Complaint Investigation Report

Allegation: Staff did not safeguard resident’s belongings. It is alleged that facility staff did not safeguard former resident's (R1's) belongings after discharge. The resident was discharged from the facility to a higher level facility on 10/1/2023. According to information obtained, R1 received 4 bags of personal belongings that belonged to another resident, therefore, R1 called the facility inquiring about their personal belongings and new Administrator Tony Olmos stated that the belongings were no longer at the facility. The resident was under the impression that the items would be kept until they were able to make arrangements for pick-up. A total of seven (7) staff were interviewed. All staff stated they did not know R1's personal belongings are still stored/locked in the room closet. Staff assumed that the belongings were taken to the storage area, when they were not picked up within 30 days after discharge. LPA inspected R1's former room, and observed that the closet door has a lock. Therefore, R1's personal belongings are being safeguarded. Staff stated that R1's public guardian is scheduled to pick up the belonging this week. A total of 10 residents were interviewed, of which one (1) resident reported that staff safeguard resident's belongings, but residents try to break into resident rooms at night to steal belongings and sell them. There is insufficient evidence to corroborate the allegation because the facility still has R1's belongings safeguarded in the room, well beyond the facility protocol of safeguarding resident's belongings 30 days from discharge date.

Allegation: Wrongful eviction. According to information obtained, resident (R1) was "kicked out" of the facility while they were hospitalized. Based on interviews conducted, resident (R1) was transported to the hospital due to medical issues, then needed skilled nursing care, and due to behavioral issues at higher level of care placement the resident was then placed on a psychiatric hold. The resident never returned to the facility and was discharged on 10/1/2023. A total of 7 staff were interviewed. Administration staff denied the allegation, and other facility staff interviewed did not have knowledge that R1 was evicted. A total of 10 residents were interviewed, all stated that R1 was not evicted. One resident stated that R1 still visits the facility. File review was completed, there was no evidence that R1 was issued an eviction notice. Therefore, the allegation cannot be supported.

Although the allegation(s) 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.

Exit interview was conducted with Tony Olmos. A copy of the report was issued.