Brookdale Uptown Whittier

Allegation investigated: Staff are not taking measures to keep the facility free of insects

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Glenn Trueman conducted an initial complaint investigation visit for the allegation listed above. LPA met with Administrator Suzie Magpayo and the purpose of the visit was discussed. During todays visit, LPA Trueman conducted the following: toured the physical plant which included all (4) floors of the facility, common areas, patios, and dining area. The tour also included room #'s 102, 125,204,221,231,252,253, 303,319, 335,and 423. LPA interviewed residents #1-#12 (R1-12) and Staff #1 (S1). LPA also interviewed the Administrator. Resident and Staff Roster was submitted. Documentation form the Pest Control Company was reviewed and submitted. The investigation reveals the following: Regarding Staff are not taking measures to keep the facility free of insects, it was alleged the facility has roaches. The Administrator stated that a treatment was just done for all common areas and bedrooms and is unaware of roaches in the elevator. Substantiated 8 out of 12 residents stated they do not have roaches in their rooms or observed any in the elevator or the facility. 4 out of 12 clients stated they have had roaches in their rooms but have not observed any in the elevator or the facility. During the tour LPA took a photo of a dead roach in the hallway of the facility. Staff S1 stated that 1 month ago the facility was fumigated. Said the housekeeper told S1 of a roach being found and a resident this morning had told S1 of a roach observed in their room. Stated that the pest control company is coming to the facility 1x a month. Based on LPA's observations, interviews, and file review conducted the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation(s) are found SUBSTANTIATED. Exit interview conducted and copies provided to the Administrator. Appeal Rights issued.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Aug 4, 2026 · control 28-AS-20260727165128

From the deficiency page — Deficiency type: Type A · Section cited: CCR 87303(a) · Plan of correction due date: Aug 5, 2026

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 is not met as evidenced by: Based on observations, interviews and documents reviewed, the resident’s rooms have had issues with cockroaches which poses a potential health and safety risk to residents in care. LPA observed dead roach on the floor in the hallway.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Aug 4, 2026

Plan of correction: Facility will address the roach and insect issue and send report that shows the future plan to treat resident rooms by pest control to LPA by POC date of 08/5/2026 Documentation submitted at visit for POC. Deficiency cleared.

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Cynthia Chan conducted the annual inspection. LPA met with Administrator, Suzie Magpayo, and explained the purpose of the visit. The facility is licensed for (280) non-ambulatory residents ages 60 and over. There is a hospice waiver approved for 8 residents. LPA utilized the Compliance and Regulatory Enforcement (CARE) tools for the visit today and observed the following: The facility is a 4-story building with resident rooms on each floor. The first floor consists of the main lobby, dining room, kitchen, lounge, activity room, conference room, medication room, and resident rooms. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors consist mainly of resident rooms, activity rooms, and laundry rooms. The facility also has a Wellness Center. LPA selected 12 rooms to inspect: rooms #112, #125, #131, #210, #215, #231, #312, #322, #335, #404, #424, #428. The bathrooms have non-skid mats. 8 out of the 12 rooms had the hot water temperatures measured at over 120 degrees F. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are operable. Facility has sufficient space to accommodate indoor and outdoor activities. There are planned activities daily. Sufficient food supplies of 2-day perishable and a week of non-perishable items are observed. Facility is continuing to follow their infection control plan and using appropriate hand hygiene while assisting residents. Per the administrator, there is sufficient staffing for each shift based on care needed. LPA reviewed six (6) personnel files. The administrator's certificate expires on 8/10/2027. Staff have current CPR & First Aid certificates. Staff are receiving annual training. A total of ten (10) resident files were reviewed and all contained the required documents including TB test results. Medications are centrally stored and locked in the medication room. Medications are administered as prescribed. Facility has an Emergency Disaster Plan and is being reviewed annually. Drills are being conducted at least quarterly for each shift. A deficiency is being issued today. An exit interview was held and a copy of this report and appeal rights were given to the Administrator.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, May 22, 2026

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Cynthia Chan conducted the required annual inspection on 7/22/25. LPA arrived unannounced and met with the Executive Director, Suzie Magpayo. The facility is licensed to serve 280 non-ambulatory residents, ages 60 and over. There is a hospice waiver approved for 8 residents. LPA inspected the facility using the Compliance and Regulatory Enforcement (CARE) tools. The facility is a 4-story building with resident rooms on each floor. The first floor consists of the main lobby, dining room, kitchen, lounge, activity room, conference room, medication room, and resident rooms. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors consist mainly of resident rooms, activity rooms, and laundry rooms. The facility also has a Wellness Center. LPA randomly selected 12 rooms (#106, #103, #119, #201, #231, #243, #301, #311, #317, #345, #402, and #423 to inspect. The bathrooms have non-skid mats and the hot water temperature was measured within range of 105-120 degrees F. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are operable. Facility has sufficient space to accommodate indoor and outdoor activities. There are daily planned activities. Sufficient food supplies of 2-day perishable and a week of non-perishable items as well as water supply were observed. Information for appropriate reporting agencies are posted at the facility. The facility does not accept or retain residents with dementia. Residents utilizing oxygen tanks have signs posted at the front door. Facility is continuing to follow their infection control plan and using appropriate hand hygiene. Gloves are worn by staff while assisting residents with their activities of daily living. The liability insurance is still current for the coverage of at least $1 million (per occurrence) and $3 million (total annual aggregate). Per the administrator, there is sufficient staffing for each shift. LPA reviewed 6 personnel files. The Administrator's certificate expires on 8/10/25. The staff files have the required documents and have fingerprint clearance. Staff have current CPR and First Aid certificates. LPA reviewed 10 resident files. The files contain the admission agreement, medical assessment with TB results, consent forms, property valuable form, pre-appraisal form, and care plan. Medications are centrally stored in a locked cart in the med room. The medications were checked for 10 residents and no discrepancies were found. The Emergency Disaster Plan and Infection Control Plan are reviewed annually. The facility receives unannounced fire drills/disaster drills training for each shift from the Fire Safety Service Company. No deficiencies issued today. An exit interview was held and a copy of this report was given to Administrator S. Magpayo.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jul 22, 2025

Type of visit: Case Management - Incident

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Christian Gutierrez conducted an unannounced Case Management Visit to follow up on a Self-reported special incident report (SIR) that was submitted on 04/07/2025. LPA was met by Executive Director Suzie Magpayo and explained the purpose of the visit. Licensing received an SIR and a SOC 341 by fax to report alleged sexual abuse that occurred between resident (R1) and staff (S1) on 04/06/2025. On 04/06/2025 at approximately 4:28 AM S1-S2 went into R1’s room after receiving a call for assistance. S1-S2 went to put on shoes and insert hearing aid for R1 and while inserting hearing aid R1 began shouting “stay away from me”. S1 explained to R1 that he/she was putting on the hearing aid. At approximately 5:07 AM S2 received a call from R1 and stated that a staff member tried to rape them by putting his/her breast on R1. Whittier police were called, and an incident report was taken. R1 did not recall what happened when asked by police. During today's visit LPA interviewed the Executive Director, S1-S2 by phone, and R1. LPA also toured C1's bedroom. No concerns, obstructions, or anything out of the ordinary was witnessed during the visit. LPA obtained copies of staff roster, resident roster, R1’s emergency information sheet, Appraisal Needs & Services Plan, and Physician's Report. No deficiencies observed during today's visit. Exit interview held and a copy of the report was provided to the facility.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Apr 10, 2025

Type of visit: Case Management - Health Checks

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Daniel Konishi made unannounced case management visit regarding a self-reported incident on the relocation of 16 residents from Santa Monica Gardens - License # 197606682, 851 2nd St. Santa Monica, CA 90403 to Brookdale Uptown Whittier-License # 198601778 due to mandatory evacuation orders from Fire Advisory. LPA met with Executive Director, Suzie Magpayo from Brookdale Uptown Whittier and explained the purpose of the visit. During the visit, LPA Daniel Konishi conducted a health and safety check and no concerns observed. LPA reviewed and obtained resident and staff rosters for both facilities, as well as Fire inspection and testing dated September 15, 2024. Per interview with the Executive Director, 16 residents have been relocated to Brookdale Uptown Whittier. The facility has sufficient beds, hygiene supplies, beddings, linens, and everyone has a designated room. All rooms have an ensuite bathroom. The dining room is large enough to accommodate all residents. The kitchen has sufficient two-day perishable and seven-day non-perishable food supplies. Medications, MARs, and files of the Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens residents have been transferred to Brookdale Uptown Whittier and stored in a locked room. Two (2) of the Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens residents use wheelchairs. Three (3) of the Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens residents use walkers. 2 (Two) of the Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens residents use canes. Three (3) of the Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens residents require incontinence services. The Executive Director stated both facilities use the same vendors and pharmacy which allows them to provide the same level of continued care for the residents. The Executive Director stated that both facilities use different home health agencies. The facility also has licensed LVN's on staff at Brookdale Uptown Whittier to care for insulin residents. There is sufficient staffing available to provide care for resident of both facilities. Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens are providing staffing from their facility to assist residents at Brookdale Uptown Whittier. It has been verified that a routine Fire inspection and testing was completed on September 15, 2024, and the fire and disaster drill were conducted on December 19, 2024. The Executive Director confirmed all families and responsible parties for the Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens residents have been notified about the relocation either via calls, texts, or emails. The Executive Director stated that current Brookdale Uptown Whittier residents will not be affected by this relocation and will not share rooms with Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens residents. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was provided to Executive Director, Suzie Magpayo.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jan 10, 2025

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Wong conducted an unannounced Required- 1 year visit using the full Care Compliance and Regulatory Enforcement (CARE) Tools. The purpose of the visit was explained to Administrator Suzie Magpayo who assisted LPA with the visit. The following 12 (CARE) tool domains were utilized during the inspection: 1. Infection Control: Infection control practices and Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) were observed. COVID-19 screening is no longer in place. LPA observed and reviewed the infection control plan 2. Physical Plant/Environmental Safety: The facility is a four story building. The facility does not have a dementia unit. A hospice waiver for 8 residents are in place. On the first floor, it includes: 26 residents rooms, TV lounge, reception area, executive director office, dining room, kitchen, coffee station, med-room, activity room, conference room, library, commercial laundry room and courtyard. On second floor, it includes 44 residents rooms, laundry room and sun deck. On third floor, it includes 44 residents rooms, laundry room, Wellness Center and residents' rest/puzzle area. On the forth floor, it includes 36 residents' rooms. laundry room and game area. LPA inspected rooms #102, #106, #107, #218, #231, #329, #333, #413, #421, #423, they all have required grab bar and non-skid mat in the bathroom. Each residents' bathrooms are clean, sanitary and in a operable condition. LPA tested all 10 residents room hot water temperature and its between 105 and 120 degrees F. which are within Title 22 regulation. LPA also inspected the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and they are all working well. Each residents room have the required furniture, bedding and sufficient lighting and closet space. The facility have a telephone services in the premises and each resident phone # are listed on the facility directory. Continued on LIC 809-C 3.Operational Requirements: A current Plan of Operation was reviewed. The Infection Control Plan has been added to the Plan. The facility does not have a Dementia Waiver in place. A hospice waiver is approved for 8 residents. A fire clearance for 280 non-ambulatory residents. Liability Insurance in the amount of $2,500,000 per occurrence and $20,000,000 in total annual aggregate is in place. No Surety bond is in place. Facility does not handle resident finances. 4. Staffing: The facility has sufficient staffing in the facility to provide care and supervision to residents. All staff are over 18 years old. LPA observed there to be NOC shift staff available every day. Staff have updated first aid certificate and required emergency procedure training. Facility signal system is operational. 5. Personnel Record/Training's : The Administrator is Suzie Magpayo and her administrator certificate is currently active. All the facility staff have criminal background clearance and associated with the facility and the required training. Eight (8) staff files were reviewed. Proof of staff training, health clearance, food handling certificates, and all staff has an updated First Aid /CPR certificate. 6. Residents Records-Incident Reports: A total of ten (10) resident files were reviewed. They contained admission agreements, Physician's Reports, Appraisal, TB clearance, Functional Capability Assessment, Physician's Orders, medical consent, and medication records. 7. Residents Right-Information: RCFE complaint poster and Personal rights were observed and its posted near the entrance and reception area. 8. Planned Activities: Sufficient space to accommodate both indoor and outdoor activities was observed. An activity calendar is posted on the wall near the dining room and each resident would receive the activity calendar beginning of the month and also different activities poster also posted in the elevator . The facility also has a Resident Council. 9. Food Services: Sufficient food supply is stored in the kitchen and pantry areas consisting of: 2-day perishables, 7-day non-perishables, and emergency food supplies. Physician orders for modified diets are on residents' file. LPA observed list of residents with modified diets to be available to kitchen staff. LPA observed all food to be stored properly. Continued on LIC 809-C 10. Incidental Medical and Dental Services: Ten (10) centrally stored resident medications were reviewed; containing 30-day supply of medications. Medical and dental transportation is provided. 11. Disaster Preparedness: The facility has an updated Emergency and Disaster Plan and the evacuation chair at each stairway is in place. The last fire and disaster drill was conducted on 06/13/2024. The facility also has two alternative temporary shelter locations. 12. Resident with Special Health Needs: Five (5) residents are receiving home health services. There are four (4) resident receiving hospice care. No postural support residents currently reside in the facility. No half bed or full bed rails were observed in resident rooms. Individual Service Plans and Appraisals are on File. No residents have prohibited health condition. No deficiencies were observed during the annual inspection. Exit Interview conducted and a copy of the report was provided to Administrator Suzie Magpayo.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jun 13, 2024

Allegation investigated: Staff does not ensure air quality is safe for residents in care.

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Jose Villalobos conducted an initial complaint investigation visit for the allegations listed above. LPA met with Executive Director Suzie Magpayo and the purpose of the visit was discussed. During todays visit, LPA Villalobos conducted the following: toured the physical plant which included all (4) floors of the facility, common areas, patios, and dining area. The tour also included room #'s 119, 121, 308, 312, 314, 324, 339, 406, 411, 414, and 415. LPA interviewed residents #1-#10 (R1-10) and Staff #1-#6 (S1-S6). LPA also interviewed R1's Nurse Practitioner (NP). LPA collected documents from R1 files which included their physicians report, Care plan and Facesheet. The Investigation revealed the following: Continued on LIC 9099-C Unsubstantiated In regards to the allegation "Staff does not ensure air quality is safe for residents in care" it is alleged that unhealthy air enters R1's room causing them health problems. (5) of (6) Staff interviewed denied the allegation. (9) of (10) Residents interviewed could not corroborate the allegation. Interviews state that R1 has spoken to facility staff regarding toxic air entering their room through the vents multiple times a day causing their skin and eyes to burn. All staff interviewed denied seeing any toxic dust and air entering R1's room but (1) of (6) staff interviewed added that R1's experience could be valid. LPA Villalobos interviewed R1 in their room between 10:30am-11am and did not observe any dust or other particles coming out of R1's vents. LPA did observe that R1 has covered their vents with cardboard and tape except for one vent in the bathroom. LPA was provided a bottle of dust and lint that was alleged to have come out of the vent. It was explained to LPA that is was something more toxic than regular dust. LPA did not observe dust particles to be flowing in the air while in R1's room. All other residents interviewed were not aware of any issues with the air quality of the facility and did not observe any dust flowing out of their vents. LPA did not observe any dust or other particles coming out of any vents from the rooms LPA toured. Interview with NP states that R1 has a medical condition that has been going on for years regarding their eye health. R1's eye health has been in decline for years and occasionally causes pain and discomfort. NP did not suggest any correlation between R1's eye health and any issues with the air quality of the facility. File review does not show that there is any medical record of R1 having burns or negative experience from the air quality in the facility. Based on interviews, observations, and record review, there was not enough supportive evidence to concur with the reported allegation. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the allegation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED. Exit Interview conducted and a copy of this report was provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, May 13, 2024 · control 28-AS-20240507112542

Allegation investigated: Staff failed to properly assess residents after falls

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Jose Villalobos conducted an initial complaint investigation visit for the allegation listed above. LPA met with Executive Director Suzie Magpayo and the purpose of the visit was discussed. During todays visit, LPA Villalobos conducted the following: toured the physical plant which included all (4) floors of the facility, common areas, patios, and dining area. LPA interviewed residents #2-#7 (R2-R7) and Staff #1-#7 (S1-S7). LPA reviewed and collected copies incident reports regarding resident falls for the last 2 months. LPA collected documents from R1-R3's files which included their physicians report, Care plan and any Facesheet. R1 is unavailable for interview. The Investigation revealed the following: Continued on LIC 9099-C Unsubstantiated In regards to the allegation "Staff failed to properly assess residents after falls" it is alleged that the multiple residents have fallen in the facility and staff don't do anything about it. (7) of (7) Staff interviewed denied the allegation. (6) of (6) Residents interviewed could not corroborate the allegation. Interviews from staff state that when a resident falls, witnessed or unwitnessed, they are assessed by the facilities med techs or nurse immediately. The person assessing the resident will call paramedics for the residents unless the resident express they do not want paramedic assistance. The fall is then noted and an incident report created. The family, physician, and Licensing is then notified. Depending on the situation, the facility nurse will make updates to the residents care plan going forward. LPA file review shows that there were (3) falls in the last 2 months. LPA reviewed the Incident reports created and sent into Licensing. Each report details whether the fall was unwitnessed or witnessed, that the resident was assessed, who assisted the resident, and what assistance was provided. The report also notes whether a change to the residents plan of care would be completed. Interviews with R2 and R3 confirmed the information on the incident reports involving them. All resident interviews shows that they believe staff will assist residents immediately once they are aware of a fall. LPA was not provided proof of which residents were not being assessed and assisted with properly by staff. Based on interviews, observations, and record review, there was not enough supportive evidence to concur with the reported allegation. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the allegation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED. Exit Interview conducted and copy of this report was provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, May 7, 2024 · control 28-AS-20240501165455

Allegation investigated: Staff did not keep facility free of insects. Staff disposed of resident's personal belongings without resident consent.

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Jose Villalobos conducted an initial complaint investigation visit for the allegations listed above. LPA met with Executive Director Suzie Magpayo and the purpose of the visit was discussed. During todays visit, LPA Villalobos toured the physicall plant which included the following: All (4) floors of the facility, Rooms #101, #102, #103, #112, #119, #121, #206, #217, #224, #303, #405, the common areas, patios, and dining area. LPA interviewd residents #2-#9 (R2-R9) and Staff #1-#7 (S1-S7). LPA reviewed and collected copies of documents from R1's file, the staff roster, the resident roster, and the pest cotrol receipt conducted for room #112. Resident #1 (R1) is no longer in the facility and was unavailable for interview. The Investigation revealed the following: Conitnued on LIC 9099-C Unsubstantiated In regards to the allegation "Staff did not keep facility free of insects" It was alleged that R1's room and the facility has had a roach problem that was not being addressed by the facility. (7) of (7) Staff interviewed denied the allegation. (8) of (8) Residents interviewed could not corroborate the allegation. Interviews state that R1 left the facility on 10/31/23 but prior to moving out, did inform staff of there being roaches in their room. The room was treated on 10/10/23 by a pest control company that is contracted by the facility. LPA observed documentation of R1's room being serviced on this day by the pest control company and their notes state there were no findings noted during the visit. Staff interviewed stated that when R1 informed the staff of the issues, the staff addressed it and did not ignore it. LPA observed the room where R1 previously resided in and did not observe any roaches or other pests. During the tour of the facility, LPA did not observe any roaches or pests throughout the facility. Residents interviewed did not state that staff are not keeping the facility free of insects. Based on interviews, observations, and record review, there was not enough supportive evidence to concur with the reported allegation. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the allegation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED. In regards to the allegation "Staff disposed of resident's personal belongings without resident consent" it was alleged that staff disposed of R1's property such as a contact book, refrigerator, new clothes, new purses and other valuable items without their consent because it had roaches when they moved out. (7) of (7) Staff interviewed denied the allegation. (8) of (8) Residents interviewed could not corroborate the allegation. Interviews show that facility staff were not the ones who moved R1's personal belonging out of the facility when R1 moved out. R1 and their family had hired a moving company to move R1's personal belongings out from the facility on 10/31/23 and facility staff were not involved. Interviews did not show that staff of the facility were involved in throwing away any of R1's belongings. File review does not show a list of personal property and valuables designated for the facility to safeguard for R1. Based on interviews, observations, and record review, there was not enough supportive evidence to concur with the reported allegation. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the allegation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED. Exit Interview conducted and copy of this report was provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Mar 20, 2024 · control 28-AS-20240312152027