EAU CLAIRE, WI — An assisted living facility serving 51 residents is shutting down after state regulators revoked its operating license following years of compliance failures, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Care Partners West, located off Stonewood Drive in Eau Claire, must relocate all current residents after the Wisconsin Department of Health Services moved to revoke the facility's license. A spokesperson for the facility confirmed the license revocation and impending closure, though no specific closing date has been announced, as reported by WEAU.
Pattern of Violations
Public records from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services document at least seven violation notices issued to Care Partners Eau Claire West dating back to 2023, according to WEAU. The violations center on the facility's failure to provide proper written notice before involuntarily discharging at least seven residents.
Wisconsin Administrative Code DHS 83.3(4)(A) requires assisted living facilities to provide residents or their legal representatives with at least 30 days written advance notice before any involuntary discharge. The regulation protects residents from sudden displacement and ensures families have adequate time to arrange alternative care.
"Care Partners did attempt to come to a compromise with DHS in regards to the closure...but the attempts were unsuccessful," facility director Christin Grimes said in an emailed statement to WEAU. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is now proceeding with the license revocation and mandatory relocation of all 51 current residents.
Resident Relocation Process
The facility has committed to remaining operational until every resident is safely transferred to alternative housing, according to statements provided to WEAU. Care Partners representatives said the organization is working with a state-approved relocation plan for each individual resident.
The facility indicated it will continue providing care and support throughout the transition period in coordination with residents, their families, and care teams. State oversight typically requires facilities facing closure to work closely with regulators to ensure continuity of care during resident transfers.
Involuntary discharges represent one of the most serious compliance issues in long-term care settings. Federal and state regulations establish strict protocols for discharge planning to protect vulnerable residents from disruption of care and potential homelessness. The 30-day notice requirement gives families time to tour alternative facilities, arrange transportation, and coordinate medical records transfers.
State Oversight Authority
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services maintains regulatory authority over assisted living facilities operating in the state. When facilities demonstrate patterns of non-compliance with administrative code requirements, the department can pursue enforcement actions ranging from citations and fines to license suspension or revocation.
License revocation represents the most severe enforcement action available to state regulators, typically reserved for facilities that demonstrate persistent violations or fail to implement corrective action plans. The decision to revoke a license requires the facility to cease operations once all residents are safely relocated.
Assisted living facilities in Wisconsin must maintain compliance with DHS 83, the administrative code governing community-based residential facilities. The regulations cover resident rights, admission and discharge procedures, staffing requirements, medication management, and quality of care standards.
Impact on Residents and Families
The closure affects 51 individuals who called Care Partners West home, requiring each to transition to new living arrangements. Relocations can be particularly challenging for elderly residents with dementia or other cognitive impairments, as changes in environment may cause confusion and distress.
State-approved relocation plans typically assess each resident's medical needs, mobility limitations, financial resources, and personal preferences to identify appropriate alternative placements. Case managers work to minimize disruption by coordinating with receiving facilities and arranging transportation for residents and their belongings.
Families facing facility closures should request detailed information about the relocation timeline, assistance available during the transition, and options for alternative placements that meet their loved one's specific care needs.
Resources for Families
Families with loved ones at Care Partners West or those seeking guidance on resident rights and facility closures can contact the Wisconsin Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program for free, confidential assistance. The ombudsman program advocates for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center provides information and support at 1-800-677-1116 or online at https://ltcombudsman.org.
Residents and families can also file complaints about assisted living facilities directly with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Division of Quality Assurance, which investigates allegations of regulatory violations and resident rights issues.
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