An assisted-care facility in Brooklyn Center has been cited by the state for failing to keep a resident safe from physical injury, the Minnesota Department of Health reported recently.

The citation stems from an investigation into alleged incidents in April, during which one resident at Prairie Lodge at Earle Brown was allegedly injured two times by another resident.

The report filed by the Minnesota Department of Health on Nov. 23 outlines two claims of physical abuse within an eight-day period by a male resident on a female resident. One alleged incident resulted in a visit to the emergency room with bruised ribs that still require the use of painkillers.

"I was scared to death of that guy," the female resident told a Minnesota Department of Health investigator.

The investigation into the alleged incidents concluded "neglect of supervision" occurred by Ecumen Home Care - owner of Prairie Lodge - and the male resident had "increasingly aggressive behaviors toward clients and staff during his time in this facility."

The report said documentation revealed many instances of "physical aggression, including hitting, slapping or pushing" from October 2008 through April 2009.

Ecumen is asking the state to reconsider the citation.

Ecumen said in a statement that the report does not accurately reflect the entire situation. The business claims the male resident had Alzheimer's disease, which caused him to become confused and disoriented - a condition that escalated and was addressed by his physician.

Prairie Lodge staff told the man's wife and county case worker that they should find a new location for him, but agreed to work with the man until new placement could be found. Following the April incidents, Ecumen said, it informed the man's wife and social worker that service at Prairie House would be terminated unless they moved him to Prairie Lodge's behavioral Alzheimer's housing - Summit House.

"We sought to remove this person from Prairie Lodge as his behavior escalated, but there were no other immediate care and housing options for him," said Janelle Meyers, Prairie Lodge's housing manager. "We believe this citation - if it stands - sends a chilling message to senior services providers working with people with Alzheimer's."

According to Ecumen, the man's social worker informed Prairie Lodge that there was not sufficient funding available for the move. Prairie Lodge said they provided housing and care until he [the resident] could be moved to a nursing home.

"To cite this effort as maltreatment sends a very harmful message to senior services professionals, especially those who serve people with challenging behaviors caused by Alzheimer's disease," Meyers said.

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