2 adult foster homes in Horace shuttered after vulnerable residents left without caregiver

The quiet community of Horace, North Dakota, is grappling with a troubling situation after two adult foster care homes were abruptly shut down and their operator’s license revoked, leaving vulnerable residents scrambling for new care. The incident, which occurred on the evening of October 27th, has sent shockwaves through the community and raised serious questions about the safety and well-being of its residents. The ordeal began in the early hours when a 66-year-old resident, injured and disoriented, called 911 from a facility he couldn’t identify, sparking a series of events that revealed a significant lapse in care and raised serious questions about the well-being of those entrusted to Ebenezer Medical Care and Foster Home. This incident underscores the profound responsibility we have to care for those who are vulnerable and the importance of vigilant oversight in care facilities.

What Happened

According to court documents, the 911 call originated from a facility located at 6706 71st Ave. S. in Horace. The caller, a 66-year-old man, reported he had fallen and injured his arm and was unable to identify his location. Dispatchers used a locating tool to determine the address he was calling from. Upon arrival at 2:13 a.m., deputies and the Horace Fire Department found the front door locked and inaccessible, despite a 24/7 staffing requirement mandated by the state for facilities catering to vulnerable adults. Emergency personnel attempted various methods to gain entry, including a keypad, lockbox, and phone calls to staff, all to no avail. Ultimately, the injured resident managed to open the garage door himself, allowing him to receive medical attention. A subsequent search of the home revealed another resident, bedridden and unable to assist themselves, was also present.

Investigators discovered that access to the front door’s locking system was controlled by an application on a phone unavailable to the residents. When contacted, Wilton Travers, the owner and operator of Ebenezer Medical Care and Foster Home, arrived on the scene approximately 30 minutes after emergency services had been dispatched. Travers initially claimed he had only been gone for five minutes, stating he was at another Ebenezer facility preparing food. However, he was unable to provide a clear explanation for his absence during the emergency. The state of North Dakota requires 24/7 staffing for these homes due to the mental and medical needs of the residents, North Dakota HCBS program. Deputies found a list of caretakers and their phone numbers inside the home and “placed multiple calls” before eventually contacting Travers.

The responding deputy found a list of caretakers and their phone numbers inside the home and “placed multiple calls” before eventually contacting Travers, who said he would be there shortly. “(Travers) was confronted with the fact that emergency services had been on scene since at least 0213 hours,” court documents said. “(Travers) was unable to provide a clear answer.” The following day, a North Dakota Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) case manager informed investigators that the state planned to revoke Travers’ license. The case manager also confirmed that the guardians for residents of both the facility where the incident occurred and another Ebenezer home at 6721 67th Ave. S. in Horace, had been notified about the need for relocation.

Community Reaction

News of the closures and the circumstances surrounding them has understandably shaken the Horace community. While direct quotes from residents are unavailable, the incident has sparked conversations about the oversight of care facilities and the vulnerability of those who rely on them. The incident highlights the importance of strong families and communities in supporting those who cannot fully care for themselves. For many, it’s a stark reminder of the need for compassion and vigilance in ensuring the safety and well-being of our neighbors, particularly those who are most at risk. Cass County, North Dakota residents are understandably concerned about the safety and well-being of those affected.

State Oversight

The North Dakota Department of Human Services, through its HCBS program, is responsible for licensing and monitoring adult foster care homes. The program aims to ensure that residents receive appropriate care and protection. However, this incident raises questions about the effectiveness of current oversight mechanisms and whether sufficient safeguards are in place to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future. North Dakota Department of Human Services has a responsibility to review its processes and implement improvements to better protect vulnerable adults.

What's Next

As of Friday, November 6th, guardians and moving services were dispatched to both Ebenezer homes to relocate the residents. Investigators also applied that day for a search warrant for the surveillance footage from cameras located inside both homes in an effort to determine whether criminal charges for neglect are appropriate. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to ensure the displaced residents are safely placed in alternative care settings. The Cass County State’s Attorney’s Office will review the evidence gathered to determine if criminal charges are appropriate against Wilton Travers.

Jake's Take

This situation in Horace is deeply concerning, and it’s a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the immense responsibility we have to care for those who are vulnerable. The fact that residents were left unattended, locked inside a facility, speaks to a profound failure in oversight and commitment. It’s easy to point fingers, but this is an opportunity for our community and state agencies to examine how we can better support both the caregivers and the individuals in their care. Strong marriages and families often provide the bedrock for stable communities, and when those supports falter, it's crucial that we have robust systems in place to step in and protect those who need it most. The questions that remain are: how did this lapse in care occur, and what steps can be taken to prevent similar incidents from happening again? We need to ensure that those entrusted with the care of vulnerable adults are held accountable and that the systems designed to protect them are truly effective.

Resources

For those concerned about the well-being of vulnerable adults or seeking information about adult foster care in North Dakota, several resources are available. The North Dakota Department of Human Services offers information and assistance through its HCBS program. North Dakota HCBS program provides details on licensing requirements, resident rights, and reporting concerns. Additionally, the Cass County Aging & Adult Services department can be contacted for local support and assistance. Cass County Aging & Adult Services can be found on the Cass County website. The National Adult Protective Services Association also provides resources and information for those concerned about elder abuse and neglect: https://www.napsa-now.org/.

The investigation into the Ebenezer Medical Care and Foster Home situation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as they become available. This incident serves as a call to action for our community to remain vigilant and advocate for the safety and well-being of all vulnerable adults in our care.