complaint·January 11, 2024

Staff stated they were not allowed to tie residents to a chair and restrained resident was against Title 22 regulation. Per LPA’s observation, no residents were tied to their chairs during the physical plant. Thus, the facility did not restrain resident while in care. In regards of facility staff do not ensure residents are appropriately clothed, it was alleged that residents were being left under dressed under cold temperatures. LPA interviewed residents, five (5) out of five (5) residents interviewed could not corroborate the allegation. Residents revealed staff clothed them appropriately and kept them warm. All four (4) staff interviewed denied the allegation. Staff stated caregivers would dress residents in layers accordingly and check residents if they were warm. Per LPA’s observation, residents were dressed in layers with sweaters, hats, socks, and gloves. Therefore, the residents were dressed appropriately to keep them warm. In regards of facility staff are not properly dispensing medication as prescribed, it was alleged that medication was not administered to residents on time. LPA interviewed residents, five (5) out of five (5) residents interviewed could not corroborate the allegation. Residents stated staff administered their medication as prescribed and dispensed medication to them every morning, afternoon and bedtimes depending on their needs. All four (4) staff interviewed denied the allegation. Staff stated Med techs administered medication according to residents’ medication record and doctors’ orders. Per record reviews, residents’ medications were administered as prescribed, and medication matched with records with no discrepancy. Therefore, facility staff dispensed medication as prescribed. In regards of facility staff do not intervene when residents engage in physical altercations, it was alleged that some residents would get into agreements and act aggressively towards others, but staff did not intervene. LPA interviewed residents, five (5) out of five (5) residents interviewed could not corroborate the allegation. Residents stated staff would intervene and separate the residents if residents got agitated or act aggressively toward others. All four (4) staff interviewed denied the allegation. Staff stated staff were trained to handle residents with aggressive behavior and residents with dementia. Staff would intervene, separate and re-direct residents to do other activities. Per record reviews, staff had in-service training on handling aggressive residents and residents with dementia. Per observation, the residents were peace and calm. Therefore, there was not preponderance evident to show staff does not intervene when residents were being aggressive towards others or engaged in physical altercation. (-continued in LIC 9099C-) Based on the information obtained during the investigation, interviews with staff, residents, review of resident files and LPA's observation, the investigation did not reveal any evidence to support the allegations mentioned above. Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore, the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED. An exit interview was conducted with interim administrator, Claudia Sanchez. The findings were discussed. A copy this report was provided to Claudia at time of visit.