complaint·May 29, 2024

Allegation: Staff are leaving a resident in a wheelchair for extended periods of time It was alleged that R1 is left in a wheelchair from breakfast to bedtime, without anyone taking R1 downstairs to the exercise classes. To investigate this allegation, LPA conducted an interview with the Administrator and three (3) staff members and was informed that all residents are being encouraged to come out of their rooms and communicate with each other. LPA was also informed that wheelchair bound residents are provided with an extra help and the staff frequently checks on them and changes their position from the wheelchair to the couch or bed, to prevent residents from developing pressure wounds. Interview with S1 also revealed that although R1 can be very difficult and often may refuse to go downstairs, the staff will continue to encourage R1 to go downstairs, but yet it is the resident’s personal right, and the staff will respect their decision. All parties interviewed denied the above allegation. Moreover, LPA conducted an interview with eight (8) residents and all residents indicated that the staff will always check on them often and if they request for assistance, staff will come quickly. Based on interviews and the information obtained, the allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time. Allegation: Resident is being denied planned activities while in care To investigate this allegation, LPA conducted an interview with the Administrator and was informed that the facility posts monthly Activity schedule for the residents in the hallway. Moreover, a daily activity schedule is also provided, and the staff will encourage residents to participate. In addition, LPA was able to interview eight (8) out of twelve (12) residents and all residents interviewed expressed no concerns regarding the above allegation. One resident also informed LPA that the facility has a suggestion box for the activity as well. Lastly, during the initial visit conducted on 01/12/22, LPA observed twenty-one (21) residents engaging in a daily activity. Based on interviews, record reviews and LPA observation this allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time Allegation: Resident is not afforded privacy while in care To investigate this allegation, LPA conducted an interview with the three (3) staff and all staff stated that R1 and all residents are accorded privacy in their everyday lives. Staff further stated that when they must enter the resident’s room, they knock first to alert them that they are entering the room. And when they do enter, they are only there to check on the well-being of the resident, to clean the room, assist the resident with their personal care needs, or to assist the resident with their activities of daily living. Continue on LIC9099-C Moreover, eight (8) residents interviewed denied the allegation and informed LPA that they did not have any problems with the staff giving them their privacy in their room or to have a private conversation with other residents or staff. And that the staff knocks before they come into their room and announces who they are and why they are there. Based on interviews, record reviews and LPA observation this allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time. Allegation: Resident personal belongings are being mishandled while in care It was alleged that care staff is coming into R1’s room and takes personal belongings and stealing money from, either while R1’s in the bathroom, in the other room, and while sleeping. To investigate this allegation LPA conducted an interview with the Administrator and was informed that the facility conducts weekly and monthly meetings with all staff regarding Theft and Loss Policy, as well as Personal Rights. Administrator also informed LPA that this was never brought up to his attention by R1. In addition, three (3) staff members interviewed denied ever taking anything from R1 and or other residents. Moreover, eight (8) out of twelve (12) residents interviewed expressed no concerns regarding this allegation. All residents interviewed also informed LPA that they trust the staff and feel very safe at this facility. Based on interviews and the information obtained, the allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time. Allegation: Staff did not notify a resident of additional charges in a timely manner It was alleged that the facility added $4000.00 additional charges to R1’s monthly rent without R1’s consent. To investigate this allegation, LPA conducted an interview with the Administrator and was informed that the facility’s policy is to provide a 60-day written notification via email and mail to the resident/responsible party regarding a rent increase. Administrator also informed LPA that in January 2022, the facility increased R1’s rent and R1/responsible party were made aware of the increase. Furthermore, at admission, residents and their responsible parties are notified of an annual increase pursuant to Health and Safety Code 1569.658. In addition to the admission agreement, a letter was sent out to R1’s responsible party on 10/28/21 advising them of their increase which would take effect on 1/1/2022. Per review, it was confirmed that the annual increase was disclosed on the admission agreement (page 37), and a letter was sent out for R1 indicating the increase on 10/28/21. Moreover, LPA conducted an interview with eight (8) out of twelve (12) residents and all residents interviewed expressed no concerns regarding this allegation. Based on interviews and the information obtained, the allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time. Exit interview conducted and copy of this report signed and delivered. Allegation: Staff are not seeking timely medical attention for a resident It was alleged that the facility is not providing COVID test to residents. To investigate this allegation, during the initial visit, LPA conducted an interview with the Administrator and was informed that the facility takes COVID cases very seriously and once the resident shows any sign of cold/flu like symptoms the facility immediately provides a rapid test. Interview with the Community Care Manager revealed that R1 did not request any COVID test on or before January 2022. LPA was also informed that on 01/05/22 R1’s Physical Therapist requested R1 to be tested for COVID prior to therapy sessions, and the facility immediately provided the test. Moreover, the Administrator and the Community Care Manager also informed LPA that all positive COVID cases are reported to the Community Care Licensing Department within the first 24-hour. LPA conducted review of facility Incident Reports submitted during that time and did not observe a COVID positive report regarding R1. In addition, interview with three (3) staff members revealed that R1 was never self-isolated on or before January 2022. All staff also informed LPA that during that time they provided a care and supervision to R1 with no restrictions. Lastly, interview with eight (8) out of twelve (12) residents expressed no concerns regarding this allegation. Therefore, based on interviews this allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated. Allegation: Staff are not providing appropriate care and supervision to a resident To investigate this allegation, while interviewing a sample of twelve (12) residents, LPA randomly tested resident’s pendant and emergency call buttons in their rooms. LPA conducted a random inspection of three (3) pendants and two (2) emergency call buttons and staff responded within a reasonable time. Interview with the Administrator revealed that the facility’s expectation for response time is 10-15 minutes. LPA was also informed that prior to employment all staff members must complete their 40-hour training. Thereafter, the staff will complete one (1) week of shadowing and once ready, each staff will be provided with a weekly work schedule. In addition, interview with three (3) staff members revealed that all residents are being provided with an appropriate care and supervision. Staff also informed LPA that they respond to residents' call buttons immediately. Lastly, interviews with eight (8) out of twelve (12) residents interviewed expressed no concerns regarding this allegation and informed LPA that the staff is well trained and provides very good care and always respond to their calls immediately or within 5-10 minutes. Based on interviews and observation this allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time. Continue on LIC9099-C