The underlying reason for these shortcomings, according to those who appeared before the committee, is that there is no uniform national standard, but rather individual standards set up in all 50 states. Collette Appolito, a private citizen, was the first person to speak. She mentioned the fact that she had much difficulty when she had to move her elderly mother from San Diego to the state of Ohio. She said that there was a huge transition that had to be made since the standards and regulations changed as they moved outside of California. Kathryn Allen, a member of the Health and Financing Systems Issue, mentioned many of the problems within the assisted living system.
Health related problems can result in discharge.
Consumers need to have information in order to make the best choice of what facility they want. Catherine Hawes, Assisted Living Study Project Director, also had some startling figures. He used an example that you can get any information you want about a microwave, you should also be able to find information in consumer reports about ALF s so that potential residents can make a well-founded decision.