complaint·May 3, 2021

Interviews revealed that facility staff were not accepting tips from residents and their families, however; interviews affirmed that the facility did participate in a community wide Resident Gift Fund (Employee Appreciation Fund) that was sponsored by the Resident Council of La Costa Glen. This Resident Gift Fund was established for hourly employees of La Costa Glen, Glenbrook Assisted Living, and Glenbrook Health Center. This yearly fund collected donations for the hourly staff of these facilities and provided the staff with a monetary donation in December of each year. The most recent being December 2020. Interviews with residents and outside sources confirmed that the Resident Gift Fund was solely created by the Resident Council of La Costa Glen and that participation was voluntary and anonymous. Residents advised that they were not coerced into participation in the program. The Resident Council of La Costa Glen is comprised solely of residents. Administrators are invited to participate via virtual meetings to hear the thoughts and grievances and to execute the gift fund. Staff did not participate in the collection of the donations. The investigation did not reveal evidence that staff are accepting tips directly from residents, were not violating handbook rules, and were not violating residents’ personal rights. There is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation occurred. Accordingly, based upon the foregoing, the allegation is unsubstantiated. An exit interview was conducted, via virtual visit and a copy of this report and Licensee Appeal Rights (LIC 9058 01/16) was provided to Administrator, Sadie Harness via electronic mail. An electronic read receipt verifies receipt of these documents.