complaint·February 16, 2023

Allegation: Staff had inappropriate interaction with the resident . It is alleged that on 1/13/2021, two staff were antagonistic and yelled at resident (R1) and it's visitor for questioning COVID-19 visitation policies and for not wearing a mask. The resident went to the front entrance to pick up the food delivery packages that were dropped off by the visitor. Staff explained to the visitor that they were not allowed to enter the building due to pandemic visitation restrictions. Based on interviews conducted, R1's visitor argued with receptionist staff for not allowing R1 to exit the building to get the food delivery. According to staff interviews, R1 and it's visitor were not wearing a required face mask. As a result, staff brought it to their attention and explained that masks are required due to active COVID-19 cases in the building. All staff interviewed denied yelling at R1 and it's visitor. They stated that in the beginning of January 2021 the facility had a COVID-19 outbreak and visitation was prohibited due to the state and public health order. At that time, all residents were quarantined in their rooms, but resident (R1) occasionally sneaked out of the room to see visitors. Resident (R1) denied that both staff involved in the incident yelled at the resident, but stated that the receptionist staff shouted at the visitor when explaining the visitation policies. Staff (S3) was nearby and stated that receptionist staff (S5) did not yell at R1 or the visitor. Staff (S5) was not interviewed due to scheduling conflict, as they only worked at the facility once a week at that time. Staff (S5) is no longer employed at the facility. A total of nine (9) residents were interviewed; all denied the allegation. Allegation: Facility does not have activities. It is alleged that the facility did not have any scheduled activities for residents during COVID-19 quarantine in 2020 and early 2021. According to record review and staff interviews, the findings indicate the facility had a large COVID-19 outbreak in the building in late December 2020 and January 2021. Due to state and public health directives, residents were to quarantine in their rooms and all communal activities were suspended. All staff stated there were no activities for residents at that time, with the exception of Zoom doctor and family communication. A total of nine (9) residents were interviewed, all stated activities were suspended due to the pandemic. Residents understood the public health directive the facility enforced. Allegation: Food Service inadequate. It is alleged that the food that was delivered to residents in their rooms in 2020 and early 2021 was poor quality and were given less food selection. Resident (R1) requires a special diet and was not being given variety of foods. Staff interviews revealed that the food was cooked at the sister facility in the same campus and then brought over to this facility. It was transported in carts in disposable food containers in order to prevent virus contagion. Staff stated that the food may have been at times served cold because of staffing shortages experienced during that time; in which caregivers were expected to deliver the food and feed the residents as well. Two (2) out of nine (9) residents stated the food was served lukewarm and the food was not of good quality. According to staff interviews, residents were provided special diet meals as directed. There is insufficient evidence to corroborate the allegation. Allegation: Staff share personal information of resident. It is alleged that facility staff were revealing personal resident information to other residents and family members about a resident that passed away from the COVID-19 virus. All staff stated denied the allegation and stated that staff are trained not to share any resident personal information with anyone. Staff stated that R1's nearby neighbor was transported to the hospital during the COVID-19 January 2021 outbreak, and residents may have observed through their windows emergency personnel take the resident. Resident (R1) state that they felt the facility did not provide any information about what was happening. Eight (8) residents denied the allegation. Front desk staff or Activities staff handle all resident memorials and place flowers in the lobby with a "in loving memory" message, for other residents to see. According to staff, R1 often asked staff about what was happening in the facility, especially after hearing ambulances. Staff denied sharing any information with residents. Allegation: Residents are forced to stay in their rooms. It is alleged residents were forced to stay in their rooms beginning November 2020 because the other Assisted Living facility in the front area of the campus had large COVID-19 outbreaks. All staff confirmed that residents were quarantined in their rooms due to COVID-19 outbreak public health orders, and in effort to mitigate the spread of the virus in this building. Staff stated that on several occasions R1 sneaked in family visitors when front desk staff were not present. According to staff interviews, some residents were allowed to go out of their rooms if they were experiencing a lot of anxiety, and that R1 was allowed to walk downstairs to see family visitor. Resident (R1) stated residents were asked to stay in their rooms during COVID-19 pandemic. All residents interviewed stated they were directed to quarantine in their rooms during COVID-19 pandemic outbreaks. Therefore, the allegation cannot be supported because the facility was following public health and Licensing directives. Based on interviews conducted and record review, there is insufficient information to support the allegations. Although the allegations 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 allegations are Unsubstantiated. Exit interview conducted with Wellness Director. A copy of the report was provided.