12-8-14 assisted living-accidental deaths

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — At least 24 residents of assisted living homes in Wisconsin’s 15 largest counties have died after mistakes or mistreatment by caregivers in a two-year period.   A review of data from 2012 and 2013  also found that 94 residents were hospitalized or treated in emergency rooms for broken bones, debilitating bed sores and other injuries.  Assisted living providers say accidental deaths and injuries are rare, and positioning those numbers as representative of the community is a disservice.  But advocates for the elderly say the industry isn’t set up to handle an influx of older residents and facilities are stressed. Catherine Hawes of Texas A and M’s program on aging and long-term care policy says the situation is a “ticking time bomb” for the vulnerable.