complaint·July 7, 2023

It was alleged that facility staff are not responding timely to residents’ alerts. LPA interviewed staff and residents related to the call button system and wait times. The facility utilizes a system where residents have a pull cord in their rooms near their bed, as well as one in the resident’s restroom, which triggers a light on the outside of the resident’s door as well as a light in the main dining room and at the front desk. During the day, front desk staff call on the walkie talkie when the panel lights up to inform care staff to go assist the resident. During the night, when front desk staff are not present, the care staff are responsible for walking around and paying attention to the call light panel. Resident interviews revealed that depending on the time of day and how busy the staff are, the time elapsed from pulling the cord to a staff responding to their room can be anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, but most often it’s 15-20 minutes before the staff respond. One resident indicated the staff “take their sweet time” when responding to the call light. Staff interviews revealed that while the workload is usually manageable, at times, the residents have to wait some time for assistance during the busier times of the day. Therefore, based on interview, the allegation that “facility staff are not responding timely to residents’ alerts” is deemed SUBSTANTIATED at this time. Pursuant to Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations Division 6, Chapter 8, the following deficiency was cited (refer to LIC 9099-D). Failure to correct the deficiencies may result in civil penalties. Exit interview conducted. A copy of the report and appeal rights were provided. Allegation: Staff is unaware of emergency water supply: During the initial complaint visit, LPA toured the facility and observed the facility’s emergency water supply. LPA took photos of the supply located in the kitchen pantry. Dining staff interviewed indicated they are aware of where to find the emergency supply and were able to articulate to the LPA where the water is located. LPA spoke with staff identified in the emergency disaster plan to oversee the emergency supply and those staff were also aware of the emergency supply location. Additionally, the facility has 2 automatic water dispensers located in the common areas of the facility. In the event of a power outage, the water dispensers will still function, and residents will continue to have available drinking water. Based on interview and observation, there is insufficient evidence to support the allegation or that a violation occurred, therefore, the allegation that “staff is unaware of emergency water supply” is deemed UNSUBSTANTIATED at this time. Allegation: Staff are not posting food menus: It was alleged that although menus were placed at each dining table, the weekly dining menu was not posted at the facility. LPA visited the facility multiple times throughout the investigation and took photos of the posted menu at each visit. Interview with Administrator revealed that menus are printed weekly and posted on Monday mornings. One Monday morning two weeks prior to the initial complaint visit, there had been a car accident near the facility, which caused a power outage at the facility. The facility’s emergency generators had kicked in to ensure continuity of care to the residents and food preparation was uninterrupted, but the weekly menu was unable to be printed prior to breakfast service. When Administrator arrived at the facility, the menu was printed and posted at that time. Daily menus were available on each dining table and the dining staff did have a printout of the weekly menu. Additionally, residents had previously received a copy of the weekly menu in their rooms. Interviews revealed that menus are posted and there have been no concerns with communicating to the residents the daily or weekly food choices. Based on interview and observation, there is insufficient evidence to support the allegation or that a violation occurred, therefore, the allegation that “staff are not posting food menus” is deemed UNSUBSTANTIATED at this time. Allegation: Staff are not providing nutritious foods: It was alleged that in the bistro area, there were no snacks available other than popcorn. LPA observed the Bistro 3 (three) times during the course of the investigation. At each visit, LPA observed fruit, sandwiches in the refrigerator, as well as snacks available in the Bistro. Interview revealed that the food in the Bistro is Report Continued on LIC 9099-C restocked 4 (four) times a day by the kitchen staff. There are some residents who will take all the food left out in the Bistro, so that is being addressed. Residents interviewed indicated there are snacks available all day, such as sandwiches, various fresh fruits, Jello, and pudding. Residents stated they can get their own snack from the Bistro or they can ask the caregiver or med tech to bring them almost any food of their choosing at any time of the day. Based on interview and observation, at this time there is insufficient evidence to support the allegation or that a violation occurred, therefore, the allegation that “staff are not providing nutritious foods” is deemed UNSUBSTANTIATED at this time. Allegation: Staff are not properly safeguarding the facility grounds: It was alleged that doors to empty rooms were found unlocked, which could be a potential safety hazard to residents in care. Administrator interview revealed that there are rooms that were left unlocked for the purpose of staff offering facility tours during the weekend when Administrator was not present at the facility. The rooms are vacant and set up with furnishings such as a bed, dresser, and chair. During the initial complaint visit, LPA checked all doors during the facility tour and none were found to be unlocked. LPA asked Administrator to unlock vacant rooms for observation during the facility visits. LPA found no hazardous items in any of the vacant rooms that had been previously unlocked for the purpose of offering tours. Based on interview and observation, at this time there is insufficient evidence to support the allegation or that a violation occurred, therefore the allegation “staff are not properly safeguarding the facility grounds” is deemed UNSUBSTANTIATED at this time. No citations issued for the allegations addressed above. Exit interview conducted. A copy of the report was provided.