Crow Wing County steps in after staffing failure at Carefree nursing home; county to seek reimbursement
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Summary
County Community Services described stepping in to assist 41 residents at Carefree after the facility failed to meet statutorily required care; staff are helping residents find placements and the county will track and bill the facility for county costs.
County Community Services officials told the board on Dec. 16 that they have stepped in to support residents at Carefree nursing home after the facility experienced a severe staffing shortage and was unable to provide required care.
Cara Terry, a Community Services official, said county staff have been at Carefree for several days helping residents pack belongings, find alternative placements and coordinate with family members and case managers. "We are taking on that role of finding places for the residents who are there," Terry said, adding that county staff will record their time and efforts and seek reimbursement from the facility.
Board members reported ongoing coordination with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), which the board said has since sent investigators on site, and with local law enforcement to ensure resident safety during nights and transitions. County leadership said the statutory responsibility for licensing and oversight rests with MDH, but the county's Community Services staff proactively assisted out of concern for immediate resident welfare.
Commissioners praised staff for taking on the work while noting the strain on county personnel assigned to regular duties. The county indicated it will bill the facility for county staff time and other expenses incurred while responding to the incident.