Family Sued Facility After Wrongful Eviction
A family challenged a Michigan care facility's decision to evict their relative after questioning her medication use.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
Live Poll
Do you trust local memory care facilities to prioritize patient safety over staff convenience?
In early 2025, the family of an 85-year-old resident sued a Jackson, Michigan memory care facility for wrongful eviction. The legal action followed a 30-day eviction notice issued on Jan. 2, 2025, after the family questioned the use of sedating drugs.
Why it matters
The case highlights the complex conflict between facility care protocols and family oversight regarding the use of antipsychotic medications for residents with dementia. It underscores concerns over whether such drugs are administered for patient health or for the convenience of staff.
A 2023 study indicated that assisted living residents with dementia were prescribed antipsychotic medication for 13% of their residency. Additionally, official figures show approximately 1 in 7 nursing home residents received antipsychotics in 2025.
The players
Marjorie Tingley
She was an 85-year-old resident with Alzheimer's disease who resided at a Michigan care facility.
Vista Grande Villa
This is a memory care facility located in Jackson, Michigan, where the dispute over resident eviction occurred.
HHS Office of Inspector General
This federal agency conducts audits and investigations to protect the integrity of Health and Human Services programs.
The details
Vista Grande Villa issued the eviction notice after deciding it could no longer meet the care needs of Marjorie Tingley, who had been receiving Ativan and Zyprexa. Tingley, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease, passed away on Jan. 26, 2025, following the dispute over her treatment plan.
Timeline
Jan. 2, 2025: Vista Grande Villa issued a 30-day eviction notice.
Jan. 26, 2025: Marjorie Tingley died of Alzheimer's disease.
March 2026: The HHS Office of Inspector General published a report on nursing home antipsychotic usage.
Health Landscape
This dispute illustrates the ongoing struggle to align facility practices with the goals of the CMS National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care. The case follows a pattern of scrutiny regarding the administration of antipsychotic drugs to residents as encouraged by the program.
Families with loved ones in memory care should be aware of the FDA boxed warnings associated with antipsychotic drugs for older adults with dementia. Understanding the regulatory differences between state-regulated assisted living and federally regulated nursing homes is essential for advocacy.
The takeaway
Patients and their families are encouraged to actively review medication administration records and inquire about non-pharmacological behavioral management options. Open communication with facility medical staff remains the best method for ensuring high standards of care.
Further reading
Learn more about local memory care resources and guidelines on our Alzheimer’s section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Medical Daily.
Live Poll
Do you trust local memory care facilities to prioritize patient safety over staff convenience?
