[PGR88]

Pack up Dad’s or Mom’s stuff, help them move to a better, safer place, file a complaint with the state’s attorney or the board of health, press charges, but first and foremost, get them out of there… as fast as possible.

This phrase struck me. In our government-controlled, complex, pass-the-buck, highly regulated medical system, particularly for elderly - this is an impossibility. I have just been through it with my mother. Private elderly/rehab is super-expensive, and the owners want pre-payment or a complete audit of finances BEFORE they allow a patient in. Anywhere Medicare is going to pay part of the cost - then you need referrals, insurance approval, and recommendations from social workers. There is less and less "choice." We have created a highly regulated, bureaucratic system, and there isn't a black-market for elderly care that I'm aware of - so why is the author surprised when people's only option is to call a lawyer?

[Mastador1]

Assisted living institutions are really good at feeing you to death Are you interested in staying with us, fill out the credit check, now pay us for the evaluation where we will tell you how much assistance you need as we jack the monthly rate up from our ala carte menu. Hell there is one place near me I checked for my mom where the buy in was over 350K and they still wanted 4k a month, but hey that included two meals a day( third extra if you want one) and cradle to grave care. Oh yeah that was for the base room, one person, if your a couple you better be rich!