Complaint·November 22, 2022

Interviews revealed that the facility employed a dietitian who reviewed and created the food menu on a quarterly basis and staff would take resident preferences and family feedback into consideration when preparing meals. The staff also used a standing scale to weigh residents who were able to stand every month and would document any refusal of meals. Staff would notify residents’ physicians and responsible parties whenever a significant weight loss or gain was observed. Staff stated that a weight loss or gain requiring purchasing all new clothing would be considered a significant weight loss. Interviews revealed that around September 2021, resident 1’s (R1) spouse passed away at another assisted living facility. On September 8, 2021, staff observed that R1 had decreased food and liquid intake and they notified R1’s physician that R1 was refusing meals. On September 9, 2021, R1’s physician increased R1’s medication and noted that R1’s change in behavior could be connected to the passing of R1’s spouse. Review of R1’s needs and services plan dated September 10, 2021 revealed that staff were told to monitor R1 for changes in condition, ensure that a water cup was within R1’s reach, and redirect R1 as needed. Review of hospital records dated December 24, 2021 revealed that R1 had a weight loss of around 25 pounds in the last year and noted that it could have been attributed to R1’s history of cancer, diagnosis of dementia, medication prescribed for behaviors, and depression related to the death of R1’s spouse. The Department has investigated the above-mentioned allegations and based on interviews, record review, and LPA observations, the preponderance of the evidence has not been met, therefore, these allegations are deemed unsubstantiated. An exit interview was conducted with House Manager Maria Flores , to whom a copy of this report and the Licensee Appeal Rights (LIC9058 01/16) were provided via hard copy.