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March 2014
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Dear Subscriber,

Assisted living started out as an alternative for seniors who needed a little help with their day-to-day needs. But now it has become a big business that isn't always consistently scrutinized. Use this guide to find quality care for your loved one.

Introducing Our NEW Streamlined Newsletter Format
People now spend more time online than watching television. And the top destinations are social media sites like Facebook. This month we look at the consequences of sharing too much personal information on social media and ways to protect yourself.

You might have also noticed that we have launched our newly designed newsletter. Our hope is this format will be a quick browse for information important to you while also providing access to more in-depth information.

As always, let us know your thoughts on any topics you read about here or any questions you might have about your legal rights.

Assisted Living Not Always Safe

Taking Care of Mom and Dad

Advertising for assisted living paints a glorious picture for seniors: “Enjoy your golden years in bright, polished, independent communities while licensed medical professionals monitor your every need.”

Reality can be a different story. As the baby boomer generation ages, assisted living has become a big business – and for too many residents and their families, a big problem. Uneven regulation has created a dangerous situation where some facilities are not properly equipped or staffed to care for an increasingly ill population. Before you check in your loved one, you should know how to find quality assisted living.

Start Your Search Here. >>>

BY THE NUMBERS /

750,000
Residents

There are 750,000 Americans living in assisted-living facilities. And as baby boomers age, that number is expected to grow.

Source: A Starter Guide for Assisted Living, Next Avenue

$3,450
Per Month
 

The average cost for a private, one-bedroom apartment in an assisted-living residence averaged $3,450 per month in 2013 – nearly 5 percent more than in 2012.

Source: 2013 Cost of Care Survey, Genworth

16
Years Old

The minimum age for assisted-living caregivers in some states is just 16. Facility administrators aren’t required to have a high school diploma in 14 states.

Source: Elderly, At Risk and Haphazardly Protected, ProPublica

BOOKMARK FAVORITES /

Resources for Residents, Families, Caregivers

Search for quality assisted living in your community with links and resources from the Administration for Community Living.

ProPublica and PBS Frontline Fight for Rights of Seniors

ProPublica and PBS “Frontline” have teamed up to investigate and highlight the loose regulations and increased risks to seniors in assisted living.

Service Rates Assisted-Living Facilities in All 50 States

Personalized help finding the right assisted-living facility is available through Caring.com. Compare costs, learn about ratings and read reviews of different facilities in your state.

Keep Our Medicine Cabinets Safe

Because of legal and bureaucratic loopholes, drug makers can’t be held accountable if their drugs injure or kill Americans. Join those petitioning the FDA to restore accountability.

Take action

Talking the Issues

Check out podcasts featuring topics from past issues of You Should Know, and subscribe to future shows via iTunes or RSS feed.

Listen now

 
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