In response to “Let’s invest in a Maine where we can all age well” (Opinion, March 18), I feel compelled to share our family’s experience with the current state of elder care in our community. It will be a year next month since my mother-in-law passed away in an assisted living facility in southern Maine.

Despite her desire to remain independent, my mother-in-law lived there for many years after a fall left her unable to remain safely in her home. At first, she was relieved, maybe even satisfied with her choice of facility.

Over time, however, we watched the quality of her environment and care steadily deteriorate. Staff were overworked and undertrained, turnover was constant and tightening budgets resulted in loss of essential services. Most notably, the food lacked not just in variety but quality. “Extras,” such as snacks or sodas, disappeared and were replaced with the cheap drink mixes, offering no nutritional value while sending a clear message about priorities. 

Hospitalizations and rehabilitation stays in other local centers were limited in number of days, causing stress and fear of losing her room. In the end, she died in that assisted living facility. A place that made no acknowledgement of her life and time there, and no expression of sympathy for her passing; not a card, flowers, not even a simple word of condolence. It was devastating.

We must do better. We must invest in aging seniors. We must help them remain in their own homes.

Kimberly Clark
Saco