Washington Post Reports Highlight Assisted Living Resident Elopements and Staffing Problems, Industry Pushes Back

Recently, The Washington Post conducted an investigation into the senior living industry, uncovering dozens of incidents where residents wandered away and died due to “bare-bones” staffing levels. The investigation detailed nearly 100 deaths since 2018 as a result of residents wandering away from their communities. The articles also shed light on how staffing shortages and poor training are exacerbating these issues. Industry professionals, including representatives from provider associations and Welltower, have expressed concerns about the accuracy of the Post’s data. These findings have sparked a broader national scrutiny of the senior living industry, prompting calls for policy changes and industry-wide improvements. The analysis also delved into staffing challenges at assisted living communities, citing examples of alleged understaffing that resulted in tragic resident deaths. It suggested that the industry’s growth and influx of investors may have led to cost-cutting efforts that have left communities understaffed. These revelations have prompted the industry to reevaluate its approach to staffing and prioritize the safety and well-being of its residents.