Asbury plunges into new plan
After weeks of waiting to hear from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) concerning allegations of sexual abuse at the Johnson City campus, Asbury Inc. is moving forward with a plan to take the facility to "the next level."
Named the "Phoenix Project" by Asbury officials, the plan includes continued construction of a $4 million health center, a new director, and 12 improvements to the facility's program and services.
In late March, Asbury Place at Johnson City (APJC) learned of an alleged incident of sexual abuse, reportedly involving a former female resident.
Since a State Department of Health investigation of the complaint, Asbury has not received any information from TBI, President Bernie Bowman said.
"No one has been charged, and we've had no further contact," he said.
"While it is not clear what, if anything, actually took place, the process and outcome from this point are now in the hands of the TBI," Bowman said.
"Asbury must now benefit from this as a learning experience and an opportunity to take APJC to the next level."
Slated for completion late this year, the Johnson City campus' new health center will offer a Medicare-certified unit providing skilled and rehabilitative services, a Medicaid-certified intermediate care unit, and a specialty dementia unit, Bowman said.
The new health center will be located on what has been the parking lot at North Roan Street and West Fairview Avenue. A covered breezeway will connect the new building to Asbury's Appalachian Suites and Hassinger Apartments, Bowman announced.
Effective June 3, George Brewer will resign as Johnson City's current administrator. Harold Ermshar will serve as interim director until a permanent director can be hired, he added.
In addition, Asbury will be "focusing all efforts on re-engagement and re-building the APJC campus' programs and services," according to an Asbury release.
The 12-point plan includes restructuring and rebuilding of the nursing department, new campus staff and budget, a medical records review, and security overhaul. Officials also plan to improve communication with residents and work to instill "a sense of involvement, ownership and investment on all the publics' part," Bowman said.
APJC is one of four locations of Asbury's retirement community network. Other campuses currently exist in Wytheville, Kingsport, and Maryville.
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