Residents at care facility in Norwalk must relocate amid state investigation

Residents of a care facility in Norwalk must relocate as state officials launch an investigation into the facility.
Residents at Carlson Place on Nelson Avenue tell News 12 all 27 of them have to be relocated due to problems at the facility.
Residents shared photos showing what they say is a severe bedbug infestation, senior citizens being forced to sleep on the floor, and ceilings that are falling down due to water damage.
State officials released a statement Friday saying, "The state of Connecticut is taking a multi-agency coordinated response to ensure that the needs and desires of Carlson Place residents are being taken into consideration during the relocation process, and that their rights are being protected."
The facility has not responded to News 12's request for a comment.
Dr. Syed Reza, of Norwalk, tells News 12 he's working with the state to purchase the facility and renovate it so the residents can eventually return.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health released a statement saying, "The Connecticut Department of Public Health and its Health Care Quality and Safety Branch, has issued an Emergency Order to Carlson Place, a residential care home located at 17 Nelson Ave, Norwalk.
Details of the order include immediately stopping all new admissions, and initiating discharge planning and the relocation of all residents being treated at the 29-bed facility. Relocation will take place as soon as appropriate placement is finalized.
In addition to representatives from DPH, the team implementing the Emergency Order includes staff from the Connecticut Department of Social Services, the Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman, the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and the Office of the Connecticut Attorney General.
This team has arranged for extermination of bed bug infestation, secured food assistance for the residents, and arranged a vaccine clinic for residents who wish to receive the COVID vaccine."