complaint·December 24, 2024

The investigation revealed the following. Regarding Allegation : Staff are storing spoiled food at the facility – On 12/24/2024, around 9:15 am, LPA Ramirez toured Abernathy kitchen and Health Services Center (HSC) kitchen. Per staff interviews, Abernathy kitchen provides meals for the residents in assisted living and independent living. HSC kitchen provides meals for memory care residents and skilled nursing. During tour of both kitchens, LPA Ramirez did not observe perishables foods to be spoiled. Perishables stored in facility walk-in refrigerators were observed to have labels with dates indicating “use by date”. All walk-in refrigerators and walk-in freezers storing perishable foods were observed to be clean and within temperatures of 0-degree F (-17.7 degree C), and refrigerators with maximum temperature of 40-degree F (4 degree C). Four (4) out of the four (4) staff interviewed deny this allegation. Three (3) out of the three (3) residents interviewed deny this allegation. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED . Staff did not ensure that the facility refrigerator was repaired- During tour of HSC kitchen, LPA Ramirez observed walk-in refrigerator#1 to be locked and inaccessible. Staff opened refrigerator upon request and LPA Ramirez observed the refrigerator to be in empty. Staff interviewed collaborated the walk-in refrigerator in HSC kitchen has been in disrepair for weeks, but the facility placed a work order for the repair as soon as staff observed a change in temperature and is awaiting a replacement unit and budget approval. Staff interviewed revealed all perishable foods that were stored in this walk-in refrigerator, were immediately moved to another walk-in refrigerator in HSC kitchen. LPA Ramirez reviewed several invoices indicating the facility’s continued attempts to repair walk-in refrigerator#1 in HSC kitchen. Records reviewed, showed initial repairs were made however, additional parts were required to complete the repair. LPA Ramirez reviewed email correspondence by maintenance staff submitting work orders for walk-in refrigerator#1, attempts to repair walk-in refrigerator#1 and quotes to replace walk-in refrigerator#1 in HSC kitchen. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED . No violations were observed during this investigation complaint. Exit interview was conducted. A copy of this report was provided via email.