The General Accounting Office analyzed facilities in Oregon, Florida, California and Ohio. Its report offers a good starting point from which to check the assisted living market and measure its ability to safely handle growing consumer demand in the new century. One of the most disturbing findings stems from some of the industry's marketing and sales pitches. This latter point could cause serious disturbances down the road to families whose loved one's health may deteriorate after admission to a facility, especially in cases of Alzheimer's disease or other mental health illnesses. What's more, the GAO concluded only one-quarter of surveyed facilities routinely provide residents written contracts prior to admission, although a majority offered them upon request.
Many consumers have little to no experience with assisted living services.
Don't let a glossy sales brochure gloss over the nitty-gritty details. My congressional hearing in April helped expose some of the industry's shortcomings. I look forward to monitoring the industry's pledge to improve standards in these areas. In the meantime, I will send an inquiry to the 50 governors to gauge their approach to monitoring the assisted living industry. Most importantly, I encourage every potential assisted living consumer to shop carefully.