Protecting Senior Citizens from Unlicensed Assisted Living Facilities – or "Look-a-likes"

CLIFTON PARK, NY (03/08/2010)(readMedia)-- On Tuesday, March 9, members of the Empire State Association of Assisted Living (ESAAL) will meet with lawmakers at the State Capitol in Albany and urge them to pass legislation granting the NYS Department of Health the authority to ensure that all senior housing residences providing adult home or assisted living services are properly licensed, strengthening resident protections.

Since the 1970s, licensed assisted living residences who are members of the Empire State Association of Assisted Living (ESAAL) have worked side by side with the NYS Department of Health to develop regulations that will ensure the safety of all assisted living residents.

In 2004, state lawmakers adopted a comprehensive reform package, which required unlicensed assisted living facilities to comply with stricter regulations and frequent inspections. Today, all state-licensed residences provide consumers with a room, meals, on-going supervision, personal care services, medication assistance, case management, activities, laundry and housekeeping.

Unfortunately, for the growing number of New York seniors who need assisted living services, there are a number of facilities still not in compliance with the state licensing standards – many have even found ways to skirt the law and avoid obtaining licensure altogether, compromising the safety of their residents. The legislation promoted by ESAAL would address this loophole in current law and allow the state to enforce current regulations and protect seniors.

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The Empire State Association of Assisted Living (ESAAL) is a not-for-profit organization that since 1979 has been dedicated to strengthening New York State's assisted living industry and promoting the best interests of providers and residents. It is the only association that exclusively represents the assisted living industry, serving more than 240 Assisted Living Residences, Adult Homes and Enriched Housing Programs throughout New York. These member residences are home to more than 20,000 seniors.

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