complaint·February 23, 2024

(Continued from LIC9099 p.1) Resident interviews also corroborated the allegation, residents stating that they waited outside up to 1.5 hours for staff to answer the phone and come to the door to let them in. Outside source interview corroborated the allegation, confirming that residents were waiting for long periods of time after hours, unable to get into the building. Review of the Resident Handbook, Appendix E of the Residence and Care Agreement, revealed the following policy regarding access to the building after hours: "When visiting after hours, please call [facility phone number] and/or press the call button located on the front door to enter and exit the community after hours". On 4/27/23, 1/30/24, and 2/10/24, Department staff contacted the facility number after hours, which produced varied response times. On 4/27/23, one (1) call was made to the facility phone, which was answered within 18 seconds. On 1/30/24, the phone was answered within 3 seconds on two (2) separate after hours calls. On 2/10/24, six (6) calls were made after hours over the span of 43 minutes at 10:03pm, 10:05pm, 10:16pm, 10:25pm, 10:34pm, and 10:46pm. The phone was not answered on any call on 2/10/24 and went to voicemail each time. Based on relevant interviews and records review, the preponderance of evidence has been met that alleged violation occurred, and is therefore substantiated. Deficiencies are cited per California Code of Regulations, Title 22 (refer to the attached LIC 9099-D). A Plan of Correction was jointly developed with the Licensee. An exit interview was conducted with Cameron Azemikhah, Executive Director, to whom a copy of this report, and the Licensee/Appeal Rights (LIC9058 03/22) were provided. (Continued from LIC9099 p.1) Staff interview further revealed that the chef held monthly meetings with residents regarding the menu to discuss any issues with food service. The chef informed that they used low sodium broth in all soups and did not add salt to any dish, as salt and pepper were provided on each table. Menu items notated if an item/spice was included, such as garlic or onions. Resident interviews revealed that while residents had specific distastes of certain menu items, the facility offered other food options for all meals, and residents were able to choose alternative meals to their preference. Outside source interview did not corroborate the allegation of resident food preferences not being honored. Review of facility records showed that the Licensee held documentation of dietary restrictions for residents, which were adhered to by kitchen staff. The documentation showed communication about a vegan diets, lactose intolerance, coffee preferences, and a low sodium diet. LPA reviewed the menu offerings for the month of January 2024, which showed that residents had the option to choose from 16 alternate menu items in addition to the daily entrees. LPA observed options of at least 17 breakfast, 25 lunch, and 25 dinner entrees offered to residents. LPA directly observed the low sodium broth used to prepare soups, as well as salt and pepper shakers and other condiments on the dining room tables. Regarding the allegation, "Facility staff did not serve hot food", it was alleged that the Assisted Living residents food was served to them cold, due to the food being made in a separate building. Staff interview revealed that staff measured, monitored, and documented food temperatures during preparation. Staff interview revealed that the meals were prepared in the large main kitchen, and transported in steam trays on carts to the Assisted Living building. Staff interview further informed that the steam trays kept the food hot throughout the transport and serving process. Resident interviews did not corroborate the allegation, as residents did not express concern with food temperatures during meals. (Continued on LIC9099-C p.3) (Continued from LIC9099-C p.2) Outside source interview did not corroborate the allegation of resident food not being served hot. Records review corroborated staff statements regarding the monitoring and documentation of food temperatures. LPA observed a document in the main kitchen labeled, "Food Taste and Temperature Log", with each food item, date, temperature, and the initial of the kitchen staff who tested it. During an unannounced facility visit, LPA directly observed the steam trays used to transport and keep food warm. LPA did not observe any issues with the food temperatures. Based on interviews, direct LPA observations and records review, a preponderance of evidence does not exist to prove that the alleged violations occurred, therefore the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED. An exit interview was conducted with Cameron Azemikhah, Executive Director, to whom a copy of this report and the Licensee/Appeal Rights (LIC9058 03/22) were provided.