assisted Living or not should be federally regulated. Families also must keep tabs on their loved ones after they are placed in these facilities. Mostly the squeaky wheel gets the grease!

[kmiller0000]

Looks like Katie is picking up when Dan left off... Sensationalizing ratings at the expense of the truth. Remember the story Dan botched about President Bush? CBS should be held accountable. I think CBS's actions also warrant Federal regulations for news programs. Please give us a break!

[acarrigan2]

We were offended by this story. You only showed the negative and not the positive. Do you realize how many assisted livings there are around the country? We are an assisted living that has recieved many compliments and awards for our ability to provide quality care for our residents. The stories that you have described could have happened any where, but do not occur in our community. We are regulated by the state of Colorado and by frequent visits from our Corporate office to make sure we are complying with the rules of our state. You never told of the caregivers that are so compassionate and treat the elderly in our communities like family.
We would appreciate the good with the bad and airing ALFA's comments that you at length interviewed them for. Please do not be onesided in airing news reports. What makes good news and reporting is having all the facts and then reporting on all of them instead of being onesided.

[dsc112233]

This story is what is wrong with our society today! CBS has taken a wonderful industry and placed a black mark beside it's name. The name of the story shouldn't be "Living in the Shadows", it should be renamed "Let CBS be the first in line to Cast a Shadow". Shame, shame, shame on you! And to add insult to injury, how awful to show that poor woman's body lying in the ditch! I'm sure her grandchildren were appaled to see her body on a national broadcast.

[dogloverlola]

Of course a lawyer is going to give his 'low down' on the long term care industry. We're his MONEY COW!! Assisted Living IS federally regulated in many areas of its daily business. There's no doubt the stories that you presented are very sad indeed. But it's even sadder that in Michigan, staff dealing with residents with Dementia related illnesses aren't trained! It's sad that in Georgia, that family sat by and watched their mother lay in bed until bedsores appeared and did nothing! And I feel really bad for the great workers in the industry who give of themselves everday to better a life. What an undeserved slap!

[tonda1010]

It is so unfortunate that you have showed only these very sad stories. As an administrator of an assisted living, I am offened. We have such wonderful stories in this industry. Stories of love and caring for the those who are left in our care. Maybe nows you should show the "up" side of our work.

[madpkeith]

RE CBS Special 11/13/2006 regarding ALF

I am very disappointed in the story CBS aired on 11/13/2006 regarding Assisted Living Facilities. Though there are always rouge business people who will operate on the skirt of any regulations, regardless of the industry being looked at and some facilities may operate without clear policies or may lack accountability, the percentage is very low. I personally know of many people who feel it is there life%u2019s work to care for Seniors and try very hard every day to make those being cared for%u2019s live a meaningful experience, not just for the resident of facilities but their families as well.

Your story was a prime example of the news media attempt at grabbing people%u2019s attention with the headline story of %u201Cbad%u201D people not taking care of the frail elderly. Your story was very one sided without information to substantiate any of the claims.

I understand the ALFA was interviewed for the story but your choice to make the news selective, to the point of boarding on censorship, would have limited the sensational story if the whole story was presented. It is a same the producers felt it necessary to exclude any of the information or rebuttals which were given to you during the interview with ALFA. I am deeply disappointed with the lack of balance and I say %u201Cshame on all of you!

[cowboyhowdy]

I think you got it right on Nursing Home Care. I twice visited nursing homes, once as a job applicant, and the other time, to use the pay phone. Both times I was disgusted by the neglect of the residents and also by the priority given to staff needs.

At one place, I was shown 3 hospital beds in a room big enough for two and told this was for those who do not have premium insurance for care.

Even more shocking was when I walked through a sunny outdoor yard and large deck into a cramp and dark nursing home. I set off a very loud alarm when I opened the door. Although I was inside using the phone for several minutes, the alarm remained on! In the hall I saw some residents in wheel chairs parked facing the wall.

When I opened the door to leave, the alarm went off again! I wish there is something that can be done.

[chenncoop]

What a pity that we single out the bad and ignore the good, when there is so much more of the latter.

[ssqinfo]

Your report totally lacked balance and chose to ignore the reality that I have observed in my 14 years of experience in this business.

Assisted living makes a real difference in quality of life for seniors. Families overwhelmingly claim that having their loved one live in an assisted living residential setting gives them peace of mind. Staff is trained, dedicated and professional.

Katie, please consider this analogy: You are known as as a proponent of colonoscopy screening. I cannot believe that you would choose to report only on those screenings that caused bowel tears or infection, when the majority of screenings were without incident and saved lives.

Assisted living makes a positive impact on seniors' lives. Please present fair reports.

[mooselady-2009]

I am absolutely appalled by the story which I read. I am a RN and have worked as we built an Assisted Living with an Alzheimer Care Home from the ground up 5 years ago.There are so many areas which have been misrepresented!!!! Regulations? I see the comment that there are no regulations in place. I cannot believe that this would even go on the air without more research. We have as many regulations as a nursing home does, and this continues to change all the time. We are also governed on a county level, on a State level and depending on your licensing (which is one very important distinction which should have been made) even regulatory areas for lab services, etc. I would be more then happy to show you the stringent laws which govern us upon your request. We believe in quality of life and have 196 seniors living in our beautiful facility. Our seniors are top priority and are cared for very well every day. I believe just like anything else there are "bad places to live", that is why it is always wise to research the place you are looking at for residency. I also believe however, that if a story is to be told that all sides are fairly represented.Those clients do not function well in that environment and are under constant stress due to their environment and lack of understanding of the disease process. I would like to hear your response to my views as well and refuse to watch a newsprogram that only gives and reports one view!!

[mooselady-2009]

I would also like to say that I belong to ALFA and understand that they were interviewed for this story and none of the "good" was interjected into the story.... I believe that because of this you have lost the trust of many a viewers.

[leenie1958]

I am not suprised by the often unbalanced reporting of CBS. That is why I choose not to watch CBS news and Katie Couric. A friend of mine told me about the story because I work in the assisted living industry. As usual CBS gets the story all wrong. I do not know what the other states require but I can tell you that the state of West Virginia does have a very high standard by which to care for our seniors in our assisted living communities. It is a shame that the reporter failed to hear from very happy seniors and family members, but again, I am not suprised. Rosalene Black, RN-Administrator

[joyyak]

As an RN who has worked in the ALF industry for several years I was appalled and disappointed at the irresponsible reporting presented in this story. In NC not only do all of our staff receive a minimum of 6 hours of CEU training specific to caring for the resident with Dementia, they also receive multiple hours of ongoing CEU's as required by the state. The staff is not only well trained, but they are caring employees who spend their hours giving personal care, love and caring time to their residents. All ALF facilities are audited by the County every two months at a minimum for multiple compliance issues including the safety of the facility in regards to unsecured chemicals.
I would like to respectfully request that the "other side" of the story be told, including ALFA's comments that were edited out.

[joyyak]

As an RN who has worked in the ALF industry for several years I was appalled and disappointed at the irresponsible reporting presented in this story. In NC not only do all of our staff receive a minimum of 6 hours of CEU training specific to caring for the resident with Dementia, they also receive multiple hours of ongoing CEU's as required by the state. The staff is not only well trained, but they are caring employees who spend their hours giving personal care, love and caring time to their residents. All ALF facilities are audited by the County every two months at a minimum for multiple compliance issues including the safety of the facility in regards to unsecured chemicals.
I would like to respectfully request that the "other side" of the story be told, including ALFA's comments that were edited out.

[joyyak]

As an RN who has worked in the ALF industry for several years I was appalled and disappointed at the irresponsible reporting presented in this story. In NC not only do all of our staff receive a minimum of 6 hours of CEU training specific to caring for the resident with Dementia, they also receive multiple hours of ongoing CEU's as required by the state. The staff is not only well trained, but they are caring employees who spend their hours giving personal care, love and caring time to their residents. All ALF facilities are audited by the County every two months at a minimum for multiple compliance issues including the safety of the facility in regards to unsecured chemicals.
I would like to respectfully request that the "other side" of the story be told, including ALFA's comments that were edited out.

[keith1740]

The shills for the industry are out in full force with their comments. The general public has no idea how common abuse and neglect is within assisted living homes. The assisted living industry is in dire need of tougher oversight and harsher penalties.

There are good homes out there but they are few and far between, just as the good and caring staff members are few and far between. Pay levels are too low to attract and keep a sufficient number of good quality people.

The commenter%u2019s point out all the regulations they have. That's mostly true. But there is little to no oversight or enforcement. It's easy to have a good record when no one's checking. Most abuse and neglect goes unreported by the industry. When the only penalty is a letter or a $300 fine, you%u2019d better believe the industry has learned that neglect is far more profitable than adequate training, adequate staffing levels, self-governance, etc.

Worst of all are the commenter%u2019s trying to shift blame back to the families. The homes charge a LOT of money, market themselves as providing appropriate care, make promises and let's not forget those regulations. This is their job and responsibility and they fail on an inexcusable scale daily. Shifting blame is absurd.

Mr. Keteyian was far from being too harsh, I believe he barely scratched the surface. Change needs to happen now so our loved ones get the care, safety and respect they deserve.

[primroseal]

Your extremely one-sided report on Assisted Living Facilities smacks of sensationalized yellow journalism. The stories you used to illustrate your bias are tragic, but a true news story would have presented both sides of the picture! With very little effort, CBS News could have easily found thousands of stories to show how many people's lives have been blessed by having the option of Assisted Living Facilities. I have owned and operated a 9 resident Assisted Living Facility in Billings, MT since 1996. We have provided a safe and caring HOME for every resident, and in most cases have improved the quality of their lives. No one wants to lose the ability to live independently, but many do and need freedom of choice in dealing with the changes that come with aging. Having the option of Assisted Living vs Nursing Home is a positive thing! There is risk involved in providing care for people with dementia, and tragic accidents can happen, even in their own home. Assisted Living Facilities in my state are regulated and inspected. Organizations such as ALFA are constantly seeking ways to improve the standard of care provided by Assisted Living Facilities. CBS News failure to use any portion of their interview with ALFA, or to portray any of the thousands of success stories of Assisted Living is disgraceful. Knowing how many people my small facility has helped makes me wonder how many positive aspects of this industry got edited out of your story.

[nd19801]

I am deeply saddened in the way your story was presented. Our State (SD) does in fact have strict regulations and our facility takes great pride in doing our utmost to comply with those regulations. Our most recent survey was deficiency free. We have two nurses on staff, and all other staff is trained above what the State regulations mandate. Our direct caregivers have integrity and they are honest loving people. Our residents are well cared for and will tell you and anyone who wants to listen how happy they are with our care. You unfairly judged the assisted living industry in general. Caregiving is a difficult task, but I pour my very heart and soul into my job as a director of assisted living and I take great offense to the image you have now set forth in the minds of the public. I certainly hope that you can do another story and give family members (who already feel enough guilt) and caregivers some peace of mind about the industry as a whole. I will stand my ground, as I know there is more "good" than "bad".

[floridaadmin]

I found your report on "Aging in the Shadows" to be very disappointing and one sided. As an ALF Administrator in the State of Florida I can tell you that the industry is regulated. The state of Florida "Agency for Health Care Administration" (AHCA) is one of several regulatory agencies providing oversight to the hospital, nursing home and assisted living industry. Employees of Florida ALF communities must undergo background checks, health screenings and are required to attend specific training courses. The call for federal regulation is not the answer to abuse and neglect. As a point of interest, I recall a special that aired on a news program reporting the appalling conditions, abuse and neglect in many of the Veterans Hospitals throughout the country; this is your federal government at work. If you are interested in the efficiency of federal regulation I suggest that you research further. There is another side to this story that should be reported. Did you look at your own article today...abuse, neglect and victimization of the elderly is most prominent in the home environment and at the hand of ones own family! As someone who genuinely cares about the residents of my community and is committed to their safety and happiness, your report was a slap in the face. Abuse and neglect of the elderly is a very real and serious problem that must be addressed, but to attack the assisted living industry is irresponsible at best!

[freebirdtu]

My mother began showing signs of "dementia" within a week of being prescribed medication - hallucinating, disorientation, confusion, apathy, extreme drowsiness, inability to eat, etc. When she was admitted to the emergency room, it was found that she was experiencing toxicity brought about by digoxin, her blood was far too thin from the warfarin, and that interfered with her insulin. Statistically, these three drugs are the most common causes for emergency room visits.

The doctor who prescribed the meds insisted her "dementia" was progressive, suggesting we "trick" her into going to a nursing home(he actually winked when he said this)and he recommended a home in which I know he has established a very lucrative practice.

How many doctors like him are out there, preying on the elderly by prescribing medication that makes them appear "demented"? How many nursing home residents are simply overmedicated by geriatric practitioners and how many families believe these doctors?

It is a scene that is played out daily in doctors' offices across the country. As the boomer generation moves into their golden years, the time has come to subject the standards and practices of geriatric medicine to closer scrutiny. And to bring it to the attention of the general public.

[smithsma]

thank you for your report on assisted living. there is no excuse that regulations are not forced on these facilities nationwide. would anyone place their child in a facility with such sub-standard regulations. now it is our parents that become our children and every effort should be made to give them the same protection and safe environment given to children attending school. This is a big money maker for those involved; unfortunately they choose to have huge profits rather than paying for superior staff. I know there are very good facilities and wonderful staff at many facilities however, the trend seems to be going in the wrong direction. Everyone better wake up because it may soon be our turn to become assisted living residents.

[nelaj-2009]

As a employee of an ALF, alot of the things reported do not surprise me. As soon as my employer heard about this story they instantly went into damage control mode, hoping thaq our already struggling community/residents didn't see or here about this story! The company I work for have been in business for 25 yrs, run more than 400 communities and service 43,000 residents worldwide. They should have known better than to let something like this happen to Mr. Camarata, then the only thing the company could do is have an in-service on new locks! I know that there are excellent ALF in the world, but the State of MI should regulating theirs more carefully. Although the company I work for claim that "they staff each of their communities to meet and often exceed the needs of it's resident population in compliance with state regulations" our community is often under staffed. Management rarely offers a helping hand. They do often make the staff who is already hard working and under payed feel inferior. Of course such things as call-ins, and emergencies will happen, but what do they do to supplement staff? Nothing! They often hire employees that are there only for a paychck and could care less about the care the residents receive. I agree with several of the comments made, require more certification of your employees, make them feel they count, and stop worrying about your profits. You claim that resident care is priority #1, then put your money where your mouth is!

[nelaj-2009]

As a employee of an ALF, alot of the things reported do not surprise me. As soon as my employer heard about this story they instantly went into damage control mode, hoping thaq our already struggling community/residents didn't see or here about this story! The company I work for have been in business for 25 yrs, run more than 400 communities and service 43,000 residents worldwide. They should have known better than to let something like this happen to Mr. Camarata, then the only thing the company could do is have an in-service on new locks! I know that there are excellent ALF in the world, but the State of MI should regulating theirs more carefully. Although the company I work for claim that "they staff each of their communities to meet and often exceed the needs of it's resident population in compliance with state regulations" our community is often under staffed. Management rarely offers a helping hand. They do often make the staff who is already hard working and under payed feel inferior. Of course such things as call-ins, and emergencies will happen, but what do they do to supplement staff? Nothing! They often hire employees that are there only for a paychck and could care less about the care the residents receive. I agree with several of the comments made, require more certification of your employees, make them feel they count, and stop worrying about your profits. You claim that resident care is priority #1, then put your money where your mouth is!

[nelaj-2009]

As a employee of an ALF, alot of the things reported do not surprise me. As soon as my employer heard about this story they instantly went into damage control mode, hoping thaq our already struggling community/residents didn't see or here about this story! The company I work for have been in business for 25 yrs, run more than 400 communities and service 43,000 residents worldwide. They should have known better than to let something like this happen to Mr. Camarata, then the only thing the company could do is have an in-service on new locks! I know that there are excellent ALF in the world, but the State of MI should regulating theirs more carefully. Although the company I work for claim that "they staff each of their communities to meet and often exceed the needs of it's resident population in compliance with state regulations" our community is often under staffed. Management rarely offers a helping hand. They do often make the staff who is already hard working and under payed feel inferior. Of course such things as call-ins, and emergencies will happen, but what do they do to supplement staff? Nothing! They often hire employees that are there only for a paychck and could care less about the care the residents receive. I agree with several of the comments made, require more certification of your employees, make them feel they count, and stop worrying about your profits. You claim that resident care is priority #1, then put your money where your mouth is!

[sternthalw]

In response to your report "Aging in the Shadows", it was clearly a one-sided and barely investigated report. I am the Director of Assisted Living in a wonderful facility in West Virginia. After seven years, we have been found to be deficiency free each and every year by the state surveyors.

Although, I feel very badly about the outcome of the three residents in the report and do hold the facilities to a higher degree of liability, these three people had no business being in an assisted living facility. At no time, have I ever brought a resident in because I had an apartment to fill or kept a resident because there was no one on the wait list.

Your "investigative" report has frightened families and may cause many to keep their loved ones at home longer. Caretakers of dementia residents are often burned-out by the constant care demands and some may abuse out of frustration. Your report was one-sided and you owe those of us who do a great job a voice. The public would have been better served if they were given some information about how to make the best decision for appropriate placement of their loved one.

[kathypete-2009]

I am from Massachusetts & take great umbridge,re:your Assisted Living piece Monday evening with Katie Couric. We in this state have very set in stone regulations regarding our Assisted Living legislation. We, as Directors, Resident Care Directors and All staff members work tirelessly to promote the well-being and independence of our residents. Our regulations mandate that we be certified & regulated in such a manner as to not-portray-what you had a nation watch Monday eveningWhat a one sided story!!!! If you could only see our written regulations & our adherence to those policies. We work long, hard hours to meet the goals of our residents & do so with the greatest of PRIDE & JOY. We work along with residents and families to ensure that our residents are in the right place & at the right time. Should they need more care than our industry warrants, we meet with both parties to ensure their well-being is met in a timely fashion.-- I've always looked up to Katie Couric as one who is fair & reports in a positive manner-However this one you blew Katie{along with your producers} I shall re-think long and hard about your ability to convey an important message in the proper manner-that which all facts are presented. CBS needs to do their homework regarding the Assisted Living Industry in the USA- not just a few states-that, sad to say-dealt the rest of us a low blow. WE deserve more than that piece--SHAME SHAME.

[moneysmith]

The CBS Evening News team has done a real service to families by providing a very accurate picture of the serious shortcomings in ALFs, something I have been trying to do with a blog for the past few months (http://parenttraps.blogspot.com). I started the blog because the experiences my sister and I had when our father, an 88-year-old disabled World War II veteran with Alzheimer's disease, moved into an ALF in Buchanan, Michigan. The ALF's website and brochure portrayed what appeared to be a spa-like environment, and touted employees specially trained to deal with Alzheimer's patients. After a few months, it became clear that none of this was true. When my sister and I questioned some of their practices, including medication errors and staff incompetence, the manager issued a 24-hour emergency discharge, even after we had agreed to a $1,000 increase in monthly fees. In dealing with the state agencies, we discovered that we had no options or recourses. Furthermore, no one in the agencies that we reported these events to really seemed very interested or concerned. America's senior citizens deserve so much better than this. The irony is that many of the Baby Boomers are going to be ready for ALFs before too much longer. After our ALF experience -- and believe me, we are far from alone -- I think I'd prefer to go straight to a nursing home. At least they have standards to live up to and there are consequences when they don't.

[moneysmith]

The CBS Evening News team has done a real service to families by providing a very accurate picture of the serious shortcomings in ALFs, something I have been trying to do with a blog for the past few months (http://parenttraps.blogspot.com). I started the blog because the experiences my sister and I had when our father, an 88-year-old disabled World War II veteran with Alzheimer's disease, moved into an ALF in Buchanan, Michigan. The ALF's website and brochure portrayed what appeared to be a spa-like environment, and touted employees specially trained to deal with Alzheimer's patients. After a few months, it became clear that none of this was true. When my sister and I questioned some of their practices, including medication errors and staff incompetence, the manager issued a 24-hour emergency discharge, even after we had agreed to a $1,000 increase in monthly fees. In dealing with the state agencies, we discovered that we had no options or recourses. Furthermore, no one in the agencies that we reported these events to really seemed very interested or concerned. America's senior citizens deserve so much better than this. The irony is that many of the Baby Boomers are going to be ready for ALFs before too much longer. After our ALF experience -- and believe me, we are far from alone -- I think I'd prefer to go straight to a nursing home. At least they have standards to live up to and there are consequences when they don't.

[tomm9050]

Bravo CBS! This is an important story that needs to be told! It mirrors our experience with an ALF precisely. Although there may be a lot of well intentioned and sincere individual caregivers, this has become a corporate business, more concerned with the "bottom line" than the actual well being of the elderly and infirm. A business preying on those least able to defend themselves and on the guilt of family members overwhelmed by the demands of an aging spouse or parent. There was NOTHING in this report that was untrue or one sided, although it was curious that the facility refused to participate. This industry needs to be investigated and more thouroughly regulated! What they do borders on criminality.

[griffinj3]

The story is beyond sad and my heart goes out to the families affected.

However, I do not understand the neglectful way the media presented the story. It almost came across that ALL assisted living facilities were amoral in the care they provide their residents.

In the state of Florida, the state regulations are written for the protection of the residents. I believe that every possibility is covered. Let me assure you when a state survey is performed they do not cut anyone any slack for any infraction and you are not simply slapped on the wrist. Providers know that they are held to high standards and if they cannot live up to those standards they should not enter the assisted living arena and if they do, they won't last long unless their standards meet the state requirements.

There may be states that do not require high standards and that is wrong. But please do homework and give credit to the states that are striving to meet the needs of our true assets - our elderly.

[ced15]

As a employee of the assisted living community in Milwaukee for over 15 years, I have witnessed unfortunate incidents. But, to say that an ALF is not regulated is incorrect. The DHFS in Wisconsin has set rules and regulations which must be followed to ensure proper care and resident safety. Caregivers are screened, have background checks run with the State and must complete several training courses in order to complete resident care and maintain employment. This also includes continuing education on a monthly basis during their employment. Surveyors from the BQA do visit, and they do cite when problems are found.

What CBS has showed is the worst that could happen. To assume that all facilites provide this type of care to their residents is wrong.
I have been employed over the years for several companies and have worked side by side with incredible caregivers, nurses, and other providers who ensure that their residents are given the love, dignity, and respect that they deserve.

How about airing a follow up story showing the other side of the coin? You will without a doubt find thousands of families and residents who are extremely happy with the care that they recieve.

[cab555-2009]

I believe the most significant issue here is that CBS news chose to present a story as complete fact, obviously failing to report both sides accurately. This is such a disappointment; much like reading a tabloid. I will have trouble believing CBS news in the future.
Three tragic stories were told, but we know that those are anomalies, not the norm. The assisted living industry is state-regulated, not a bad thing. They are not nursing homes, they do not need physician leadership, nor RN's on duty. If people need daily RN assessment, they should be in skilled nursing facilities, not assisted living. ACF's provide help with dressing, bathing, meals, housekeeping, laundry, medication administration and activities. A safe place to be when they can no longer be safe at home. And living with families is not always optimal. They are sometimes left alone frequently, and family dynamics often prove stressful for everyone.
Every industry has good and bad, in ours it is certainly the good that prevails. Your news story was more like a tabloid story, with sensationalism and catch phrases like, "Assisted living business, risky business?" Oh, dear.
Would you please consider doing the story again, but with a more equal content?

[thkh95]

Okay - let's federally regulate assisted living, because federally regulating nursing homes have improved them greatly, right? I don't believe so, no, the increased regulations, the increased paperwork, the increased liability, the increase fines, the increase requirement, and the decreased reimbursement have left nursing homes in shambles. Now let's run the ALF's down the same road, because we proven oh so well that federal regulation works!

[thkh95]

Maybe CBS should look beyond one or two states and one or two ALFs. 1000's of ALFs throught all 50 states provide excellent, loving, care to the nation's senior citizens. But I guess CBS would not have a story to air if it was about a 84 year old lady that lived in a house alone, had few visitors, ate one meal a day, mismanaged her medications and then made a life changing decision to move to an ALF where she got loving, nurturing care from mission driven people. She ate three delicious, well-balanced meals a day and took her medications with the help of loving staff. And this lady, turned around and became the social butterfly that started up a bridge club and coffee group in the cafe every morning. This 84 year old lady now has a dignified, social, healthier, dignified, improved quality of life, but I guess that would be a story worth airing on a national news show, now would it?

[tomm9050]

What "OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY" is there here? The ALF was negligent and lax and a person who was entrusted to their care, died! Or more correctly; was killed.

The fault is entirely with the facility. What would the other side of the story be? Mr. Camarata should have known better? Those here defending and shilling for the ALF industry, should be ashamed.

[hehobson]

As the President and CEO of Plymouth Harbor, CCRC,in Sarasota, FL who has spent the past 26 years at assisted living and nursing homes in Ohio, Virginia and Florida and exposed to over 100 other's nationwide, I found this story to be unbalanced, sensationalisitic, yet sufficient to create further anxiety among not only those who currently reside in assisted living facilities and nursing home; but, those who are planning a move for either themselves or a loved one.

My question is what was left on the "editing room floor" as programs such as this one are produced and edited. Witnessing the loving care of a nurse, aide or visitor is also important. Observing the way we preserve the dignity of those who need us most is important and newsworthy.

Katie, et al, you owe it to the public to show the balance that you know exists.

We welcome you to Sarasota to spend not just a few minutes, but perhaps a few days to view our care at Plymouth Harbor which I believe is more representative of long-term care. Send someone in undercover, but if you do a story ("60 min. style") may I have an opportunity to sit in on the editing session to make sure what you show has balance?

Respectfully,

Harry Hobson

[ap646668]

The death of the gentleman is inexcusable. Chemicals should always be under lock.

As a nursing home administrator with over 20 yrs of experience, I would pose the following question. Where are the families? The only good I see coming from the lopsided report, is to encourage families to do some research before placing a loved in any tpye of living facility. My wife is the administrator of an ALF. Just last week she was offered 2x the going rate if she would take back a resident (dementia)that she had to discharge because the ALF could not meet her needs nor provide a safe environment.

Having operated 5 LTC centers and filled 10 interim positions, I observed that the best care was always provided by the facilities that had the most interaction with the families. As a former educator, I can make the same observation. In most cases, parental involvement resulted in a better learning environment.

The whole concept of involvement is called teamwork.

Unfortunately we spend more time shopping for a new car than we do for healthcare for a loved one or daycare for our children. Care and safety should take presedence over location and convenience. Thank you. Augie Pepple

[mlhunt]

The problem I have with ALFs is that they accept people who need far more help than they are prepared or equipped to provide. Most of the ads and websites for ALFs show people who are able to get around easily by themselves and just need some help with housework and other simple assistance. But many ALFs are now claiming to have "specialized memory care units" designed for people with Alzheimer's. When ALFs start taking in people with advanced dementia and other complicated medical issues, they are dealing with situations that would be better handled in a nursing home. The results are the types of tragedies documented in this story, as well as in articles that have appeared in the Washington Post, USA Today and many other publications. It is not at all unusual for patients to suffer fatalities in ALFs, but the facilities seldom face serious consequences. They need the same regulations as the nursing homes.