Input sought on rules for assisted living

August 17, 2008

Harrisburg Patriot-News

"Assisted living" is probably a familiar term to anyone who has helped find a home for an elderly or disabled person who can no longer live alone.  

But it might come as a surprise it has no legal meaning in Pennsylvania. Nor does the state have a specific license or regulations for assisted living facilities.

Read more.

Assisted Living Firm Rejects Medicaid, Evicts Elderly

August 13, 2008

All Things Considered, National Public Radio

A nationwide chain of assisted living facilities promised elderly residents that if money ran out, they could pay for services with Medicaid. A change in policy by the company, Assisted Living Concepts, means Medicaid is no longer accepted and those who cannot pay are being evicted.

Older people often say one of their biggest fears is to wind up in a nursing home. That is one reason the assisted living industry has boomed. It offers a comfortable alternative, where people get to live in their own private apartments and leave the cooking and cleaning to the staff. But assisted living is expensive. And when people run out of money, there are few government rules to protect them.

Read more.

To Be Old, Frail And Evicted: Patients at Risk

August 7, 2008

The Wall Street Journal 

Sidebar: Fewer Protections with Assisted Living. Federal and state law gives nursing-home residents strong protections against eviction -- at least on paper. But these protections don't apply to residents in assisted-living facilities.

Read more.

Johnstown care home owner charged in resident's death

July 14, 2008

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette/AP

John R. Anthony Sr., who operates Moxham Personal Care Home in Johnstown, was charged yesterday with involuntary manslaughter and neglect of a care-dependent person.

Read more.

Victim could have survived, pathologist testifies at neglect trial

July 14, 2008

The Tribune Democrat

Had medical help been summoned, a disabled man could have survived his collapse onto a hallway floor at a Johnstown personal care home, a pathologist testified Monday. Instead, John Anthony Sr., owner-operator of Moxham Personal Care Home, decided that 47-year-old Gregory Hanks “is going to be OK here for the night,” testified Pamela Patton, another resident."

Read more.

The future of assisted care

 June 24, 2008

Philadelphia Inquirer

Op-Ed:  Closing of the Lavin homes and impact and information about proposed regulations

Read more.

Jill Porter: Channel your fury over Lavin case to change assisted-living regulations

June 18, 2008

Philadelphia Daily News 

YOU'RE NOT alone if you're still haunted by the fact that Rosalind Lavin got off so easy.

You're not alone if you think she should have been criminally prosecuted for the horrific conditions endured by the residents of her personal-care homes.

I continue to be contacted by readers appalled that Lavin, who lives lavishly on the Main Line, was able to get away with paying $700,000 and avoid acknowledging wrongdoing to resolve a federal investigation.

Read more: Jill Porter: Channel your fury over Lavin case to change assisted-living regulations

Few remain at Philadelphia boarding home

June 12, 2008

Philadelphia Inquirer

Residents’ reactions to the Lavin case outcome.

Read more.