complaint·July 18, 2023

The complaint alleges that the facility had cut staffing and that there was only one staff scheduled in the Memory Care unit and one staff scheduled in the Assisted Living side. Interviews revealed that staffing patterns did recently change, based on the census at the facility. At the time of the initial visit, the facility had 10 residents in the Memory Care unit and 44 in Assisted Living. Staff interviews revealed that there are currently 3 care staff working in the Assisted Living unit as well as 2 care staff in the Memory Care unit, which is also reflected in the staff schedule obtained. Recently, in the Memory Care unit, there is one care staff working during the shift and one medication tech; both staff scheduled during the shift provide care to the residents in Memory Care. Staff interviewed indicated there are fewer residents than previously, which is why the adjustment in staffing has been made. Staff stated many of the residents in Assisted Living are relatively independent and do not require as much hands-on assistance, therefore, the decrease in care staff is manageable. In Memory Care, interviews revealed that due to the lower amount of residents, the time needed to assist residents with medications is minimal, only about 1-2 hours during an 8-hour shift. So, the medication technician is able to spend the remainder of their time at work assisting with the 10 residents’ care needs. Additionally, staff interviews revealed that during the day when residents require more assistance, there are managerial staff and activities staff available to step in and assist as needed. Residents interviewed indicated they believe their care needs are being met and that staff are kind and responsive to their needs. Based on interview and record review, although the allegation may be valid, at this time there is insufficient evidence to support the allegation or that a violation occurred, therefore, the allegation “facility is understaffed” is deemed UNSUBSTANTIATED at this time. No citations issued. Exit interview conducted. A copy of the report was provided.