complaint·October 9, 2023

On the allegation that Staff do not keep facility free from vermin, it is the reporting party’s concern that there have been rats in the facility for the past month and management has not done anything about it. It was further alleged that the fruit that is being left out for the residents is getting eaten by the rats. To investigate the allegation, the LPA conducted a facility tour, observed the kitchen in the main campus and the dining rooms in memory care (The Gardens) and assisted living (The Cottages). At 10:04 a,m. the LPA observed rodent droppings on the floor of the kitchen in the main campus and at 10:55 a.m. inside a drawer in the dining room of Memory Care. Staff interviews revealed that the facility has had rat sightings for the past two to three weeks and one staff saw one last week. Staff interviews revealed that sticky traps have been placed by maintenance and are periodically checked. Lastly, staff interviews revealed that if the facility cannot control the situation Orkin, a pest control service would be called, however they have not called Orkin to assist with the vermin. Based on observation and interview, the allegations that " Staff do not keep facility free from vermin " is deemed SUBSTANTIATED at this time. On the allegation that Staff do not properly store food, it is the reporting party’s concern that staff do not put start dates on opened food and containers are left open when they are put away. It was further alleged that uncovered frozen meat is left out in the sink overnight to defrost. To investigate the allegation, the LPA conducted a facility tour, observed the kitchen in the main campus and the dining rooms in memory care (The Gardens) and assisted living (The Cottages). At 9:49 a.m. the LPA observed an opened can of whole jalapenos peppers with no start date labeled. At 9:58 a.m. the LPA observed an undated container of sauce, one undated dish of cooked meat, and one undated plate of cooked bacon all inside the fridge. At 10:00 a.m. the LPA observed four (4) uncovered hamburger patties not stored properly with visible freezer burn and a box of hamburger patties left open inside the freezer. At 11:16 a.m. the LPA observed staff grab apple sauce from a closed container inside the fridge in memory care and not properly closing the container. One of the corners of the apple sauce container was left open. Based on observation, the allegation that “Staff do not properly store food” is deemed SUBSTANTIATED at this time. Pursuant to Title 22 Division 6 Chapter 8 of the CA Code of Regulations, the following deficiencies were cited (refer to LIC 9099-D). Exit interview conducted. A copy of the report and appeal rights were issued to Administrator Matteo Grigoli. On the allegation Staff are not providing adequate food service to residents, it is the reporting party’s concern that the cooks in the kitchen do not take the temperatures of the food and are not properly washing the fruits and vegetables. It was further alleged that the residents were served chicken that was not fully cooked because it had been put in the oven while it was still frozen. To investigate the allegation, the LPA conducted a facility tour, observed the kitchen staff in the main campus while preparing lunch and interviewed staff and residents. At 11:27 a.m. the LPA observed kitchen staff washing lettuce using a colander, properly storing and labeling leftover food and periodically changing their gloves. In addition, the LPA observed kitchen staff checking the temperature of the chicken dish they had just cooked. Resident interviews revealed that the food service at the facility is excellent and that they had no concerns about the food service. Staff interviews revealed that fruits and vegetables are washed thoroughly and that they make sure the meat is fully cooked before serving it to the residents. Based on observations and interviews the allegation “Staff are not providing adequate food service to residents” is deemed UNSUBSTANTIATED at this time. On the allegations Staff do not ensure carpet is kept clean and sanitary and Staff do not ensure that the facility remains free of odors, it is the reporting party’s concern that on 9/28/23 a resident (R1) had a diarrhea accident and the carpet got dirty. It was further alleged that R1’s room smelled due to staff placing a floor mat on top of the feces instead of cleaning it. To investigate the allegation, the LPA visited R1’s room and random resident rooms with carpets, reviewed pertinent documents, and interviewed staff and residents. Record review revealed R1’s private caregiver had washed off what they could from the carpet and that the facility placed a work order on 9/28/23 for the carpet to be cleaned. Administrator Matteo stated R1’s carpet was washed by maintenance staff the same day or the day after. During today’s visit, R1’s room had no odor. In addition, R1’s interview revealed that the accident “got cleaned up nicely” and had no concerns of odors and that it was cleaned in a timely manner. Administrator Matteo stated that depending on the situation, carpets are either washed in house by maintenance staff with an extractor or are professionally cleaned by Regency, a carpet cleaning company. All three residents that were asked if they had any concerns regarding odors or carpet cleaning issues stated that they have no concerns and that they can place work orders if needed. Staff interviews also revealed that they have not smelled any odors coming from resident rooms. Based on the information gathered, although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there was insufficient evidence to confirm "Staff do not ensure carpet is kept clean and sanitary and Staff do not ensure that the facility remains free of odors. Therefore, the allegation is deemed UNSUBSTANTIATED at this time.Exit interview conducted and report issued to Administrator.