Complaint Investigation Report

4 Clients were interviewed and 3 of 4 found staff to be fair; the fourth client stated that staff are not fair. Staff stated that they keep each client's goals in mind but are mindful in providing fair treatment to all. Per the investigation, there was no information obtained to support the allegation.

Also, Complainant alleges that Staff do not allow resident to purchase food. Statements from staff indicate that clients are encouraged to make healthy choices but staff never prohibit a resident's purchase. In addition, LPA found that the clients have access to frequent trips to stores and restaurants, and all 4 clients are independent and can use the bus or walk to stores and restaurants in close proximity.

This portion of report has been amended to include the following allegation:

LPA Nakagawa investigated the allegation of personal rights. It is alleged that staff came in to work smelling like weed. LPA interviewed 3 of 4 clients. 2 clients stated they observed the smell of weed on staff on one occasion, but they did not observe them smoking weed. The third client had not made any observations of staff smelling of weed. The fourth client was unavailable for comment. In addition, 2 of 6 staff were interviewed and reported they had not observed any staff “smelling like weed”. Staff (S1) stated they had witnessed a neighbor smoking weed outside, which may have been what the clients smelled, but there had been no instances where they observed other staff or residents smoking marijuana at the facility. Certain smells may be considered uncomfortable or offensive to certain individuals which would be a violation of Personal Rights, however none of the witnesses interviewed expressed that they were not accorded dignity or felt unsafe, or that they were being punished or that the smell was offensive. LPA’s inspections of the facility’s common areas on 12/29/23, 2/13/24, 3/19/24, 4/4/24 have been observed to be clean and odor-free; and staff to be clean and professional. No witnesses expressed any concerns over staff being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. LPA was unable to determine the origin of the smell in the environment therefore the allegation that staff come into work smelling like weed is UNSUBSTANTIATED.

Although the allegations may be true, or valid, based upon observations, statements, and records, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the allegations are, or are not, true. Therefore, allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED.