NATION : Report Cites Ills at Rest Homes

The General Accounting Office told Congress, in a report released today, that states have found problems ranging from physical and sexual abuse to improperly stored food and trash at rest homes and similar residential facilities for the elderly and mentally ill.

It reported on the board-and-care homes, which are residences of last resort for many aged and mentally ill people. “It is frightening how little we know about board-and-care homes,” said Sen. John Heinz (R-Pa.), ranking Republican on the Senate Special Committee on Aging. “This is an industry out of sight and out of control.”