complaint·September 9, 2022

Regarding the allegation that there is Not enough staff to meet the needs of the residents, through interview of 5staff and 4 residents, LPA learned that there were times earlier in the year when staff called in or quit, when staff in the facility was short. LPA learned that there were times when outside agency staff was called in to assist. However, in speaking with staff and residents, LPA found no evidence to prove that the number of staff led to any resident’s needs not being met. Therefore, the allegation is UNFOUNDED. A finding that the allegation is UNFOUNDED means that it is false, could not have happened, and/or is without a reasonable basis. Regarding the allegation that Residents medical information was not accessible during an emergency, from interview of 5 staff, LPA learned that the facility did have the information for residents. It appears that at the time of the alleged violation, the facility had just initiated a new process of printing out client’s information sheet from a computer. It is not clear exactly what happened at the time, but it is possible that staff present were not able to make the computer work correctly, and is not totally clear what might have taken place. LPA is not able to find conclusive evidence to prove what took place, and it appears adequate information was given to allow treatment. Allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED. Regarding the allegation that residents were left unsupervised while in care, from interview of 5 staff and 4 of 15 residents (LPA spoke with residents who were present in May when the complaint was filed, and who were able to recall incidents in May. There is no proof that there was any time when there were NO staff present in the home; it appears that at a minimum there was at least one licensee or staff there at all times. LPA is not able to conclude whether residents were “supervised” or “unsupervised” if there were individual staff in the facility. Therefore, the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED. Regarding the allegation that Methamphetamine (Crack) found by employee in employee bathroom; again, LPA cannot ascertain that this in and off itself necessarily constitute a violation of a regulation. Also, from interviews of 5 staff, LPA learned that one employee did find a bag with a powdery white substance in the employee bathroom on the floor. The person in the room before that employee was from a temporary agency, was spoken to and never worked at the facility again. It is not proven that that particular person did or did not leave the substance in the bathroom. LPA learned that the staff bathroom is always kept locked, so residents do not have access to that room; therefore they did not have access to the substance. There is also no proof that any staff or anyone else actually used the substance, or if it actually was an illegal substance or what it was. Therefore, LPA is not able to prove whether there was or was not any effect whatsoever on any resident or their care from staff; however no issues have been reported. The allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED. A finding of Unsubstantiated means that although the alleged violation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of the evidence to prove that the alleged violation occurred. Appeal rights provided, exit interview conducted.