Complaint·November 14, 2022

INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE FOLLOWING: A llegation: Facility staff stole residents belongings. Facility staff is withholding residents mail. The details of the complaint state resident #1 (R1's) personal belongings were stolen and that mail is being withheld by staff. The complainant claims the facility stole (R1's) vitamins/supplements and prescription medications. (R1) was a resident at this facility from 08/12/21 through 10/20/22. As of 10/21/22, (R1) is now a former resident and no longer resident at this facility. The Department interviewed (R1) who currently resides at a skilled nursing facility (SNF) who stated not receiving all vitamins/supplements as well as prescribed medications during the transition. (R1) stated during the move, (R1) was not involved in with process and did not observe what belongings were packed, stored, or transported. (R1) was not certain if the personal belongings were stolen by staff. (R1) stated, "it was not a malicious act". Interviews with staff #1 - #3 (S1-S3) dispute this claim. (S1-S3) stated (R1) self-medicated and stored all medications including vitamins/supplements to prevent staff from accessing them. (S1-S3) reported (R1) was present throughout the entire transition process. Caregiver staff #3 (S3) reported (R1), observed, and directed what belonging would be packed, stored, and moved. (S1-S3) reported there were about 30 boxes that were stored in personal storage leased by (R1). According to (S2-S3), (R1) was limited on what personal items were allowed at the (SNF) and left some bags of vitamins/supplements in storage and several bags went with (R1) to SNF. (S1-S2) had an agreement signed by (R1) dated 10/19/22 stated the following prescribed medications: Loperamide, Capecitabine, Ondansetron, and Cal-Gest Antacid were in possession with (R1) when she left the facility on 10/20/22. An interview with the social worker (W1) at the (SNF) verified that (R1) was admitted with vitamins/supplements. (R1) did not have any prescribed medications when (R1) was admitted on 10/20/22. Interviews with residents #2-#5 (R2-R5) were complimentary of staff. (R2-R5) stated they had no concerns over their belongings and it is safeguarded by staff. The complainant alleges the staff has withheld (R1's) mail. An interview with (R1) revealed that a change of address has been implemented with USPS. (R1) claims she did not get to vote during the November election due to no ballot was sent to the new address. An interview with administrator Mona Alcaraz stated (R1) had a verbal agreement that once (R1) is settled at (SNF), Evaluation Report continues LIC 9099C (R1) will call the facility to determine how the mail shall be forwarded. (S2) claims (R1) has not reached out to her and that eight (8) mail items are held. There was no evidence of a 2022 US Ballot held at the facility. Interviews with (R2-R5) stated no issues with personal mail as family members would bring them over during each visit to the facility. Due to a health condition, resident #6 (R6) was unable to hold a conversation and did not participate in an interview. Based on the information gathered, an inspection of the facility, observation, analysis of (R1's) service records, photographs, videos, written agreements, and interviews conducted, the Department found no evidence to support the allegations mentioned in this complaint 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. No deficiencies were cited during this visit. An exit interview was conducted with Lilybelle Calzado, and a copy of the report was provided.