The above is a question essentially posed to residents of a Gurnee, IL subdivision where Theresa Bicok wishes to operate a home-based assisted living facility out of her 6,000-square-foot home for up to 24 residents.

For the past several years, Ms. Bicok has operated an unlicensed assisted living facility out of her suburban Chicago-land home without much fanfare.  The village wasn't notified of the unlicensed facilities existence until paramedics were called to the home following the death of one of Ms. Bicok's residents.

In order for the home-based assisted living facility to continue to operate, the village board must grant Bicok a zoning variance that Mayor Kristina Kovarik is hesitant to do,

But [with 24 residents] you've literally taken a mini-sunrise assisted living and plopped it into a residential neighborhood

While I certainly appreciate the need for more alternative living arrangements for the elderly, I strongly support regulation of the facilities by state and local governments.  Too often we see residents becoming injured or grossly neglected at facilities out of the government's control.  In this circumstance, it is important for the board to evaluate the impact of this facility not just on the neighborhood itself, but also the safety of the people who may be living there.

Related:

Who Needs To Abide By Regulations? All Troubled Assisted Living Facilities Need To Do Is Re-Organize In Order To Avoid Compliance With Safety Laws

Now That We Rate Nursing Homes, Is It Time To Rate Other Adult-Care Facilities?

Another Iowa Assisted Living Facility Chooses To Abandon Its License

Board agrees to postpone vote on unlicensed assisted living home in Gurnee subdivision Trib Local, by Megan Craig