complaint·October 30, 2023

The administrator stated the residents could smoke outside in the patios or outdoors but not in their rooms. She had not heard of any residents selling marijuana in the facility nor do they hire staff or admit residents who are registered sex offenders. Staff stated they do not allow residents to smoke in their rooms. They have not witnessed any residents selling marijuana or other drugs either. 7 out of the 8 residents interviewed stated the residents do not smoke in their rooms. They go outside to the patio where it is allowed. They have not seen or heard of any residents selling marijuana at the facility. They stated they feel safe residing here. 2. Allegation - Facility is not in good repair. It was alleged that the air conditioner was not working for almost 2 years, the elevators are frequently breaking down, and the ceiling had leaks. Per the administrator and staff, when things are not working properly, the maintenance personnel will try to fix it immediately. She stated the facility is an older building and they are maintaining the physical plant as best as they could. When the elevator is in disrepair, she contacts the outside elevator technician and they come right away to repair it. During the tour today, LPA observed the elevator and air conditioners working properly. The rooms inspected did not have any water leaks from ceiling. 3 out of 8 residents stated the elevator breaks down at time but they will fix it right away. One reported the elevator has been down for 10 months. The rest did not have any issues with things in disrepair. 3. Allegation - Facility has bedbugs. Administrator and staff stated they have not seen or received any reports of bedbugs from residents. LPA obtained the pest control report which was last serviced on 6/6/23. Per administrator, the maintenance staff has been performing the pest inspections and spraying the facility. Staff stated the maintenance person conducts random room checks every week to observe for pests. 7 out of the 8 residents interviewed had not seen any bedbugs in their rooms. During the visit today, LPA inspected 8 rooms and found a dead bed bug with blood stain in room #36. Although a bed bug was discovered, the facility does not have an infestation of pests nor has not been neglectful. The maintenance staff has been inspecting rooms weekly to ensure there are no bugs. 4. Allegation - Facility does not provide meals and snacks for diabetic diet. Administrator and staff stated their meal plans are created and meets the dietary needs of the residents. The foods are cooked with minimal salt and offer sugar-free desserts. LPA also interviewed the dietitian via telephone, who stated a visit is conducted monthly to ensure there is adequate food supplies, cleanliness of the kitchen, and the menu is appropriate for residents’ diets. At the visit today, LPA observed serving of foods that meet the different food groups. They had rice, chicken, soup, vegetables, and jello. 7 out of 8 residents stated the facility serves foods that are appropriate for those who are diabetics or have dietary restrictions. One stated he/she cooks own food and does not eat the food served at the facility. 5. Allegation - Facility does not provide adequate food service. It was alleged the facility rarely serve the foods reflected on the menu. Per administrator, the cook will replace an item in the menu if it is not available that day and stated it does not occur often. The cook stated the menu is generated ahead of time and they will ensure there is sufficient items. Cook will also follow the menu and cook with less salt/sugar. They also have alternatives if residents do not want the main course. 6 out of the 8 residents interviewed stated the facility serve the foods according to the menu. 6. Allegation - Resident is not receiving mail. Administrator stated mails are received usually in the mornings and are distributed to the residents while they are having lunch or are brought to the resident rooms. Staff stated they are sometimes asked to deliver their mails and do not open their mails. LPA interviewed 8 residents, and all stated they receive their mails unopened. 7. Allegation - Resident did not get 60-day notice of rent increase. The administrator stated the rent increases as the Social Security office increases the SSI amount. A notice is provided to the person who pays the rent, which is either the resident or family member. The letter is given ahead of time and when the facility receives notification of increase for SSI recipients only. LPA reviewed 5 resident files and observed they have signed admission agreement acknowledging the increased rates. One resident refused to accept the rent increase and did not sign form. 3 of the 8 residents interviewed stated they will receive notification before the rent increases, while one indicated the facility did not provide notice. The rest of the residents either have not had an increase of rent at the moment or someone else pays their rent. 8. Allegation - Facility does not provide activities. LPA toured the facility and observed an activity calendar. There are board games and books available for residents to use. The ping pong table is available when requested. Administrator and staff stated they provide activities to residents daily. The residents interviewed stated there are some types of activities provided daily, but some do not wish to participate. They also have board games, coloring, and books available. Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED. An exit interview was conducted with administrator Jacobo. A copy of this report along with the appeal rights were provided.