complaint·March 1, 2024

Regarding the allegation “Staff do not assist resident with obtaining medical care" it was alleged the facility did not provide advanced notice to R1 before their medical appointments. Interview with S2 revealed R1 requested medical appointments, so the facility arranged vision, dental, and medical appointments outside of the facility for R1. R1 refused to attend the appointments. S2 then arranged for an optometrist service, a dentist, and a podiatrist to come to the facility to assist R1. R1 again refused to attend the appointments. S2 asked R1 the reason for refusing the appointments, and R1 stated they do not need the appointments and they are fine as they are. R1 declined to be interviewed by LPA at 12:45 p.m. on 02/29/2024 and today at 1:05 p.m. Based on interviews, the facility assisted R1 with obtaining medical care. Therefore, the allegation is deemed UNSUBSTANTIATED at this time. Regarding the allegation “Staff did not provide resident with a notice of rate increase” it was alleged the facility did not provide sufficient notice prior to issuing an increase to R1’s rent. Interview with the ED revealed all residents were notified of the annual rental increase on 11/28/2023. Record review revealed that on 11/28/2023, the Department of Social Services issued Provider Information Notice (PIN) 23-20-CCLD detailing the estimated Social Security Income (SSI) payment standards for 2024. Review of R1’s monthly charges revealed the facility charged R1 rent in accordance with the Department’s guidelines. Interview with S1 revealed R1 has the money to pay the rent but has not paid the full rent. Based on interviews and record review, R1 was provided notice of the annual rent increase. Therefore, the allegation is deemed UNSUBSTANTIATED at this time. Regarding the allegation “Staff are charging resident for unspecified fees” it was alleged the facility did not provide an explanation for the increased rent. Record review revealed the letter issued by the ED on 11/28/2023 detailed the reason, amount, and effective date of the rent increase for all participating residents. The letter also described the charges for Room and Board, Care and Supervision, and the Personal and Incidental Needs Allowance. Review of R1’s monthly charges showed R1 was charged the rate explained on the rent increase letter. Interview with ED confirmed the details of the letter. Also, besides the standard annual rent increase, R1 was not being charged any additional or unexplained fees. Based on interviews and record review, R1 was provided notice of the annual rent increase. Therefore, the allegation is deemed UNSUBSTANTIATED at this time. Regarding the allegations “Staff do not assist resident with showering” and “Staff do not assist resident with grooming” it was alleged staff do not assist R1 with showers and grooming prior to their medical appointments. Interview with S2 revealed R1 was difficult to work with as they repeatedly refused assistance with bathing and grooming. R1 also refused to participate in bathing and grooming. S2 expressed concerns for R1’s hygiene to R1’s family. R1’s family told S2 to try to influence R1 more. S3 confirmed that R1 frequently refuses assistance and requests to bathe and groom. Based on interviews, staff offer assistance with showering and grooming but R1 refuses assistance. Therefore, the allegation is deemed UNSUBSTANTIATED at this time. Regarding the allegation “Staff are not providing a comfortable environment for resident” it was alleged R1 was not allowed to open the blinds in their room for natural light or turn on their lamp. LPA toured R1’s room at 12:45 p.m. on 02/29/2024 and saw the blinds open with natural light filling the room. During today’s tour, LPA saw the blinds were closed. Interview with R1’s roommate R2 revealed they had no issue with R1 opening the blinds or turning on lights. Each resident has a personal lamp, and there is a shared overhead light for the room. R1 again declined to be interviewed. Interviews with the ED, S1, and S2 revealed they had not heard any concerns expressed by R1 regarding the lighting of their room. S3 stated R1 likes the room lit up, and R2 likes the blinds closed. Based on observations and interviews, R1 was allowed to use their light and open the blinds. Therefore, the allegation is deemed UNSUBSTANTIATED at this time. No immediate health or safety concerns were observed during this visit. Exit interview conducted. Copy of report provided.