Complaint Investigation Report

Allegation: Staff hit resident. The complaint alleges that on 2/29/2024 four (4) elderly residents disclosed they were been hit "swatted" by caregiver staff (S1). On 3/26/2024, LPA interviewed with translation assistance four (4) Mandarin speaking residents (R1- R4). Three (3) out of the 4 residents allegedly hit denied the allegation. Residents (R1 & R2) were unable to recollect due to cognitive impairment due to Dementia diagnosis. A total of nine (9) residents were interviewed. Resident (R5) stated that caregiver (S1) slapped/hit their legs on numerous times during incontinence care if the resident commented or asked the staff a question. Another resident (R4) was not a victim of abuse, but overheard several residents on different occasions yell for help saying that staff hit them.

A total of 9 staff were interviewed. Staff (S1) denied hitting residents. S1 stated that R2 was taken to bathroom to bathe in the middle of the night because the resident had smeared feces on themselves, but the resident pushed away staff and began screaming "Don't hit me". S1 stated that in regards to R5, while providing incontinence care R5 complained of pain in the genitalia area and then the resident moved and their cell phone hit the resident in the head. Staff (S1) denied hitting the resident in the head. The majority of staff reported having no knowledge that S1 was physically abusing residents. However, former Administrator Nelida Arlante conducted an internal investigation, and discovered that staff (S1) hit residents (R2 & R5). In addition, another caregiver (S2) was found to have been physically abusive towards residents. On 3/24/2024, staff (S2) was terminated. LPA attempted to interview S2, but no response was received. Per record review, Administrator immediately suspended staff (S1) on 3/1/2024 and reported it to all required agencies. The San Gabriel Police Department opened an investigation of elder abuse. As of today, Administration staff have not officially terminated staff (S1) because the police department has not provided a copy of the report, but visited the facility last week to inform staff that they closed the investigation. LPA requested investigation findings report from the San Gabriel Police Department, however, a copy of the report has not been furnished. There is sufficient evidence to corroborate the allegation.