“Assisted Living America” Tracks History and Challenges Ahead For Long Term Care In America

Today thousands enjoy the security and homelike feel of Assisted Living. But this environment didn’t always exist, and wouldn’t at all if it weren’t for several forward thinking individuals who, in the 1980’s, saw a need in their communities for a new style of long term care for older adults.

In Oregon, Dr. Keren Brown Wilson and her husband, Dr. Michael DeSahne, both gerontologists, were working to get Keren’s vision of long term care for people with low to moderate income to be eligible for Medicaid funds through the state government.
Unknown to Dr. Wilson, Paul Klaassen and his wife Terry were facing similar circumstances in Virginia, leading them to create Sunrise Senior Living, now one of the nations largest assisted living providers.

It was a dilemma being faced by families in communities all over the country. The federal government had subsidized building of nursing homes during the 1960’s, and set up Medicaid to enable people of low to moderate means to be cared for in them. While nursing homes were much needed for people with serious physical impairment, people who just needed a little extra help, but could basically care for themselves had no where to turn.

Great strides have been made in the long-term care industry in the past 30 years. Sadly, the funding of care for the elderly in the United States is a mish-mash of regulation among the states and slim on reasonable, concise plans for the future on the part of the federal government.

This film, Assisted Living America will profile the long-term care industry from its origins to its present position. Looking beyond the industry today, Assisted Living America seeks to educate the public and promote healthy debate on the future of long-term care in America.

Trailer: Assisted Living America
Written and Produced by Tracy Ready, Trace Productions
Narration by Bob Losure

This preview of the film was made possible by kind contribution from Jay Stowers of Senior Risk, LLC. This is a documentary currently in production and funding is needed to complete the full length film. We believe it is an important story to be told and are grateful for your support.

Your tax deductible donations to the following 501 C-3 non-profit foundations will support the making of this film:

Jessie F. Richardson Foundation
JFRfoundation.org

Still Kickin’ Foundation
StillKickin.org

This preview for the film “Assisted Living America” made its debut in June at Assisted Living Federation of America Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. The video was displayed in HD at the industry trade show courtesy of Senior Risk, LLC.

Thanks for watching. Your support of this project is greatly appreciated.

Tracy Ready is a Writer / Producer / Director of Photography / Vocalist based in Dallas, Texas USA.
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