The Minnesota Department of Health has revoked the license of Carefree Living, an assisted living facility in Brainerd, due to serious violations that pose an imminent risk to resident safety. Crow Wing County is now actively working to assist the facility’s residents in finding new accommodations as the county steps in to address the situation.
On December 9, 2023, the state health department determined that Carefree Living was not in compliance with several regulations, including neglect of residents and inadequate documentation of medications and care procedures. As a result, the county reported that Carefree Living could not fulfill its obligations to ensure residents received necessary care and placement.
Efforts to Secure New Accommodations
Crow Wing County officials are currently overseeing the relocation of residents. According to Kara Terry, the Community Services Director, “Our staff have been doing amazing work, both in helping to hold the facility accountable as well as getting residents placed.” As of the latest update, eight residents remain at Carefree Living, with five individuals having tentative placement dates.
Efforts to relocate residents have already seen some success. Terry noted that placements have been arranged in both Duluth and southern Minnesota. One resident has been accepted at a new facility, while another case is more complicated, requiring court intervention to potentially appoint a guardian for assistance in finding suitable placement.
“We’ve been able to place a number of folks in facilities in Crow Wing County,” Terry added. “The facilities have really stepped up, letting us know of their availability and expediting the application process.” Nonetheless, challenges remain, particularly for residents with higher or unique care needs, as finding appropriate placements can be difficult.
Addressing Staffing Shortages and Health Concerns
Staffing shortages at Carefree Living have been cited as a significant barrier to meeting state requirements for resident care and placement planning. Some residents lack family support or case managers, complicating the relocation process further. Terry emphasized the importance of county staff in facilitating care during this transition, stating, “We’re shooting for a closure date at the end of this month,” but acknowledged that this timeline may be flexible depending on individual needs.
In light of ongoing health concerns, including a recent outbreak of COVID-19 at the facility, the county is taking extra precautions to ensure that necessary supplies and staffing levels are maintained. Crow Wing County plans to bill Carefree Living at a rate of $100 per hour for the assistance provided during this transition, a decision communicated to the Department of Health.
Carefree Living is owned by Oxford Living, which operates ten other facilities across Minnesota. The company is reportedly working diligently to maintain compliance and restore its license. The situation at the Brainerd facility has been under scrutiny for several months, signaling the need for immediate action to safeguard the health and well-being of residents.
As the county continues its efforts, the focus remains on ensuring that all residents receive the care they require while navigating the challenges presented by staffing shortages and the complexities of individual needs. The commitment to resident safety and well-being remains paramount as this situation develops.
