Washington Post Investigation on Assisted Living Elopements Prompts Senate Review

The Washington Post’s recent investigation into residents who wandered away from assisted living communities has sparked a new review by a U.S. Senate committee. Sen. Bob Casey, chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, is launching a review of safety within the assisted living sector based on the newspaper’s reporting. The committee is also planning a hearing on “Assisted Living Facilities: Understanding Long-Term Care Options for Older Adults.” Casey has requested information from the largest assisted living operators regarding elopements, incident reporting, and costs incurred by residents and their families. The industry has pushed back against the Post’s reporting, emphasizing that such incidents are rare and that assisted living communities prioritize resident safety. The Senate review presents an opportunity for senior living operators to educate the public on their overall safety record.