Complaint Investigation Report

Allegation: Staff yells at residents . It is alleged that DSP staff (S1) and staff (S4) yell at resident (R1). According to information obtained, S1 screams at residents (R1 & R2), and tells R1 to "shut up", and has been heard saying to R2 they are "nasty" because they smell. A total of four (4) residents were interviewed. All four residents stated S1 addressed R1 & R2 in an aggressive tone of voice and yells at the residents. Resident interviews revealed that S1 often used cuss words when like "f***, and other bad language when speaking to resident (R2). Residents stated that S1 yelled and mistreated residents (R1 & R2) when other staff were present, and that Licensee/Administrator was aware because they had addressed the yelling issue with S1. All four residents stated S1 yelled at all residents, but was primarily verbally abusive towards residents (R1 & R2). Residents stated staff (S4) also yelled at residents, and followed S1's work style. A total of five (5) staff were interviewed. Staff interviews revealed S1 has a loud tone of voice and yelled at residents (R1 & R2) in a mean manner. Staff (S1) acknowledged they have a loud voice. Staff (S1) stated they addressed residents in a "firm" voice when residents do not listen, and did yell loudly "stop" to residents R1 & R2. Staff (S4) denied the allegation, and stated that everyone knew co-worker/S1 spoke in a loud voice when the residents did not listen. Based on staff and resident interviews, it was revealed that S1 yelled at residents, and occasionally S4 also addressed residents in an inappropriate tone of voice, and neither used redirection techniques in order to mitigate resident behaviors. Both staff (S1 & S4) were suspended per Regional Center recommendation, and soon after both staff quit employment. There is sufficient evidence to substantiate the allegation.

Allegation: Staff make inappropriate comments towards resident. According to information obtained staff (S1) called resident (R1) fat and regularly commented to the resident they needed to lose weight. According to information obtained, S1 told R1 that if they did not exercise in the stationary bike staff would document it on a "book". A total of 5 staff were interviewed. None of the staff interviewed said they heard S1 call R1 fat, However, all staff confirmed that S1 made R1 use the exercise bike daily for approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour and would say to the resident they needed to lose weight. Staff (S1) denied calling R1 fat, but stated they did make the resident exercise everyday per physician's order. Licensee denied having knowledge of staff (S1's) inappropriate comments, but said staff (S1) had been asked in the past not to speak to residents in a loud voice. A total of four (4) residents were interviewed. All residents said staff (S1) spoke to resident (R1) in a mean way, called the resident "fat", and rushed the resident while eating. Resident interviews revealed that staff (S1) yelled often at R1 about exercising on the exercise bike. There is sufficient information to support the allegation.