Assisted Living Facility in Minnesota Under Investigation for Negligence

State investigators from Minnesota’s Department of Health have accused an assisted living facility of neglect after reportedly providing a mentally ill resident with excessive alcohol. The facility, Covered Bridge Assisted Living in Holdingford, allegedly supplied resident Don Brambrink with 18 shots of liquor in the 24 hours before his scheduled doctor’s appointment, according to FOX 9 Minneapolis.

Brambrink missed his telehealth appointment due to excessive drinking while fishing, which prompted authorities to investigate. The Department of Health’s report stated that Brambrink was found ‘dead to the world’ after the drinking session. The night before the appointment, he received a total of six shots, and the morning of the appointment, staff provided him with several more drinks including shots and beer.

Brambrink’s doctor ultimately recommended he go to the emergency room. Hospital staff wanted to keep him overnight to assess possible alcohol withdrawal, but he declined, expressing a preference to continue drinking at home. Tests revealed Brambrink’s blood alcohol level was at an alarming 0.23%, significantly higher than the legal limit of 0.08%.

Brambrink suffers from various mental health issues, including psychoactive substance abuse and anxiety. The investigative report noted his history of daily alcohol use and former meth addiction. An ‘alcohol plan’ at the facility allowed him two shots per hour in an attempt to manage his condition.

Trista Barstow, owner of Covered Bridge, defended the facility’s approach, claiming it was one of the few willing to accept individuals with severe alcohol dependence. She asserted that their strategy to monitor and help pace their residents’ alcohol consumption was beneficial, despite sounding counterintuitive. In a statement, Barstow explained they disagree with the deficiency cited by investigators and plan to appeal. She emphasized that competent adult residents have the right to make personal choices, including those involving alcohol consumption, and the facility aims to educate residents about risks while intervening when necessary.

Barstow further reiterated the importance of respecting residents’ rights under the Minnesota Resident Bill of Rights, which includes allowing them to make decisions, even if such decisions are not recommended. The facility ensures necessary medical evaluation and emergency care for residents when required.

Both Covered Bridge and the Minnesota Department of Health have been contacted by Fox News Digital for further comments.