Complaint·February 8, 2024

Allegation: Staff interfere with resident's sleep. It was reported that NOC shift staff wake up Memory Care residents between the hours of 4:30 AM - 5:00 AM in order to get them ready for breakfast and before the AM shift starts. A total of eight (8) staff were interviewed, of which five (5) out of eight (8) staff stated that the NOC shift staff wake up the residents between 4:30 AM - 5:00 AM, and start changing the residents in order to get them ready for breakfast meal time. After they are changed they are taken to the activity room at 6:00 AM. Their breakfast time is 6:30 AM. According to Memory Care Director, some Memory Care unit residents are already awake at that time. However, the majority of the staff interviewed stated that they feel the residents are awakened too early, and the primary reason for the protocol is to have the residents ready before the AM shift begins at (6:00 AM). Staff reported that sometimes residents are sleepy and fall asleep in the activity room tables. Therefore, the resident's sleep is being affected. Family interviews revealed that they did not have knowledge of the resident wake-up time and also reported that the resident are put to bed early in the evening, usually by 7:00 PM. Former Administrator Daniel Konishi was not interviewed. Assisted Living residents have Personal Rights that state they are to be free from....actions of a punitive nature, such as... interfering with daily living functions such as eating, sleeping, or elimination. Allegation: Staff do not properly store residents' personal hygiene care items. It is alleged that resident's hygiene box and toothbrushes are stored in the laundry room/cleaning tools storage room. A total of eight (8) staff were interviewed. All confirmed the allegation. They stated the hygiene products have been stored there for a long time because the Memory Care unit does not have enough storage areas. They stated that the laundry room is cleaned every 2 months. On 11/28/2023, LPA observed the storage room and confirmed the allegation. Toothbrushes and incontinence supplies were stored uncovered and the room contained cleaning supplies, dirty laundry, and had dirty floors. Pictures were taken. Based on interviews conducted and document review, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation are found to be SUBSTANTIATED . Deficiencies are being cited according to California Code of Regulations, Title 22. See LIC 9099D. An exit interview was conducted with Memory Care Director Rodora Merana.A copy of the report and appeal rights were issued. Allegation: Staff do not provide residents with a reasonable amount of time to consume meals. It is alleged that Memory Care staff rush the residents during mealtimes and are often heard asking the residents "Are you done" in an impatient manner. Additionally, it was reported that staff do not always provide feeding assistance to residents and say that the residents did not want to eat and put the food back in the tray for removal. Three (3) out of eight (8) staff stated they do rush residents because the dining room staff want the meal trays by a certain time. One (1) staff stated that staff rush the residents and purposely feed the residents large spoonful’s so they can finish their meals faster. LPA observed several mealtimes and did not observe staff rushing the residents. Based on staff interviews, there is insufficient evidence to corroborate the allegation. Allegation: Licensee does not ensure facility administrator has an active administrator certificate . It is alleged that the Memory Care Director does not have an Administrator's certificate but is saying that they are an Administrator. It was also reported that Administrator Daniel Konishi delegates all Memory Care responsibilities to the Director and is not in charge of the facility. Based on record review, the findings indicate that the Memory Care Director does not have an Administrator Certificate. However, Executive Director Daniel Konishi has an active Administrator Certificate that expires 04/28/24. Note: Executive Director Daniel Konishi last day of employment at the facility was January 31, 2024. According to Title 22 Reporting Requirements 87211(g) The licensee shall notify the Department, in writing, within thirty (30) days of the hiring of a new administrator.... Based upon record review and interviews conducted the findings indicate that, 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. Exit interview was conducted with Memory Care Director Rodora Merana. A copy of the report was issued.