complaint·June 18, 2021

The Assistant Administrator who manages the distribution of resident’s money, acknowledged that Resident #1 received a $500 check from the mother. R1 signed the check, returned it to her, and requested for the money at that moment. R1 is unable to cash own check and the facility manages R1’s money. The Assistant Administrator explained to R1 that the check needed to be cashed first before receiving the money. In addition, R1 is a Regional Center client and is given a limit to the amount of money that resident can handle at one time. LPA Chan verified with R1’s Service Coordinator and confirmed that resident is able to manage between $150 - $200. LPA interviewed 6 other residents who either stated the staff does not withhold their money or they manage their own money. Regarding allegation #2– Facility staff tampered with resident’s mail. It is alleged that the staff opened R1’s mail, took out the $500 check and kept it. LPA Chan interviewed Administrator Archarya who stated that the staff do not open residents’ mail since they know it is not right. The Assistant Administrator stated that she did not open R1’s mail. R1 was given the mail at the front office and R1 opened it in front of her. R1 had anticipated the check and after opening the mail, R1 signed the check and handed it to the staff. Based on interviews with the other 5 staff, they do not open nor tamper with any resident’s mail. They are aware of the resident’s rights and opening mail without consent would be a violation of their rights. Staff explained that the mailman delivers mail to the front desk and the office staff will sort out the mail. Residents’ mails are either deliver them directly or residents pick up themselves at the front desk. If assistance is needed, the staff will help the resident open the package while the resident is present. 5 out of 7 residents interviewed stated that staff have not tampered with their mail. 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 the Assistant Administrator. A copy of this report along with the appeal rights were provided.