FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A Broward County judge has stepped in to stop — at least temporarily — Oasis Living Quarters in Fort Lauderdale from abruptly evicting a senior resident. It’s a story Local 10 News has been following very closely.
The family of Rema Comras, 88, filed a lawsuit seeking an emergency injunction against Oasis, located at 2855 W. Commercial Blvd.
On Wednesday, the judge heard from Rema’s nephew and attorney, David Comras, as well as another resident who described how senior residents were abruptly summoned to a vague “emergency meeting” on March 5. Those unable to attend due to health issues had to rely on representatives to get the information.
Judge’s order:
“Steven Gottlieb (the listed facility administrator) got up,” recalled the resident in court. “He said, we’re going to be closing the building and you’re going to have 30 days to move out … But, it’s going to be completely renovated,” she continued. “When you move back, there will be no more assisted living. There will be no more memory care. There will be no more food service and there will be no more buses.”
The complex will reportedly turn into luxury apartments, available for rent.
Several families who have spoken with Local 10 News said they still have yet to receive written notice about the evictions or upcoming changes, shocked at the way this was done so quickly
Residents have gone on to explain how the facility collected rent just before notifying them. Some families had just recently moved loved ones into Oasis. Some residents are bed-bound and suffer a host of medical issues, including dementia.
The judge ruled the family was entitled to attorney fees and costs tied to the injunction.
The court also ruled the facility must comply with Florida Statute 429.28, subsection 1, and provide them with written notice before the proverbial clock to move out starts.
A portion of the statute reads:
(k) At least 45 days’ notice of relocation or termination of residency from the facility unless, for medical reasons, the resident is certified by a physician to require an emergency relocation to a facility providing a more skilled level of care or the resident engages in a pattern of conduct that is harmful or offensive to other residents. In the case of a resident who has been adjudicated mentally incapacitated, the guardian shall be given at least 45 days’ notice of a nonemergency relocation or residency termination. Reasons for relocation must be set forth in writing and provided to the resident or the resident’s legal representative. The notice must state that the resident may contact the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program for assistance with relocation and must include the statewide toll-free telephone number of the program. In order for a facility to terminate the residency of an individual without notice as provided herein, the facility shall show good cause in a court of competent jurisdiction.