Better Living of Walnut Creek

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

On 10/25/2023 at 9:25 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) J. Sampair arrived unannounced to conduct an annual inspection. Upon arrival, LPA explained the purpose of the visit to Caregivers Celia Ewatel and Ricardo Cosico. Licensee Rudy Galera arrived at approximately 10:15 AM. During the Inspection, the LPA inspected the facility inside and outside. All outdoor and indoor passageways are kept free of obstruction. There are no bodies of water observed. A comfortable temperature is maintained at 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The LPA observed that the lighting in all rooms is adequate for the comfort and safety of the residents. Residents’ bathrooms are equipped with grab bars and non-skid mats. There is a minimum of one week supply of nonperishable and 2-day of perishable foods. Sharps were locked and inaccessible to residents. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detector were in operating conditiont. Fire extinguishers was observed to be fully charged. First aid kit was observed to be incomplete. LPA interviewed 2 staff members and 2 residents, and reviewed the records of 5 staff and 5 residents. 2 Type-B citations from Title 22 and/or Health and Safety Code of the California Code of Regulations were issued. Failure to correct deficiencies by the Plan Of Correction (POC) date may result in Civil Penalties. For details of the citations, refer to the LIC809-D form. Exit interview conducted with Caregiver Celia Ewatel. Appeal Rights and a copy of this report provided via email to the Licensee.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Oct 25, 2023

Allegation investigated: Facility air conditioner is in disrepair

On 07/03/23 at 2PM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) D Panlilio conducted an unannounced complaint visit, met with house manager (HM), gathered information and delivered investigation finding to HM. LPA explained the purpose of the visit with HM and staff (S1). Allegation: Facility air conditioner is in disrepair Investigation Finding: Unsubstantiated During investigation, LPA observed two (2) operating portable air conditioners (ACs) at the facility on 07/03/23. One was located inside a share bedroom near the front entrance. The other was located in the main living room. The AC thermostat reading was observed at 72 deg F. Continued on next page, LIC 9099-C Unsubstantiated Staff (S1) stated the facility AC broke on 06/29/23 and they contacted the AC technician immediately for repairs. S1 stated AC technician is scheduled to repair the facility AC on 7/05/23. In the meantime, two (2) portable ACs were used to ensure all six (6) residents were comfortable at the facility. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did occur, therefore the allegation that facility air conditioner is in disrepair is unsubstantiated. No deficiency cited during visit. Exit interview conducted and a copy of this report provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jul 3, 2023 · control 15-AS-20230703085158

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

Staff Member Celia Ewatel Rudolph " On 9/21/22 at 1:00 PM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) J. Sampair conducted an infection control annual inspection. Upon arrival, LPA explained the purpose of the visit to Staff Member Celia Ewatel. LPA then toured the facility with Staff Member Celia Ewatel. The administrator Rudy Galera arrived in time for LPA to discuss the findings in person with him. . Facility has an infection control plan in place that they are following. The administrators are the designated infection control leaders. They have one central entry point that has been designated for universal entry screening with the station located near the front entrance with visitor's log, hand sanitizer, face masks, and no touch thermometer. Facility follows daily cleaning, sanitation of frequently touched common surfaces with disinfectants. Facility had signs posted to promote hand washing and mask wearing. The fire extinguisher has been serviced within the past 12 months, The carbon monoxide and smoke detectors were fully functional. The temperature inside of the facility was 76.3 and the hot water was 107 degrees, both in the safe temperature range. An administrator is on site at least the required 20 hour minimum each week to oversee business operations. Facility cited for 2 Type B deficiencies due to non-regulation medicine dispensing practices, not conducting quarterly emergency drills, and converting a shed into a bedroom that was being used by a staff member (refer to LIC 809-D). Exit interview conducted, copy of Appeal Rights, and a copy of this report provided via email.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Sep 21, 2022

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) James Sampair conducted an infection control annual inspection and explained the purpose of the visit with Administrator (ADM) Anabelle Galera, who is the designated Infection control leader. LPA inspected the facility inside and outside. A certified administrator is on site at all times to oversee proper business operation and compliance with COVID-19 infection control practices. LPA observed that 4 of the 4 staff present wore face masks at all times. All of the staff and residents were fully vaccinated. LPA observed a screening station located near the front entrance with hand sanitizer, a no-touch thermometer, visitor's log, and face masks as needed. LPA observed COVID-19 signs posted in common areas to promote hand washing and physical distancing. Staff documents temperature and health status for staff and residents on a daily basis. LPA discussed the mitigation plan with the Licensee, as well as their current COVID-19 infection control practices. The Licensee has conducted staff training on infection prevention, symptoms, transmission, as well as the proper donning and doffing of PPE and they have adequate PPE supplies on hand in case of an outbreak. However, there were areas where the LPA provided Technical Assistance because the staff were not asking for or recording vaccination status for visitors, nor had FIT testing been completed for all staff members. The LPA gave the Licensee tasks to overcome those missing areas detailed in the Technical Assistance forms. The room temperature of the facility was maintained at a comfortable temperature and hot water was within the safe temperature of 105 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. There were sufficient food and water supplies in the kitchen refrigerators/freezers. Fire extinguishers were observed fully charged and last inspected in October 2021 and the Smoke and Carbon monoxide detectors were fully operational. -------------Continued on LIC809-C--------------- LPA recorded the following deficiencies:, the details of which are in the LIC809-D citations. Technical Assistance: 130 - Fit testing not completed and will be completed by November 15, 2021. Physical Plant/Environmental Safety - Type A: 87308(c) - Kitchen knives were not stored in a locked drawer. Food Service - Type B: 87555(b)(15) - Food not properly labelled in refrigerator and freezer. Disaster Preparedness - Type B: 1569.695(a)(2) - Did not have emergency water on hand. Disaster Preparedness - Type B: 1569.695(a)(7)(A) - Generator located at another facility. Exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report and copies of the Appeal Rights were provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Oct 27, 2021

The state marks this report as 6 pages; the online copy we transcribed has 5. You can request the full file from the county licensing office.