Complaint Investigation Report

Residential Facility is neglecting client’s toenails

LPA toured the facility, and during the visit LPA conducted interviews, During interviews with C1, LPAs observed C1 to look groomed, showered and in good health. LPA interviewed Five of Five (5 of 5) staff and four of four (4 of 4) clients. Interviews revealed that on 12/23/2021, C1 went to day program and had an accident so the day program staff had to change C1’s clothes and socks. When day staff took off C1s socks they noticed thick long toenails, but C1 did not complain about his toes hurting.

During today’s visit, records were reviewed, and LPA observed that per C1's Physician's Report, documented that C1 needed assistance with personal grooming. Facility did not to assist with C1’s personal hygiene and receive care from a podiatrist according to his specific need. Administrator stated that facility staff were providing C1 with hygiene assistance and assisting with C1s toenails once a month. Although facility continued to take C1 to get his nails debrided once a month, Podiatrist recommended that C1 have his toenails debrided periodically and to see podiatrist every six (6) months. C1 may need to get nails trimmed more than once a month to meet his specific need. Witness provided a picture showing growth of resident's toenails and LPA observed from the photo that the toenails were long, thick and cutting into C1’s skin. Based on the information obtained the allegation is substantiated.

The following deficiencies were observed (see LIC 9099D) and cited from the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, and California Health and Safety Code. Failure to correct the deficiencies may result in civil penalties.

Exit interview conducted, report and appeal rights emailed to Administrator.