Complaint Investigation Report

Allegation: Staff engaged in a physical altercation with a client resulting in an injury

Regarding this allegation it is reported that Staff #1 (S1) physically attacked Client #1 (C1) by twisting their arm and shoving C1 to the floor. After this altercation, law enforcement was called by C1 however there no charges filed. LPA interviewed C1 who stated that they needed to use the restroom however C1 requests that only female staff accompany them. C1 stated that they do not want S1 to assist them and that when they expressed this S1 got upset and physically attacked C1 and caused them to obtain a bruise. C1 stated that they are fully blind and could not defend themselves. LPA inquired as to how C1 knew that they obtained a bruise and C1 stated that the officers that arrived informed C1 of a bruise on their back. LPA interviewed the Administrator who denied this allegation stating that it was C1 that attacked and has continuously attacked all staff, including groping female staff not only in the facility but also during hospital visits as stated in previous hospital discharge paperwork. Administrator further added that C1 did not have any marks or bruises on them and that this was confirmed by law enforcement, hence why charges were not filed. Administrator states that the injured person was S1 showing visible scratches and red marks from C1, however S1 refused to press charges. LPA interviewed S1 over the phone who denied the allegation stating that they were attacked by C1. S1 states that C1 has been inappropriately touching female staff therefore S1 has been assisting C1 as they are visually impaired, however C1 has been very resistant to S1 or any male staff assisting C1. This has caused C1 to act aggressively towards staff and has been increasingly causing property damage and has been verbally and physically attacking staff. LPA interviewed Staff #2 (S2) and Staff #3 (S3) who both corroborated what Administrator and S1 stated. Both S2 and S3 stated that they have been inappropriately touched by C1 and have avoided being alone with C1. Staff have not refused to assist C1, however they do not assist C1 alone and ask other staff be present, this causes C1 to lash out physically and verbally towards staff. C1’s attempts to touch S2 and S3 are stopped by S1 and other staff, which triggers a behavior. LPA interviewed Client #2 (C2) who also corroborated what Administrator and staff stated. C2 confirms that it is C1 that attacks staff and touches the female staff. C2 further stated that the incident that took place is not how C1 describes it, adding that C1 is the one that attacked S1 and has been doing so for a while. LPA reviewed previous hospital discharge paperwork where it was revealed that C1 has acted inappropriately towards nursing staff and has been escorted out of the hospital due to this. LPA reviewed C1’s IPP where it states that C1 will act “demanding and aggressive if they do not get their way”. Therefore, based on interviews, observations and record reviews this allegation is deemed unsubstantiated.

No citations issued. Exit interview conducted. Copy of report provided to Administrator.