complaint·December 10, 2024

The Investigation Revealed the Following: Allegation: Facility staff handle residents in a rough manner. It is alleged that staff handle R1 in a rough manner as R1 sustained a bruise to left eye, and that S4 does not treat R1 right and has questionable methods. LPA Interviewed Regional Center Service Coordinator that is assigned to R1 and it was explained that S4 is the one-on-one service provider to R1 and during S4's shift on the evening of 11/27/24 R1 was experiencing a behavior and hitting objects in the restroom, as R1 was exiting the restroom R1 bumped their head on the door frame of the restroom hitting the left side of their face, S4 notated the scratch that was observed after the incident and over night the scratch began to bruise. Regional Center conducted an investigation and did not determine any findings as the behaviors that R1 was experience are normal for R1 and R1 has history or unsteady gait causing them to bump into objects or tripping when walking. LPA interviewed S1 and S4 and both confirmed what Regional Center disclosed. S4 denied the allegation and stated that they have never neglected or abused R1, they have been working closely with R1 for over 20 years and this is the first time this has happened, S4 confirmed that this bruise occurred when R1 was experiencing a behavior and bumped into the door frame causing a scratch near left eye, bruising was not present during shift but by next day the bruise appeared in same area that R1 had hit themselves the day prior. S2 and S3 denied the above allegation and stated that they have never observed any staff handle residents in a rough manner. LPA attempted to interview R1 however R1 is has a intellectual disability that prevents successful interviews, LPA observed R1 and R1 was experiencing behavior in which R1 would attempt to hit their head on glass door, S4 was present to block R1 from harming themself. LPA interviewed R2-R5 and each resident denied the above allegation and stated they have never seen any staff handle residents rough or be disrespectful towards residents. Based on statements and interviews conducted with regional center, facility staff and residents, and review of R1's files, there was not enough supportive evidence to concur with the reported 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 . Exit interview held, and a copy of this report was provided.