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 means they can no longer live on their own.

This can happen quickly, catching families off guard as they now must find a reputable location, navigate contracts, and discern which facility will provide their loved one with the best possible care. Even after move-in day, the worry remains: Have I chosen a good place? Will they be properly taken care of?

Attorney General Andrea Campbell is throwing a lifeline to seniors and families taking this next step. His office is beginning to strengthen 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 that it was seeking public comment as it develops regulations “to protect residents of residential- services against unfair and deceptive acts and practices, including misrepresentations of available services, improper charges, and illegal evictions. .” His office said regulations could require establishments to make certain disclosures about their contract terms, and they could also declare certain illegal acts and practices.

A 2023 analysis by The Washington Post found that oversight of the nation’s roughly 30,000 assisted living facilities is left to the states, which is one reason Campbell’s decision is necessary. Massachusetts currently does not have consumer protection regulations that specifically target assisted living residents and facility owners and operators, Campbell’s office said.

Last year, advocates gave the Postal Service three requirements that could improve security and transparency:

Impose a minimum number of service employees for each resident.

Require all caregivers to receive at least six hours of dementia training.

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

This last suggestion is especially important for families who are making important decisions for their elderly parents or loved ones. Nobody wants to fly blind.

Kudos to Campbell for getting the public’s input. They are the best “experts” in this regard because they see up close how their loved ones are treated and what care they actually receive.

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

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

We applaud our Attorney General for shining a spotlight on the state’s assisted living residents, a group that is too often overlooked.