Complaint Investigation Report

C1 has a conservatorship where the conservator has full rights over C1 including placement and visitation. The conservator outlined Visitation Guidelines for C1 and has the authority to change and alter it. On 1/27/23 the Limit of Powers of Temporary Conservatorship was petitioned and court and a judge denied the request on 08/11/2023. It states, “In summary, the evidence supports the Courts’ previous orders authorizing the temporary conservator to limit [C1’s] social and sexual contacts. The evidence further shows the [conservator] has exercised this power reasonably. [Contester] fails to show the [conservator] is abusing its authority by implementing and enforcing the Guidelines, including the Challenged Guidelines.” Staff interviewed indicated they follow the conservator’s guidelines for visitation with C1. Based on the information obtained, the allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated.

On the allegation: Medical treatment is being denied. It was alleged that Client 1 (C1) is not receiving the medical treatment they require. It was alleged that C1 does not have a Primary Care Physician (PCP) and needs to see a Physical or Occupational Therapist, Rheumatologist, Immunologist, and the facility is ignoring C1’s diagnoses and physician ordered diet. It was also alleged that C1 has experienced dangerous weight gain. It was alleged that C1 was below 130 pounds when they moved in. In November/December 2021, C1 was allegedly 135 pounds and 3-4 months ago C1 weighed 160 pounds. Allegedly 3-4 months ago the facility implemented a new PRN protocol and since then C1 gained another 20 pounds and is now 180 pounds. It was also alleged C1 is allergic to plyethylene glycol and has Ademia Fluid Retention that the facility is ignoring.

LPA interviewed Administrator, who stated C1’s planning team decided to change PCPs recently. In January 2024, C1’s conservator signed paperwork to switch C1’s PCP to a new doctor and was subsequently removed from their previous one. C1 was scheduled to see their new PCP on 2/23/24. Administrator stated during the transition, C1 received any needed medical care through the Emergency Room (ER) or Urgent Care (UC).

LPA observed C1’s records from medical visits, and noted C1 sees their psychiatrist once per month. C1 last saw a dentist on 12/13/23 for a cleaning, x-rays and filling. C1 went to the ER on 1/2/24 for cold symptoms and was diagnosed with an acute viral respiratory infection, but no antibiotics were required. Additionally once per month a dietitian/nutritionist reviews C1’s meals. Administrator also stated that on 1/9/24, C1 went to the ER for a self-inflicted wound and asked the doctor to refer C1 to a wound specialist and prescribe wound care, so C1 is receiving the necessary medical care. On 1/18/24 and on 2/1/24, C1 saw a wound care specialist for wound management. On 1/24/24 C1 saw their ophthalmologist for routine evaluation.