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Study Offers First Assisted-Living Guidelines
By Kevin McCoy, USA TODAY April 29 2003 A federal study has produced first-ever guidelines aimed at ensuring more consistent quality in assisted-living facilities, the fastest-growing segment of U.S. long-term care for the aging. The study, obtained by USA TODAY and the focus of a U.S. Senate hearing scheduled for today, suggests regulating the contracts offered to new residents, medication, staffing standards and more. While not binding on states, which retain sole authority over assisted living, the guidelines mark an unprecedented bid to upgrade an industry that houses and cares for nearly 1 million Americans. The Senate Special Committee on Aging commissioned the 18-month study amid rapid growth of assisted living, widely perceived as a more desirable alternative to nursing homes. While assisted-living facilities generally don't provide skilled nursing care, they offer private living units and 24-hour staffs who help with daily activities. The USA had 36,399 assisted-living facilities last year, up 48% from 1998, according to the National Academy for State Health Policy. That growth increasingly has been accompanied by charges of abuse, neglect and lesser incidents -- allegations like those filed against some nursing homes. In one of the most serious assisted-living incidents, William Neff, an 83-year-old Pennsylvania man with Alzheimer's disease, died in 2000 after allegedly being kicked by Heidi Tenzer, an aide at his facility. Tenzer, who has pleaded not guilty to homicide, is to stand trial in June. Pennsylvania officials are weighing tougher rules. The study proposals were designed as a potential road map for such efforts. They include: * Written disclosure of all facility costs, services and policies, including minimum notice for any changes or termination. * Rules to ensure that ''trained and awake staff are on duty'' at all times and that medication is administered and stored safely. * Creation of a national Center for Excellence in Assisted Living to analyze and suggest regulations. * Increased state and federal funding for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, the 50-state network whose members field complaints and represent the residents' interests. Many proposals are non-specific, reflecting compromises among the nearly 50 groups that crafted them. Divisions proved so deep the groups were unable to agree on a definition of assisted living. Sen. John Breaux, D-La., ranking minority member of the Senate panel, voiced hope the report would ''motivate states to ensure quality of care.'' Copyright
© 2002 Global Action on Aging |
