Residents of Bentonview Park Health & Rehab relocated
January 27, 2021
Sheila Harris
According to the Barry County Office of Emergency Managment and Jen Ryan, spokesperson for Bentonview Park Health & Rehab in Monett, residents of the care facility were evacuated Friday evening after a remodeling contractor accidentally pulled up flooring containing asbestos.
“All residents of the facility were safely evacuated to other facilities or went home with family members,” said Ryan. “Bentonview staff continues to work with the temporary facilities.”
Each of the facilities offers various means of communication with families and residents, including virtual visits to help with communication and connection to their loved ones during this time, Ryan said. “Dedicated contact numbers have been established for Bentonview Park families and primary contacts.
“The health and safety of our residents and staff continue to be our highest priority,” Ryan said. “We look forward to the residents return to Bentonview once the renovation is complete, and most importantly, we look forward to welcoming our residents and staff back to the community they know and love.”
Barry County Office of Emergency Management director, David Compton, said the county’s emergency operations plan was activated about 5:15 p.m. Friday after it was reported to his office that the asbestos had been uncovered. Partnering agencies then coordinated to begin evacuating residents.
Compton applauds the rapid community-wide response by multiple organizations.
Compton explained that while the asbestos flooring was covered, it was not a threat, but when it was disturbed during the remodeling project, it became one.
“The facility is currently working with local agencies and a certified and licensed asbestos abatement contractor to continue work,” Ryan said.
According to Compton, after completion of the work, additional sampling and testing will be done to ensure the safety of staff and residents, and Bentonview Park will initiate the return of residents to the facility.
Sheila Harris
According to the Barry County Office of Emergency Managment and Jen Ryan, spokesperson for Bentonview Park Health & Rehab in Monett, residents of the care facility were evacuated Friday evening after a remodeling contractor accidentally pulled up flooring containing asbestos.
“All residents of the facility were safely evacuated to other facilities or went home with family members,” said Ryan. “Bentonview staff continues to work with the temporary facilities.”
Each of the facilities offers various means of communication with families and residents, including virtual visits to help with communication and connection to their loved ones during this time, Ryan said. “Dedicated contact numbers have been established for Bentonview Park families and primary contacts.
“The health and safety of our residents and staff continue to be our highest priority,” Ryan said. “We look forward to the residents return to Bentonview once the renovation is complete, and most importantly, we look forward to welcoming our residents and staff back to the community they know and love.”
Barry County Office of Emergency Management director, David Compton, said the county’s emergency operations plan was activated about 5:15 p.m. Friday after it was reported to his office that the asbestos had been uncovered. Partnering agencies then coordinated to begin evacuating residents.
Compton applauds the rapid community-wide response by multiple organizations.
Compton explained that while the asbestos flooring was covered, it was not a threat, but when it was disturbed during the remodeling project, it became one.
“The facility is currently working with local agencies and a certified and licensed asbestos abatement contractor to continue work,” Ryan said.
According to Compton, after completion of the work, additional sampling and testing will be done to ensure the safety of staff and residents, and Bentonview Park will initiate the return of residents to the facility.