Michigan Nursing Home Resident Develops Massive Bedsores
Donald Taylor, 86, was a resident at Tendercare Health Center - Birchwood in Traverse City, Michigan, a nursing home facility owned by Extendicare Health Services, Inc. of Milwaukee. He was taken to Munson Medical Center on April 7, 2009 with "extreme" pressure ulcers across his pelvic area. When his daughter, Louise Muma, called the facility on April 8 to check on him, she was told that he was asleep. She was unaware of her father's condition or that he was in the hospital until his wife called her with the information. She called the facility again and asked about his condition and care and the staff member "was totally silent on the other end of the phone."
Mr. Taylor was released from the hospital on April 13, 2009 and no longer resides at Tendercare Health Center.
Louise Muma said that Munson Medical officials advised their family that the hospital had filed a complaint with nursing home regulators in this matter. A spokesperson for the state attorney general advises that a criminal investigation is underway.
This is not the first time that Tendercare Health Center has been under the watchful eye of Michigan state nursing home regulators. The facility was fined approximately $38,000 in 2007 and 2008 for violations that included patient assaults, falls, and bedsores. There were also reports of physical and sexual assault among residents dating back to 2006. A state departmental report indicated that facility staff did not report incidents to the state, as required by law, nor did they protect the residents.
The Terry Law Firm is experienced in handling cases of nursing home abuse and neglect. Please contact us with questions or concerns at 1 (888) 317-2525 or visit us at www.nursinghomejustice.com.
