Maximus Cottage

Allegation investigated: Staff are not meeting resident's needs

On this day, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Kevin Saborit-Guasch made an unannounced visit to the facility for the purpose of following up on the investigation of the four allegations listed as well as to deliver findings to the licensee. LPA was greeted and granted entry by caregiving staff after stating the purpose of the visit. Administrator Marie Maniago was also present on the premises to assist. The initial complaint investigation visit was conducted on January 7, 2026. During the visit, LPA conducted a tour of the facility's physical plant. Five resident interviews and one staff interview were attempted or conducted. Records maintained at the facility for all five residents were requested and reviewed, along with the facility emergency and disaster plan, staff schedule, staff training records and visitation logs for December 2025 and January 2026. Additional witness interviews were conducted via telephone during the investigation. CONTINUED ON FORM LIC9099-C Unsubstantiated CONTINUED FROM FORM LIC9099-A During the present visit, LPA conducted additional interviews with facility staff. Regarding the allegation that Staff do not have emergency procedures for residents, the following has been concluded: Based on staff interviews and records reviewed after the initial visit, all staff members scheduled are receiving training on emergency response. It was also clarified that staff is under the instruction to call 911 in case of medical emergencies with the exception of some hospice residents for whom the initial triage and assessment of the relevance of a hospital transfer is first referred to the hospice nurse on 24-hour duty. Regarding the allegation that Staff did not safeguard resident's personal belongings, the following has been concluded: it had initially been alleged that R1's hearing aids had been misplaced, however they were confirmed prior to the visit to have been kept alongside the medication central storage while being charged. The presence of the hearing aids was confirmed during the initial visit. Additionally, a review of R1's records showed that the resident's responsible party had declined to inventory valuable items upon admission. Regarding the allegation that Staff are not allowing resident to have visitors, the following has been concluded: Interviews with witnesses confirmed that regular visits from R1's friends and family had effectively occurred, as confirmed by a review of the facility's visit log conducted during the initial visit. Additional resident interviews also evidenced that residents were free to receive their loved ones with no restrictions. As a result, all three allegations are determined to be Unfounded, meaning that the allegations are false, could not have happened and/or are without reasonable basis. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of the report was provided. CONTINUED FROM FORM LIC9099 During the present visit, LPA conducted additional interviews with facility staff. Regarding the allegation that Staff are not meeting resident's needs, the following has been concluded: Resident R1 was admitted to the facility on December 14, 2025 with a primary diagnosis of Senile degeneration of the brain. Prior to being admitted, R1 was living at home with hospice services already in place. Hospice services have been provided at the facility since R1's admission. During the investigation, both the hospice plan of care and individual needs and services assessments for R1 were reviewed and appear to evidence adequate assessment of care needs. R1 was interviewed during the visit, however R1 appears to only be partially alert and oriented to time, place and person and is unable to respond to simple verbal prompts. No signs of distress or pain visible during the investigation. Per a review of R1's records, power of attorney has been given to R1's spouse who was interviewed via telephone and denied any concerns regarding the adequacy of care being provided at the facility. Other residents interviewed confirmed being satisfied with the care received at the facility as well. As a result, the allegation is determined to be Unsubstantiated, meaning that although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove or refute the alleged violation occurred. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was provided to a facility representative.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jan 16, 2026 · control 22-AS-20260105112040

Type of visit: Prelicensing

On this day, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Kevin Saborit-Guasch made a scheduled visit to the facility for the purpose of conducting a pre-licensing inspection. LPA was greeted and granted entry by Administrator Marie Joyce Maniago. An initial application for a license to operate as a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly was received by the Department on June 2, 2025 for a capacity of five non-ambulatory and one bedridden residents. This is the first license to operate a residential care facility for the elderly at this address. There are no residents currently in care. LPA accompanied by administrator toured the physical plant. The facility is a one-level home with a frontyard, backyard and attached garage. There are six private bedrooms. Each of the bedrooms include all necessary components of furnishing including a light, chair, storage space for personal items and a full-size bed as well as a supply of linen, bedsheets and towels. There are two bathrooms on the premises. Water temperature was measured to be within acceptable range at 120F in three separate locations throughout the facility. Common living spaces are present and a device connected to the internet is present for the use of the residents in care. Facility is clean, sanitary and free of odors in all areas inspected. Required posted documents are observed to be present. Kitchen equipment is present and operating as required. Sharp items and cleaning supplies are confirmed to be secured. A sufficient supply of perishable and non-perishable food is present as required by Title 22 Regulations. The centrally stored medication storage is located in a secure closet where emergency supplies are also stored. The garage is used for additional storage. Emergency lighting, night lights, first aid kit and additional supplies are present. CONTINUED ON FORM LIC809-C CONTINUED FROM FORM LIC809 Prospective licensee is requesting a hospice waiver for six residents along with the license. The fire clearance has been obtained and provided to the Department before the pre-licensing visit. Room #1 is identified as the room cleared for a bedridden resident. Combined smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are observed throughout the facility and confirmed to be functional. Two wall-mounted fire extinguishers present on the premises are confirmed to have been obtained in April 2025. First aid kit verified to be complete. There is a fireplace in the living room which has been disconnected from the natural gas supply and will not be put in operation. Fireplace however requires a screen which is currently absent. LPA and licensee toured the outside of the facility and observed it to be free of obstructions. Multiple shaded areas are present in the back of the house and are equipped with outdoor furniture for the enjoyment of residents and visitors. There are perimeter gates present on both sides of the house. The gate on the north side of the house does not self-latch due to a slight overlap with the door frame and will require an adjustment. There are no bodies of water on the premises. Licensee is not cleared for and does not plan to use delayed egress or locked perimeters. Component III was waived as the prospective licensee already operates two licensed facilities as the current facility administrator. This report was reviewed with facility representative and a copy of this report was emailed to the prospective licensee before the conclusion of the visit.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Oct 29, 2025