SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Times says it has uncovered at least 236 deaths that indicate neglect or abuse in adult family care homes, but were not reported to the state or investigated.
The newspaper says it examined death certificates of 4,703 Washington residents who died at adult homes from 2003 through 2008. The Times says it found adult-home deaths indicating neglect occur at strikingly higher rates than at nursing homes.
Adult homes are a less-regulated eldercare option than nursing homes. Licensed by the state Department of Social and Health Services, they allow home owners to rent out spare bedrooms and care for up to six seniors.
DSHS officials say most adult homes provide safe care. The Washington State Residential Care Council of Adult Family Homes says only a small fraction pose problems.
