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A Copper Country nursing home is in serious trouble with the State of Michigan.
A recent investigation by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services discovered numerous violations at the Mission Point facility in Hancock.
The 106-page report details a litany of complaints from both residents and staff members.
Among the state’s findings:
• Staffing levels were so low that overnight crews were sometimes reduced to two employees to care for 42 residents. One employee reported that they had been required to work double eight-hour shifts for four consecutive days. Turnover is extraordinarily high.
• Supervisory positions, such as the Director of Nursing, were left unfilled.
• Staff shortages affected patient care. Some residents who need assistance with showers received only one per month. Incontinent patients were not assisted in timely fashion. Other hygiene needs and repositioning requirements to prevent pressure ulcers were also not met.
• An extended breakdown of the facility’s vehicle resulted in cancellation of medical appointments for residents.
• Roof leaks forced one patient to be moved to another room because water was dripping through the ceiling onto their bed.
• Meals were inadequate, and dietary restrictions, including for diabetic patients, were not followed.
• Payments for bills to suppliers and service providers were delinquent. Landscape service was suspended for non-payment. Heating and cooling problems and other maintenance issues went unaddressed. Staff members said many providers had cut off Mission Point’s credit, and required cash.
• Employees noted that they had made numerous requests to corporate headquarters for assistance in hiring additional staff and paying bills, but their pleas were ignored.
The report concluded, “This deficient practice resulted in wide-spread neglect of all 42 facility residents at a level of immediate jeopardy.”
Keweenaw Report contacted Mission Point’s corporate headquarters in suburban Detroit yesterday. They sent a statement acknowledging that the facility has experienced problems, and outlining their plans to rectify them. They include more aggressive efforts to attract qualified employees, and plans to resolve payment issues with vendors.
Former employees of Mission Point, however, tell us that these problems have been going on for many months, and that corporate management has been aware of them for a long time.
You can read the state report here.
You can read Mission Point’s response here.
