With more people using assisted living, it's inevitable that problems will arise. Some organizations will see the opportunity to make some quick money. Places that only offer assisted living don't fall under the same rules as nursing homes, and inspection of these facilities isn't as well regulated, so it's easier to pull of a business with less than optimal care.

The Tulsa World recently ran a story titled, "Number of homes cited for problems," which is a rather chilling indictment of assisted living in the Tulsa Oklahoma area.

The article begins by saying, "More than half of the assisted living homes inspected in Oklahoma last year were cited for medication problems, violating patient rights or housing patients whose needs exceed the level of care the homes are licensed to provide, a Tulsa World analysis shows."

It goes on to say, "Dorya Huser, chief of long-term care for the state Health Department, said the department's inspectors have been finding more cases of neglect and other serious issues as they work through a backlog of overdue inspections. Because assisted-living centers do not accept Medicare or Medicaid, there is no federal reimbursement for state inspections. Regulations are also much less specific than those nursing homes must follow."

Under the sub-head "A system coming of age," the World says, "Two decades ago, most elderly or disabled people who could no longer stay home went to a nursing home. The homes, based on a medical model, weren't designed for residents who could do most things for themselves...Kathleen Cameron, chairwoman of the Consumer Consortium on Assisted Living's board of directors, said assisted-living centers evolved 25 years ago 'for people who didn't necessarily need the level of care that is provided in nursing facilities but needed some assistance with activities of daily living.'''

This excellent article addresses the idea that regulations and inspections need to evolve along with these newer facilities. Since assisted living doesn't fall under Medicare and Medicaid law, it is up to state or local government to look for answers in areas where facilities fall below acceptable standards.

Any facility that serves as housing for elders, or other vulnerable adults, needs strict oversight to ensure the health and safety of the residents. If staff isn't available to inspect these homes, then funding needs to be earmarked for this important role in caring for our elders. No one should suffer from neglect or abuse because they are in a facility that isn't properly inspected.

To learn more about Carol, please go to http://www.mindingourelders.com/ or http://www.mindingoureldersblogs.com/.