complaint·January 29, 2025

A plan of correction was submitted indicating the designated smoking area would be upgraded, and staff were trained to monitor and report residents who smoked outside of designated areas. Interview with the administrator at 3:15 p.m. on 01/24/25 revealed the facility’s designated smoking area is around the corner from the main entrance. Hedges were installed to provide resident safety and comfort while smoking. Facility tours on 01/24/25 and today confirmed that hedges were installed. LPA observed three (03) residents smoking in the designated area around 2:30 p.m. on 01/24/25. LPA observed one (01) resident using the designated area today. LPA did not observe residents smoking outside of designated areas during tours on 12/20/24, 01/24/25, or today. Interview with Staff #1 (S1) at 3:40 p.m. on 12/20/24 who works at the reception area at the main entrance revealed they had not detected any smoke in the facility since the facility instituted the new smoking guidelines. LPA interviewed nine (09) residents out of ninety (90), or 10% of residents, on 12/20/24, 01/25/24, and today. Four (04) out of nine (09) residents were chronic smokers and confirmed that facility staff instructed residents to smoke only in the designated area. Nine (09) out of nine (09) residents interviewed revealed they were not bothered by smoke in the facility or people smoking too close to the entrance. Interview with R1 revealed they had spoken with the administrator about smoking in designated areas and received a written warning. R1 did not think their smoke carried into the facility and did not detect it indoors. Based on observations and interviews, although the allegation is valid, there is insufficient evidence to verify that a resident is smoking too close to the facility and affecting others. Therefore, the allegation is deemed UNSUBSTANTIATED at this time. Exit interview conducted. Copy of report provided.