The cost of assisted living

[adiposrx]

Is anyone, besides me, concerned about the assisted Living industry here in Connecticut? Mind you, it isn't just about seniors-with-means moving into a location that provides a few ala carte services. It is an INDUSTRY where business decisions of the corporate entity are often placed ahead of the wants and desires of the residents... regardless of how much they pay per month. Most assisted Living businesses in Connecticut are devoid of State supervision or regulation. With the tsunamiof Baby Boomers just over the horizon,it makes sense for the state agencies that deal with the "elderly consumer" to anticipate what might happen if a monopolistic industry is left unfettered.

[CMT]

Hi,

I reworked your post so it read correctly and was not hit by the word filter - Just an FYI why it is showing up that I "edited" it. :)

[Modernliberal]

Assisted Living is getting to the point where it is not realistic. The cost in care for the care you get in return is minimal. I have seen many people go in, and come out for the worse, in some cases much worse. Why, when prices go up, does quality of service go down, in everything not just assisted living?

[eds]

Government regulation is not the answer. You only move the monopoly from the private sector to the public.

The problem is that the people who use the services of these assisted living providers are too complacent. It's mainly the fault of the younger people who place their older relatives in the care of these facilities. They drop their elderly relative off and wash their hands of the situation. If these people were to say "Enough is enough" and pulled their elderly relative out of their care, then they would have to change. Protesting, striking, boycotting etc. work to make change not government regulation. But most people are just happy to have their elderly relatives being taken care and that burden lifted from them.

Remember, I know what its like to take care of an elderly person as I am currently providing care to an 88 year old relative. I will not put her in a home no matter what. I have the resources to provide care to her without using these facilities. I agree they are problematic, however, unless we do something about it, it won't change. Government only makes it worse.

[collie]

I don't know why people would be surprised and expect the assisted living facilities to be any better than the long term care facilities have been for years. I have heard on the nursing grapevine to avoid working at assisted care living facilities - a nurse who worked in one told me they give you the impossible to do in terms of work load; you run all shift and never catch up. Then your license is on; it's risky.