Minnesota Assisted Living Facility Under Review for Alcohol Provision

2 weeks ago 0

State investigators from Minnesota’s Department of Health have reported that an assisted living facility provided a mentally ill resident, Don Brambrink, with excessive alcohol prior to a doctor’s appointment. According to a FOX 9 Minneapolis report, Covered Bridge Assisted Living in Holdingford was found responsible for neglect, as Brambrink consumed 18 shots of liquor within 24 hours before his missed telehealth appointment.

A registered nurse from the facility described Brambrink as being “dead to the world” after he drank while fishing. Details from the Department of Health’s investigation indicate that Brambrink was given multiple shots of alcohol starting the night before his appointment. This included:

2 shots at 6:54 p.m.
2 shots at 8 p.m.
2 shots at 9:20 p.m.

On the morning of the appointment, his alcohol intake continued:

2 shots at 3:55 a.m.
A beer at 5 a.m.
2 shots at 5:55 a.m.
2 shots at 8:15 a.m.
2 shots at 9:15 a.m.
2 shots at 10:55 a.m.
2 shots at 12:30 p.m.

His primary care physician subsequently advised that Brambrink should be sent to the emergency room. Further complications arose when he was found on the floor and described as “not feeling right,” prompting his transportation to the hospital.

Hospital staff recommended an overnight stay to evaluate potential alcohol withdrawal. However, Brambrink refused, preferring to go home. His blood alcohol content was measured at 0.23%, nearly three times the legal limit.

Brambrink had a history of mental health challenges, including psychoactive substance abuse and anxiety. His medical assessment noted he had experienced auditory hallucinations for 40 years and had previously been homeless. Acknowledging his history of daily alcohol consumption and past meth use, the facility had an “alcohol plan,” allowing Brambrink two shots per hour to “drown out the voices.”

The owner of Covered Bridge, Trista Barstow, defended the facility’s actions in a statement to FOX 9. She argued that the facility provides care for “extreme alcoholics” by monitoring and helping residents manage their alcohol intake, despite acknowledging the approach might seem unconventional.

“Monitoring them and trying to help them space these things out is actually a step-up,” she explained.

Barstow disputed the findings of neglect and announced intentions to appeal the decision. She emphasized that under Minnesota’s Resident Bill of Rights, competent adults have the right to make personal choices, including alcohol consumption. The facility aims to educate residents about the risks, assess their safety, and enact safety measures, like emergency transport, when necessary.

Attempts to contact Covered Bridge and the Minnesota Department of Health for additional comments were made by Fox News Digital.