It was alleged that staff did not make sure resident’s toileting and grooming needs were met. During the course of this investigation, LPA conducted interviews and reviewed facility records. Based on interviews conducted it was learned that the facility staff would attempt to help this resident with their toileting needs. However, many times R1 would refuse assistance with their toileting or grooming needs and stated that they would be able to do it themselves. An interview with facility staff was conducted and it was learned that the facility staff had growing concern with this resident and their refusal to obtain help. Based on records review, a meeting was held with the Administrator, facility staff and R1’s service coordinator regarding the concerns of R1’s refusal for their toileting and grooming needs. LPA conducted a tour of the facility bathrooms in which found that the main bathroom used for this resident was wheel chair assessable to easily access the amenities in the bathroom. Based on the information gathered, it is unclear if the facility did not ensure that the resident’s toileting or grooming needs were met.

Allegations: Staff did not keep the facility clean or sanitary and staff did not keep facility free from insects

It was alleged that staff did not keep the facility clean or sanitary and staff did not keep facility free from insects. LPA conducted an unannounced facility visit on 10/01/2024 and 10/17/2024. Upon arrival, LPA conducted a thorough search of the facility and did not find any indication of insects. In addition, LPA did not observe any concerning conditions and appeared to be clean and free of pests upon visual inspection. LPA was unable to visually observe any other issues that have been reported regarding the facilities sanitation and cleanliness. In addition, this facility conducts bi-monthly pest control services which include target areas such as wasps, ants, beetles, roaches, and spiders in all parts of the facility including but not limited to the foundation, front yard, back yard and eaves. Based on the observations gathered during the course of this investigation it is unclear that the facility did not keep the facility free from insects or keep the facility clean and sanitary.

Allegation: Staff did not prevent smoking on the premises

It was alleged that staff did not prevent smoking on the premises. Based on interviews conducted with facility staff it was learned that there is one resident who has prior issues with smoking inside the facility but has been compliant with smoking outside of the facility in the designated smoking area. It was disclosed that this resident is a chronic smoker and their room smells like cigarettes because of their consistent smoking. LPA conducted an interview with this resident who denied smoking in their room and states that they always smoke in the designated smoking area.

Allegation: Staff left resident sleeping in their wheelchair

Based on interviews conducted with facility staff it was denied that the resident would sleep in their wheelchair. It was stated by facility staff that when they would find the resident sleeping in the wheelchair they would ask the resident why they were not sleeping on their bed. It was stated by this resident that they wanted to sleep on the wheelchair or did not want to go into the bed and did not want to ask for assistance to move over to the bed. LPA toured this resident’s bedroom and found that the mattress had a mattress cover that was adhered to the physical mattress and did not move when tugged. Based on the information gathered, it is unclear if the facility staff left the resident sleeping in their wheelchair

Allegation: Staff did not safeguard residents personal items

It was alleged that the staff did not safeguard resident clothing. During the course of this investigation, LPA conducted interviews, conducted facility tours, and reviewed facility documentation. It was learned through interviews conducted that on September 17, 2024, R1 had a medical appointment in which their family member was present. After the appointment, this family member stated to staff that they would be taking R1 back home with them as they were not coming back to the facility. Later in the evening, staff was greeted by the family member back at the facility who stated that they would be gathering R1’s belongings. Staff contacted the administrator who spoke with R1’s family member and confirmed with them that they would be moving R1 out of the facility. An interview with facility staff present during this time confirmed that R1’s family member moved all the resident’s items and did not leave anything behind. In addition, it learned that this resident did not allow anyone in their room and did not obtain much help with laundry services. A review of facility documentation was conducted and showed that the R1's family member did check out a list of items that were inventoried by the facility. It was also stated that R1's family member would bring in additional items however were not inventoried. Based on the information gathered, it is unclear if the staff did not safeguard the residents personal items.

As a result of this investigation, this Department found the allegation to be UNSUBSTANTIATED. A complaint allegation finding of Unsubstantiated meant that although the allegations may have happened or was valid, there was not a preponderance of the evidence to prove that the alleged violation occurred.