Complaint Investigation Report

It was alleged that the facility is unsanitary, and facility is malodorous. It was reported that the facility is dirty and smells bad. During the facility walkthroughs, LPAs observed multiple random resident bedrooms and common areas in both assisted living and memory care unit. There were no foul smells observed and facility appeared relatively clean. Record review of facility’s housekeeping operations manual includes daily common area cleaning checklist as well as weekly deep cleaning schedules for housekeeping personnel to follow. Interviews conducted with staff revealed that the common areas are cleaned at least once every day. Additionally, resident bedrooms are cleaned thoroughly once a week and maintained clean throughout the week by both the residents and care staff. Staff stated one of their first tasks every morning is to clean the common areas and pass by one more time before they leave for the day. Staff denied smelling any foul or bad odors in either the common areas or inside the residents’ bedrooms. Interviews conducted with family members revealed that facility is clean when they visit and did not report any bad odors while in the facility. Furthermore, interviews conducted with residents revealed that the facility is maintained cleaned by the staff and stated that they have not had any issues with foul smells and reported no concerns while living at the facility. Based on the information obtained and reviewed, the Department does not have sufficient evidence to support the allegations of “facility is unsanitary” and “facility is malodourous”. Therefore, these allegations are being deemed Unsubstantiated at this time.

It was also alleged that staff do not follow safe sanitation practices. It was reported that many residents were getting sick during the facility outbreak. Record review and Interviews conducted revealed that the facility had a Covid outbreak in December 2023. The positive cases were reported to both Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) and Community Care Licensing Department (CCLD). Additionally, staff stated they were following guidance from both VCPH and CCLD and testing was being conducted on all residents and staff. Furthermore, staff stated they update the facility’s infection control plan as needed and were making sure to follow accordingly.