News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The current owner of Senior Lifestyles opened up about how recent events at the facility have impacted him and his family.
Owner Ed Butler co-owned the facility with his wife Stephanie when she was charged last month with two counts of property theft and one count of willful neglect, abuse, and exploitation.
“My children and I have been devastated,” Butler said. “Without getting into too much detail, I can’t think of another experience in my life that has been as difficult and as hurtful as this.”
Butler, who has co-owned Senior Lifestyles for four years, said he had little involvement when it came to operating the facility.
“Stephanie ran the facility. I had very little involvement in it at all,” Butler said. “She’s run it for several years, so I had limited involvement. Really, that was the way she wanted it, and that was the way I wanted it because I had other businesses that I was running, and I’ll just leave it at that.”
Butler said he wants to clarify on how the facility is currently being operated, adding state officials have not taken control of Senior Lifestyles. Butler added he personally invited the state to examine the facility.
“The state has not come in and run the facility or taken over the facility,” Butler said. “I know it was indicated in one of the newspaper articles. However, I want to make clear that they have been very helpful, and have been involved, and they have been in the facility pretty regularly – which I invited them in – to ensure that we’re doing things like we should.”
Currently, Butler is running for State Representative of the 41st District, overseeing Jackson, Overton, Morgan, and southern Fentress Counties. He said it’s unclear how – if at all – the Senior Lifestyles situation has impacted his campaign.
“You don’t know what each person’s thinking,” Butler said. “I’ve been overwhelmed with a huge number of people who have reached out in support that know that I had nothing to do with anything like any illegal activity.”
Michael Shipman of Shipman & Crim, PLLC serves as Butler’s attorney. He said he is proud of Butler for being able to make it through a difficult time.
“I’ve been impressed with Ed in the way he’s handled what is really a traumatic situation, a very difficult situation for his family,” Shipman said. “[He’s] certainly trying to maintain… and focus on what’s important in his life, and simultaneously taking into consideration his intention of running for office.”
As for the future of Senior Lifestyles, Butler said the facility has been sold out of his best interest to Absolute Care, LLC, but could not give details regarding price.
