complaint·October 29, 2024

Continued from 9099 Interviews with staff and the Administrator indicated that they have never seen Staff Member #1 (S1) yell at any residents or fail to treat them with dignity and respect. S1 denied ever yelling at any resident in care. Additionally, the LPA interviewed a home health nurse who visits the facility at least twice a week. The nurse stated that they have never observed any staff yell at residents and did not express any immediate or potential concerns regarding staff treatment of residents. Interviews with three (3) families or responsible parties of residents in care revealed that during their multiple visits each week, none of them have observed staff yelling at residents. Each family member or responsible party also indicated they have no concerns regarding staff treating residents with dignity and respect. Based on the information obtained during the investigation, the Department does not have sufficient evidence to corroborate the allegation. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the above allegation, “Staff did not treat resident with dignity or respect" is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time. It was reported "Staff prohibit resident from using the facility telephone" as it was alleged staff restrict R1 from using the facility telephone.  LPA conducted interviews with five (5) residents in care., two (2)  residents reported that they have always been able to freely use their own phones or the facility phone and have never observed staff restricting any resident from using the phone. One (1) resident was hospitalized at the time of the visit, and the two (2)  remaining residents are unable to communicate effectively. Interviews with staff and the Administrator confirmed that residents are permitted to use their own phones or the facility telephone upon request. The LPA also interviewed a home health nurse who visits the facility at least twice a week. The nurse indicated that they have never observed any staff restricting residents from using the telephone and expressed no immediate or potential concerns regarding phone use.  Additionally, interviews with three (3)  families or responsible parties of residents in care revealed that they each visit the facility multiple times a week and have never observed staff restricting phone use for any resident. Each family member or responsible party also reported no potential or immediate concerns regarding staff restricting phone use for residents. Based on the information obtained during the investigation, the Department does not have sufficient evidence to corroborate the allegation. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the above allegation, “Staff prohibit resident from using the facility telephone" is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time. Exit interview conducted and copy of report issued.