Allegation #1: Staff did not provide adequate food service to the clients.

The details of the complaint alleged the facility staff did not provide adequate food service to clients in care. The complainant reported the clients were not fed properly. The complainant claimed to have seen mac and cheese and green beans during the visits to the facility. The complainant reported no proteins were given in any of the provided meals and they also lacked nutritional value. The complainant did not provide further details on this matter.

During an inspection visit on 07/02/24 between 03:30 pm – 04:00 pm, the Department observed menus were posted throughout the facility, and a list of residents who accommodated with residents who are on restricted special diets. The Department reviewed the food supply and examined the posted menu, and other food options aside from the regular menu are provided. A review of the facility menu indicated the facility provided a variety of protein, fruits, and vegetables. The options are available upon request before breakfast, lunch, and dinner schedules. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist from Crystal Clear Nutrition approves all menus and meal substitution options. According to the Resident Council Meeting (dated: 01/31/24 - 06/19/24) revealed the topic of food services are discussed. On the day of the inspection, it listed Mexican food for 07/02/24. The facility followed the menu as the Department observed a plate of Fajitas, Beans, Spanish rice, and fruit.

On 07/02/24, between 01:15 pm – 03:00 pm, the Department interviewed (11) out of (11) clients #1-#11 (C1-C11) reported the food provided was adequate in portion, healthy, and nutritious. (C1-C11) claimed that mac and cheese is served at least once a month.

On 07/02/24, between 12:38 pm – 3:30 pm, the Department interviewed (2) out of (2) staff administrator (A1) and (S1) who refuted this accusation. (A1-S1) stated that clients are offered adequate food service that is approved by a Registered Dietitian from Crystal Clear Nutrition. (S1) explained that the facility does not serve unhealthy food. On each plate, there are a variety of proteins, fruits, and vegetables. The clients are offered a “meal substitute option” upon request. Meal substitutes are options aside from the daily menu. (S1) stated that mac and cheese is only served once a month and is not served weekly. (A1-S1) claimed aside from three meals which consist of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the clients are offered two snacks daily with refreshments. Based on the gathered information, there is no evidence to corroborate the allegation mentioned above.

It is alleged the facility has not kept the facility free from multiple infestations of bugs. The complainant claimed to have observed bed bugs, spiders, and roaches at the facility. The complainant did not offer to provide further information on this matter.

On 07/02/24, between 12:38 pm – 3:30 pm, the Department interviewed (4) out of (4) administrator #1 (A1) and staff #1-#3 (S1-S3) verified the facility is free from pest activity. (A1 and S1-S3) stated there is no pest activity as the housekeeping staff conducts daily pest spray treatments as part of the daily responsibilities. (S2-S3) claimed to spray all the client’s private rooms and common areas daily or as needed. (A1) stated the management has taken a proactive approach to ensure that the board and care facility are free from pests with daily pest treatments. (A1) stated that have received funding and are in the process of obtaining service estimates from a reputable pest control company.

On 07/02/24, between 01:15 pm - 03:00 pm, the Department interviewed (11) out of (11) clients #1-#11 and verified the facility currently does not have any pests in their private rooms or common areas. (C1-C11) verified the housekeeping staff conducts daily spray treatments to eradicate the pest issues.

The Department inspected random client rooms #3, #13, #23, #25, #37, and #39, the kitchen and dining room areas, and did not observe any pest activities. In inspection visits on 07/02/24 and 07/12/24 at this facility, the Department observed the facility to be clean and maintained in order. The Department observed housekeeping services being performed. Effective 07/12/24, the facility has a contract agreement with Western Exterminator.

A reviewed of the Resident Council Meetings (dated: 01/31/24 - 06/19/24) and Housekeeping Logs (dated: 05/01/24 – 05/31/24) revealed topics in prevention of pest and treatment services performed. Based on the gathered information, there is no evidence to support the allegation mentioned above.

Allegation #3: Staff financially abused the clients.

The details of the complaint alleged facility staff financially abuse the clients in care. The complainant reported the clients are not receiving their personal funds as required. The complainant claimed a client on Social Security would not get the remaining funds after all their dues were paid. The complainant described being unaware of what the other client’s financial condition, but the complainant overheard clients talking about how much they were owed.

On 07/02/24, between 01:15 pm - 03:00 pm, the Department interviewed (11) out of (11) clients #1-#11 (C1-C11) and verified the facility is not involved inappropriate accounting and handling of client’s funds. Six (6) out eleven (11) clients identified as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients claimed to have not encounter issues with their Personal & Incidental funds (P&I) being distributed weekly at $45 on Wednesdays and it has been accurate.

On 07/02/24, between 12:38 pm – 01:10 pm, the Department interviewed administrator #1 (A1) who claimed this allegation is false. (A1) stated there is no client in care who is subjected to financial abuse. (A1) stated there is a mixed of clients receiving (SSI), Veteran Affairs (VA) benefits, and Los Angeles County Public Guardian (LAPG) benefits. According to (A1) there are (37) out of (66) clients receiving (P&I) for $177.00 per month.

A review of Record of Client’s Safeguarded Cash Resources LIC 405 (dated: 01/01/24 – 06/27/24) revealed to be accurate and complete. Copies of (SSI) and (LAPG) recipients pay checks (dated: 01/24/24 – 06/06/24) and facility’s bank statements from US Bank revealed to be comprehensive and with no discrepancies.

Based on the gathered information, there is no evidence to corroborate the allegation mentioned above.

Allegation #4: Staff are selling cigarettes to the clients.

It is alleged the facility staff are selling cigarettes to the clients in care. The complainant reported the staff would sell cigarettes to the clients. The complainant did not offer additional information on this matter.

In an investigation, cigarettes were revealed to be sold to clients as a convenience and cost-saving measure. The facility sells cigarettes to clients who smoke at a lower cost than the liquor store nearby the facility. The facility sells the only Pit Bull Red Cigarette Brand for a pack of 20 at $7.00 or $.35 per cigarette. The same brand or comparable brand is sold at retail at $10 - $12 plus tax and it is not sold individually.

On 07/02/24, between 12:38 pm to 01:10 pm, the Department interviewed administrator #1 (A1). (A1) confirmed that the facility does sell cigarettes to smoking clients. The facility offers only the Pit Bull Red Brand for a lower cost than the liquor store which charges double the price. According to (A1), it is a matter of convenience and cost-saving for their clients. (A1) reported that there are (40) clients who are eligible smokers.

On 07/02/24, between 01:15 pm - 03:00 pm, the Department interviewed (11) out of (11) clients #1-#11 and verified the facility does sell cigarettes to eligible clients who smoke for lower cost. Eight (8) out of eight (8) clients who identified as smokers have taken advantage of this option as it saves them money purchasing at that facility rather than in retail stores, and they have the option to buy individual cigarettes for individuals who are only casual smokers. Three (3) out of three (3) clients who identified as non-smokers felt their personal rights were not violated by the facility offering these services to eligible smoking clients.

As a result of the investigation, the facility is not soliciting illegal substances to clients in care. Records revealed receipt vouchers are in order and complete. Resident Council Meetings (dated: 01/31/24 - 06/19/24) revealed topics on cigarettes services are discussed. Therefore, there is no evidence to support the allegation mentioned above, as no Title 22 Regulation has been violated.

Based on information gathered, an inspection of the facility, observation, and interviews conducted, an analysis of records reviewed, the Department found no evidence to support the allegations mentioned above. Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations, did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are Unsubstantiated.