Complaint·April 21, 2025

In December 2023, the licensee emailed R1’s responsible party to notify them the rent would be increased from $7,000 to $8,000 per month, due to a higher level of care needed. However, R1 had not had any increase in the higher level of care since moving into the facility, and no reappraisal was completed. R1’s responsible party also noted despite asking for a copy of the admission agreement for months, they had not received a copy. R1’s responsible party continued to pay $7,000 for the care, and the licensee attempted to have the responsible party sign a new admission agreement for $8,000. Administrator stated R1 increased from a Level 4 to Level 5 care plan, and believed the increase was valid. Credible witness interviewed confirmed R1 had no change in care needs since moving into the facility. Another responsible party confirmed they received an increase notice on March 22, with an effective date of May 15, which was not a full 60 days’ notice. It was also alleged the licensee was charging R1 $350 per month for incontinence supplies, even though hospice was providing them. R1’s POA confirmed R1 was being charged $350 from the facility directly for incontinence supplies, even though the incontinence supplies were being provided through insurance and hospice. Responsible party stated administrator said they put the hospice incontinence supplies “in the supply closet as back up.” Interviews confirmed the briefs were all comingled in the supply closet, and staff used them for any resident. In addition, R1’s POA stated the administrator asked for the $350 to be paid in advance. After R1’s responsible party discussed the issue with the licensee in January 2024, they agreed to remove the $350 charge. However, the licensee sent a letter on 1/2/2024 indicating there was a balance owed on R1’s account and they were serving an eviction notice due to nonpayment. R1’s responsible party refused to pay the additional cost. The administrator later sent a text stating they did not need to pay the $1,000. The fact remains R1 and their responsible party were not given proper notice of the rate increase. Based on the information obtained, the allegation is deemed Substantiated at this time. Pursuant to Title 22 Division 6 Chapter 8 of the CA Code of Regulations, the following deficiency was cited (refer to LIC 9099-D): Exit interview conducted. Copy of report and Appeal Rights issued at the time of the visit. to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is Unsubstantiated at this time. The licensee is reminded of their responsibility to follow admission agreements. On the allegation: Insufficient staffing to meet resident's needs. It was alleged that staff were not showing up to their shift due to the administrator not paying staff. Interviews revealed multiple staff’s hours were cut and their days of work decreased. Additionally, when staff went to pick up their paycheck it was not available. It was also stated the licensee would hold the checks in their possession and tell staff they needed to do additional work to receive the check. Other times staff had to follow the licensee to the bank, and the licensee handed them cash. Interviews revealed staff sometimes worked double shifts to cover staffing, otherwise the administrator or their partner would come in to cover the shift. Interviews revealed more staff at night would be beneficial, but there was insufficient evidence to prove any residents’ needs were not met as a result. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is Unsubstantiated at this time. The licensee is reminded of their responsibility to ensure sufficient staffing at all times. On the allegation: Facility is not kept at a comfortable temperature for residents. It was alleged residents at the facility complained of being cold. One resident’s visitor stated when they visit a resident, the resident complains about being cold. The visitor has requested numerous times that the heat be turned on. The visitor stated one resident’s hands were observed to be purple, and another resident woke up and stated it was always cold in there. Interviews revealed the bathrooms can be cold because they have no heating, so the hot water needs to be run for a while to warm up the bathroom. Some persons interviewed believe the common area can be cold for residents if the air conditioning is blowing directly on them, while others interviewed stated the temperature in the facility was comfortable. Administrator stated some residents are always cold, so they provide them blankets. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is Unsubstantiated at this time. The licensee is reminded of their responsibility to provide residents a comfortable temperature. Exit interview conducted. Copy of report issued at the time of the visit.