Abuse of the elderly and vulnerable adults is an issue that has gained increasing attention in recent years, particularly in hospice facilities where residents are often at their most vulnerable. In Michigan, Olsman MacKenzie Peacock & Wallace has been at the forefront of addressing this issue and advocating for the rights of hospice residents.

Hospices have a legal and moral obligation to provide their residents with an accident-free environment, maintaining a high standard of well-being and ensuring the dignity of each resident. This includes keeping residents free of bed sores and pressure ulcers. However, the reality is that not all hospice care facilities meet these standards.

As Michigan hospice injury lawyers, we stand ready to seek accountability and justice when loved ones are injured as a result of hospice abuse, neglect, or negligence. Our unwavering commitment is to pursue justice and secure complete compensation for our clients. We insist on absolute accountability, not just for the benefit of our clients, but also to ensure that these institutions recognize the need to amend their procedures to prevent future harm to others. If your loved one was injured while under hospice care, we invite you to call our office at 1-800-366-8653 to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your legal rights and options.

Negligence and Abuse in Hospice Facilities

Despite the legal requirements and ethical considerations, hospice facilities sometimes fail to provide the expected level of care and attention. This can be attributed to critical issues, such as understaffing, inadequate staff training, or a lack of appropriate care. As a result, residents may suffer from various forms of negligence and poor treatment, leading to significant injuries, such as:

• Physical injuries such as bruises, cuts, broken bones, or head injuries.
• Bedsores or pressure ulcers due to the lack of movement or repositioning.
• Malnutrition or dehydration due to neglect or withholding food or water.
• Emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or isolation.

How Do Potentially Preventable Injuries and Deaths Occur in Hospice Facilities?

Injuries and deaths in hospice facilities can occur due to a variety of factors, often stemming from negligence, abuse, or inadequate care. Some common causes of injuries and deaths in hospice facilities include:

• Elopement: Elopement occurs when a nursing home resident leaves the facility unsupervised, often due to a lack of proper monitoring or security measures. This can be particularly dangerous for residents with dementia or cognitive impairments, who may unknowingly wander into unsafe situations, such as busy streets or extreme weather conditions. Elopement can lead to serious injury or even death, and nursing homes must be held accountable for such incidents.

• Falls: Nursing homes should be acutely aware of the physical limitations of their residents and provide appropriate care to prevent falls. Many residents require assistance with walking and other daily activities, and failing to provide this support can result in falls, leading to severe injuries or even fatalities. Nursing homes must implement adequate measures to prevent falls and protect the well-being of their residents.

• Abuse: Physical, sexual, financial, and mental abuse of nursing home residents is a tragic and intolerable occurrence. Nursing homes and their staff must be held accountable for any abuse that occurs within their facility, and abusers must be reported to the authorities for potential criminal prosecution. Victims and their families must be provided with legal support and resources to help them seek justice.

• Restraints: Nursing home residents have the right to be free from restraints unless absolutely necessary. Restraints should only be used minimally and for the shortest possible duration. Overuse or inappropriate use of restraints can cause physical and emotional harm to residents, and nursing homes must ensure that their staff are properly trained in the appropriate use of restraints.

• Inadequate staff training: Untrained or inexperienced staff may not be equipped to handle the unique needs of hospice patients. This can result in improper care, mismanagement of symptoms, or failure to recognize and address potential complications, which can contribute to injuries or fatalities.

• Medication errors: Hospice patients often require multiple medications to manage their symptoms and maintain their comfort. Errors in medication administration, dosages, or drug interactions can have severe consequences, including worsening symptoms, adverse reactions, and even fatalities.

It is crucial for hospice facilities to prioritize patient safety and well-being by ensuring adequate staffing, proper staff training, and adherence to best practices in patient care. When negligence or abuse occurs, it is essential to hold the responsible parties accountable and seek justice for the affected individuals and their families. 

How Olsman MacKenzie Peacock & Wallace Seeks Justice For Michigan Hospice Injuries.

As experienced hospice injury lawyers, we are committed to providing a voice for hospice residents who have suffered from inattention, negligence, and poor treatment. We can help.

In addition to legal representation, Olsman MacKenzie Peacock & Wallace works to raise awareness about nursing home abuse and advocates for stronger regulations and enforcement to protect vulnerable residents. The firm collaborates with various stakeholders, including families, healthcare professionals, and government agencies, to identify ways to improve the quality of care in nursing homes and hospice facilities.

Nursing home abuse in hospice facilities is a serious issue that demands attention and action from all involved parties. By raising awareness and holding negligent hospice facilities accountable, we can work together to ensure that our loved ones receive the care and dignity they deserve during their final days. If you or a loved one was injured in a Michigan hospice facility, we invite you to call our office to schedule a free consultation.