Casa Amore West

Type of visit: Case Management - Other

On 6/18/2025 at approximately 09:45 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Angelica Segovia conducted an announced Case Management visit to this facility to ensure that the facility had ceased operation. LPA met with Caregiver Lilia Gaitan whom the Administrator Margarita Tortorici, designated to assist with today’s closure visit. LPA stated the reason for their visit. The reason for today's visit is to document the closure of the facility which was initiated by the Licensee. On 6/03/2025 LPA received noticed of intent of closure of the facility. The Licensee surrendered this facility's license verbally to Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) on 06/18/2025. All the residents were removed and placed to other facilities and/or with family. During today's visit, LPA conducted a physical plant tour at around 10:00 AM with the Caregiver and observed there to be no residents living in the facility. LPA observed the house to be empty. LPA’s interview with the Administrator confirmed that they have retired and moved out of State. All the former residents' rooms were observed to be vacant. This closure will take effect today 6/18/2025. Exit interview conducted. A copy of today's report was provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jun 18, 2025

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

On 4/28/2025 at approximately 10:00 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Angelica Segovia conducted an unannounced annual visit to the facility. LPA was greeted by the caregiver and stated the reason for their visit. House Manager, Mary Ortiz arrived shortly after to assist with today’s visit. LPA asked for the census, Staff/Resident Roster, and Liability Insurance. LPA conducted a physical plant tour at approximately 12:30 PM and the following was noted: The facility is a single-story building with five (5) bedrooms and two (2) bathrooms currently occupying three (3) residents. There is no designated staff room. The facility has an approved fire clearance for six (6) non-ambulatory residents of which one (1) may be bedridden. Hospice waiver for four (4). Sign in sheet, hand sanitizer, gloves and masks are available upon entrance. Common areas: The living room and dining room were observed to be neat, clean, and organized. The rooms were observed to be properly furnished and in good repair. The facility maintains a comfortable temperature at 71°F. LPA observed a fire extinguisher to be located in the kitchen and dated 07/20/24. LPA observed required postings such as Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Emergency Disaster Plan, and Personal Rights alongside the hallway leading towards the kitchen. A fireplace was observed to be covered and inaccessible to residents. A working telephone was observed. Kitchen: The kitchen was observed to be clean and free from pests. Sufficient supplies of seven (7) day nonperishable foods and two (2) day perishable foods were observed. LPA observed an additional refrigerator used to store extra food located inside the garage. Knives/sharps were observed to be kept in a locked kitchen cabinet. The cleaning solutions/toxins were observed to be kept locked in the garage. Kitchen appliances were observed to be working and in proper condition. (continued on LIC 809-C) Bedrooms: The residents’ rooms are adequately furnished with appropriate furniture and lighting system. LPA observed appropriate auditory signals in each room working and in proper condition. Hallways/passageways are lighted appropriately. Extra linens/covers were observed stored in multiple cabinets located in the hallway’s passageway. Bathrooms: The bathrooms were checked for cleanliness and proper operation. The hot water temperature was measured within regulations at 111.7 °F. Garage: The garage can be accessed from inside of the facility. LPA observed cleaning solutions, toxins, and an extra refrigerator for food all stored within the garage and inaccessible to residents. Laundry Room: The laundry room is located inside the garage. The laundry appliances were observed to be working and in proper condition. Backyard: The backyard of the facility is equipped with a designated shaded area with outdoor furniture for residents. There is no body of water located at the facility. Medications: The medications were observed stored in a locked kitchen cabinet located near the refrigerator. First-aid kit observed to be equipped with but not limited to bandages, scissors, digital thermometer, and tweezer. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide observed to be working properly and were tested. Residents/Staff Records: LPA conducted a complete file review of resident records. LPA observed one (1) resident record to be incomplete and missing required documentation. Staff records: LPA conducted a complete file review of staff records and observed one (1) working staff file missing required documentation. LPA observed there to be no liability insurance for the facility. There were no other immediate health and safety hazard observed during the day of inspection. Citations issued, please refer to LIC 809-D. A civil penalty for $100 per day for a maximum of 5 days in the amount of $500 for criminal record clearance violation is being assessed on the attached LIC 421BG. Exit interview conducted, Appeals Rights given, and a copy of this report was provided to the House Manager.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Apr 28, 2025

Allegation investigated: Facility exit door is not kept free of obstructions.

On 04/02/2025 at 09:30 am Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Lorena Casillas conducted an unannounced complaint visit to investigate the above stated allegation. LPA was greeted by staff who allowed entry and called Licensee Margarita Tortorici, to meet with LPA. LPA spoke to Licensee explained the reason for the visit, Licensee stated that Licensee and Administrator would not be able to meet with LPA and Licensee assigned staff member Rosalva Arredondo to sign the report. An entrance interview was conducted. From 09:30 am to 11:30 am LPA toured the facility with staff member, interviewed residents and staff, and reviewed facility files. The facility is fire cleared for six (6) non-ambulatory residents, one (1) of which maybe bedridden in bedroom #4 only. Approved hospice for four (4) residents. LPA requested copies of resident roster, LIC 500, Liability Insurance and Administrator Certificate, these will be emailed to LPA. LPA requested copies of pertinent information relevant to the investigation including but not limited to admission agreements, resident medical records, and any information pertaining to residents in care. Substantiated Allegation: Facility exit door is not kept free of obstructions It was alleged that facility exit door is not kept free of obstruction. Regarding this allegation it is reported that the facility had an additional lock on the front door that should have been removed. The mechanism was removed however, it was replaced with a latch that also posed a fire hazard. LPA spoke to Licensee and staff who admitted that there was a latch but stated that latch was removed. LPA observed that front door was free of latches and a sensor was in in place. During LPA tour of facility, a curtain rod was observed to be in the patio sliding door and being used as a makeshift security measure. LPA addressed this with Licensee and Licensee stated that the rod would be removed. Staff removed rod in LPA presence and LPA expressed the importance of keeping exit doors free of obstructions. Based on observations and interviews this allegation is deemed substantiated at this time. Citation issued. Appeals rights discussed and provided. Exit interview conducted. Copy of report provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Apr 2, 2025 · control 31-AS-20250326124148

From the deficiency page — Deficiency type: Type B · Section cited: CCR 87307(d)(6) · Plan of correction due date: Apr 2, 2025

Personal Accommodations and Services: The following space and safety provisions shall apply to all facilities: All outdoor and indoor passageways and stairways shall be kept free of obstruction. This requirement is not met as evidenced by: Based on LPA observations and interviews, the licensee did not ensure that exit doors were free of obstruction. This poses a potential health and safety risk to the residents in care.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Apr 2, 2025

Plan of correction: During LPA presence staff removed the curtain rod used for makeshift security and latch had been previously removed. Deficiency cleared during visit.

Allegation investigated: Illegal eviction. Licensee denied Ombudsman to visit with resident. Licensee did not ensure resident is provided proper resources upon discharge.

On 7/26/2024 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Melissa Spaeth conducted a subsequent complaint investigation at the above facility to address the following allegation(s). LPA Spaeth was met by a staff member. LPA Spaeth sopke to the Administrator, Rita Morales by phone at 10:15 am. LPA explained the purpose of this visit was to present findings. LPA conducted a physical tour at 10:30 am until 10:20 am. LPA did not observe any health or safety issues. LPA Spaeth reviewed resident records at 10:30 until 10:45 am. LPA Spaeth interviewed four staff members and the Licensee at 11:00 am until 12:00 noon. The investigation consisted of the following: On 08/07/2023 LPA Spaeth initiated a complaint investigation for the allegation(s) listed above. LPA Spaeth requested documentation. Continued on 9099-C Unsubstantiated Regarding the allegation: illegal eviction. It’s being alleged that a resident (R1) was not given a written eviction notice. LPA Spaeth interviewed the Licensee who stated a written eviction notice was not given to R1. The Licensee stated R1 temporarily moved into the facility after being hospitalized. R1 was living at the facility until R1's apartment had been renovated. Three (3) out of the four (4) staff members confirmed a written eviction notice was not given to R1. R1 no longer lives at the facility and LPA Spaeth was unable to contact R1. LPA Spaeth interviewed one (1) out of the four residents. R2 stated has never received an eviction notice. R3 and R4 were asleep during LPA's visit. R5 was unable to answer questions but R5's family member was interviewed at 2:30 pm who stated staff have never issued an eviction notice to R5. Based upon LPA's interview of staff, resident and a resident's family member, the allegation is unsubstantiated. Regarding the allegation: Licensee denied Ombudsman to visit with resident.. It’s being alleged that when the Ombudsman met with R1 at the facility, the Licensee yelled at the Ombudsman via phone call and told the Ombudsman to leave the facility. The Licensee stated they did not yell at the Ombudsman. The Licensee stated they received a call from the Administrator. The Licensee stated they could hear the Ombudsman in the background raising their voice when speaking to the Administrator. The Licensee spoke to the Ombudsman, allowed the Ombudsman to speak but then asked the Ombudsman to stop yelling. The Ombudsman became upset and continued to yell. The Licensee then told the Ombudsman to leave because the Ombudsman was upsetting the residents. LPA Spaeth interviewed the Administrator at 11:00 am and a staff member (S1) at 11:30 am who confirmed the Ombudsman was personally speaking with R1 in R1's room. The Administrator and S1 both stated the Obudsman.came out of R1's room and was yelling at the Administrator and accused the Administrator of illegally evicting R1. Both confirmed a resident who was sitting in the living room became upset when the Ombudsman was yelling. Both confirmed the Licensee was called and the Ombudsman was asked to leave.. The Administrator confirmed they did not yell at the Ombudsman and S1 confirmed the Administrator was calm and remained professional. Based upon LPA's interviews, the allegation is unsubstantiated. Regarding the allegation: Licensee did not ensure resident is provided proper resources upon discharge. It’s being alleged the facility staff did not provide R1 transportation to their doctor’s appointment and transportation to arrange IHSS services. S1, S2, S3, and S4, the Licensee and Administrator all confirmed the resident was provided transportation to doctor's appointments, IHSS services, and other continued on 809-C personal business needs. S3 stated they made sure R1's apartment was set up before R1 moved back to their apartment. S1 - S4 all confirmed they even provided meals to R1 when R1 moved into their apartment. LPA Spaeth interviewed one (1) out of the four residents. R2 stated staff has assisted R2 with all their doctor's appointments and personal appointments. R3 and R4 were asleep during LPA's visit. R5 was unable to answer questions but R5's family member was interviewed and stated staff have never refused to assist R5 with doctor's appointments. Based upon LPA's interview of staff, the resident and the resident's family member, the allegation is unsubstantiated. LPA Spaeth read the report to the Licensee at 2:45 pm via phone call. The Licensee confirmed the staff member can sign the report. Exit interview conducted, a copy of the report was given.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jul 26, 2024 · control 31-AS-20230801095955

Type of visit: Case Management - Deficiencies

LPA Spaeth conducted an unannounced visit regarding Complaint #31-AS-20230801095955. LPA Spaeth reviewed resident files and discovered a new resident's file was not available. LPA Spaeth to a staff member who stated the resident (R2) moved in two days ago but the facility has not received the signed documentation from R2's family member. Also, LPA requested to review a previous resident's file (R1). Upon reviewing the file, LPA observed documents were missing from the file. LPA confirmed with the staff member the documents had not been obtained by the staff. Based upon LPA's observations, and pursuant to Title 22 Division 6 of the CA Code of Regulations, a deficiency was cited (refer to LIC 809-D).the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jul 26, 2024

From the deficiency page — Deficiency type: Type B · Section cited: CCR 87506(a) · Plan of correction due date: Aug 5, 2024

87506 Resident Records (a) The licensee shall ensure that a separate, complete, and current record is maintained for each resident in the facility…readily available to facility staff & to licensing agency staff. As evidenced by: Based upon LPA review of the residents' files, LPA observed the documents for resident #2 (R2) were not available. The staff member stated R2 moved into the facility two days ago and staff are awaiting the signed documents from the family.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jul 26, 2024

Plan of correction: The facility staff will obtain all the resident documents & will be obtained from the family. A copy of R2's documents will be faxed or emailed to LPA Spaeth.

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Gary Tan conducted an unannounced visit at this facility for a One (1) year Required visit. LPA met with staff Alma Bustos who called the administrator Rita Morales and explained the purpose of the visit. Ms. Morales designated Ms. Bustos to sign the report. A tour of the physical plant was conducted at 9:12 AM. The facility has four (4) bedrooms and two (2) bathrooms and one (1) shower room, currently occupying three (3) residents on two (2) private rooms and two (2) private rooms. The facility fire cleared for six (6) non-ambulatory residents, one of which may be bedridden in Room #4. Hospice waiver for four (4) residents. There is only one entrance being utilized at the facility, there are required poster posted at the main door. Screening area is located immediately upon entrance. Sign in sheet, hand sanitizer, gloves and masks are available. The facility had submitted and approved Mitigation plan and Infection plan. Physical environment was checked for cleanliness and condition. Walls, windows, ceilings, floors and floor coverings, and doors were checked, the following was noted: Living and dining room furniture were also checked. The living room is neat and clean along with the family room. The facility maintains a comfortable temperature at 75°F. The carbon monoxide and smoke detector are tested and observed to be operational. Smoke detectors are hardwired and interconnected. Fire extinguisher is located in the kitchen and observed to be full and last bought on 07/20/24. The backyard of the facility has outdoor furniture, with a covered shaded area for clients. There is no body of water at the facility. (continued on LIC 809-C) (continued from 809-C) The garage is attached to the house and currently being used as laundry area, PPE and frozen food storage. The garage was observed to be locked during visit. Laundry area is in the garage, laundry soap and other cleaning agents are kept in a locked cabinet in the garage. Food Service/Kitchen area was sufficiently stocked with two (2) days perishable and seven (7) days non-perishable food. Frozen foods are properly wrapped and stored appropriately. Food storage and preparation areas are clean and inaccessible to pests. Cleaning supplies, pesticides and other toxins are stored in a locked cabinet in the garage and inaccessible to residents. The Clients' rooms are adequately furnished with appropriate furniture and lighting system. Clients have sufficient amounts of personal hygiene products on each bathroom which is provided by the licensee. The bathrooms and shower room were checked for cleanliness and proper operation. LPA observed the appropriate grab bars for each toilet, bathtub and shower. The hot water temperature measured at a range of 116.9°F to 118.7°F. There is sufficient supply of clean linen available in stock at the cabinet. Medications: LPA observed medication in the kitchen cabinet to be locked and inaccessible to residents. Medications are listed on the centrally stored medication and destruction record. Complete first aid kit is readily available. Client records: Client records are reviewed. One (1) out of three (3) residents file reviewed has no medical assessment on file. Staff records: LPA conducted a complete file review of staff records. Staff records appeared to be complete and updated. Disaster drill was last conducted on 07/30/23. Required posting observed in facility (complaint hot line poster). Citation issued. Appeal rights discussed and given. Exit interview conducted and copy of this report issued.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Jul 20, 2024

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Tihesha Smith conducted an unannounced Required 1-year inspection at this facility 12:00 pm. LPA disclosed to staff the purpose of the visit. LPA Smith contacted the administrator at 12:20 pm. The administrator authorized staff Rosalva Arredondo to sign report. LPA conducted a tour of the physical plant at approximately 12:25 pm to ensure there are no health and safety hazards and facility is in compliance with Title 22 Regulations. Common areas were observed for the ability to safely serve the needs residents. These included the living room, dining room and kitchen. The common areas were checked for cleanliness and furniture was checked for functionality. Common areas observed to have adequate seating for residents. LPA reviewed the food service areas, food storage and supply (perishable and nonperishable foods). The kitchen food supply was observed and sufficient for the six (6) residents currently residing there. Two (2) days of perishable food observed. The freezer is stocked with meats and frozen vegetables. Resident medications, sharps, and (1) large first aid kit box stored in large cabinet in next to refrigerator. Medications and sharps observed to be locked and inaccessible to residents in care. Toxins are stored and locked in a locked storage cabinet in garage. There is one (1) fire extinguisher attached to wall in the garage and observed to be charged. Laundry room is located in the garage. The appliances observed to be clean and functional. (Cont. from 809) The facility has a total of five (5) bedrooms and (2) bathrooms and one (1) shower only room. There is no staff room. The resident bedrooms were properly furnished with at least one chair, nightstand, and sufficient lighting for each resident. The bedrooms had appropriate and adequate bedding and linens such as sheets, pillowcases, mattress pads, and blankets. LPA observed a supply of linens in hall closet and in shower only room. Each bathroom has posted “wash your hands” signs and the following items available: hand soap, paper towels, and trash cans. The hot water temperature was measured for the two (2) bathrooms to ensure it is within the required range for residents’ comfort and safety. The water temperature range was between 127.0 and 129.8 -degrees Fahrenheit. Backyard has the following: Covered patio with tables and chairs. Patio furniture observed to be in good repair. Attached Garage: Used for PPEs and storage. Smoke detectors/carbon monoxide detector were tested and operable at time of visit. Facility grounds were free of hazards. At approximately 1:30 pm, LPAs reviewed three (3) staff files. Staff files were incomplete/or missing signatures, one (1) or more records missing current First aid/CPR. Three (3) random resident files reviewed. Resident records missing dates and forms. Facility plans to include but not limited to the operation plan and dementia plan not available for review. Deficiencies cited on 809-D Exit Interview Conducted /Appeals/Copy of the Report giventhe state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Nov 26, 2023