HONOLULU — The state Department of Health is shutting down the TLC for the Elderly care home in Pearl City and fining its owners more than $135,000 for operating the facility without a license.

What You Need To Know

  • DOH issued a notice of violation and order to Helen Ferrer; daughter Millicents Ferrer, who rents and lives in the 1863 Hookupa Street home; and TLC for the Elderly LLC

  • The home was ordered to cease all operations, transfer all residents to a licensed adult residential care home or expanded adult resident care home within one week, and pay a penalty of $135,800

  • DOH said Millicents Ferrer aided and abetted her mother in illegally operating the facility; she was fined an additional $135,800

  • DOH received reports that the Ferrers were operating an unlicensed care home but inspectors were denied entry when they tried to investigate; DOH subsequently obtained a search warrant, which was executed in coordination with the Department of the Attorney General on July 15

DOH issued a notice of violation and order to Helen Ferrer; daughter Millicents Ferrer, who rents and lives in the 1863 Hookupa Street home; and TLC for the Elderly LLC. The home was ordered to cease all operations, transfer all residents to a licensed adult residential care home or expanded adult resident care home within one week, and pay a penalty of $135,800.

The home was ordered to cease all operations, transfer all residents to a licensed adult residential care home or expanded adult resident care home within one week, and pay a penalty of $135,800.

DOH said Millicents Ferrer aided and abetted her mother in illegally operating the facility. She was fined an additional $135,800.

“Licensure and oversight of care homes are critical to ensure that Hawaii residents receive safe, appropriate care services by trained staff,” said DOH Office of Health Care Assurance Chief Keith Ridley. “We will take all steps necessary to protect Hawaii residents and hold illegal care home operators accountable.”

DOH received reports that the Ferrers were operating an unlicensed care home but inspectors were denied entry when they tried to investigate. DOH subsequently obtained a search warrant, which was executed in coordination with the Department of the Attorney General on July 15.

DOH said the search warrant investigation and earlier evidence collected from subpoenas and interviews found evidence that the Ferrers illegally operating the care home. Evidence included observation of health care equipment and supplies in the home, interviews of caregivers and clients, and other documentation, according to the department.

By DOH definition, a residential care home is any facility that provides 24-hour living accommodations for a fee to adults unrelated to the family that operates it and requires at least minimal assistance in the activities of daily living, personal care services, protection, and health care services, but does not need the professional health services provided in an intermediate, skilled nursing or acute care facility. All such facilities must be licensed.