Complaint Investigation Report

During today's inspection, the LPA conducted interviews with two additional staff members between 10:59 a.m. and 11:04 a.m. The LPA also discussed the allegations with Joy and Martin Carino.

During the interview with C1, they stated that S1 picked up a chair and hit C1 on their elbow causing injury to their elbow. C1 said they did not know why S1 did this to C1. C1 stated they called law enforcement to report the incident but when law enforcement arrived, they did not want to talk with them. The LPA observed C1’s elbow during the visit and observed discoloration but it was unclear if there was any bruising.

During the interview with S1, they stated on the day of the alleged incident, C1 was upset and yelling and was coming closer to S1. S1 stated they were seated at the table and got up to distance themselves from C1 who was escalating. S1 stated when they got up from their chair, they pushed the chair back and C1 stated they were hit on the arm with the chair. S1 stated they were not sure if contact was made with C1’s arm but, stated they did not intentionally try to hit C1 with the chair. S1 stated they were not present when law enforcement arrived at the facility.

Interviews revealed Staff #2 (S2) was present during the incident. During the interview with S2, they stated on the day of the incident, C1 was upset and yelling. S2 said S2 was feeding another client at the time and was shielding the client due to C1’s behavior. S2 said C1 was standing behind S1’s chair, and S1 got out of S1 seat to get out of the way, and the chair may have touched C1’s elbow. The interview with C2 revealed staff treat them nice and are respectful to C2.

It has been determined there is insufficient evidence to support the allegation of staff assaulted client resulting in injury. Therefore, the allegation is deemed unsubstantiated at this time.

Allegation: Client not accorded dignity in relationships with staff

The allegation alleges staff were taunting a client when they were outside screaming and making monkey noises to the client. During the interviews with staff, staff denied ever taunting the clients or treating them disrespectfully. Interviews with clients in the home revealed they are treated respectfully by staff. Based on the information obtained, there is insufficient evidence to support the allegation of client not accorded dignity in relationships with staff occurred. Therefore, the allegation is deemed unsubstantiated at this time.