Paul's Place is an assisted-living facility in Colfax, serving Whitman County since 1877. However, the facility was shut down on July 24 due to a myriad of complaints. The complaints ranged from criminal activities allegedly committed by the owner and staff, including criminal sexual abuse, financial exploitation, and drug use. There were also allegations of unsafe and unsanitary conditions within the facility, such as bedbugs, insufficient heating and cooling, and a failure to follow state guidelines on hiring staff and maintaining the facility.
The complaints prompted the state Department of Social and Human Services to relocate 24 residents from Paul's Place within two days and ultimately shut down the facility. Issues such as the hiring of non-credentialed workers, failure to complete background checks, and a lack of investigation into reported allegations made the facility unsafe for residents. Despite being notified of these issues, the owner and staff did not report them to the state or take action to address them.
The relocation of residents was done in accordance with state guidelines, with two residents moving in with family members and others being transferred to assisted-living homes in other Eastern Washington counties. Due to privacy laws, the names and addresses of the facilities where residents were moved cannot be disclosed. The closure of Paul's Place highlights the importance of patient safety in assisted-living facilities and the need for proper oversight and enforcement of regulations to ensure the well-being of residents.