Seattle Times Series Highlights Problems with State’s Adult Family Homes

Sunday, January 31

The Seattle Times published a front-page article today (part of a larger investigative series) about the problems in our state’s Adult Family Home industry. The Seattle Times published a front-page article today (part of a larger investigative series) about the problems in our state’s Adult Family Home industry.

As the article points out, Adult Family Homes – largely unregulated - have been one of the fastest growing segments of the long-term care industry. Hopefully these articles will help spur the legislature, the Governor, and the Department of Social and Health Services to improve oversight and standards. The workers and clients in these facilities deserve no less.

Our union does not represent any workers in Adult Family Homes. A few years ago we did our own research into the condition of workers at Adult Family Homes and discovered significant violations of worker’s rights. The mostly immigrant workforce is frequently asked to work twenty-four hours a day several days in a row. One worker we spoke to was forced to work 30 days on followed by two days off to visit her family. However, because of short staffing, she was often forced to work on her days off – going several consecutive months without a day off.

Joined by other long-term care advocates, we have raised concerns over the years about the quality of care and treatment of workers in Adult Family Homes. The problems with training and oversight are well documented. This is a key reason why Initiative 1029 covered all home and community-based long-term care workers, including those working in Adult Family Homes. We will continue to be an outspoken advocate for improvements for all long-term care workers and consumers.

Click here to read the Seattle Times Series, "Seniors for Sale"