The Seattle Times investigation
The State of Washington has serious flaws in their adult family home system according to a recent investigation by The Seattle Times. Residents have been abuse and exploited. Washington has more than 2,800 homes that care for over 11,000 elderly adults.
The first article in a 3-part series was entitled “seniors for sale”. It states that thousands of seniors have been exploited by profiteers or harmed by caregivers. The investigation looked into 15 years of reports filed by the Department of Social and Health Services. This Department ignored reports of abuse and neglect and falsified medical records.
The investigation found that new owners of these elderly homes did not meet the requirements needed to run this type of establishment – not enough training or no training at all. According to the Washington Health Care Association, which represents nursing homes, DSHS does not properly oversee these homes. It was also discovered that owners charged huge monthly amounts but had no problem cutting meals, turning off the heat and not changing resident soiled clothing daily.
In summary, with our present economy, there is no shortage of people trying to make money off our elderly adults. For every four new homes opened, three go out of business. It is sad when people are more interested in making money and have no desire to help the people that come to them.
