The operating license for Victorian Square Assisted Living Center, located at 241 South Chamberlain Avenue in Rockwood, has been ruled inactive by the state for just over a year.

Officials say residents will have to relocate during this time.

Victorian Square was established in 1999, two years after the old Chamberlain Memorial Hospital was closed. The building is presently an 81-room assisted living facility.

The Health Facilities Commission recently conducted three Life and Safety inspections and three Health Welfare Surveys.

Some deficiencies noted in a Life Safety Survey include no documented fire drills for 2021 and 2022, fire-rated doors were not maintained, and no maintenance documents for the sprinkler system and fire alarms. When a final Life Safety survey was conducted last year, it indicated no deficiencies.

However, more problems surfaced regarding the facility.

Health and welfare-related concerns include failure to document background checks for new employees, failure to maintain residents’ medical records, and the presence of cockroaches and bedbugs.

The Tennessee Health Facilities Commission took disciplinary action against Victorian Square in August 2023. They handed down civil monetary penalties totaling $4,500 against the facility for violations.

The financial problems continued to mount for the facility.

An order issued by the state revealed Victorian Square owed Rockwood Electric Utility $36,546.62 in unpaid bills by the end of February. The electric services would be shut off at the end of March if not paid. The order also indicated the facility owed the Rockwood Water, Sewer, and Gas Board $35,985.44.

On March 8, 2024, the state placed the license to operate Victorian Square Assisted Living on an inactive status for one year and 45 days. The reason was for violations affecting the health, safety, and welfare of the residents.

Victorian Square officials released the following statement:

“It’s with great sadness after 25 years of service to the Roane County community we are having to close the operations here at Victorian Square. This decision was arrived at over several days of meetings and conversations with those who are involved to ensure the well-being of you the residents and our staff. We found ourselves at a crossroad and felt this was not the desired decision to be made, however, it’s the best at this time. The decision is not based on the care of the residents, as Residents were being taken well care of. It was a strictly economic and financial situation. The facility will be working with the government agencies to help ensure a safe and appropriate transfer to other facilities of our Residents. If you have a question while we work through this process, please do not hesitate to contact the facility at the number listed below. Thank, you for allowing us to care for your loved ones and being a part of this community for the past 25 years, it’s our desire all of our residents find a great location to continued your care. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you and your family.”

To see the complete order from the state, click the following link:

Victorian Order