The rise of real estate investment trusts (REITs) in the long-term care sector has sparked concerns about the quality of care residents receive. While REITs have been praised for investing in long-term care facilities, there are growing fears that their influence over nursing homes and assisted living facilities may be compromising resident safety and well-being. The case of Pearlene Darby, a retired teacher who died from bedsores and infections at a Sacramento nursing home, highlights the potential risks associated with REIT ownership. The nursing home, City Creek Post-Acute and Assisted Living, was leased to a management company called Kalesta Healthcare Group by CareTrust REIT, which has faced criticism for its oversight and accountability in the Darby case. The article explores the complex relationship between REITs and nursing homes, examining the challenges residents face and the potential implications for the long-term care industry. The author delves into the financial incentives of REITs, the impact of staffing shortages, and the role of government oversight in addressing these issues. The piece concludes with a call for greater transparency and accountability in the long-term care sector, emphasizing the need for residents and their families to be protected from the potential harms of REIT ownership.
