Cedars Assisted Living, The

At 11:10am Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Angela Panushkina conducted an unannounced subsequent complaint visit to deliver the finings for the above stated allegations. LPA met with the Administrator, Aristotle Vergara, and explained the reason for the visit. LPA conducted a physical plant walk through, at approximately 11:30am, to ensure that the facility is in compliance with rules and regulations under California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 6. LPA did not observe any immediate health and safety issues during the visit. An initial 10-day complaint visit conducted on 03/02/22. During that visit LPA Panushkina conducted interviews (between 1:00pm – 2:45pm) with the Administrator Resident Care Director and four (4) out of six (6) staff and reviewed facility records. File records consisted, but were not limited to review of the Physician’s Report, Resident Care Plans, Relevant Logs, etc. Continue on LIC9099-C UnsubstantiatedRead the full finding— CDSS inspection report, May 6, 2022 · control 31-AS-20220301125656

On 5/3/22, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Shira Stamps arrived at the facility mentioned above to conduct an initial complaint visit. LPA met with the Administrator and explained the purpose of the visit. LPA conducted interviews from 10:30am-12:45pm. LPA requested documents (physician reports and appraisal needs and services) for residents interviewed. Facility electricity malfunctioned. It was alleged that the electricity went out three times at the facility. The dates of the outages were not provided. At 10:30am, LPA interviewed the Administrator who indicated the power went out a couple months ago due to a glitch, and stated the generator kicks on when the power goes out. The Administrator stated the Maintenance worker would have more information. At 10:35am, LPA interviewed the Maintenance worker who indicated there was a power surge that knocked out a breaker. CONTINUED... UnsubstantiatedRead the full finding— CDSS inspection report, May 3, 2022 · control 31-AS-20220427165510

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Wendell Smith conducted an unannounced subsequent visit to finish investigation into the allegation above. LPA met with facility staff and explained the reason for this visit. This investigation was conducted by Investigator Olivia Spindola from IB (Investigations Branch). It is alleged that resident #1 (R1) sustained pressure injuries while in care. During the investigation Investigator Spindola conducted a visit and interviewed 5 staff members and one resident on 7/22/21; interviewed a staff member on 8/23/21; Reviewed medical records on 9/11/21 and 9/14/21; conducted witness interviews on 9/14/21; reviewed records on 9/19/21 and 10/6/21. Initial complaint visit was conducted on 7/13/21 by LPA Pitz. During that visit the facility’s Administrator and Wellness Coordinator told LPA Pitz that R1 was not receiving any sort of wound care treatment from their Home Health Agency and did not have any pressure injuries they were aware of, while the Wellness DireRead the full finding— CDSS inspection report, April 22, 2022 · control 31-AS-20210712154639

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Wendell Smith conducted an unannounced subsequent visit to finish investigation into the allegations above. LPA met with facility staff and explained the reason for this visit. Staff did not assist resident with incontinence care Regarding this allegation it is alleged that resident #1 (R1) was not being assisted with incontinent care. LPA conducted a previous visits on 9/29/21 and 10/25/21 where R1 was interviewed along with facility staff. LPA also obtained copies of R1's physician report and needs and service plan. Information from interviews revealed that there is not enough information to state that facility staff is not receiving assistance with Incontinence care, therefore this allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time. UnsubstantiatedRead the full finding— CDSS inspection report, April 16, 2022 · control 31-AS-20210928124225

On 04/16/22 at 10:30 a.m Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Joscelyn Martinez arrived at the facility to conduct a subsequent complaint visit. LPA met with Lourdes Kazdan and the purpose of the visit was explained. Allegation: Resident was left in soiled diaper for extended period of time. Regarding this allegation it is alleged that R2 was left in a soiled diaper for an extended period of time. LPA conducted a previous visit on 10/25/2021 where residents, including R2 and staff were interviewed. LPA also obtained R2’s physician reports and resident appraisal. Based on this information obtained through interviews and record reviews this allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time. Continue on 9099C UnsubstantiatedRead the full finding— CDSS inspection report, April 16, 2022 · control 31-AS-20211020122325

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Gary Tan conducted an unannounced subsequent complaint visit at this facility to further investigate the above allegation. LPA met with staff Mary Jane Reyes and explained the reason for the visit. LPA conducted physical plant tour at 9:00 AM, requested copy of facility documents relevant to the investigation at 9:30 AM and interviewed resident and staff between 9:45 AM to 1:00 PM. It was alleged that Resident #1 (R1) was visited by another resident on R1's room and touched R1's face. LPA's interview with R1 on 01/13/22 at 11:00 AM, revealed that R1 was not able to identify the resident who supposedly touched R1 and when the supposed incidents occurred. Resident #2 (R2) denied having been to R1's or any other resident's room nor touched anyone in the facility when interviewed by LPA on 01/13/22 at around 11:30 AM. (continued on LIC 9099-C) UnsubstantiatedRead the full finding— CDSS inspection report, April 6, 2022 · control 31-AS-20220107145747

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Joscelyn Martinez conducted an unannounced compliant investigation in regards to the allegations mentioned above . At 9:45 a.m. LPA Martinez arrived at the facility and was greeted by front desk staff. LPA later met with Administrator Aristotle Vergara. The purpose of this visit was explained. To investigate these allegations, LPA Martinez interviewed ten (10) our of 108 residents. LPA Martinez also conducted interviews with four (4) staff members. Relevent documents were obtained. Allegation: Staff did not properly clean resident's room. Interviews conducted between 10:30 a.m and 3:00 p.m determined that housekeeping did not properly clean Resident’s 1 bedroom (R1). Two staff member also confirmed that R1’s bedroom was not being properly cleaned. Based on these interviews and documentation, this allegation is Substantiated at this time. Deficiency cited refer to 9099D. Report signed and delivered. Appeal rights issued. SubstantiatedRead the full finding— CDSS inspection report, March 30, 2022 · control 31-AS-20220325133246

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Wendell Smith conducted an unannounced subsequent visit to finish investigation into the allegation above. LPA met with facility staff and explained the reason for this visit. Investigation was conducted by Investigations Branch (IB) Investigator Douglas Real. It is alleged that facility staff failed to provide an appropriate level of supervision which resulted in resident #1 (R1) sustaining a fall which caused a fracture and several wounds. Investigation consisted of a review of R1’s hospital records, interviews with facility staff, hospice staff, and hospice staff owner on 6/08/21. Information from interviews reveal that R1 was taken to the hospital on 4/1/21 after sustaining a fall in their room. R1’s medical records show R1 sustained a left arm skin tear, laceration over right lower leg, laceration over left ankle, and a right leg fracture. No abuse or neglect concerns were reported. Interviews reveal that when R1 fell in their room, hospice staff waRead the full finding— CDSS inspection report, March 26, 2022 · control 31-AS-20210402122430

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Rosaura Valenzuela conducted a subsequent visit to deliver the finding for the above noted allegation. LPA met with Lourdes Kadzan, Manager and explained the purpose of the visit. It was reported that facility staff are mismanaging resident's medication. To investigate this allegation, LPA Valenzuela on 10/22/2020 at 8:47am spoke to Resident # 1's (R1's) case manager who indicated that R1 had not been receiving their medication due to insurance issues. There was a misunderstanding that happened between R1 and their insurance. Case manager was able to resolve the problem. On 10/22/2020 staff and resident interviews were initiated between 4:10pm and 5:12pm. Staff interviews revealed that medication is stored in the medication room in the form of a bubble pack. When a resident can not afford to pay then the facility will cover the costs until the situation is resolved. In this case, the facility reached out to R1's case manager and they were able to resolveRead the full finding— CDSS inspection report, March 16, 2022 · control 31-AS-20201014085154

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) conducted an unannounced visit on this day in response to the above allegation. During this investigation LPA conducted a virtual visit on 10/09/2020 at 1:30pm to interview staff and request facility pest control records; conducted a visit on 2/10/22 at 10:15am and interviewed the facility administrator, 10 residents, and reviewed additional pest control records. Allegation #1, that "Facility has rodents" has been substantiated based on the records reviewed and interviews conducted. The most recent inspection report, conducted by First Quality Pest Control on 1/14/22, indicates that "notice of rodents droppings in kitchen floor. set some rodent traps...rodent droppings need to be sanitized and remove. Need to follow up once a week. check traps." 5/10 residents interviewed on 2/10/22 at 2:00pm stated they had seen rodents on the property. Report reviewed, signed and delivered. Exit interview conducted, deficiency cited on 9099D page. SubstantiatedRead the full finding— CDSS inspection report, February 10, 2022 · control 31-AS-20200930103234

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Pitz conducted an unannounced visit on this day in response to the above allegations. During this investigation LPA conducted a visit to the facility and interviewed one relevant witness (W1) and four staff members on 6/1/21 at 09:00 a.m.; interviewed W1 telephonically and reviewed relevant facility records and medical records for Resident 1 (R1) on 9/21/21; attempted to interview additional witnesses on 9/22/21; and conducted a visit to the facility to review client records and interview facility administrator on 2/10/21 at 10:15 a.m. Allegation #1, that “Resident sustained an injury due to an unwitnessed fall,” has been unsubstantiated based on the records reviewed. On 9/21/21 LPA reviewed the Valley Presbyterian Hospital intake records for R1 and observed that R1 was admitted for a fall on 4/3/21. Those records indicate that a CT scan was performed of the spine and skull; no acute fractures/ injuries were noted and no emergency care treatment was provRead the full finding— CDSS inspection report, February 10, 2022 · control 31-AS-20210527105206

At 1:15pm Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Shira Stamps arrived at the facility mentioned above for an initial complaint visit. Entrance interview conducted. At approximately 1:20 pm, LPA conducted a physical plant walk through, and LPA did not observe any immediate health and safety issues during this visit. From 1:45pm-2:30pm, LPA conducted interviews with three (3) staff members, one (1) witness, and reviewed documents. Allegation: Facility evicted resident after resident filed a complaint. Interviews with three (3) out of three (3) staff members stated the resident had a history of breaking house rules. Three (3) out of three (3) staff members stated the resident in question was warned about having a stove in the room and smoking in the room and the facility hallway. Three (3) out of three (3) staff members stated the resident was previously given two eviction warnings for breaking house rules. Continued... UnsubstantiatedRead the full finding— CDSS inspection report, December 16, 2021 · control 31-AS-20211210144815

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Pitz conducted an unannounced visit on this day in response to the above allegations. During this investigation, LPA interviewed the administrator on 8/19/20; conducted a facility tour and interviewed two staff members, 11 residents, the complainant, and 1/2 relevant witnesses on 12/14/21 at 10:00am. Allegation #1, that "Staff did not bathe resident," has been unsubstantiated based on the interviews conducted and observations made. During an inspection of Resident 1's (R1's) room at approximately 11:30am LPA did not observe any indication that R1 was not being bathed. R1's caseworker denied observing or hearing of any indication that R1 was not being bathed at the facility at approximately 12:00pm. 10/11 residents interviewed at 10:00am stated that they do not have any concerns with the bathing assistance provided by the facility. UnsubstantiatedRead the full finding— CDSS inspection report, December 14, 2021 · control 31-AS-20200814162516

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Pitz conducted an unannounced visit on this day in response to the above allegations. As part of this investigation LPA Berry interviewed the complainant and Resident 1 (R1) on 9/04/20; conducted a virtual tour and interviewed a facility staff member on 9/4/20. LPA Pitz interviewed R1, the facility administrator, two staff members and 11 residents on 12/14/21 at 10:00am. Allegation #1, that "Staff took resident's personal items," has been unsubstantiated based on the interviews conducted. LPA Berry did not obtain any corroborating evidence from the complainant or R1 on 9/4/20, and LPA Pitz was not able to obtain any corroborating evidence after interviewing R1, the administrator or staff on 12/14/21. Both R1 and staff told LPA on 12/14/21 that none of the police reports filed by R1 resulted in any charges being filed. UnsubstantiatedRead the full finding— CDSS inspection report, December 14, 2021 · control 31-AS-20200826144744

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Pitz conducted an unannounced visit on this day in response to the above allegation. During this investigation, LPA Smith conducted a virtual visit on 9/14/20 and interviewed the administrator; on 12/14/21 at 10:00am LPA conducted a visit to the facility and interviewed the complainant telephonically, three staff members and 11 residents. Allegation #1, that "staff not treating resident with dignity" has been unsubstantiated based on the interviews conducted. The complainant was not able to provide any additional corroborating evidence in support of the allegation, and 10/11 of the residents interviewed stated that staff treat them with dignity. Report reviewed, signed and delivered. Exit interview conducted, noRead the full finding— CDSS inspection report, December 14, 2021 · control 31-AS-20200903164427

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Pitz conducted an unannounced visit on this day for the purpose of delivering complaint findings for the Investigations Branch (IB). During this investigation LPA Pitz conducted an initial visit to the facility on 6/29/21 and interviewed Resident 1 (R1) and the facility’s Administrator and Wellness Coordinator. Special Investigator Douglas conducted telephonic interviews with the facility Administrator and Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) West Valley Division Detective Potter on 7/8/21 and 7/9/21; interviewed 5 residents on 8/18/21 at 1:30pm; reviewed the LAPD West Valley Division Investigative report on 9/1/21; interviewed staff 1 (S1) on 10/1/21 at 10:30am with the assistance of Special Investigator Assistant Sandoval; interviewed a relevant witness (W1) telephonically on 10/27/21 at 5:45pm; Interviewed the facility Wellness Coordinator on 11/10/21 at 12:30pm; interviewed a second relevant witness (W2) and the Administrator on 11/17/21; interviewedRead the full finding— CDSS inspection report, December 14, 2021 · control 31-AS-20210625171331

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Gary Tan conducted an unannounced subsequent visit to this facility to further investigate the above allegation. LPA met with Aristotle Vergara and explained the reason for the visit. LPA conducted physical plant tour at 9:20 AM, requested copies of facility documents relevant to the investigation at 9:40 AM and interviewed staff and resident at 10:00 AM. Resident's needs are not being met while in care, it was alleged that R1's needs is not being met. LPA's interview with R1 on 11/18/21 at around 10:30 AM and today at 10:19 AM, revealed that R1 needed more medical care and would like to transfer to a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF). LPA's interview R1's case worker on 11/18/21 at around 12:00 PM, however, revealed that R1 did not have proper medical insurance and was not eligible for a long term stay at SNF as R1 did not have an eligible diagnosis. Further interview with R1 today at 10:19 AM also revealed that R1 is being provided sufficient non-medicalRead the full finding— CDSS inspection report, December 7, 2021 · control 31-AS-20211116121503

Licensing Program Analysts (LPA) Shira Stamps arrived at the facility to conduct an initial complaint visit for the allegations mentioned above. LPA met with the Administrator and wellness care director, and explained the purpose of this visit. It was alleged that Resident #1 (R1) was not accepted back to the facility upon discharge from the hospital on 11/17/2021. During this investigation at approximately 10:23am, LPA conducted a physical plant tour and did not observe any immediate health and safety issues. At 11:00am, LPA conducted interviews with the Administrator, and other staff. In addition, LPA spoke with the witnesses that were able to provide pertinent information regarding R1’s care and supervision, as well as, their health care needs. Continued... SubstantiatedRead the full finding— CDSS inspection report, November 29, 2021 · control 31-AS-20211124093048

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Gary Tan conducted an unannounced initial complaint visit at this facility to investigate the above allegations. LPA met with administrator Aristotle Vergara and explained the reason for the visit. LPA conducted physical plant tour at 9:15 AM, requested copies of facility documents relevant to the investigation at 10:00 AM and conducted interview with staff, administrator and resident between 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Regarding the allegation that resident is being abused while in care, it was alleged that Resident #1 (R1) has been transferred from one assisted living facility to another but always from the same owner. LPA record review at 12:30 PM revealed that R1 was admitted at this facility on 07/14/21 from a Rehabilitation Center in West hills where R1 was admitted on 05/12/21. Further review also revealed that R1 was discharged from a six (6) bed Residential Care for the Elderly facility in Granada hills where R1 stayed for almost two (2) years, priorRead the full finding— CDSS inspection report, November 18, 2021 · control 31-AS-20211116121503

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Pitz initiated a complaint investigation visit on this day for the purpose of delivering the Investigation Branch’s (IB’s) findings on the above allegations. Allegation #1, that “Resident has multiple unstageable pressure injuries”, has been substantiated based on the records reviewed and the credible nature of the reporting party. During the course of the investigation, it was revealed that former Resident #1 (R1) indeed sustained several pressure injuries during their stay at the facility. Per medical documents obtained during the investigation, it was indicated that upon admission to Northridge Hospital Medical Center on 7/5/20 R1 had sustained two “unstageable” pressure injuries on their back, as well as an unstageable pressure injury on their right heel and sacrum. While residing at the facility, R1 was receiving home health services for wound care prior to being hospitalized but was not on hospice. The reporting party, a credible source, stated thaRead the full finding— CDSS inspection report, November 5, 2021 · control 31-AS-20200714171154

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) conducted an unannounced visit on this day in response to the above allegations. As part of this investigation, LPA conducted a telephonic visit and interviewed two staff members on 11/16/20; interviewed a relevant witness on 11/16/20, 12/28/20, 1/28/21; reviewed records obtained from the facility for Resident 1 (R1) on 11/16/20; reviewed medical records obtained via subpoena from Northridge Medical Center and 360 Home Health; reviewed the Woodland Hills South Regional Office (WHSRO) file for incident reports on 11/5/21; interviewed the administrator on 11/5/21 and collected additional records. SubstantiatedRead the full finding— CDSS inspection report, November 5, 2021 · control 31-AS-20201109133407

LPA Martinez conducted an announced complaint visit to the facility. LPA met Wellness Care Coordinator and then with Administrator. The purpose of this visit was explained. Allegation: Staff do not answer facility phone. It is alleged that staff does not answer the facility phone during the evening shift and NOC shift hours, when the resident #1 (R1) calls for assistance. To investigate the allegation, between 11:30 am and 2:00pm LPA Martinez conducted interviews with ten (10) out of one hundred and four (104) residents. Interviews revealed that residents are using the pull cord(s) during an emergency. At times, during emergency they may use the phone to call the reception desk to get a staff to assist them. At 2:15 PM LPA spoke with the two (02) facility staff working in the evening and nighttime. Staff explained the procedures for evening and nighttime for when a staff receives a call from a resident requesting assistance. UnsubstantiatedRead the full finding— CDSS inspection report, October 28, 2021 · control 31-AS-20211026121025

Licensing Program Analyst(s) Wendell Smith and Jocelyn Martinez conducted an unannounced subsequent visit to this facility to investigate the allegation above. LPA's met with the administrator and explained the reason for this visit. Facility not maintained clean and sanitary Initial visit was conducted on 9/29/21 to began investigation into this allegation. On 10/4/21 a Required Annual visit was conducted where a physical plant tour was conducted. During the physical plant tour it was observed that rooms 107 and 109 had a strong foul odor coming from them. In room 108 there was no running water. On the second floor of the facility the dining room tables and flooring were in disrepair. Based on the information obtained during the visit on 10/4/21 this allegation is deemed Substantiated. Deficiency cited on LIC 9099 D. SubstantiatedRead the full finding— CDSS inspection report, October 25, 2021 · control 31-AS-20210928124225

Licensing Program Analyst(s) (LPA) Jocelyn Martinez and Wendell Smith conducted an unannounced complaint visit to investigate the allegations above. LPA's met with the administrator and explained the reason for this visit. Facility does not have activities for residents in care LPA's conducted interviews with the administrator and facility staff from approximately 9:45-10am. LPA's conducted interviews with residents from 10-11:30am. Interviews revealed that the facility does not have an activity director at this time and that the facility has not been providing activities for residents for the past few months. Based on the information obtained through interviews this allegation is deemed Substantiated at this time. Deficiency cited on LIC 9099 D. SubstantiatedRead the full finding— CDSS inspection report, October 25, 2021 · control 31-AS-20211020122325

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) KaSandra Lopez conducted an unannounced subsequent complaint inspection at the facility today and met with Administrator Aris Vergara at 12:20 PM. The LPA explained the reason for today's inspection. During today's inspection, the LPA conducted interviews with Administrator Aris Vergara and Candace Vergara beginning at 12:20 PM. At 12:25 PM the LPA conducted a physical plant tour with Mr. Vergara. Between 12:29 PM and 12:39 PM the following apartments were observed, #103, # 225, # 253, #260, #273, and #275. During the initial complaint inspection on 04/02/2020, due to the situation surrounding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), and to implement mitigation measures, LPA Perera conducted a telephonic interview with Mr. Vergara beginning at 1:50 PM and obtained pertinent records pertaining to Resident #1 (R1) and maintenance photographs. Report continued on LIC 9099-C. UnsubstantiatedRead the full finding— CDSS inspection report, September 14, 2021 · control 31-AS-20200330085412