Moving into an assisted living facility is usually a big decision for seniors and their families, one that often follows a hospital stay or other event that signifies they can no longer live on their own.

It can happen quickly, catching families off guard as they now need to find a reputable place, navigate contracts and discern which facility will give their loved one the best possible care. Even after move-in day the worry remains: did I pick a good place? Will they be properly looked after?

Attorney General Andrea Campbell is throwing a lifeline for seniors and families taking this next step. Her office is starting to pursue stronger consumer protections for the more than 17,000 Bay Staters residing in assisted living facilities, according to State House News.

Acting through the state’s consumer protection law, Campbell’s office said earlier this week it’s seeking public feedback as it crafts regulations “to protect residents of assisted living residences from unfair and deceptive acts and practices, including misrepresentation of available services, improper fees, and unlawful evictions.” Her office said the regulations could require that facilities make certain disclosures about their contractual terms, and they also can declare certain acts and practices to be unlawful.

A 2023 analysis by the Washington Post found oversight of the nation’s roughly 30,000 assisted-living facilities is left to the states, which is one reason why Campbell’s move is necessary. Massachusetts currently lacks consumer protection regulations that are specifically targeted for assisted living residents and facility owners and operators, Campbell’s office said.

Advocates last year gave the Post three requirements that could improve safety and transparency:

Mandating a minimum number of on-duty staffers for each resident.

Requiring that all caretakers receive at least six hours of training on dementia.

Providing online access to complaints and inspection reports for families trying to choose a facility.

The last suggestion is of particular importance for families making the big decisions for their senior parents or relatives. No one wants to fly blind.

Kudos to Campbell for getting input from the public. They are the best “experts” in this regard, seeing up close how their loved ones are treated, and how much care they actually receive.

“Every resident of an assisted living facility has the right to live in a safe and habitable environment, free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation,” Campbell said. “Our older adults deserve to age safely with dignity and respect, which is why creating consumer protection regulations for assisted living facilities is so important and responsive to their advocacy.”

Campbell’s office noted that any proposed regulations would be subject to a public hearing and other chances for Massachusetts residents to weigh in, but these first steps are welcome.

We applaud our Attorney General for spotlighting the state’s assisted living residents, a group that too often is an afterthought.

Editorial cartoon by Chip Bok. (Creators Syndicate)