Assisted Living Ethics: Corporate Neglect and Elder Care Safety

Business Ethics: The "Life and Death in Assisted Living" Case

This case study examines four ethical obligation structures, the constituencies of ethical business, professional ethics, and the ethical dilemmas presented by the "Life and Death in Assisted Living" scenario.

The Assisted Living Industry Landscape

Assisted living facilities house almost a *million American seniors* and represent a *billion-dollar business*.

George McAfee's Tragic Story

George McAfee, an elderly man suffering from *dementia*, required specialized care. His family selected Cypress Court, an assisted living home charging over $4000 monthly. However, after its acquisition by *Emeritus Corporation*, the quality of care significantly deteriorated.

A Fatal Incident of Neglect

One night, George *wandered* from his room. With no staff on duty in his building, he encountered a bottle of industrial-strength dishwashing liquid left by workers. George *drank* the chemical, suffering severe burns to his lips, esophagus, and lungs. He tragically died on *March 4, 2009*.

Minimal State Response

Following George's death, a state investigation concluded with a mere *$601 fine* for the facility.

Challenges in Assisted Living Care

Unlike nursing home residents, *assisted living residents* often have fewer physical limitations but many suffer from *Alzheimer's* and other forms of *dementia*. Despite being non-medical facilities, most senior residents require medical care, paying up to *$5000 monthly*. Critically, staff in these facilities are often *not adequately trained* for dementia care.

Emeritus Corporation's Pattern of Violations

Emeritus Senior Living has a history of *undisclosed legal violations*. The corporation appears to prioritize *profit generation* over fulfilling its promises of quality care.

Ignoring Staff Concerns

Numerous staff members from various facilities have reported concerns about these malpractices, but their complaints have been consistently *ignored*.

Ethical and Legal Accountability Questions

The case of George McAfee raises critical questions regarding ethical and legal accountability:

• The company's so-called *'Ethics First'* program, designed for staff complaints, reportedly *ignores concerns* and *intimidates* those who call, telling them, "don't call Ethics First." How has ethics been so profoundly neglected in this situation?
• Why was the state so *negligent* in its investigation of *George's death*?
• Was this negligence due to the victim simply being an *elderly man*?
• Elderly residents pay up to *$5000 monthly* for assisted living, often requiring professional medical care. Yet, this company *lacks adequately trained staff*, despite claims to the contrary. Furthermore, there have been *unreported tragic deaths* and numerous *other legal violations*. Does this company *only care about revenue*? What about the *prima facie obligations* that have been violated, such as *justice, fidelity, and beneficence*?