Complaint·November 21, 2023

(Continue from LIC9099) During multiple interviews with staff, residents, and outside sources, it was consistently indicated that they had not witnessed any staff members mistreating R1 or any other resident living at the facility. It was also alleged that staff did not meet R1’s dietary needs. It was specifically alleged that R1 was allergic to the food being served and that no alternative choices were being offered. A detailed review of R1’s medical records and service care plan indicated that R1 had a diagnosis of dementia. According to R1's medical records, R1 required a regular diet, and was gluten intolerant with allergies to three other food items. During multiple interviews, it was evident that staff were aware of R1’s dietary needs and took precautions necessary to ensure R1’s dietary needs were being met. R1’s allergies were highlighted in the kitchen area to ensure food handlers and servers adhered to R1’s dietary needs along with the other residents who had food allergies. On October 26, 2023, it was observed that the residents’ allergies were prominently displayed in the kitchen area for food handlers/servers to be able to follow during meal preparation. In addition, dishes were color-coded and separated according to food allergies, and the dining room tables that were designated to specific residents were labeled with the name of the resident and their food allergies. During multiple interviews with staff, it was indicated that due to R1's diagnosis, R1 would often get confused and indicate they were “diabetic” and were allergic to undocumented food items not on the prescribed list of allergies. During an interview, R1 indicated they were diabetic, and that staff insisted on serving food that did not meet R1’s diabetic restrictions. A review of R1’s medical records confirmed R1 did not have a diagnosis of diabetes. During interviews, staff indicated that alternative choices were offered to R1 if they did not like the meals on the menu that met their dietary needs. However, at times R1 would request food items that were on their allergy list and would get upset at staff for not providing the food item. Interviews with other residents with food allergies did not disclose any concerns regarding staff not meeting their dietary needs. Based on record reviews and interviews with staff, residents, and outside sources, there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations in this report. (Continue at LIC9099C) (Continue from LIC9099C) The Department has investigated the above-mentioned allegations and based on interviews and records review, the preponderance of the evidence has not been met, therefore, these allegations are deemed unsubstantiated. An exit interview was conducted with Administrator, Linda Cho, to whom a copy of this report and the Licensee Appeal Rights (LIC9058 01/16) was provided at the conclusion of the visit.