Life and Death in Assisted Living

With Baby Boomers aging, assisted living facilities have become a multibillion dollar industry. In this PBS-aired Frontline documentary, correspondent A.C. Thompson investigates this weakly regulated business sector that has become "the rock we don't want to look under." Of particular concern is Alzheimer's disease or dementia, which affects one in five Americans at some point. Under pressure by Wall Street to remain profitable, flagship companies such as Emeritus have not only cut corners, but their low-paid staff members are also not really qualified to care for the special needs of Alzheimer's residents. This film details several tragedies, including a former pro football star who escaped his memory care wing and died after swallowing industrial strength dishwashing liquid; a woman who jumped (or fell) from a second story window; and a case of severe neglect in which a woman developed life-threatening bedsores. Former staffers recall the lack of training and pressure to keep the facilities fully occupied at all times, while also noting that many dementia patients should not have been in an independent living facility in the first place, but are because they can be charged higher rates for care. Terrible incidents have led to time-consuming and emotionally-wrenching litigation, and viewers will hear testimony from the Emeritus CEO, attorneys on both sides, whistleblowers, and distraught family members. Offering an urgent and timely report on a "ticking time bomb" that promises more injuries and deaths, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)