Complaint Investigation Report

An interview with an Outside Source (OS1) reported that facility staff frequently dump water and chemicals against the fence after cleaning and it leaks under the fence. Pictures provided to LPA demonstrated how the water ends up soaking through to the other side of the fence into the neighbor’s backyard. OS1 reported not knowing what the water was but stated it must have been something unsanitary due to observing staff wearing masks and gloves while dumping it. OS1 reported that it smelled of waste and chemicals.

Per LPA interviews with staff, when resident’s clothes or sheets are soaked with urine, they are washed in the backyard by being soaked in a basin filled with water and cleaning agents. Staff reported the laundry is not done in the washing machine because they do not want to contaminate the other laundry with urine. Staff reported the water waste is then dumped against the fence into the plants. Staff reported understanding that the water dumped included urine and cleaning chemicals and it is unsanitary to dump it.

During unannounced visits, LPA observed in the backyard against the fence a small tub where clothing was being soaked. Additionally, during today’s visit LPA observed next to the back sliding door a plastic bag containing soiled incontinence care items which was not properly disposed of. LPA was able to smell the malodor of urine immediately upon opening the sliding back door.

The Department has investigated the allegation that facility staff do not properly dispose of chemicals. Based upon the information obtained during this investigation, it is determined that the preponderance of evidence was met to support or corroborate this allegations and therefore deemed substantiated. A deficiency is being cited per California Code of Regulations, Title 22 (refer to the attached LIC 809-D page). A plan of correction was jointly developed with Caregiver Teresita Duclayan.

An exit interview was conducted with Caregiver Teresita Duclayan, to whom a copy of this report and the Licensee’s Rights (LIC9058 01/16) were provided at the conclusion of the visit.