Evelyn Longsworth had no qualms with the caregivers at Ashley Court, an assisted living facility near her home in Brighton. She did, however, complain to the Michigan Department of Human Services when she discovered the facility had no cleaning crew, and required caregivers to be responsible for housekeeping and laundry services.

The facility where her husband Tom spent the last several months of his life was severely understaffed.

Longsworth brought in her own carpet shampooer and extracted years' worth of urine and filth from the carpets. She observed ventilation and heating vents that were caked with layers of dust. Evelyn documented her findings, and took numerous pictures, some of which are displayed in the video below.

After her husband's death, Longsworth filed complaints with DHS, and the state found numerous violations: Inadequate staffing, inadequate supervision, personal care and protection for residents, residents injured from falls that the staff is not aware of and don't investigate, and the facility is often unclean.

(On a personal note, this story of Longsworth's journey struck very close to home as my father recently entered a nursing home/rehabilitation facility after a sudden health setback.)

Please share this story with anyone who has aging loved ones, and encourage them to contact the Michigan State Department of Human Services (800-882-6006) to report possible violations.

- George McIntyre
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