complaint·September 13, 2023

Interviews with outside sources revealed that in April 2023, R1 and their responsible party scheduled an appointment with an outside electric wheelchair company for assessment and training for R1 to use an electric wheelchair to be conducted in May 2023. Interviews with outside sources and records review revealed that an outside vendor did not receive the paperwork required for R1’s assessment and training to use an electrical wheelchair, which resulted in the appointment being cancelled. Interviews with outside sources revealed that the outside vendor rented space within the facility building and did not have any connection with the facility. Interviews with residents and staff did not reveal any concerns regarding the facility’s involvement in R1’s assessment and training for the use of the electric wheelchair. Interviews with staff revealed that the facility was in communication with R1’s responsible party regarding facility policy regarding electric wheelchair use and covered the cost of the training hours for R1. The tour of the facility revealed that the facility has several stand-alone buildings which are separated by a street with a crosswalk. Interviews with staff and residents revealed that activities are hosted in both the independent building and the assisted living building, where R1 resided. Assisted living residents were either escorted across the street by staff or had been assessed to be capable of walking across the street independently. Interviews with staff revealed that the facility attempted to offer activities in both buildings whenever possible to allow all residents to attend a specific activity. Interviews with staff revealed that escorting services are provided free of charge when activity staff are available and able to meet the needs of the residents that are requesting escorting. Interviews with staff, residents, and outside sources revealed that residents were able to request an escort and the facility only charged for escorting when it became a regular occurrence. Interviews confirmed that prior to the approved use of the electric wheelchair, R1 was receiving escorting services to activities in the independent building. During LPA’s visit on 9/13/2023, LPA observed residents in the assisted living building attending activities. Interviews with residents and staff did not reveal any difficulties or issues with requesting escorting services. The Department has investigated the above-mentioned allegations and based on interviews, LPA observations, and records review, it was determined that the complaint allegations are Unfounded, meaning that the allegations are false, could not have happened and/or are without a reasonable basis. An exit interview was conducted with Executive Director Kurt Norden and Resident Services Director Coco Feng, whose signature below confirms receipt of a copy of this report and the Licensee Appeal Rights (LIC9058 01/16).