Complaint Investigation Report

In regard to the allegation “Resident needs a higher level of care”, it is alleged mother has expressed to facility and social worker that client may need a higher level of care due to the multiple AWOLs. During interviews with Assistant Administrator and staff five (4) out of five (5) staff stated that C1 may need a higher level of care. Staff stated that C1 has been a resident since 2018 and only recently been showing signs of a higher level of care needed. S1 stated they have been working with C1’s case manager and are in the process of finding a facility to better assist his/her needs. LPA was able to obtain emails between the facility and case manager about getting the care the client needs. During interviews with clients six (6) out of seven (7) believe they receive the level of care they need. C7 felt they were not getting enough toothpaste, so his/her care was not being met.

In regard to the allegation “Staff did not report incident.”, it is alleged that staff did not report AWOLs to appropriate agencies. During interviews with Assistant Administrator and staff five (5) out of five (5) stated they reported all incidents to required agencies. LPA obtained copies of police report business cards with numbers, and special incident reports (SIR’s) report to licensing.

In regard to the allegation “Resident has a tracking device which may be a violation of personal rights”, it is alleged that C1 has tracking device on body and may be a personal rights violation. During interviews with Assistant Administrator, and staff six (6) out of five (6) staff stated that C1 has a tracking device provided by La Found, an organization through LA County that assist local law enforcement to find missing or at-risk individuals. S1 stated that the mother signed C1 up for the device after the multiple AWOLs. All staff stated that C1’s was aware of the watch-like device. LPA was able to obtain documents from La Found with mother’s signature. During interviews with clients six (6) out of seven (7) stated they do not have a tracking device.

In regard to the allegation “Resident was neglected due to multiple AWOL”, it is alleged that C1 was neglected due to having multiple AWOLs. During interviews with Assistant Administrator and staff five (5) out of five (5) staff stated they do not neglect clients. Assistant Administrator stated that C1’s physician report (LIC 602) states C1 can leave facility unassisted. Staff stated there is a sign out sheet in front of office that all clients are told they need to complete. Staff stated that every time C1 AWOLs all necessary procedures are done. During interviews with clients six (6) out of seven (7) stated that they tell staff when they will be leaving if it’s for multiple days. Clients stated that there is a sign out sheet in front office.

Based on interviews conducted and records reviewed, there is insufficient evidence to support the allegations. 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. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report was given to Helen Alba.