ROCHESTER, Minn. – A senior living facility, Willows & Waters, first disciplined and then fired two aides for resident abuse. The incident was in September but showed up only now in a state Health Department report. One staff member wrapped a metal chain around two residents while a cohort recorded the incident and posted the video on Facebook. They called it a joke but admitted when confronted that it looked bad. State investigators were not amused. They called it a Level 3 abuse that caused harm albeit not serious injury. Willows & Waters officials noted to investigators that the two chained residents were smiling and laughing all the while. A family member was less charitable and told investigators: “You don’t joke with that.”
Facility profile
Willows & Waters Is a $6,000 a month state-licensed assisted living facility. Secluded at the end of forested cul-de-sac at707 Upper Meadow Lane Northwest. Apartments all on single floor.