Saratoga Retirement Community

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

On 7/16/2026, LPA Grace Donato conducted an unannounced Required 1 Year Visit and met with Sangeetha Narasinhan, Health Services Director and Taranjeet Saini Assistant Manager for Assisted Living. During visit, LPA toured the facility. LPA toured the kitchen area and observed there to be a perishable food supply of at least two days and a non-perishable food supply of at least seven days. Food containers are properly covered and labeled. LPA checked random resident rooms and observed it to be well furnished. Water temperatures were checked on random rooms and it was at 108 degF. Room temperatures were between 70 degF - 74 degF. LPA reviewed 10 resident records and 8 staff records. Everything is complete. Annual trainings are updated. Centrally stored medications were checked and found to be complete and updated. A third party pharmacy audits the medications quarterly. Emergency Disaster Drills are conducted every quarter. No deficiencies cited today. Report is reviewed and copy is provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jul 16, 2026

Allegation investigated: Provider is refusing to effectively communicate with SRC Residents.

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) David Marrufo conducted an unannounced complaint investigation visit and met with Sarah Stel, Administrator. On August 8, 2025, the Department received a complaint alleging, “Provider is refusing to effectively communicate with Saratoga Retirement Community (SRC) residents.” The complaint alleged that the provider limited residents’ access to information and restricted communication between residents, the resident representative, and the provider’s governing body. See LIC9099-C page for more information. Page 1 of 3. Substantiated The complaint included concerns that the provider’s governing body limited the resident representative’s ability to report information to residents, required reports to be edited or pre-approved, restricted the sharing of Board materials by broadly labeling materials as confidential or proprietary, and implemented a communication policy that created multiple levels of review before resident concerns could reach the governing body. The complaint also alleged that provider-issued communications were used in a way that replaced or limited the resident representative’s role in communicating directly with residents. Health and Safety Code section 1771.7(c)(4) provides that residents have the right to expect effective channels of communication between residents and staff, and between residents and the administration or provider’s governing body. Health and Safety Code section 1771.7(d)(2) requires providers to establish policies and procedures that promote the sharing of information, dialogue between residents and management, and access to the provider’s governing body. In addition, Health and Safety Code section 1771.8(n) provides that resident representatives shall receive the same notice of meetings, packets, minutes, and other materials as members of the governing body and shall be permitted to attend, speak, and participate in governing body meetings. Resident representatives may also share information from meetings with other residents unless the information is confidential or doing so would violate fiduciary duties to the provider. The Department reviewed the information provided and determined that several of the provider’s practices appear inconsistent with the continuing care contract statutes. Board packets are not automatically confidential and may only be withheld when they contain information related to litigation, personnel, competitive advantage, or other legally confidential information. The Department also determined that requiring the resident representative’s notes or reports to be reviewed, edited, or approved by the governing body interferes with the resident representative’s ability to communicate timely and freely with residents. Page 2 of 3. The Department further determined that the provider’s communication policy appeared overly burdensome and did not adequately promote resident access to the governing body. The policy required residents to go through multiple steps before concerns could potentially reach the governing body, which could prevent or delay resident concerns from being heard. When viewed together with the reported restrictions on the resident representative’s communications, the provider’s process appeared to impede effective communication between residents and the provider’s governing body. Based on the Department’s review, the allegation that the provider is refusing to effectively communicate with Saratoga Retirement Community residents is substantiated. The evidence supports that the provider’s policies and practices limited resident access to information, restricted the resident representative’s ability to communicate with residents, and created barriers to residents raising concerns with the provider’s governing body. This report was reviewed with Administrator Sarah Stel and a copy of this report and appeal rights were provided. Page 3 of 3. END REPORTthe state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jun 4, 2026 · control 26-AS-20250811094651

From the deficiency page — Deficiency type: Type B · Section cited: HSC 1771.7(c)(4) · Plan of correction due date: Jun 11, 2026

(c) All residents in residential living units shall have all of the following rights: (4) To expect effective channels of communication between residents and staff, and between residents and the administration or provider’s governing body. This requirement was not met as evidenced by: Based on interviews and documents reviewed, the Provider implemented policies and practices that inhibited residents from having proper channels of communication, which poses a personal rights risk to residents in care.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jun 4, 2026

Plan of correction: The provider agrees to update their communication policy to ensure that it provides residents with an effective channel of communication and dialogue. This policy shall be submitted to the Department for review and approval by 06/11/2026.

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) David Marrufo conducted an unannounced Required 1 Year Visit and met with Sangeetha Narasinhan, Health Services Director. During visit, LPA Marrufo toured the facility inside and out. LPA Marrufo toured the kitchen area and observed there to be a perishable food supply of at least two days and a non-perishable food supply of at least seven days. The first aid kit was reviewed and found to be complete. LPA toured 12 assisted living resident apartments and 4 memory care apartments. Each apartment had working lights and available bedding and clothing storage areas. The water in the resident bathrooms were between 105 F to 117 F. LPA toured bathrooms in the facility hallway and their water temperatures were between 106 F to 116 F. LPA toured the outside area and found it to be clear of obstructions. Facility records indicate the emergency fire sprinkler system was tested on 06/24/2025 and the fire alarm system was tested on 12/03/2024. The Emergency Evacuation and Disaster Drill Log indicates the last drill was conducted on 06/19/2025. LPA reviewed 7 resident records, including Centrally Stored Medication and Destruction Records, and found them to be complete. LPA reviewed 7 staff records and found them to be complete. No deficiencies were cited at this time as per California Code of Regulations, Title 22. This report was reviewed with Sangeetha Narasinhan, Health Services Director, and a copy of this report was provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jul 9, 2025

Type of visit: Case Management - Incident

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Manuel Monter conducted an unannounced case management visit regarding an incident report, regarding a death report for a resident referred to as R1. LPA met with Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) Sangeetha Narasimhan and explained the purpose of the visit. On April 11, 2025, the Department received an incident report stating on April 9, 2025, which stated resident R1 had passed away. The incident report stated R2 had left R1 in the bedroom, while R1 was taking a nap at 12:45pm. R2 returned and went straight to the couch and rested for 15 minutes. R2 then went to check on R1 and saw that R1 had passed away. The cause of death is unknown at this time. LPA requested R1's , R1's Identification and Emergency Information, house keeping schedule, admission record, physician's report, pre admission appraisal, medication list. LPA also requested a copy of R2's physicians report and pre admission appraisal. LPA requested a copy of resident R1's death certificate once it becomes available. LPAs determined this case management needs further investigation. No deficiencies cited during today's visit. This report was reviewed with Nursing home Administrator Sangeetha Narasimhan and a copy of the report was provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Apr 11, 2025

Type of visit: Case Management - Other

On 10/28/24, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Grace Donato conducted an an unannounced case management visit to deliver a copy of amended report from 10/28/24. LPA met with Clinical Services Supervisor, Rubina Banwait and explained the purpose of the visit. An amended report was delivered in reference to complaint # 26-AS-20220110162643. Report is reviewed and copy is provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Nov 15, 2024

Allegation investigated: Staff failed to seek medical attention for resident in a timely manner Staff failed to meet resident's needs Staff speaks inappropriately to residents

On 10/28/24, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Grace Donato conducted an unannounced complaint investigation visit. LPA met with Clinical Services Supervisor, Rubina Banwait and explained the purpose of the visit. Regarding the allegation of Staff failed to seek medical attention for resident in a timely manner & staff failed to meet resident's needs, reporting party (RP) stated that on 12/25/2021 at 8am a staff member (refused to provide name) went to a resident’s (R1) room and noticed that R1 was not feeling good as had symptoms of a stroke and one side of her body was numb. The staff immediately called an on-duty nurse (S1) via radio to evaluate the resident ASAP. S1 came and evaluated the resident but failed to seek any medical attention for R1 in a timely manner. The resident was sent to the hospital approximately 4 hours after the incident. page 1 of 3 Unsubstantiated Based on records review, on R1s progress notes, R1 just came back to the facility on 12/25/2021 after being sent to the hospital on 12/24/2021 for a fall. From 12/25/2021, there were several logs in the note about observation of resident. At 9:54am, R1 came back from hospital, alert and responsive. Encouraged to increase fluid intake. Alert charting initiated. At 4:58pm, R1 was observed to be in the sofa, alert and responsive, no respiratory distress noted, R1 stated no pain, no nausea or vomiting at this time. On 12/26/2021, at 6:34am, R1 was observed to be fine, shows confusions and stated that “something on his/her legs not normal” and denied pain. At 10:13am, a note was entered for feet treatment. At 11:46am, R1 is participating in activities, alert and responsive, no respiratory distress noted. R1 stated no pain, no nausea or vomiting at this time, mentioned having a slight headache. Care staff notified R1 is having difficulty walking. There is a weakness noted on the left leg. At 2:03pm, Care staff notified that they were trying to transfer R1 from wheelchair to bed. R1 is unable to stand and care staff. R1 was assessed, has hard time to move left leg due to weakness. There is some weakness on her left hand noted as well. 911 was called and R1 was sent to hospital. LPA was able to interview eight staff members. S1 stated that when R1 Complains of leg pain, they ask the doctor as to what medication can be given. S2 mentioned that there are no issues with care for R1, never complains but refuses care sometimes. 911 was called right away when incident happened. S3, S5 and S7 all mentioned that they call a nurse to assess when something happens. LPA is not able to confirm the date provided by the complainant since there is no form of contact provided. A co-complainant also called but the same information was provided. Regarding the allegation of staff speaks inappropriately to residents, the co-complainant (CC) stated that S1 does not help any of the residents, but instead spends time on his/her phone shopping online. The RP states that when residents call upon S1 for help, S1 yells at them. CC states that staff can hear S1 yelling at residents on the radio. The RP states that S1 does not care about the residents or their well being. page 2 of 3 *** This is an amended report *** According to interviews of the 8 staff members, all mentioned of not being aware of any inappropriate treatment of residents by the staff. LPA was able to interview three residents and all mentioned that they are treated fine and are happy here in the facility. R2 mentioned that he/she is treated well by the staff, no one is inappropriate with him/her. R3 stated that they always come and help right away whenever he/she presses the pendant. R4 also mentioned that staff here are really nice and helps a lot when needed. Based on interviews, the department has determined that although the allegations may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED. Report is reviewed and copy is provided. page 3 of 3the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Oct 28, 2024 · control 26-AS-20220110162643

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Simi Rai conducted an unannounced Required 1 Year visit. LPA met with Administrator (ADM) Sarah Stel and Health Care Administrator, Sangeetha Narasimhan stated the purpose of today's visit. During visit, LPA Rai toured the inside and outside of the facility to include the assisted living unit and memory care unit. When touring the outside area of the facility, the exits were cleared of obstruction. LPA Rai toured the facility kitchen and observed food supply of at least 2 days of perishable food and at least 7 days of nonperishable food. LPA Rai observed the temperature of the freezer at 0 degrees F and the temperature of the fridge at 37 degrees F. LPA Rai randomly toured resident bedrooms and they had available bedding, drawers, and functioning lights. The facility bathrooms had available soap, paper towels, and trash cans with lids. The water temperature in the bathroom sinks ranged from 110.9 degrees F - 116.6 degrees F. Fire extinguisher was observed and inspected on 09/14/2023. Facility is equipped with interconnected smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.The last disaster drill was conducted on 06/14/2024 and 04/17/2024. LPA Rai reviewed facility records for 10 staff and 10 residents. LPA Rai reviewed at random resident current medications and central stored medication records. No deficiencies were cited per California Code of Regulations, Title 22. This report was reviewed with Administrator (ADM) Sarah Stel and Health Care Administrator, Sangeetha Narasimhan a copy of the report was provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jul 27, 2024

Allegation investigated: Provider proposes to pass on the costs of the proposed Affordable Housing expansion to the residents. CCRC staff listened in on a resident association meeting via zoom CCRC is Limiting and/or restricting the ability of residents to communicate with the Provider Board and informing them they must go through the Executive Director to communicate.

Based upon the review and investigation into the first allegation (Provider proposes to pass on the costs of the proposed Affordable Housing expansion to the residents), the Financial Analyst met with the complainant, and discussed the proposed Affordable Housing project and the Provider passing the discounted costs on to the residents. Being that the project is still in the planning phase and no fees have been passed on, there is no violation; therefore, this allegation is unfounded. Based upon the review and investigation into the second allegation (CCRC staff listened in on a resident association meeting via zoom), AGPA conducted interviews with staff and residents. The February 9, 2024, resident association meeting began at 2:00PM and ended at 3:35PM. The Zoom log showed that the Executive Secretary attended online part of the Resident Association meeting from 2:13p to 2:43pm for a total of 30 minutes. Cont... Unfounded Cont. HSC section 1771(d)(1) requires that “at least part of the meeting shall be conducted without the presence of continuing care retirement community personnel”, based on the times provided, part of the meeting was conducted without CCRC personnel. The statutes do not prohibit CCRC personnel being present and in this case the staff member was not asked to leave the meeting; therefore, this allegation is unfounded. Based upon the review and investigation into the third allegation (CCRC is Limiting and/or restricting the ability of residents to communicate with the Provider Board and informing them they must go through the Executive Director to communicate). AGPA reviewed Saratoga Retirement Communities Communications Policy and Residents’ Handbook, dated January 2023. Both address the communication policy and steps residents can take to address questions and issues. AGPA found that the policies are in compliance with HSC section 1771.7(c)(4). In addition, there is no evidence that the community, nor providers, failed to follow the channels of communication listed in the Communications Policy or Residents’ Handbook; therefore, this allegation is unfounded. The Department has investigated the above allegations, and has determined that the allegations are Unfounded, meaning that the allegations were not supported or proven by evidence. Findings were delivered via telephone with Sarah Stel, Executive Director. Signed copy emailed and saved in file.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, May 2, 2024 · control 26-AS-20240227125932