High Desert Residential Care

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Magda Malcore made an unannounced visit to the facility to conduct a required annual inspection. LPA met with Caitlin Belisle, Direct Support Provider and discussed the purpose of the visit. The facility is a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE). License capacity of (12) with a current census of (8). LPA conducted an overall inspection of the facility, which included, but was not limited to, the following: Physical Plant: Indoor and outdoor passageways are free of obstruction. Facility pool is fenced and observed locked, inaccessible to residents in care. Facility has sufficient indoor and outdoor shaded space for resident activities. The facility has sufficient lighting and is maintained at a comfortable temperature. Resident’s bathrooms were operating in safe and sanitary conditions. The hot water temperature in residents' bathrooms measured between 107 to 118 degrees F. Resident’s bedrooms have sufficient lighting and furniture in good repair. Facility a fully charged fire extinguisher and several carbon monoxide alarms. Fireplace is adequately screened. The facility has posted in a common area, Community Care Licensing complaint poster, Ombudsman poster, disaster evacuation plan and emergency telephone numbers. Food Service: Facility has sufficient non-perishable and perishable food supply for residents in care. The refrigerator and freezer are operating in a healthful manner. Soaps and other cleaning solutions were stored away from food areas. Care & Supervision: Facility has 24-hour care staff. Staff working have criminal record clearances or exemptions through the Department. Record Review: (3) staff files reviewed were observed to be complete. (3) resident files reviewed were observed to be complete. Administrator’s certification expires on 8/8/2024. Facility had no documentation of last emergency drill conducted on file. Deficiency cited. Medical Related Services: All medication is centrally stored and locked in a cabinet located in the dining area. A deficiency is being cited during today's visit. An exit interview was conducted where reports LIC809 & LIC809D were discussed. Copies with appeal rights were provided to the Direct Support Provider.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Nov 8, 2023

Allegation investigated: Residents have had multiple falls while in care. Staff are not meeting the needs of residents in care.

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Rayshaun Nickolas visited the facility unannounced to deliver the finding on the above allegations. LPA met with caregiver Delia Alpez and explained the purpose of the visit. LPA Nickolas' also discussed this report with the Licensee.The investigation included file reviews, a tour of the facility, and interviews with relevant parties. Allegation #1 "Residents have had multiple falls while in care". The allegation alleged that client # 1 (C1) fell in the shower and fractured their hip. The allegation also alleged that client # 2 (C2) had multiple falls. LPA interview with the Licensee revealed that C1 did not fall at the facility and break their hip. The Licensee stated that C2 was placed in the facility because of their fall risk. LPA file review of C1's records revealed that C1 is bedridden. LPA file review of C2's records revealed that C2's preplacement appraisal form LIC 603 does note C2 as a fall risk due to their medical condition. LPA facility tour revealed that the facility is clean, in good repair, and free of tripping hazards. Therefore, the finding is unsubstantiated. The finding is Unsubstantiated. There is no evidence or witnesses to corroborate the allegation. Unsubstantiated Allegation #2 “Staff are not meeting the needs of residents in care”. The allegation alleged that the facility is short-staffed. LPA observed two (2) facility staff working at the facility, and the two (2) staff members met the client's needs. LPA facility file review revealed that the facility employs two (2) members during the day shifts and one (1) overnight staff. Therefore, the finding is unsubstantiated. There is no evidence or witnesses to corroborate the allegation. A finding of Unsubstantiated means although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur. An exit interview was conducted and copy of this report was provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jun 27, 2023 · control 56-AS-20230224121634

Allegation investigated: Facility heater in disrepair. Staff do not provide nutritious meals.

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Rayshaun Nickolas made an unannounced visit to the facility to deliver the finding on the above allegations. LPA met with Stacy Hartman and explained the purpose of the visit. Hartman called the Licensee, and Licensee was unavailable to attend. However, LPA discussed this report with the Licensee over the phone and the Licensee gave permission for Hartman to sign this report on their behalf. The investigation consisted of file reviews, facility tour, and interviews with relevant parties. Allegation #1 "Facility heater in disrepair". The reporting party (RP) alleged that they have a portable heater in their room registering at 80 degrees but it is still very cold even with a heavy jacket on. The RP also alleged that their neighbor has two (2) portable heaters in their room but their neighbor is still cold. LPA interview with staff #1 (S1) revealed that the heater was not working in certain sections of the facility but it was repaired this morning, March 2, 2023. LPA interview with the Licensee revealed that the facility has central heating; however, they discovered that no heat was coming from the vents in two (2) clients rooms. The Licensee stated that they called their repair man right away to assess the situation and provided the clients without heat with portabe heaters. Unsubstantiated The Licensee stated that high desert air came out to conduct an assessment and determined that the concentrator was not working. The Licensee further stated that the heating system was fixed this morning, March 2, 2023. LPA interview with client #1 (C1) revealed that the facility finally fixed the problem. LPA observed that the thermostat recorded the indoor temperature at 79 degrees fahrenheit. The finding is Unsubstantiated. Allegation #2 "Staff do not provide nutritious meals". The RP alleged that the staff serves residents can and frozen foods. The RP further alleged that peanut butter and jelly and apple sauce for lunch which is not nutritious. LPA observed that facility had more than a seven (7) day supply of non-perishable foods and a two (2) day supply of perishable food. LPA observed that the facility's fresh fruits and vegetables were in good condition. LPA observed fresh fruits and vegetables at the facility. LPA also observed a weekly food menu located in the facility's kitchen. LPA observed the clients were served bacon and ham sandwiches with lettuce, tomatoes and mayonnaise for lunch. LPA also observed that the clients were served fruit cocktail with their sandwiches. The finding is Unsubstantiated. A finding of Unsubstantiated means although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur. An exit interview was conducted and copy of this report was provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Mar 2, 2023 · control 56-AS-20230224121634

The state marks this report as 3 pages; the online copy we transcribed has 2. You can request the full file from the county licensing office.

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

Licensing Program Analysts (LPA) Paola Guerrero made an unannounced visit to the facility. The purpose of the visit was to conduct a required annual inspection, with an emphasis on infection control due to the COVID-19 pandemic. LPA met with Facility Caregiver Caitlin Belisle and was granted entry to the facility. At the time of the visit there were one (1) staff, and nine (9) residents present. LPA toured the facility inside and out and went over COVID-19 best practices for infection control and prevention with Caitlin. The facility has a plan in place which follows Community Care Licensing Division guidelines for COVID-19 testing, isolating/quarantining clients and properly caring for clients with COVID-19 positive results and/or exposures. The facility has a designated infection control lead person who has been tasked with tracking all COVID-19 cases and/or suspected cases, ensuring PPE supplies are maintained, cleaning and disinfection provisions are in adequate quantities, and that staff are trained in the proper use and disposal of PPE. The entrance of the facility has a check in process for visitors that includes a temperature check and a symptom check. The clients have hand sanitizer available to them throughout the facility, and the bathrooms were stocked with hand soap and paper towels. The facility has postings throughout the facility for proper cough etiquette, proper hand washing procedure, and/or social distancing guidelines. LPA requested to inspect the facility's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supply, located in the kitchen area. The facility has a full thirty (30) day supply of PPE items such as gloves, face shields, gowns, disinfectant, surgical masks, N95 masks, and hand sanitizer. All clients and staff are practicing all other COVID-19 precautions, which minimize the risk of them contracting COVID-19. Based on the observations made during today’s visit, no deficiencies were cited per Title 22, Division 6, of the California Code of Regulations. An exit interview was conducted, and this report (LIC809) was discussed and provided to Facility Caregiver Caitlin Belisle.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Dec 23, 2022

Allegation investigated: Staff do not answer residents' call buttons in a timely manner Resident fell and received an injury due to insufficient staffing Resident left in soiled diapers Administrator is not at the facility for the required time Insufficient staff resulting in residents needs not being met

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Natalie Ibarra made an unannounced visit to the facility to investigate the above allegations. LPA met with Lead Team Caregiver Caitlin Belisle. Administrator was contacted and informed about visit. Investigation consisted of pertinent interviews. The first allegation indicates staff do not answer residents' call buttons in a timely manner. Interviews with Resident #1 (R1), Resident #2 (R2), Resident #3 (R3), Resident #4 (R4), and Resident #5 (R5) stated staff do answer call buttons in a timely manner. Staff #1 (S1), Staff #2, and Staff #2 (S2) stated when a resident presses their call button staff does attend to the residents in a timely manner. S1, S2, and S3 stated if they are helping another resident, staff will notify resident who pressed call button that they will be right with them. The second allegation indicates resident fell and received an injury due to insufficient staffing. R1 stated that they had slipped on the tile in their room. R1 pressed their call button and staff immediate came to assist them. R1 also stated Administrator was also present and assisted as well. S1 stated staff was present when Unsubstantiated R1 fell and was helped immediately. The third allegation indicates resident left in soiled diapers. R2, R3, and R4 stated that have never been left in soiled diapers for a long period of time. R2 and R3 stated staff check on them consistently and change them as needed. S1, S2, and S3 stated residents in diapers are checked multiple times throughout the day, about every 2 hours. The fourth allegation indicates Administrator is not at the facility for the required time. S1 and S2 stated Administrator is at the facility every other week and will be there for the week. The weeks that the administrator is not at the facility, the facility owners are present. S1, S2, and S3 also stated Administrator is still involved when working offsite sending staff daily routine to be completed for the day. The fifth allegation indicates Insufficient staff resulting in residents needs not being met. Interviews with S1, S2, and S3 stated the facility does have enough staff to attend to the residents needs. S1 stated facility has recently hire 2-3 new caregivers. R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 stated they needs are being met with the staff present at the facility. Based on the information obtained, the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED. A finding of UNSUBSTANTIATED means that although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was discussed and provided to Lead Team Caregiver Caitlin Belisle.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Oct 5, 2022 · control 56-AS-20220929100827

Allegation investigated: Staff do not answer residents' call buttons in a timely manner. Facility does not meet residents' dietary needs. Facility is not maintained clean and sanitary.

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Bernadette Allen an conducted an unannounced visit to initiate a complaint investigation for the allegations above. LPA Allen met with Caitlin Belisle- Lead Support Staff who was informed of the purpose of the visit. LPA, also called the Administrator Teresa Yip and informed her of the purpose of my visit and asked if Caitlin could sign documents once complete and she said yes. During today’s visit, LPA Allen toured the facility, interviewed staff members, interviewed residents, and reviewed facility records. Allegation #1-Staff do not answer residents' call buttons in a timely manner. LPA Allen interviewed residents and found that staff were responding to the residents call buttons in a timely manner. continued ..... Unsubstantiated Allegation #2- Facility does not meet residents' dietary needs. LPA Allen observed one (1) week supply of non-perishable food and two (2) days of perishable food. The amount of food in the facility meets the standard for licensing requirements. The residents are fed three meals a day and offered snacks throughout the day. The facility has a monthly meal menu that includes protein, fruit, and vegetables. Allegation #3- Facility is not maintained clean and sanitary. LPA Allen observed the facility to be clean, sanitary, and free of bad odors. Based on observation, interviews conducted, and record review the three (3) allegations listed above are deemed UNSUBSTANTIATED. A finding that a complaint is UNSUBSTANTIATED means although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur. An exit interview was conducted, and this report and appeal rights was discussed and provided to Team Lead Caitlin Belisle at the conclusion of the visit.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Sep 20, 2022 · control 56-AS-20220913104058

Allegation investigated: Staff do not shower residents regularly. Facility does not meet residents' dietary needs. Facility is not maintained clean and sanitary. Staff do not answer residents' call buttons in a timely manner.

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Ryan Gardner conducted an unannounced visit to the facility for the purpose of initiating an investigation and delivering findings for the above complaint allegations. LPA Gardner met with Team Lead Caitlin Belisle and explained the reason for the visit. At the time of visit there were three (3) staff and twelve (12) residents present. During today’s visit, LPA Gardner toured the facility, interviewed staff members, interviewed residents, and reviewed facility records. For allegation, Staff do not shower residents regularly. LPA Gardner found that the residents are on shower schedule. The resident’s on hospice receive a shower three (3) times a week. Unsubstantiated The resident’s that are not on hospice receive a shower two (2) times a week. For allegation, Facility does not meet residents' dietary needs. LPA Gardner observed a one (1) week supply of non-perishable food and two (2) days of perishable food. The amount of food in the facility meets the standard for licensing requirements. The residents are fed three meals a day and offered snacks throughout the day. The facility has a monthly meal menu that includes protein, fruit, and vegetables. For allegation, Facility is not maintained clean and sanitary. LPA Gardner observed the facility to be clean, sanitary, and free of bad odors. For allegation, Staff do not answer residents' call buttons in a timely manner. LPA Gardner found that staff were responding to the residents call buttons in a timely manner. Based on observation, interviews conducted, and record review the four (4) allegations listed above are deemed UNSUBSTANTIATED. A finding that a complaint is UNSUBSTANTIATED means although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur. During today’s visit, no deficiencies were cited per Title 22, Division 6, of the California Code of Regulations. An exit interview was conducted, and this report was discussed and provided to Team Lead Caitlin Belisle, along with a copy of the appeal rights.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jun 29, 2022 · control 56-AS-20220622140851