MEMORY INC.

A Post series examining a pattern of neglect in America’s booming assisted-living industry.

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Dozens of assisted-living residents died after wandering away unnoticed

Since 2018, more than 2,000 people have wandered away from assisted-living and memory-care facilities, according to The Post’s investigation. Nearly 100 have died.

By Christopher Rowland, Todd C. Frankel, Yeganeh Torbati, Julie Zauzmer Weil, Peter Whoriskey and Steven RichDecember 17, 2023

Facilities where seniors died after walking away or being left unattended

The Post found fatal incidents involving seniors with cognitive impairments at 98 facilities. Here is a list of those deaths.

By Washington Post staffDecember 17, 2023

Understaffed and neglected: How real estate investors reshaped assisted living

A woman’s death at a high-end Colorado home shows how a focus on profits in the $34 billion industry affects staffing and pay, endangering elderly residents.

By Douglas MacMillan and Christopher RowlandDecember 17, 2023

How your state regulates assisted-living facilities

The Post analyzed state laws on assisted living to see which meet experts’ recommendations for staff training, staffing ratios, and transparency. Most states don’t.

By Julie Zauzmer Weil and Steven RichDecember 17, 2023

Assisted living managers say an algorithm prevented hiring enough staff

The nation’s largest assisted-living chain uses a staffing algorithm; some managers say they quit or were fired after they complained it left facilities dangerously short-handed.

By Douglas MacMillan and Christopher RowlandApril 1, 2024

Senior-care referral site ‘A Place for Mom’ stays mum on neglect

In some states, more than a third of facilities recommended by the popular website have been cited for substandard care, The Washington Post found.

By Christopher Rowland, Steven Rich, Todd C. Frankel and Douglas MacMillanMay 16, 2024

Senior homes refuse to pick up fallen residents, dial 911. ‘Why are they calling us?’

Cities are frustrated by 911 calls from senior facilities to help residents off the floor or toilet. Some are now charging fees, but facilities keep calling.

By Todd C. FrankelMay 3, 2024

One day, he was safe in a nursing home. The next, he was homeless.

His story shows how a few bad life turns can send Americans — even vulnerable elderly people with dementia — into the streets.

By Christopher Rowland and Bianca BagnarelliDecember 21, 2023

Senate to examine walkaway deaths in assisted-living facilities

The Senate Special Committee on Aging is demanding answers from the industry after The Washington Post detailed nearly 100 preventable walkaway deaths across the country.

By Christopher RowlandJanuary 16, 2024

Senators challenge assisted living industry over wandering deaths, poor care

Senators say they are disturbed by walkway deaths and understaffing at costly assisted-living facilities, a pattern revealed by a recent Post investigation.

By Christopher Rowland and Douglas MacMillanJanuary 25, 2024

Assisted living chat: Is a 10% increase per year typical?

Reporters who investigated deadly walkaways at assisted-living facilities answered questions from readers Tuesday.

By Christopher Rowland, Yeganeh Torbati, Julie Zauzmer Weil and Douglas MacMillanDecember 19, 2023