complaint·June 18, 2021

Allegation involves resident (R1) stating to family members on/around 3/6/2021 that she felt uncomfortable with the male staff (S1) who escorted her to the dining room that morning. Resident's family members stated that resident indicated she felt uneasy when staff was around her or in her room having a conversation with her, but she did not indicate that she was abused in any way. Resident resided in the Memory Care unit of the facility and had a diagnosis of Dementia per the physician's report dated 2/13/2021. LPA reviewed resident charting notes dated from 3/6/2021 - 3/8/2021 which included emails between resident's representatives and facility directors. On 3/6/2021, notes document that the Memory Care Director received an email in the afternoon from resident's representative to inform her of possible inappropriate comments and/or behavior from staff (S1) to resident (R1) and responded approximately 30 minutes later by calling resident's representatives. The Memory Care Director indicated that no male care staff would provide any care to resident (R1) to ensure she "feels comfortable and safe" and that all staff receive annual training regarding elder abuse. A follow up email was sent by the Administrator on 3/6/2021 to resident's representatives to inform them that an internal investigation was started and that staff (S1) was removed, along with other males, from providing any assistance to resident. Documentation reviewed shows a letter was faxed to resident's physician on 3/9/2021 and a completed SOC341 was faxed to the Ombudsman and to the department on 3/8/2021 reporting potential abuse. Additionally, a (LIC624) was faxed to the department on 3/8/2021 following the incident. LPA reviewed written statements obtained from facility directors during the internal investigation which resulted in unsubstantiated findings. LPA spoke with Ombudsman who also investigated the allegation and was not able to substantiate findings; however, requested that the facility conduct an In-Service training on appropriate interaction with residents. LPA was provided with documentation from the Administrator of In-Service training done on 3/16/2021. LPA interviewed staff (S1) who stated that he only provided care to resident (R1) "a couple of times" and resident did not accuse him of anything and on 3/6/2021 when he escorted resident to the dining room, he was not providing care to her at that time. Staff (S1) confirmed he has received training on appropriate interactions with residents. Based on information obtained, LPA finds the allegation to be UNSUBSTANTIATED- meaning that although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of the evidence to prove that the alleged violation occurred. Exit interview. Copy of report given and appeal rights printed.