"DisElderly Conduct: The Flawed Business of Assisted Living & Hospice" with Judy Karofsky

Coming From Left Field podcast published June 24, 2025

Warm Greetings All,

This episode of Coming From Left Field features Judy Karofsky, author of “DisElderly Conduct: The Flawed Business of Assisted Living and Hospice,” which spotlights the challenges in America’s elder care system.

As one of Wisconsin’s first female mayors, Judy helped establish senior centers and improve housing and economic development. However, after her mother had a stroke, she faced challenges in the assisted living and hospice sectors. This included moving through six facilities and being subjected to deceptive marketing and lack of federal oversight.

Unlike regulated nursing homes, assisted living operates with minimal regulation, allowing private equity firms to prioritize profits over residents' well-being. Judy's book exposes systemic neglect, underpaid staff, and powerless families, revealing the elder care industry's resistance to transparency and government reforms.

Both Greg and I have a personal connection to Judy’s stories. Greg is the primary caregiver for his older sister, who has recently moved into an assisted living facility and my mother-in-law passed away in January after suffering a stroke and spending nearly two years in the elder care system. Judy’s memoir strikingly mirrors my experiences and highlights the ongoing crisis affecting us all—as she aptly notes, “Every one of us will need or provide this care someday.”

112 June 24, 2025
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Judy’s work draws attention to the elder care industry, such as how Rachael Carson’s “Silent Spring” exposed the issues caused by the indiscriminate use of pesticides, which contributed to the environmental movement. OK, that analogy is a bit of a stretch, but it's a worthwhile read.

Peace,

Pat