The Senate Committee on Human Services convened on March 18, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding the long-term care system in Oregon, particularly in light of recent events at Mount Hood Senior Living. A poignant testimony from a concerned family member highlighted the severe challenges faced by residents and their families within the state's care facilities.

The speaker recounted the distressing experience of caring for multiple family members with serious health issues, including dementia and Parkinson's disease. They described the chaotic closure of Mount Hood in January, which led to the relocation of residents, including their aunt, who suffered multiple falls and emergency room visits during the transition. The speaker emphasized the lack of communication from the Department of Human Services (DHS) regarding the facility's staffing issues and ongoing investigations, which left families in the dark about the safety and care of their loved ones.

A significant point raised was the alarming backlog of over 34,000 licensing complaints within the community-based care unit as of January 2024. This backlog underscores the systemic problems within Oregon's long-term care system, which the speaker argued puts vulnerable residents at greater risk. The testimony also referenced a tragic incident involving a resident's death due to hypothermia, which the speaker attributed to negligence and poor coordination by state officials.

The speaker urged the committee to support amendment SB 739, which aims to implement state-mandated improvements in the care system. They stressed that the experiences of Mount Hood residents should serve as a catalyst for change, ensuring that such tragedies do not recur. The testimony concluded with a call for accountability and a commitment to better care for Oregon's most vulnerable populations.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for reform in the state's long-term care facilities, as families continue to face significant challenges in securing safe and dignified care for their loved ones.