Senator Corbett to Introduce Legislation to Prevent Future Assisted Living Facility Tragedies

Following the tragic situation at the Valley Springs Manor in Castro Valley in late October, Senate Majority Leader Ellen M. Corbett (D-East Bay) today announced that she will introduce legislation that will bolster the facility inspection and complaint investigation process, as well as ensure a comprehensive plan that addresses the immediate and long term needs of assisted living residents following a facility closure.

The legislation seeks to prevent future tragedies that may potentially jeopardize the safety and wellbeing of elderly and/or sick residents at assisted living care facilities.

As the State Senator representing Castro Valley and the East Bay / Tri-Valley, Senator Corbett believes that the chain of events that culminated in 14 assisted living home patients being left virtually alone for two days following the closure of Valley Springs Manor by the California Department of Social Services in October is unacceptable.  Senator Corbett thanks the selfless staff that remained after the state action and appreciates their heroic efforts, though questions still remain regarding what steps government agencies and/or other facility staff should have taken to ensure the continued safety of facility residents.

“Though the ongoing federal, state and local investigation into what happened at Valley Springs Manor continues, this situation in Castro Valley is a clear reminder that there is an urgent need for increased protections to prevent this tragedy from ever happening again,” Senator Corbett said.  “Residents at assisted living facilities are certainly vulnerable and both they and their families deserve the peace of mind of knowing that there are safeguards in place to protect residents if and when another facility closure occurs.”

Senator Corbett and her staff will continue meeting with assisted living home representatives and residents, state agency representatives and other stakeholders in the weeks ahead to determine the best legislative course of action to meet the specific and general needs to protect assisted living home residents.