Complaint·November 21, 2024

On 11/19/2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Pang Lee arrived at the facility unannounced to deliver complaint finding. LPA met with care giver Jemesa Aisake. LPA asked for caregiver Jemesa to call administrator Cleopatra Gardiner to informed that CCLD is present. During today's visit administrator was not present. The census is 9. It was alleged that due to staff neglect, resident choked while eating resulting in death. Throughout the course of this investigation, the Department conducted interviews and reviewed facility records. The investigation revealed that on 06/11/2024, resident (R1) choked on food while in care at Vita Bella Elderly Care III. While (R1) was conscious and alert, staff 1 (S1) conducted the Heimlich maneuver, while S2 called 911 and followed instructions to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The investigation revealed multiple staff are aware of R1’s inability to eat food independently. The staff prepare R1’s food by cutting the food in small pieces and serving soft items and per staff interviews, staff sit and feed R1 with each meal. Sacramento Fire Department paramedics arrived and pronounced R1 deceased at the scene. Due to the above noted information, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur, and therefore the allegation is unsubstantiated. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report was provided to the facility.