Michigan Residential Homes for the Aged Lawyers
Communities classified as “Homes for the Aged” or “Assisted Living Facilities” offer an intimate, home like setting for seniors. These facilities provide their residents with room and board as well as very limited assistance with personal needs, such as grooming. Someone who lives in a home for the aged must be physically and mentally capable of finding their way to safety in the event of an emergency without any assistance from a 3rd party.
Homes for the aged are neither staffed nor licensed to provide nursing care. In fact, state law prohibits homes for the aged from accepting residents who need skilled nursing care but they must be safe from disrepair that could cause injury or abuse.
Abuse of the elderly in literally all types of facilities is a growing issue facing tens of thousands of senior citizens every year. As the population of older Americans grows, so does the hidden problem of elder abuse, exploitation and neglect.
Michigan Home for the Aged Facilities Must Uphold Certain Standards.
The State of Michigan does not license all assisted living facilities; however, a facility may be required to obtain a Home for the Aged license if the level of care provided at the facility meets the requirements of the licensing type ( e.g., provides room, board, and supervised personal care to more than 20 unrelated people over the age of 5 5, or if they are operated as a distinct part of a licensed nursing home).
Licensed Homes for the Aged have a duty to provide residents with:
- Personal assistance with dressing, personal hygiene, grooming, maintenance of medication, or the development of the personal and social skills required to live in the least restrictive environment possible;
- Guidance in the activities of daily living, such as reminding an individual of important appointments or to take medication, or being aware of his or her general whereabouts;
- Protection to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of a resident, including protection from physical injuries, humiliation, intimidation, and social, moral, financial, and personal exploitation;
- Guidance or assistance with eating, bathing, grooming, dressing, transferring, mobility, medication management, and other tasks; and
- Room and board, meaning an apartment, bedroom, or suite and meals.
If an elderly resident suffers abuse, neglect, or another type of harm, a home for the aged could be liable for monetary civil damages. Thus, if you or your loved one’s rights were violated, we urge you to call our office to schedule a free consultation. We can explain your rights under Michigan law and help you seek to hold all negligent parties accountable for their actions or inaction.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed at a Home for the Aged, please call our firm.
We can meet with you at your convenience to learn about your case, and explain to you how we will seek to recover for you the full measure of damages that may be due to you from those responsible.