Complaint Investigation Report

It was alleged that R1’s responsible party is emotionally abusing R1 at the facility by encouraging them to eat when they’re not hungry, telling them in a “threatening tone” that they will not be able to go on outings if they don’t eat, and encouraging R1 to walk when they’re tired. Per a statement from R1’s hospice company, R1’s hospice nurse assessed R1 on April 14, 2021, R1 denied any concerns of emotional abuse by their responsible party, R1 stated they felt “relaxed” in the presence of their responsible party, R1 reported that their responsible party encourages them to eat to “get stronger” but does not force feed them, R1 also denied being forced to walk when too tired and reported that their responsible party encourages them to walk but takes them back to their room when they’re ready, and facility staff denied observing concerns for emotional abuse by R1’s responsible party. LPA reviewed R1’s Physician’s Report dated March 1, 2021, which indicates R1 does not have dementia. LPA interviewed AAD who stated that R1’s responsible party has been good and diligent with R1, comes to see R1 on a daily basis, is very emotionally close with R1, does not yell at R1, and treats R1 well. Per AAD, facility staff have never seen R1’s responsible party do anything bad with R1 and R1 really likes their responsible party. LPA interviewed R1 who denied the allegation, stating their responsible party treats them well and they have no concerns at the facility. LPA interviewed two additional residents who raised no safety concerns at the facility. LPA interviewed R1’s responsible party who denied the allegation and raised no concerns about the facility. No information was obtained corroborating the allegation.

The Department has investigated the above allegation and found it to be Unfounded, meaning the allegation was false, could not have happened, or is without reasonable basis. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was discussed with and provided to facility representative.