Complaint Investigation Report

The Department received and reviewed report of suspected dependent adult/elder abuse (SOC341). The SOC 341 indicated, R1 passed away suddenly after complainant was told by staff (S1), “R1 is going to tell on us, we have to do something.” Complaint notified Local Long Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO), Adult Protected Services (APS), and Local Police Department (PD). The Department requested and reviewed R1’s Certificate of Death. Certificate of Death indicated the cause of death for R1 was aortic valve stenosis and sequentially coronary artery disease.

Interview statement received from R1’s RP indicated, R1 was not on hospice but was on Home Health Care for the past 5 months. R1 suffered from Diabetes, a heart murmur, and neuropathy. R1 took prescribed medication to treat ailments. On 11/26/2022, RP last saw and spoke to R1 and observed R1 eating a small amount of food at the time. Interview statement received from S1 indicated, S1 was the primary caregiver at the residence. S1 stated R1 has been at the residence for approximately 4 or 5 months. S1 indicated R1 suffered from minor health issues. “R1 did not suffer from any major health issues. R1 just had a lot of typical old people health issue.”

On 12/02/2022, the Department requested for R1’s death report from Placer County Sheriff Coroner’s office for review. According to death report, R1 was found unresponsive by care home staff. Roseville Police Department (PD) arrived and pronounced R1 dead at 0856 hours due to obvious signs of death. R1’s responsible party (RP) arrived and stated R1 had no complaints regarding R1’s care at the facility. S1 checked on R1 at 0130 hours and was still breathing. Nothing suspicious was noticed on the scene. R1 was participating in home health care. R1 was last seen by her primary care physician (PCP) three to four months ago. The Department received and reviewed police report from Roseville PD. Roseville PD investigated and gathered interview statement from complainant. According to police report, complainant did not disclose how S1 was responsible and did not witness S1 causing R1’s death, but suspects S1 had something to do with how S1 treats residents at the facility. Complainant stated a few days prior to R1’s death, R1 appeared to be in a more alert state. Complainant heard S1 say, “I hope she don’t make it or she is going to tell on me.” Referring to R1. Roseville PD will not be investigating the complaint reported due to no evidence to support the allegations.

The Department received interview statement from the facility’s administrator. Administrator indicated she did not suspect anything suspicious about the death of R1. R1 was a 92-year-old resident who was in and out of hospice. On 12/02/2022, the Department received interview statement from an employee from APS. APS was present at the facility and observed the facility was clean, orderly, and did not observe anything suspicious during the visit.