Castle Heights Assisted Living

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Brian Balisi arrived at the facility unannounced to conduct a required annual visit at approx 12:30 p.m. Upon arrival, the LPA met with staff and explained the reason for the visit. Administrator Leia Joaquin arrived shortly after. LPA toured the physical plant areas inside and outside to ensure there are no health and safety hazards and the facility is in compliance with Title 22 Regulations. At approx 12:45 p.m. LPA inspected the kitchen/food service area. Kitchen appliances appeared clean and to be in operable condition at the time of the visit. LPA observed staff mopping floors. The facility has a sufficient supply of perishable and non-perishable food. Food labels were inspected and checked for dates and expiration dates. The knives and sharps were observed locked and inaccessible to residents in care. LPA observed five (5) resident bedrooms , which were furnished appropriately with clean linens, appropriate furnishings and sufficient lighting. The resident bathrooms were clean and sanitary and in operating condition with grab bars and non-skid surfaces. The bathrooms were sufficiently stocked with supplies and paper towels. The hot water temperature was measured between 105 - 120 degrees Fahrenheit. LPA observed personal hygiene supplies and toiletries to be centrally stored and inaccessible in a hallway cabinet. There was one (1) staff room, which was observed to be empty during the time of the visit and inaccessible to residents in care. LPA observed the common area furniture's to be in good condition. A sufficient supply of clean linen and towels were observed stored in a hallway closet. The facility maintained a comfortable temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Smoke detector(s) and carbon monoxide detector were operational at the time of the visit. LPA observed fire extinguishers to be fully charged and last serviced on 05/13/2026. All exits have functioning auditory devices and were operational at the time of the visit. The LPA observed required postings throughout the common areas. There is an attached garage observed inaccessible to residents in care. LPA observed garage to have a laundry area and to store, extra incontinent supplies, linen, PPE , as well as additional furniture and medical equipment for facility use. The backyard has a covered outdoor area equipped with furniture including a table and chairs for resident use. There is a storage shed only accessible from the exterior of the home. LPA observed it to be inaccessible to residents in care and for it to store various tools for facility use. The LPA observed one (1) self-latching gate with clear passageways clear of obstruction. LPA did not observe any bodies of water during the visit. Records review, five (5) resident records were reviewed for, but not limited to: appraisals, medical records, admissions agreement, consent forms. Five (5) Personnel records were reviewed for, but not limited to: personnel records, health assessments, criminal record clearances, first aid/CPR training, and the appropriate training. All files were observed to be in order at this time. Medication review, medications for four (4) residents were observed. All medications were stored properly and were appropriately documented on their respective centrally stored medication and destruction record sheets. No deficiencies were observed during medication review. Infection control / Emergency Disaster plan: During today’s visit, the LPA reviewed the facility's infection control practices and the facility's emergency disaster plan. The facility’s policies and procedures as it pertains to infection control are adequate. Emergency disaster drills are conducted quarterly; the facility’s last emergency disaster drill was conducted on 05/08/2026. The facility’s emergency disaster plan is up to date and is adequate. Both the infection control plan and the emergency disaster plan are reviewed/updated annually by the facility’s administrator. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors were tested, all alarms were functional at the time of the visit. During today’s visit LPA obtained a copy of the facility’s limited liability insurance, LIC 500 and resident roster. Exit interview conducted and copy of the report was issued.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, May 21, 2026

Allegation investigated: Due to neglect, resident was covered in ants/bugs.

On 08/15/25, at 10:29am, the department conducted an initial complaint visit to the facility and was greeted by Leia Joaquin, Administrator. The department explained the purpose of this visit is to gather information about the complaint, gather facility files, interview staff and residents, and deliver findings for the allegations mentioned above. The investigation consisted of the following: The department investigated the allegation mentioned in this complaint; and conducted interviews with staff (S1-S3) and residents (R1-R3) from 10:45am-12:00pm. The department received the following: Resident Roster (Dated: 06/01/2025) Personnel Report (Dated: 01/08/2025), ID/Emergency Information (Dated: 05/10/2023), Physicians Report (Dated: 02/06/2024), Appraisal and Needs Service Plan (Dated: 07/03/2025), Maintenance Service Invoice (Dated: 08/09/2025), Pictures of exterior being serviced by Pest Control, and UCLA After Visit Summary (Dated: 08/09/2025), from the facility. Report Continued on LIC909-C Substantiated The investigation revealed the following: Allegation- Due to neglect, resident was covered in ants/bugs. The details of the complaint alleged that a resident was taken to the hospital due to health issues. Upon admittance, hospital workers noticed the resident to have ants and or bugs crawling on their body. When asked by hospital staff about the pests neither the resident nor staff could explain how the resident had pests on their body. On 8/15/25, from 10:45am-12:00pm, the department interviewed staff (S1-S3) and residents (R1-R3) regarding the allegation. 3 of 3 staff stated that the facility had ant activity, and the ants may have come from the outside and into the room of R1. Staff stated that they went out and bought some ant bait traps as well as sprayed the outside of the facility and in the room of R1 when they were in the hospital to eradicate the problem. S1 provided the department with an invoice of the pest service as well as pictures of the facility being serviced. The department interviewed residents (R1-R3) about the allegation and 2 of 3 residents that were interviewed stated that they have noticed ants in the facility but that the facility had made efforts to get rid of the pests by spraying and laying down ant bait traps. The department reviewed the Maintenance Service Invoice (Dated: 08/09/2025) and pictures of the pest control spraying the exterior of the facility. The department also toured the facility and the residents’ bedrooms and observed ant bait traps throughout the facility but did not observe any visible pests at the time of the visit. Based on interviews conducted and records reviewed, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met. Therefore, the above allegation Due to neglect, resident was covered in ants/bugs, is found to be Substantiated. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division (6) and chapter (8) are being cited on the attached LIC 9099D. Note: *Citations that are not cleared by the due date of 08/15/25 will have a $100 fine assessed for each citation until it is cleared. Civil penalties will continue to accrue until Proof of Corrections (POC) is cleared. Deficiency was cleared at the time of the visit. Deficiencies were issued and plans of corrections were discussed. An exit interview was conducted with Leia Joaquin, Administrator, and a hard copy of this Complaint Investigation Report was provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Aug 15, 2025 · control 11-AS-20250812162730

From the deficiency page — Deficiency type: Type B · Section cited: CCR 87303(a) · Plan of correction due date: Aug 15, 2025

87303 (a) Maintenance and Operation. The facility shall be clean, safe, sanitary and in good repair at all times. Maintenance shall include provision of maintenance services and procedures for the safety and well-being of residents, employees and visitors. This requirement was not met as evidenced by: Based on interviews and records reviewed, the facility has confirmed that there was pest activity (ants) in room #2. Which led to the resident (R1) having ants on their body when they went to the hospital on 08/09/25. This violation poses a potential health and safety or personal rights risk to residents in care.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Aug 15, 2025

Plan of correction: Administrator has corrected the deficiency at the time of visit. The facility laid out bait traps and sprayed while R1 was in the hospital. The facility has a pest control company, Jasper Pest Control, that comes out as needed to treat the facility. The administrator printed out the invoice and pictures of the correction at the time of the visit.

Type of visit: Prelicensing

On 05/07/25 LPA Yolanda Rosser arrived at facility to conduct announced Pre-Licensing visit, met with Leia Joaquin, Administrator explained the purpose of the visit. LPA was granted entrance into the facility. Census is 6. LPA and Administrator toured the facility and consisted of the following: Facility is a one story house located on a residential street. The home consists of 6 resident bedrooms, 1 staff bedroom, 1 attached garage, 1 kitchen/dining/living room, 2 bathrooms, 1 covered patio area with shaded seating. The facility lawn is manicured and all pathways are clear and free of debris. the facility is very clean, no dishes in sink or on the counter. The facility has fresh flowers and plants making the house very inviting. The dining room area has a wide screen television and there is a variety of activities and games for the residents. All signs and menus are posted as required. There is a complete first aid kit. Restrooms are clean, showers are installed with non-slip surfaces, all trash cans have lids. There is a extra supply of toiletries and towels, bed linen located in the cabinet. The facility has fresh flowers and plants making the house very inviting. Continued on LIC C Kitchen is neat and clean. Cutlery and cleaning products are locked. Cabinets are fully stocked with non-perishables and there is a abundance of food in the refrigerator and the freezer is fully stocked. There is at least a 7 day supply of perishable and non-perishable of food available. LPA tested hot water temperature and it measured between 105 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The facility provides residents with hygiene products such as non-medicated soap, body wash, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, deodorant, body spray and any other products requested. LPA observed medications were stored and locked, inaccessible. All medications observed were labeled and maintained in compliance with label instructions and State and Federal law. Documents are posted as mandated. Last fire and earthquake drill was conducted on 05/03/2025. First aid kit is fully stocked with manual. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors were in compliance and operational. There are two fire extinguishers, and they were last serviced on 05/25. 4 Staff records were reviewed; Criminal Record Clearances, Job Applications, Tuberculosis Test, Facility Training's/Drills, and signed Employee Rights, all required documents were accounted for and reviewed. 5 Resident records were reviewed: Admission Agreements, Medical Assessments, Consent Forms, Weight Record, Emergency Information, Appraisal & Needs Service Plan, Tuberculosis Test, Centrally Stored Medication Destruction Record, and Personal Rights. all required documents were accounted for and reviewed. Resident bedrooms were checked. Mattresses were in good condition, adequate lighting, plenty of dresser and closet space observed. Walls and floors were clean and in good condition. Comforters, bed linen, bath towels and mattress protectors were adequately stocked. Restroom toilets and water faucets worked properly; grab bars were secure. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was left with Leia Joaquin, Administrator.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, May 7, 2025

Type of visit: Office

COMP II by CAB successfully completed Facility Type: RCFE Application Type: CHOW Capacity: 6 Census (if any clients in care): 6 Method: Telephone call with CAB COMP II Participants: Leia Joaquin, Administrator/Owner; Shannon Betker, analyst. Applicant/administrator participated in COMP II at CAB via telephone call with analyst at CAB. Identification of the applicant and administrator was verified by confirming driver’s license number. During COMP II, applicant and administrator confirmed the understanding of Title 22. Component II was successfully completed. Applicant and administrator were advised to email/fax signed LIC 809 with copy of photo ID to CAB. During COMP II, CAB analyst confirmed Applicant/Administrator’s understanding of following areas: 1. Facility operation: License type, client/resident populations, and program 2. Admission Policies 3. Staffing requirements & Training 4. Restrictive/Prohibited Health Conditions 5. General provisions 6. Emergency Preparedness 7. Complaints & Reporting 8. Pre-licensing readinessthe state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Mar 27, 2025