complaint·February 7, 2025

The allegation of “Staff did not safeguard a resident's personal belongings” alleges that facility staff took three (3) packages of cigarettes from resident #1’s (R1) possession. An interview with R1 revealed that they had a bag containing 10 packages of Lucky Strike Cigarettes. R1 stated that Staff #1 (S1) had taken the bag containing the packages of cigarettes from their possession. R1 stated that that facility staff returned the bag the same evening but the bag only contained seven (7) packages of cigarettes upon receipt. Interviews with facility staff members and other facility residents revealed that no other members of the facility are smokers. No other residents interviewed have had personal items taken by staff and no residents interviewed have been denied access to their personal belongings. S1 denied taking any packages of cigarettes from R1’s bag. LPA confirmed with staff and R1 that due to the care needs of the other residents residing at the facility cigarettes would need to be stored inaccessible to the other residents in care. CCR 87309(c) states, “Except as specified in subsection (d), the licensee shall implement reasonable interventions in order to ensure that nutritional supplements, vitamins, alcohol, cigarettes and other potentially toxic substances, such as certain plants, gardening supplies, and auto supplies, are stored so as not to pose a hazard to residents.” Although the allegation may have happened or is valid there is insufficient evidence to support the allegation of, “Staff did not safeguard a resident's personal belongings.” Therefore, the allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time. The allegation of “Staff refused a resident access to the facility's telephone” alleges that facility staff denied R1 access to the facility’s telephone during the evening that R1’s cigarette bag was taken from them. During an interview with Witness #1 (W1) they initially stated that they remembered the evening where R1 had their cigarettes taken. W1 initially informed LPA that they recalled speaking with R1 that evening and described R1 as “Hysterical” W1 stated that R1 was upset that they couldn’t go outside to smoke. Interviews with other residents of the facility did not reveal any concerns regarding access to the facility phone. All staff interviewed denied ever forbidding residents access to the facility’s phone. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid there is insufficient evidence to support the allegation of, “Staff refused a resident access to the facility's telephone.” Therefore, the allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time. Continued on LIC 9099C. The allegation of “Staff did not ensure food the resident was eating was safe for consumption” alleges that the facility is poisoning R1 with arsenic laced food. During the physical plant tour LPA observed the facility’s refrigerators and freezers to be maintained at appropriate temperatures. LPA did not observe any chemicals stored in food preparation areas. LPA did not observe any poisons located on the facility’s premises. Interviews with other residents did not reveal any concerns with the quality of the food being served at the facility. All staff members interviewed denied adding harmful substances to any resident’s food. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid there is insufficient evidence to support the allegation of, “Staff did not ensure food the resident was eating was safe for consumption.” Therefore, the allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time. Exit interview was conducted. This report was reviewed with the Administrator and a copy was provided.