State investigators in Minnesota have found an assisted living facility responsible for neglect after providing a mentally ill resident with 18 shots of liquor and a beer within 24 hours of a scheduled doctor’s appointment, according to a newly released report. The Minnesota Department of Health concluded that Covered Bridge Assisted Living in Holdingford violated safety protocols by supplying the resident with alcohol, leading to his hospitalization.
Authorities were alerted when the resident, Don Brambrink, missed a telehealth appointment after consuming excessive alcohol while fishing. Investigators later confirmed the facility’s staff administered the alcohol in multiple doses over the course of the day and night preceding the appointment.
Timeline of Alcohol Administration
The investigative report details the exact times and quantities of alcohol provided to Brambrink:
- Night before appointment: 2 shots at 6:54 p.m., 2 shots at 8 p.m., and 2 shots at 9:20 p.m.
- Morning of appointment: 2 shots at 3:55 a.m., a beer at 5 a.m., 2 shots at 5:55 a.m., 2 shots at 8:15 a.m., 2 shots at 9:15 a.m., 2 shots at 10:55 a.m., and 2 shots at 12:30 p.m.
The facility’s registered nurse (RN) reported to investigators that Brambrink was found "dead to the world" after drinking while fishing. When a call from Brambrink’s primary care physician requested vital signs be taken, staff found him "down on the floor" and "didn’t feel right." He was subsequently transported to an emergency room.
Medical Consequences and Patient Response
Brambrink’s blood alcohol level was measured at 0.23%, nearly three times the legal limit of 0.08%. Hospital staff recommended he be kept overnight for evaluation of alcohol withdrawal, but he refused, stating he "would rather go home and continue to drink." His physician had previously requested he be sent to the emergency room.
The Minnesota Department of Health has not yet released additional details on potential penalties or corrective actions against Covered Bridge Assisted Living. The facility has not publicly responded to requests for comment.
Background on the Resident
Don Brambrink is described as a mentally ill individual under the care of the assisted living facility. The report does not specify the nature of his mental health condition or whether he had a history of alcohol use disorder. Investigators have not indicated whether Brambrink’s consumption of alcohol was self-administered or facilitated by staff beyond the documented instances.
State health officials continue to review the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether additional safeguards were violated in the facility’s handling of Brambrink’s care.