Complaint Investigation Report

It was alleged that facility staff are violating client’s personal rights. It was reported that staff are not allowing Client #1’s (C1’s) friends at the facility. Records review of C1’s admissions agreement signed on 09/01/2019, states on page 2 under Facility Visiting Policy, that “your visitors are allowed from 9AM till 7PM, and if you want other time, please let us know so we can make the proper arrangements to not interrupt others privacy too”. Interviews conducted with staff revealed that family often visit the clients at home, as well as friends to hangout from time to time. Additionally, during an interview with C1’s friend, they denied ever visiting C1 and being refused entry into the home. Furthermore, three (3) out of three (3) clients reported having visitors while living at the facility. It was also reported that clients are not allowed to hangout or watch television in the living room after dinner. During interviews, the Administrator stated that clients are able to come outside whenever and hang out in the living room and watch television, but lately the clients rather go to their rooms and play or talk on their phones. Interviews conducted with clients revealed that they like to rest in their rooms after dinner and watch television with their roommate. Additionally, client denied being told by staff that they were not allowed to be in the living room. It was further reported that staff is refusing the clients from returning home after the day program ends on Thursdays. Interviews conducted with clients revealed that on Thursdays after day program, they like to volunteer in the community at the library and go bowling with their friends. Based on the information during the course of the investigation, the Department does not have sufficient evidence to support the allegation of “facility staff are violating client’s personal rights”. Therefore, this allegation is being deemed Unsubstantiated at this time.

It was also alleged that facility staff are not providing dinner to client. It was reported that clients are being told by staff to bring home half their lunch that is provided by the day program home to have at home as their dinner. Interviews conducted with facility staff revealed that clients are provided lunch during day program. Staff stated that clients will at times bring their leftovers from day program saying they did not want to throw it away and want to have it later as a snack; however, staff stated that dinner is cooked for the clients every day unless they go out to eat for dinner. Staff added that dinner is usually provided at around 6:00 p.m., and then the clients will go out on an outing. Interviews conducted with clients revealed that leftovers are taken home after day program because they do not want to waste food and know they will get hungry soon after.