Is California 'Warehousing' the Seriously Mentally Ill in Nursing Homes?

Nursing homes aren’t generally equipped to care for the seriously mentally ill, who require specialized treatment and services. But a new investigation by LAist found that in the past year, 25 percent of California nursing home residents had bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or psychotic disorder. And that percentage has increased over the past decade. Some advocates say the mentally ill are effectively being “warehoused” in nursing homes, a practice they say could violate the Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal laws.

Guests:

Keris Jän Myrick, vice president of partnerships, Inseparable - a mental health advocacy organization. She was referred to a nursing home after being hospitalized

Debbie Toth, executive director, Choice in Aging - which works to create opportunities where people can learn, grow, and age independently with dignity in community

Elly Yu, senior reporter, LAist

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