Complaint Investigation Report

The Executive Director compensated R1 for their inconvenience by taking off $1000 off of R1's rent for one month. Staff additionally noted that while R1 did suffer a hospitalization, it was not due to the temperature of R1's room, but R1's co-morbidities which included gastrointestinal issues and an infection. Staff stated that some of these issues were diagnosed prior to any thermostat issues existing at the facility.

R1 stated during interview that they did not have a problem with how the facility handled the temperature and air conditioning situation and corroborated staff statements that a portable air conditioner was provided that sufficiently cooled down their room. R1 informed that they were pleasantly surprised with the compensation provided by the facility for their inconvenience. Additionally, R1 admitted to turning on the heat instead of the air conditioner at times due to misunderstanding the thermostat display. R1 informed that the hottest temperature reached in their room was 78 degrees which was too hot for their comfort, but the facility corrected the issue timely and to R1's satisfaction. R1 stated that staff came right away to assist with thermostat issues and adjustments when called. R1 confirmed that they were hospitalized due to symptoms of both hot and cold flashes and returned to the facility the next day.

Review of facility records showed corroboration of staff statements regarding R1's diagnosis of gastrointestinal issues and an infection, as well as the air conditioning repair arrangements.

During an unannounced facility visit LPA directly observed portions of the facility as well as R1's room and its temperature. LPA's observations corroborated staff and R1's statements. Portable air conditioning units were observed in the storage unit across from R1's room. R1's room temperature registered at 77.5 degrees using an independent thermometer, during which time R1 was observed to be lying in their bed with a blanket over their legs and torso. During the interview R1 did not state or make any indication that they were uncomfortable at the current temperature of the room.

The evidence does not show that the facility delayed/neglected to repair R1's air conditioner, or did not attempt to ensure R1's comfort regarding the temperature of their room. R1's co-morbidities provided an alternate explanation regarding R1's fluctuating temperature; a direct connection was not found to show that room temperature issues caused R1 to become sick. No connection was made that R1 feeling hot in their room caused them to develop an infection or gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, the reported and recorded temperatures in R1's room were within regulation and not associated with extreme temperatures.