EAU CLAIRE, WI — An assisted living facility in Eau Claire is being forced to shut down after state regulators revoked its operating license, requiring all 51 current residents to relocate to other facilities. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services took the enforcement action against Care Partners Eau Claire West following repeated violations related to resident discharge procedures.
According to public documents from the Department of Health Services, the facility received at least seven violation notices beginning in 2023. State regulators determined that Care Partners failed to provide proper written notification before involuntarily discharging at least seven residents, as reported by WEAU 13 News. Wisconsin Administrative Code DHS 83.3(4)(A) requires assisted living facilities to provide residents with 30 days advance written notice before any involuntary discharge.
The license revocation represents one of the most serious enforcement actions available to state health regulators. Care Partners Director Christin Grimes acknowledged that the organization attempted to reach a compromise with the Department of Health Services but those efforts were unsuccessful, according to 715newsroom.com.
Care Partners Eau Claire West operates as a 60-bed community located on Stonewood Drive, with 40 beds designated for assisted living services and 20 beds for memory care residents. The facility will remain open during a transition period until all current residents have been safely relocated to other licensed facilities.
Facility Background
Care Partners Eau Claire West serves vulnerable populations including elderly residents and individuals with dementia who require specialized memory care services. Assisted living facilities provide housing, meals, and assistance with activities of daily living for residents who need support but do not require the 24-hour skilled nursing care provided in nursing homes.
Wisconsin Administrative Code establishes strict protections for assisted living residents, particularly regarding discharge procedures. The 30-day notice requirement exists to ensure residents and their families have adequate time to locate alternative housing and arrange for the transfer of care services. Involuntary discharges can only occur under specific circumstances outlined in state regulations, and facilities must follow prescribed notification procedures to protect resident rights.
Regulatory Violations
The Department of Health Services violation notices dating back to 2023 indicate an ongoing pattern of non-compliance with state discharge regulations. When assisted living facilities fail to provide proper notice before involuntary discharges, residents may face sudden displacement without adequate time to secure appropriate alternative housing. This can be particularly harmful for elderly residents and those with cognitive impairments who require stability and advance planning for any care transitions.
State regulators use a progressive enforcement approach, typically issuing warnings and corrective action plans before resorting to license revocation. The decision to revoke Care Partners Eau Claire West's operating license suggests that previous enforcement actions and opportunities for correction did not result in sustained compliance.
Relocation Process
All 51 current residents must now transition to other licensed assisted living or memory care facilities. The facility is required to work with residents, families, and the Department of Health Services to ensure safe and appropriate placements. Care Partners Eau Claire West will remain operational during this transition period to maintain continuity of care until each resident has been successfully relocated.
Families should receive assistance in identifying suitable alternative facilities that can meet their loved ones' specific care needs. For memory care residents, maintaining familiar routines and specialized dementia care services will be particularly important considerations during the relocation process.
Resources for Families
Wisconsin residents and families affected by the Care Partners closure can contact the Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long Term Care Ombudsman Program for assistance. The program provides free advocacy services for residents of assisted living facilities and can help families navigate the relocation process and identify appropriate alternative placements.
Families can also contact the National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center at 1-800-677-1116 for guidance and support. The ombudsman program helps resolve complaints, advocates for resident rights, and provides information about long-term care options.
Anyone with concerns about care quality or regulatory compliance at Wisconsin assisted living facilities can file complaints with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Division of Quality Assurance. Families seeking information about other licensed facilities can review inspection reports and violation histories through the state's public database of licensed providers.
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