complaint·July 18, 2023

Allegation: Staff are not safeguarding resident's belongings. It is alleged that some of the personal items are taken to be laundered and are not received back. Towels, washcloths, and a jacket were reported missing to Administration staff recently, but the issue was not addressed in a timely manner. It was reported that a gray zip-up jacket was not returned to resident (R1) with their clean laundry. Another resident had the gray zip-up jacket and it was returned to R1. According to interviews conducted, the missing towels were found, but washcloths were not. Per resident (R1), facility staff have never inventoried the resident's belongings and have never asked to report to staff when new items are purchased. NOTE: R1's missing zip-up jacket was observed in R1's room. Six (6) staff were interviewed, of which three (3) reported knowledge of at least one incidence in which R1's laundry items were not returned the same day as required per protocol. Staff were informed several times that personal items were not safeguarded. The housekeeper staff (S7) in charge of laundering R1's laundry no longer works at the facility. Staff stated that on several occasions staff (S7) did not finish their laundry tasks; and R1's clothing was not laundered and returned the same day. Housekeeping staff are assigned to clean 4-5 resident rooms per day, which includes laundering of resident's clothing. Laundry is to be picked up, washed, dried, and delivered on the same day. A total of eight (8) residents were interviewed. Three (3) out of eight (8) residents reported that their or other resident's belongings have not been returned after being laundered. One resident reported that they received a couple pieces of clothing by mistake and to took it to the laundry room so staff can return it to the right resident. Resident (R1's) file was reviewed. The file did not contain an inventory list of Resident Personal Property and Valuables. Administrator acknowledged that R1's file does not have an inventory list of personal property and the resident was admitted 2 years ago. During today's visit, LPA inspected the 1st and 2nd floor laundry rooms and R1's room. The 2nd floor laundry room had 2 washcloths on the shelf. Staff did not know whom they belonged to. Additionally, presently housekeeping staff are keeping track of laundry in the laundry room by writing the resident's room # on small pieces of paper they manually cut and write on, and placing the paper on top of the washer and the dryer, and then placing it on top of the clean clothes. This method may pose issues with tracking resident's belongings if the small paper is misplaced or lost. Based on observation, record review, and interviews conducted the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation is found to be SUBSTANTIATED . Deficiency is cited according to California Code of Regulations, Title 22. See LIC 9099D. Exit interview was conducted with Administrator Michael Forsgren A copy of the report and appeal rights were issued.