Photos show Bradenton nursing home partial collapse after over 150 relocated

BRADENTON, Fla. - New photos reveal the remains of a partial roof collapse at a Bradenton assisted living facility that forced the emergency evacuation of more than 150 residents Saturday night, according to a joint statement from the City of Bradenton and Manatee County.

Bradenton nursing home roof collapse

The backstory:

Emergency responders and officials evacuated 157 residents from Aviata at Bradenton Villas on Saturday night after a partial roof collapse occurred over the dining room. The City of Bradenton Fire Marshal determined the collapse damaged fire protection, electrical, and air conditioning systems, making the building unsafe. 

First responders say relocation efforts ended around 4 a.m. Sunday, transferring residents to sister facilities. Officials noted the dining room was empty at the time, and no injuries have been reported. Aviata has resumed full responsibility for resident care, family communications, and coordination with state regulatory officials.

In a release from the Aviata Health Group, they state that all designated emergency contacts have been notified and given information regarding their loved one's location and care. They say they have all the staff, supplies, medications and resources needed to provide uninterrupted care. 

According to Aviata, the structural assessment and investigation are ongoing. 

"Should there be additional verified information appropriate for public release, we will provide updates accordingly," Aviaita said. 

Facility safety and building assessment

What we don't know:

Officials have not yet determined the exact cause of the partial roof collapse. The property owner's structural engineer is conducting a full evaluation to make that determination.  

Specific health updates regarding individual residents cannot be released due to privacy laws. Questions regarding the physical structure remain pending until city officials and structural engineers complete their full building assessment.

Bringing a loved one closer to home

What they're saying:

For one family, the roof collapse has created an emotional and logistical challenge. Their 88-year-old relative, who has dementia, was evacuated and initially transferred to a sister facility in Fort Myers before being moved again to West Palm Beach.

His daughter and daughter-in-law said the multiple transfers have likely been confusing for him and frustrating for their family. They now plan to bring him to a new assisted living facility in Palmetto, so he can remain closer to loved ones.

Donation drive for displaced residents

Why you should care:

As displaced residents settle into new facilities, community organizations are collecting donations to help meet their immediate needs. The non-profit Suncoast Aging Network is accepting new twin-size bed linens, pillows, blankets, clothing, shoes, socks, undergarments and personal care items at four collection sites through 7 p.m. on Wednesday:

• We Care Senior Relocation Services — 5855 Placida Road Unit 302 Englewood, FL 34224
• Town Square Adult Day Center — 8450 N Lockwood Ridge Rd Unit 55, Sarasota, FL 34243
• Heron Club at Prestancia — 3749 Sarasota Square Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34238
• The Windsor of Bradenton — 2800 60th Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34207

Organizers say local senior move management companies have volunteered trucks and staff to help distribute the donated supplies to residents.

Contact information for families

What you can do:

Families seeking updates regarding relocated loved ones can call Aviata's general information line at 800-781-9593 while a dedicated phone line is being established. Questions regarding the safety or condition of the physical building should be directed to the City of Bradenton. 

Bradenton