Locked Out

When Candace Esham's beloved grandmother-a retired geriatric nurse-died from neglect in an assisted living facility during COVID-19 lockdowns, she channeled her grief into a powerful advocacy movement.

"Locked Out" chronicles her family's devastating journey through an elder care system that failed them at every turn. As pandemic restrictions isolated vulnerable residents from their families, Esham's grandmother developed a preventable foot wound that facility staff neglected for months, ultimately leading to her painful death from sepsis.

Through intimate journal entries, medical records, and candid reflections, Esham exposes the systemic failures that allow elder neglect to flourish while offering practical guidance for families navigating similar challenges. Her story evolves from personal tragedy to public advocacy as she forms the Delaware Elder Care Advocacy Coalition, successfully pushing for legislative reforms that would help protect thousands of vulnerable seniors.

This unflinching memoir reveals the troubling realities of institutional elder care while highlighting the transformative power of turning grief into action. Esham's journey from devastated granddaughter to effective policy advocate provides a roadmap for others facing similar battles against an entrenched system that prioritizes profits over people.

Candid, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful, "Locked Out" is both a loving tribute to a remarkable woman and a powerful call to action for better protections for our most vulnerable citizens.

If you enjoyed "Being Mortal" by Atul Gawande, "The Best Care Possible" by Ira Byock, and "Elder Rage" by Jacqueline Marcell, you'll love "Locked Out: Elder Neglect And The Keys To Change."