Complaint Investigation Report

It was alleged that facility staff yelled at resident and facility staff hit resident on face. It was reported that staff yelled at Resident #1 and then proceeded to hit R1 on both face cheeks. Information gathered revealed that there has not been any residents report being hit or abused by any staff. In addition, residents can communicate with staff at any time if they feel uncomfortable. Interviews conducted with R1’s family revealed that they often visit R1 at the facility and also communicate well with both staff and residents. Additionally, R1’s family stated if at any moment they felt R1 was in any danger they would have taken R1 out of the facility by now. Interviews conducted with residents revealed residents have often witnessed other residents yell or hit staff; however, they have never witnessed the staff yell or hit any of the residents back. Furthermore, R1 stated facility staff have never hit them and denied any physical abuse while living at the facility. Based on information gathered during the course of the investigation, there is insufficient evidence to support the allegations, “facility staff yelled at resident” and “facility staff hit resident on face”. Therefore, these allegations are deemed Unsubstantiated at this time.

It was also alleged that facility staff handled resident roughly. It was reported that staff grabbed R1 by the wrists and put them behind R1. Interviews conducted with staff revealed residents tend to get physical when they have behavioral outburst but denied reciprocating the same behavior towards residents. Additionally, residents admitted they have at times physically hit the staff, but the staff do not react the same and keep their hands to themselves. Interviews conducted with R1’s family revealed that they do not feel R1 is in danger while at the facility and feel the staff is amazing when it comes to how they treat R1. Furthermore, residents did not report any abuse or complaints from facility staff. Based on interviews conducted with staff, residents, and family members, there is insufficient evidence to support the allegation of “facility staff handled resident roughly.” Therefore, this allegation in deemed Unsubstantiated at this time.

It was further alleged that facility staff used medication as a restraint. It was reported that staff gave R1 medication to make R1 go to sleep. Record review of R1’s centrally stored medication log revealed R1 has a PRN prescription for acetaminophen 500mg, 2 tablets twice a day as needed for pain medication. Interviews conducted with staff revealed that R1 had been displaying signs of being in pain. Staff called the Administrator to report R1’s behavior and state that they were going to give R1 acetaminophen for the pain.