Complaint Investigation Report

The investigation revealed the following:

Allegation: Staff speaks inappropriately to resident. It is alleged that a staff member uses racial slurs against a client and has also called the client a jackass. All staff interviewed denied the allegation. Staff members interviewed indicated they have not used offensive language toward clients. Staff also state dthat they treat clients with respect. S3 stated that they have not heard this allegation before, and none of the staff has reported this to them. C3 interviewed denied the allegation and stated that they had not heard any staff use racial slurs or refer to any client as a jackass. C3 indicated that staff treat them with respect and have not used inappropriate language with them. Therefore, there was insufficient evidence to corroborate with the allegation.

Allegation: Staff denies residents access to food and drink. It is alleged that a staff member prevents the clients from accessing the fridge or pantry when they want extra food or a drink and makes them go to their room. Staff interviewed denied the allegation and stated that clients have the right to choose what they want to eat and they encourage them to choose healthier snack options. Some staff interviewed stated that if clients refuse to eat what’s offered on the daily menu, they may select other food items from the refrigerator or freezer. C3 stated that there is a meal chart that is followed, and that if C3 does not like the meal for the day, staff will provide them with an alternative, but with very few options. Therefore, there was insufficient evidence to corroborate with the allegation.

Allegation: Staff do not ensure residents have access to clean drinking water. It is alleged that the facility does not have bottled water for the clients and management has instructed staff to give clients unfiltered tap water, which looks gray and cloudy. Some staff interviewed stated that they provide clients with unfiltered tap water by filling a jug and storing it in the refrigerator. Some staff interviewed stated that the gallon of water kept in the pantry is just for emergencies. Interview with C3 revealed that they told the administrator that they did not want to drink the tap water because it was unfiltered. C3 said that they buy their own water and keep it in their room. LPA observed that there were only (4) gallons of water kept in the pantry for emergency purposes only. LPA also observed that the water the clients drink comes from an unfiltered kitchen tap which did not appear to be cloudy. LPA did not see any reports or records of any illnesses related to drinking tap water. Therefore, there was insufficient evidence to corroborate with the allegation.