complaint·April 7, 2021

***Note: This is an amended version of the report dated 4/7/21. The report was amended to conceal the gender of the party involved.*** The investigation revealed the following: Facility staff and/or residents are leaving used PPE equipment and litter in the community. It was alleged that litter and used PPE is being improperly discarded on the ground and enters the surrounding neighborhood. In interview, a witness (W1) indicated that W1 was unsure whether the litter was coming from Lakewood Park Manor because there are two other facilities nearby including a health care center and another residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE). During the tour on 1/15/21, LPA Spencer did not observe trash, litter, or used PPE outside of Lakewood Park Manor or in the surrounding areas. LPA observed that Lakewood Park Manor's entrance opened up to a street (Lakewood Blvd), and that the parking lot was self-contained. Interviews with the assistant administrator reveal that staff dispose off PPE gear before exiting a positive resident's room and face masks are disposed of in trash cans located throughout the facility. 4 out of 4 staff interviewed stated that they have not seen litter or used PPE outside of Lakewood Park Manor but S2-S4 stated that they have seen trash coming from the health care center nearby. 5 out of 7 residents stated that they have not observed or heard about a litter problem and that the surrounding areas are generally clean. A review of the trash pick-up invoice/schedule shows that the facility contracts with a company for trash disposal 5 times a week. A review of the job duties shows that staff are also trained on how and where to dispose of trash properly. Based upon physical plant observation, interviews conducted, and documents reviewed, the findings indicate although the allegation(s) may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation(s) did or did not occur, therefore the allegation(s) are Unsubstantiated. A telephonic exit interview was conducted with facility case manager Elizabeth Martinez. A hard copy of the report was emailed. Staff was instructed to sign the LIC 9099 reports and return to LPA.