El Norte Home Care

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Jacqueline Shaw Ross arrived to the facility to conduct a required annual inspection and was greeted by Caregiver,Thelma Benavidez, and the purpose of the visit was explained. Licensees/Administrators Jose Ricar Ramirez and Helen Ramirez arrived shortly. Present at the facility were two (2) staff and five (5) clients. The facility is approved for seven (7) non-ambulatory elderly residents; age 60 and above. The facility is a one story, six (6) bedroom house. There are three (3) private client rooms and two shared client rooms. There is also a bedroom for live-in staff. LPA toured the facility and conducted a general overall inspection of the facility inside and outside. Passageways were observed to be free of obstructions. LPA observed each bedroom to be clean and odor free with the required furnishings. Furniture throughout the facility was in good repair. The facility temperature was 76 degrees. Hot water temperature tested at 119 degrees Fahrenheit. Each bathroom contained grab bars for each toilet, bathtub and shower; and non-skid mats or strips in shower or bathtub. LPA observed the kitchen in its entirety. The kitchen appeared clean and odor free. Dishes, cups, pots and pans were observed to be of good quality and quantity. The facility contains a sufficient supply of perishable and non-perishable foods. There are no firearms/weapons stored in the facility. LPA reviewed facility records to ensure staff have received required training and criminal record clearances. LPA also determined there were no excluded personnel employed by the facility. All staff are properly associated to the facility with current first aid certification. First aid kit was available and contained the necessary items. Continue on LIC809C.... LPA also reviewed client files to determine if residents have medical assessments on file. All client files contain required documents and are current. LPA observed required postings throughout the facility. Drills are conducted quarterly and the last drill was 11/2025. Fire extinguishers and smoke alarms were observed to be operable. No deficiencies were observed during today's visit. An exit interview was conducted with Administrator Jose Ricar Ramirez and a copy of this report along with the Licensee Rights was provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jan 23, 2026

Type of visit: Case Management - Deficiencies

On 11/04/25 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA ) Javina George conducted an unannounced case management deficiencies visit. LPA met with administrator Jose Ricardo Ramirez. During today's visit LPA observed the following: LPA observed for Resident #1 (R1) to be receiving hospice services since 03/12/25, the facility does not have an approved hospice waiver, or approved exception for R1. LPA observed for there to be two (2) smoke detectors beeping from two separate resident bedrooms. Administrator changed the batteries during LPAs visit. LPA observed for there to be several spider webs throughout the facility on the ceiling in resident bedrooms, more specifically in the den/common area. Additionally LPA observed for there to be a bed, mattress, boxes with various items to be stored inside the den/common area that allegedly belong to caregivers. Deficiencies are being cited in accordance with the California Code of Regulations (Title 22, Division 6, Chapter 8) on the attached 809D. An exit interview was conducted where a copy of this report, 809D, appeal rights and LIC9098-proof of corrections form was reviewed and provided to Jose Ricardo Ramirez, administrator.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Nov 4, 2025

From the deficiency page — Deficiency type: Type A · Section cited: CCR 87203 · Plan of correction due date: Nov 4, 2025

87203 Fire Safety All facilities shall be maintained in conformity with the regulations adopted by the State Fire Marshal for the protection of life and property against fire and panic. This requirement is not met as evidenced by (2) beeping alarms which pose an immediate health, safety & personal rights risk to persons in care.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Nov 4, 2025

Plan of correction: There is no POC due as the batteries were replaced during LPAs visit.

From the deficiency page — Deficiency type: Type B · Section cited: CCR 87303(a) · Plan of correction due date: Nov 18, 2025

(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 requriement is not met as evidenced by: there are several spider webs, clutter in the common area. This poses a potential health, safety and personal rights risk to persons in care.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Nov 4, 2025

Plan of correction: The licensee agrees to clean the spider webs and remove the various items from the den. Proof of POC is to be submitted to the department by 5pm on the due date indicated.

From the deficiency page — Deficiency type: Type B · Section cited: CCR 87455(b)(9) · Plan of correction due date: Nov 18, 2025

87455 Acceptance and Retention Limitations (b) The following persons may be accepted or retained by the licensee: (9) Persons who have been diagnosed as terminally ill and who have obtained the services of hospice, certified in accordance with federal medicare conditions of participation and licensure, provided the licensee has obtained a facility hospice care waiver...This requirement is not as evidenced by: R1 receives hospice services with no approved hospice waiver. This poses a potential health, safety and personal rights risk to persons in care.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Nov 4, 2025

Plan of correction: The licensee agrees to request an exception for R1. Proof of POC is to be submitted to the department by 5pm on the due date indicated.

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Debbie Palacios made an unannounced visit to he facility to conduct a 1 year required inspection. LPA was greeted and granted entry by Caregiver Merilyn Sison, LPA explained the purpose of the visit. Helen Ramirez and Jose Ricar Ramirez, Administrators arrived shortly after. LPA conducted a tour of the interior and The facility is a single story home consisting of four (4) bedrooms, one (1) staff bedroom, 3 bathrooms, kitchen, living room, laundry room and an attached garage. The facility was observed to be clean, clutter, and free from obstructions in the passageways. The facility was observed to have personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies. The medications were observed to be locked and inaccessible to residents in care, and to be given as prescribed. There are no known guns or ammunition on the premises. LPA observed a hallway cabinet filled with clean towels, blankets, and linen, available for the clients. LPA toured the kitchen and observed the facility has a 2-day supply of perishable foods and more than a 7-day supply of non-perishable foods, which are stored in a safe and healthful manner. LPA observed knives and sharp instruments secured in locked cabinet in the Staff bedroom. Cleaning solutions and disinfectants are secured in a locked laundry room cabinet. The facility was observed to have multiple smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that were tested and observed to be operable. The facility has no record of emergency disaster drills being conducted on a quarterly basis. Deficiency cited. LPA conducted a review of resident files and observed for the required documentation to be present. Staff record review, all staff present were observed to have obtained criminal record clearance and to be associated to the facility. Based on today's visit citations were issued on the attached 809D, in accordance with the California Code of Regulations (Title 22, Division 6, Chapter 8). An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report, appeal rights, LIC9098-Proof of Corrections form, were provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jan 24, 2025

The state marks this report as 2 pages; the online copy we transcribed has 1. You can request the full file from the county licensing office.

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

On January 25, 2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Venus Mixson arrived at the facility unannounced to conduct the required annual inspection and spoke with the Administrator, Helen Ramirez via the telephone. The facility file review was conducted in the Regional Office and additional records were requested and reviewed on site. The facility is licensed for seven adults and is operating at a capacity of five adult residents currently. LPA met with Merilyn Sison, Lead Caregiver and stated the purpose of the visit. LPA Mixson toured the facility along with Lead Caregiver, Merilyn Sison and inspected the facility inside and outside. There were no obstructions to the indoor or outdoor passageways currently at the time of this visit. The facility is a single-story home, located at 1897 E. El. Norte Parkway, Escondido, CA 92027. Physical Plant: The facility phone number is (858) 610-4098 and is operable. The LPA observed the residents’ bedrooms, and bedrooms are equipped with required furniture as per Title 22. The LPA inspected facility bathrooms, and the hot water temperature tested within regulations. The bathrooms were clean, and appliances were operating appropriately currently at the time of this visit. The facility is equipped with operating smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers. The LPA observed required postings such as "If you See Something, Say Something" the "Personal Rights" and the Ombudsman postings were posted in a common area. The cleaning supplies and sharp items were kept locked and inaccessible to the residents in care. There was a designated storage space for the resident and staff files, and it was locked. Medications: were reviewed, locked and inaccessible to residents, and exceeded the 30-day supply. The overall facility is clean, the furniture is in good condition. The facility heating system and other appliances were operable currently at the time of this visit. Food Service: Non-perishable and perishable food supply is sufficient per regulations, and there are a variety of food types available for residents. Dishes and utensils were in sufficient supply and stored properly. Care & Supervision Facility has sufficient staff, one staff currently at the time of this visit and the staff was engaging the residents with morning meal. Records Review: The LPA reviewed facility records and conducted staff and resident interviews, and reviewed previous Community Care Licensing forms. There were no Title 22, Division 6 Regulation violations observed or cited during today’s visit. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report was given to the Lead Caregiver, Merilyn Sisonthe state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jan 25, 2024