complaint·January 18, 2024

INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE FOLLOWING: Allegation: Facility failed to provide comfortable accommodations for residents in care. The details of the complaint alleged the facility failed to provide comfortable accommodations for residents. The complainant reported that the facility is without heat and it has been off for about a week with no plan to remedy the concern. The complainant did not provide further detailed information regarding this issue. On 01/18/24 between 9:01 am - 10:10 am, the Department interviewed (4) out of (6) staff who claimed there have been no complaints from residents in regards to heating in private rooms or the common areas. (S1-S4) stated a Resident Council meeting was held on 01/11/24 several topics were brought up during the meeting including heating accommodations. (S1-S2) claimed that the facility received multiple donated portable electric heaters and this was discussed in the meeting and it was offered to residents in need of equipment. (S3) claimed on 01/05/24, made arrangements with a reputable heating and air condition/HVAC company who came out to inspect and replace thermostats on 01/05/24 and 01/12/24 for several resident rooms and the main dining room. (S5-S6) claimed although the thermostat was replaced and it is in working condition, there is a problem with the circulation aspect with the HVAC system not blowing warm air through air vents. On 01/18/24 between 10:11 am - 11:37 am, the Department along with the maintenance supervisor (S3) inspected the entire facility. The inspection revealed in Arbor Hall area (2) out of (5) resident rooms did not have an operable HVAC system. In the Assisted Living area (2) out of (18) rooms did not have an operating HVAC system. Resident rooms that did not have an operable working HVAC systems were #5, #11, #165, and the main dining room. Room #165 did not have working thermostat between 01/05/24 through 1/18/24. Rooms inspected with working HVAC systems were the following: #2, #8, #17, #27, #37, #72, #140, #148, #158, #160, #221, #235, #241, #243, #253, #254, #255, #259, #268 and each room had of a comfortable range, between 68 degrees F. and 75 degrees F. On 1/18/24 between 1:04 pm - 1:15 pm, the Department conducted a phone interview to confirm services were performed by witness #1 (W1) the heating and air condition/HVAC company on 01/05/24 and 01/12/24. (W1) verified thermostats were serviced during the service dates mentioned. Based on information gathered, there is sufficient evidence to support the allegation mentioned above. (Evaluation Report continues LIC 999-C) Based on observations, interviews, and record reviews, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation is found to be substantiated. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 6 and Chapter 8 are being cited on the attached LIC 9099-D. Exit interview was conducted with Julie Villanueva, Director of Resident Care and a hard copy of the report along with appeal rights.