A Broward County judge has temporarily halted the abrupt eviction of senior residents from Oasis Living Quarters in Fort Lauderdale. This decision comes as part of a lawsuit filed by the family of 88-year-old Rema Comras, seeking an emergency injunction against Oasis, located at 2855 W. Commercial Blvd.
During a hearing, the judge listened to testimonies, including that of Rema’s nephew and attorney, David Comras, and another resident. These accounts detailed how senior residents were unexpectedly called to an “emergency meeting” on March 5. Many residents were unable to attend due to health issues and had to depend on representatives for information.
At the meeting, it was announced that the building would close within 30 days for complete renovation, shifting to luxury apartments for rent. It was also stated that upon their return, the facility would no longer offer assisted living, memory care, food services, or transportation.
Residents and families expressed shock at the sudden notice, noting that rent was collected just before the announcement. Some families had recently moved their loved ones into Oasis, and many residents suffer from severe medical conditions, including dementia.
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The court ruled that the family is entitled to attorney fees and costs linked to the injunction. The facility must adhere to Florida Statute 429.28, subsection 1, providing a 45-day written notice before requiring residents to move out. This statute mandates that reasons for relocation must be documented, and residents or their legal representatives must be informed. The notice must also include contact information for the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program for relocation assistance.
The Everyday Impact: Navigating the Nuances
- Senior residents and their families face potential disruptions to personal and medical care due to sudden evictions.
- Legal interventions can provide temporary relief and enforce compliance with statutory regulations, safeguarding residents’ rights.
- The transformation of the facility into luxury apartments reflects broader trends in housing markets, potentially impacting affordable housing availability in the area.
- The situation underscores the importance of clear communication and legal compliance from senior living facilities to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
- Community awareness of such legal protections can empower residents and families to take action when faced with sudden housing changes.