Complaint Investigation Report

The investigation revealed the following:

Allegation: “Staff mismanaged client's funds.” It is alleged that client began receiving SSI payments, which facility wanted to go to them . And that client never received any documents of what has been paid for his rent and what he owes them if anything . During today’s visit, LPA reviewed C-1's file and revealed that C-1 had a rental payment arrangement with the previous owner where C-1 will only pay a portion of his rental fee. However, records (letter dated 11/16/2022) showed that this payment arrangement and assistance had stopped. S1 denied the allegation of mismanaging C-1's funds because C-1 has been receiving SSI benefits and he is his own payee. LPA rev iewed the facility's rent roster rom Dec. 2022 - Feb 2023 and revealed that C-1 paid the facility $400 in Dec. 2022 and has not paid his rent since. S1-S2 stated that they have been assisting and working with a payment plan with C-1 to be able to pay his rent but he continues to refuse to pay although he is receiving SSI money. Records showed that S1 issued a 30-day eviction letter dated 3/01/2023 due to failure to pay rent based on C-1's lease agreement. The letter was provided to C-1 and his representatives but C-1 refused to sign and accept it. Interviews with S2-S4 indicated that C-1 has behavioral issues, not compliant and does not follow the house rules. (7) out of (8) clients interviewed stated that they pay their rent on schedule every month. Some clients have public guardians who assist them in paying rent. All (7) clients stated that they get they P & I fund when requested and facility gives it to them on schedule, 2x a week, every Mon and Thu. None of them had issues with not receiving their money. Based on file review and interviews, there was not enough supportive evidence to concur with the reported allegation .

Allegation: “Staff harassed client in care.” It is alleged that facility staff begin to harass client forcing him to move out because he could not pay. During this investigation, LPA obtained relevant documentation for Client #1 (C-1) which revealed that C-1 paid $400 on Dec. 2022 towards rent and had not made paid his rent since. S1 stated that the facility has been working with C-1 to assist him get up-to-date with his rent payment like waiving late fees, offering payment plans but C-1 would agree in the beginning and change his mind later on. C-1 still refused to pay his dues despite receiving SSI money. S1 stated that there was a meeting held in Dec. 2022 with C-1 where he wanted the facility to be C1's payee and agreed to set up an appointment with SSA representative. But C-1 cancelled and refused to speak with them during the scheduled meeting with SSA. LPA reviewed the eviction notice (dated 3/01/2023) provided to C-1 and his representatives. C-1 refused to sign and accept the eviction letter. The letter explained the reason for the eviction which was C-1 continually failed to comply with the agreement to pay rent per the lease agreement. Interviews conducted with the staff corroborated S1 statement regarding C-1 agreeing to meet with SSA to assign the facility as his SSI payee, but later cancelling and denying that he agreed to it. Staff interviews revealed that they have not witnessed, nor have they harassed anyone (sexually, physically nor verbally). Staff interviews also revealed they are trained in Mandated Reporting and Client Rights. Client interviews revealed that they have not been harassed (sexually, physically nor verbally) nor have they witnessed anyone being harassed and by others. LPA interviewed clients who were consistent with their statements that they deny ever hearing or seeing staff threatening with eviction and/or harassing clients. Documentation reviewed and interviews conducted do not corroborate this allegation.

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.