The residents of Carefree Living assisted living facility in Brainerd, Minnesota, are facing a critical transition after the state revoked the facility’s license due to serious violations. The Minnesota Department of Health determined that these violations posed an “imminent risk of harm” to residents, prompting immediate action from local authorities.
Crow Wing County officials have stepped in to assist the affected residents, ensuring they receive the necessary care until they can be placed in alternative facilities. This intervention comes after Carefree Living reported difficulties in fulfilling its obligations, particularly due to staffing shortages that hindered the development of placement plans for residents.
Efforts to Relocate Residents
During a board committee meeting on January 20, 2024, Kara Terry, the Community Services director, highlighted the county’s commitment to supporting the residents. “Our staff have been doing amazing work, both in helping to hold the facility accountable and getting residents placed,” Terry stated. As of the meeting, eight residents remained at Carefree Living, with five having tentative placement dates.
Placement efforts have already led to some residents moving to facilities in Duluth and southern Minnesota. One resident has been accepted into a new facility, while another’s case has proven more complex. For this individual, the county is exploring the possibility of appointing a guardian to facilitate a suitable placement.
Terry emphasized the importance of considering residents’ preferences where possible, noting that one individual was particularly keen on staying within the Brainerd area. “We’ve been able to place a number of folks in facilities in Crow Wing County. So we’ve been really fortunate that way,” she remarked, acknowledging the cooperation of local facilities in expediting applications.
Challenges Ahead
While many residents have been successfully placed, challenges remain, particularly for those with specialized needs. “Sometimes it’s not a matter of if there are openings, but if the openings are appropriate for the individuals who need placement,” Terry explained. The county’s involvement has been crucial, especially for residents lacking family support or case management.
As the county works to finalize placements, Terry indicated a target closure date for Carefree Living of the end of March 2024. “That’s kind of a soft date, because it might take a little bit to get a couple of the individuals placed,” she noted. The county has remained vigilant in monitoring staffing levels at the facility, particularly in light of a recent outbreak of COVID-19.
To offset the costs incurred during this transition, Crow Wing County plans to bill Carefree Living $100 per hour for the assistance provided, a rate based on average staffing salaries. The county has communicated these billing intentions to the Department of Health and is committed to supporting residents throughout this process.
Carefree Living is owned by Oxford Living, a division of Spectrum Health Companies, which operates ten similar facilities across Minnesota. The Brainerd location has been under scrutiny from the Department of Health for several months, with the license revocation following numerous investigations uncovering non-compliance with state regulations. Issues included neglect of residents and insufficient documentation regarding medications and care plans.
The ongoing situation underscores the importance of maintaining high standards in assisted living facilities, ensuring that the health and safety of residents remain the top priority. As Crow Wing County continues its efforts to secure new homes for Carefree Living residents, the community remains hopeful for swift and appropriate resolutions.
