Complaint Investigation Report

Allegation “Centrally stored medications are accessible to residents in care:”

The complaint alleges that medications are prepared for residents in cups and left accessible to residents in care. During the initial complaint visit, LPAs toured the facility, looked in all common areas including kitchen cabinets and drawers, but did not observe any pre-prepared cups of medications as described in the complaint. Interviews with residents and staff revealed medications are given in the morning, at lunch, during dinner and at bedtime, as prescribed. Residents indicated the medication technician gives them their medications and waits until the resident takes their medications before leaving. No staff nor residents interviewed have seen pre-prepared medications left either with the resident or in a common area for administration at a later time. The information obtained during the investigation did not include sufficient evidence to corroborate the allegation. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not sufficient evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is deemed UNSUBSTANTIATED at this time.

Allegation “Staff mismanaged residents’ records:”

It was alleged that residents are reported as “not participating” despite activity records showing otherwise and resident needs and quality of life are misrepresented to families. Staff interviewed indicated that at the time of the complaint all activities and activities of daily living (ADL) charting was conducted on an electronic device. During that time, the staff could mark each activity the resident completed on the device and add notes as applicable. Interviews revealed that staff would only mark activities they personally completed during their shift. No staff interviewed had heard of anyone at the facility mismanaging resident records or purposely misrepresenting resident needs. The information obtained during the investigation did not include sufficient evidence to corroborate the allegation. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not sufficient evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is deemed UNSUBSTANTIATED at this time.

Allegation “Staff exposed residents in care to extreme outdoor heat:”

The complaint alleges that even during extreme temperatures, residents are taken outside to participate in activities. During the initial complaint visit, LPAs observed a group of residents in a shaded area on the outside patio participating in an activity. On the date of the initial visit, the high was 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Residents interviewed felt comfortable outside. Interview with staff and residents revealed that during heat