Hightower Residential Care

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Celine Rodriguez conducted an unannounced required visit to the facility for the purpose of conducting the required annual inspection. LPA Rodriguez explained reason for visit and was greeted and granted entry by staff on duty. During the visit, staff on duty contacted office manager (OM) Reyna Zamarripa about visit. It was observed that all current staff members present at the facility are background cleared and associated on Guardian. The PUB475 "See Something, Say Something" poster was observed to be located in the hallway. LPA observed the Administrator's Certificate for Celfa Aronne, which expires on 2/1/2027. LPA toured the interior and exterior portions of the facility with S1. The facility is a single level structure and is licensed for 6 non-ambulatory residents, of which 2 may be on hospice. For this visit, there are a total of 5 residents in care, of which 2 are on hospice and 0 are bedridden. There are a total of 6 bedrooms, of which 4 are private resident rooms, 1 shared resident room and 1 for staff. LPA toured each bedroom in the facility and observed that bedrooms were provided with furniture in good repair, clean linens, adequate storage space, and kept free of tripping hazards. Smoke and carbon monoxide detector and auditory exit alarms were tested and operational. There are a total of 2 restrooms, of which were observed to be in good repair, toilets were operational, and grab bars and non-skid floor mats were provided. Water temperature was measured to be at 114.2 degrees Fahrenheit. Facility met the minimum two-day perishable and seven-day non-perishable food supplies. Sharp items and knives were locked and inaccessible to residents in care. Fire extinguisher was charged, mounted and located in the kitchen and hallway. Fire extinguishers were dated and tagged for the date of May 2025. LPA observed the emergency disaster and evacuation plan, which is posted in the facility binder. Facility had back-up emergency food and water supply, located in the the garage.. LPA observed that First Aid Kit had all the required components. Medications and toxins were also observed to be locked and inaccessible to residents in care. For the exterior portion, LPA observed patio furniture under shading, and the grounds were free of any hazards. There are 2 gates in the backyard, which were self-closing and self-latching. No bodies of water were observed. For today's visit no deficiencies were issued per Title 22 Division 6 of the California Code of Regulations. No citations were issued. An exit interview was conducted with OM Zamarripa. A copy of this report was explained and provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Sep 23, 2025

Allegation investigated: Resident developed pressure injuries in care. Staff did not allow resident visitation at the facility. Staff did not allow resident phone calls at the facility.

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Celine Rodriguez conducted an unannounced 10-day visit to the facility for the complaint and to deliver the findings. LPA Rodriguez explained the purpose of today's visit, was greeted, and granted entry by staff on duty. For this visit, LPA met with Facility Administrator (AD) Celfa "Norma" Aronne and House Manager (HM) Reyna Zamarripa. During the investigation, LPA Rodriguez toured the physical plant of the facility, conducted interviews, and requested copies of pertinent records reviewed. It was alleged that resident developed pressure injuries in care. 6 out of 6 resident interviews, and 2 of out 2 staff interviews did not corroborate with the allegation. Per observation, resident 1 (R1) has a small sore located on the tailbone, however it was not due to the facility care. Per documentation review and confirmation from R1’s power of attorney (POA), R1 obtained the sore prior to admission into the facility, and that facility staff are currently attending to it. Unfounded It was alleged that staff did not allow resident visitation at the facility. 6 out of 6 resident interviews, and 2 of out 2 staff interviews did not corroborate with the allegation. Per observation and documentation review, facility has a visitation log, and it was observed that each visitor signs in. During the visit, LPA observed multiple visitors signing in and visiting residents. It was alleged that staff did not allow resident phone calls at the facility. 6 out of 6 resident interviews, and 2 of out 2 staff interviews did not corroborate with the allegation. It was observed that R1’s family would call R1, however R1 would decline in wanting to speak to specific family members due to being “scared”. Per documentation review, it was observed that R1’s POA has placed certain individuals on a “do not call list”, due to those individuals contributing to heightening R1’s anxiety. Based on LPA’s interviews which were conducted, review of documents obtained, and observations, this allegation was UNFOUNDED, meaning that the allegation was false, could not have happened and/or is without a reasonable basis. An exit interview was conducted with AD Aronne & HM Zamarripa. A copy of this report was provided and explained.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Aug 18, 2025 · control 22-AS-20250811104443

Allegation investigated: Staff are not meeting resident's diapering needs Staff are not providing adequate food service to resident Staff do not ensure resident has privacy Staff are not providing activities for resident

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Celine Rodriguez conducted an unannounced 10-day visit to the facility for the complaint and to deliver the findings. LPA Rodriguez explained the purpose of today's visit, was greeted, and granted entry by staff on duty. For this visit, LPA met with Facility Administrator (AD) Celfa "Norma" Aronne and House Manager (HM) Reyna Zamarripa. During the investigation, LPA Rodriguez toured the physical plant of the facility, conducted interviews, and requested copies of pertinent records reviewed. It was alleged that staff are not meeting resident's diapering needs. 6 out of 6 resident interviews, and 2 of out 2 staff interviews did not corroborate with the allegation. During the tour of the facility, LPA observed staff actively assisting residents with their diapering needs. It was also observed that the facility has adequate supply of diapering supplies and that all residents were clean. Unfounded It was alleged that staff are not providing adequate food service to resident. LPA conducted 6 resident interviews of which all 6 interviews did not corroborate with the allegation by stating that the food being served was “good” and also confirmed that the facility staff will ask each resident what kind of food they want, to which all 6 residents provided confirmation that facility will always serve their preferred foods. LPA conducted 2 staff interviews of which 2 interviews did not corroborate with the allegation by stating that despite the facility having a menu, the residents are always asked what they prefer to eat that day, or alternatives are provided. LPA reviewed the facility menu, and observed that the daily menu includes fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and carbs. Meals are served three times a day, and snacks are provided regularly, while adhering to each resident’s dietary needs. It was alleged the staff do not ensure resident has privacy. LPA conducted 6 resident interviews of which all 6 interviews did not corroborate with the allegation by stating that the facility will provide privacy when requested (such as during phone calls, or private conversations). LPA conducted 2 staff interviews of which 2 interviews did not corroborate with the allegation. Per documentation review, it was observed that each resident was educated on their personal rights. It was alleged that staff are not providing activities for resident. 6 out of 6 resident interviews, and 2 of out 2 staff interviews did not corroborate with the allegation. During the tour of the facility, LPA observed residents engaging in their preferred activities and residents were observed to be content. LPA also observed that the facility has a schedule of activities posted on a whiteboard in the hallways, of which activities include: art class, bingo, and a variety of other games. Based on LPA’s interviews which were conducted, review of documents obtained, and observations, this allegation was UNFOUNDED, meaning that the allegation was false, could not have happened and/or is without a reasonable basis. An exit interview was conducted with AD Aronne & HM Zamarripa. A copy of this report was provided and explained.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Aug 18, 2025 · control 22-AS-20250812084040

Allegation investigated: Resident is being held against their will. Facility failed to provide incontinent care. Facility failed to provide the resident water.

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Jerome Haley made unannounced visit to begin the investigation into the complaint received April 28, 2025. LPA Haley was greeted by staff and explained the reason for the visit upon entry. Staff contacted the Licensee/Administrator via telephone who arrived a short time later. Regarding the allegation: Resident is being held against their will. During the investigation, 5 individuals were interviewed including Resident 1 (R1) and a family member of R1. 0 of 5 individuals interviewed were able to corroborate the allegation. Document review and interviews revealed that R1 has a stroke, fell, and sustained a head injury. According to R1, when R1 fell, the resident hit their head and sustained an injury near the temple area and the resident stated when they stood up they could not talk. R1 couldn’t make out what was coming out of their mouth. The R1 explained with speech therapy, their speech has improved to where it is today. According to a family member of the resident, after R1’s stroke, the hospital recommended the facility for the resident to reside as there were concerns with R1's activities of daily living and mobility. Continued no LIC9099C Unfounded Further, the family member of R1, relocated from out of state to be available for R1’s care and financial needs. During the visit, R1's pre-admission appraisal, physicians report, and care plan were all reviewed. The care being provided was consistent with the documents that were reviewed and R1's diagnoses. Regarding the allegation: Facility failed to provide incontinent care. 0 of 5 individuals interviewed were able to corroborate the allegation. None of the individuals could provide any information or evidence to support the allegation. According to 3 individuals that were interviewed, including R1, and a family member of R1, the resident can go to the restroom on their own. R1 said at night when the residents needs to go to the restroom, R1 gets out of bed and by the time R1 turns on the light, the caregivers are running to the room to ask if everything’s okay. R1’s family member stated R1’s pull ups are for emergencies only. The family member explained one of the residents medications causes diarrhea that R1 cannot control. During the visit, LPA did not observe any smells or stains in R1’s bedroom. All resident bedrooms were clean, organized, and there were no odors. No signs of a lack of incontinent care were present. Photos were taken. Regarding the allegation: Facility failed to provide the resident water. 0 of 5 individuals interviewed were able to corroborate the allegation. None of the individuals could provide any information or evidence to support the allegation. According to two staff members that were interviewed, residents have sippy cups that are filled with water near them through out the day. If they don’t have their sippy cup with them, they have a bottle of water. During the interview with R1, there was a bottle of Smart water on their nightstand. R1 drank out of the bottle throughout the interview process. When R1 was asked about getting water, R1 stated there’s a water tap in the kitchen that gives you cold and hot water and said there’s a faucet too. R1 stated they prefer the faucet because the water machine is too complicated. Based on the information gathered during through interviews, document review, and observation, the allegations are deemed Unfounded, meaning the allegations are false, could not have happened and/or are without a reasonable basis. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report was provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Apr 30, 2025 · control 22-AS-20250428165451

Type of visit: Case Management - Deficiencies

Licensing Program Analyst made an unannounced case management visit after delivering findings on a complaint investigation. During the investigation onto complaint control number 22-AS-20250428165451 LPA Haley observed one individual was present and working in the facility without a fingerprint clearance. The Licensee was advised the individual can not be in the facility with out being cleared and associated to the facility roster. The individual was asked to leave the facility. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report and appeal rights were provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Apr 30, 2025

From the deficiency page — Deficiency type: Type A · Section cited: CCR 87355(e)(1) · Plan of correction due date: May 1, 2025

87355 Criminal Record Clearance (e) All individuals subject to a criminal record review pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 1569.17(b) shall prior to working, residing or volunteering in a licensed facility: (1) Obtain a California clearance or a criminal record exemption as required by the Department. This requirement was not met as evidenced by: One uncleared and unassociated individual was present in the facility upon LPA's arrival which poses a threat to the health and safety of the residents in care.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Apr 30, 2025

Plan of correction: The licensee agrees to have the individual fingerprint cleared and associated before being allowed to work in the facility. The individual was asked to leave by the Licensee/Administrator. The individual went to get fingerprinted and the licensee will contact me once the individual is associated to the facility.

Type of visit: Required - 1 Year

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Joseph Alejandre made an unannounced visit to conduct the required annual inspection. LPA was greeted and granted entry by staff. LPA met with Administrator Norma Aronne and explained the reason for the visit. LPA observed the See Something, Say Something poster (PUB 475) posted in the main entry way of the facility. The Administrator's certificate expires on February 1, 2025. LPA and the Administrator toured the facility. The facility is a single story home with 4 resident rooms, 2 staff rooms, 2 bathrooms, activity room, living room, kitchen, dining room and a two car garage. LPA observed all resident rooms have the required furnishings. LPA observed both bathrooms are clean and operational. Hot water measured 109.8 in both bathrooms. LPA toured the kitchen. The kitchen is clean and organized. LPA observed a 2 day perishable and a 7 day non-perishable food supply on hand in the kitchen. LPA observed the knives are kept locked in a kitchen drawer. LPA observed the cleaning supplies are kept under the kitchen sink and are inaccessible to residents. LPA observed the fire extinguisher in the hallway is fully charged. LPA toured the garage and backyard. The garage is kept locked and off limits to residents. The garage is used to store supplies and emergency food. There are 2 sheds in the backyard. Both sheds are used for storage and kept locked. There are two exit gates, on each side of the house. Both exit gates are operational. No obstacles or hazards observed inside or outside of the house. The carbon monoxide detector tested operational. The smoke detectors tested operational. The last fire drill took place on October 1, 2024. LPA reviewed 2 staff files. 2 out of 2 staff members have the required annual training. Both staff members have current CPR/First Aid training. Both staff are background cleared and associated to the facility. LPA reviewed 6 resident records and medications. No discrepancies observed. LPA inspected the first aid kit. The first aid kit has all the required elements. No deficiencies are being cited as a result of this visit. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of the report provided.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Oct 14, 2024

Allegation investigated: Facility did not provide refund

Licensing Program Analysts (LPA) Kimberly Lyman and Sam Haddadin conducted an unannounced complaint visit to initiate an investigation into the above allegation. LPAs were greeted and granted entry into the facility and explained the reason for the visit. During the investigation, LPAs toured the facility and interviewed Administrator. Regarding the allegation that facility did not provide refund, the investigation revealed the following: Resident 1 (R1) admitted into the facility on 08/12/2024 around 6 PM. R1 passed away later that evening around 12:00 AM. Resident's belongings were removed on or about 08/13/2024. Resident's responsible party paid a pre-admission fee of $1500 and pre-payment of rent in the amount of $9000. Department regulation require a refund of 80 percent of pre-admission fee when resident leaves the facility within 30 days of admittance. Additionally, pre-paid rents are due to the resident/ family for the remaining balance once resident's items are removed from the facility. The refund amount includes $1200 for the pre-admission fee and $8130 for pre-paid rent resulting in a total of $9330. Resident's responsible party has not received a refund to date. Based on interviews conducted, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met. CONTINUED ON LIC 9099C DATED 08/28/2024. Substantiated Therefore the above allegation is found to be SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations, (Title 22, Division 6, Chapter 8), are being cited on the attached LIC 9099D. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was provided to facility administrator along with appeal rights.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Aug 28, 2024 · control 22-AS-20240821154034

From the deficiency page — Deficiency type: Type B · Section cited: HSC 1569.652(c) · Plan of correction due date: Sep 4, 2024

A refund of any fees paid in advance covering the time after the resident’s personal property has been removed from the facility shall be issued to the individual.. to the resident’s estate, within 15 days after the personal property is removed. This req is not being met as evidenced by: Based on interviews conducted, the licensee failed to ensure a refund was provided to resident/ responsible party. This poses a potential health and safety risk to residents in care.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Aug 28, 2024

Plan of correction: Licensee to refund $9330 to resident's responsible party and forward proof to LPA by POC due date.

Type of visit: Case Management - Deficiencies

Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Kimberly Lyman and Sam Haddadin conducted an unannounced case management in-conjunction with complaint #22-AS-20240821154034. LPAs were greeted and granted entry into the facility and explained the reason for the visit. During the course of the complaint investigation, LPA interviewed Administrator and witness. Witness indicates the admission agreement/ file for Resident 1 was requested on or about 08/12/2024. The records were produced by facility on 08/20/2024. Based on the observations made during today's visit, the following violation is being cited per California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 6, Chapter 8. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report as well as appeal rights were discussed and provided with facility representative.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Aug 28, 2024

From the deficiency page — Deficiency type: Type B · Section cited: CCR 87507(e) · Plan of correction due date: Sep 11, 2024

The licensee shall provide a copy of the signed and dated current admission agreement.. to the resident or the resident's representative, if any, immediately upon signing the admission agreement or modification...This requirement is not being met as evidenced by: Based on interviews conducted, licensee failed to ensure an admission agreement was provided to resident/ responsible party immediately after signing. This poses a potential health and safety risk to residents in care,the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Aug 28, 2024

Plan of correction: Licensee to forward a statement of understanding of the regulation and forward proof to LPA by POC due date.

Type of visit: Prelicensing

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Dwayne Mason Jr. made an announced inspection to the facility for purpose of conducting a pre-licensing inspection (change of ownership) with clients in care. LPA arrived at the facility at 8:40 am and was greeted and granted entry by designated Administrator (AD) Celfa Aronne. An application to operate a Residential Care Facility for Elderly (RCFE) for (6) capacity, (0) ambulatory, (6) non-ambulatory, and (0) bedridden clients was received by Community Care Licensing (CCL) on 6/28/2023. Structure: The facility is a one-story home with four resident bedrooms, two bathrooms, two staff rooms, living room, kitchen, dining room, activities room, an attached one car garage and backyard. LPA observed the See Something, Say Something poster (PUB 475) in the facility mounted on the wall in the living room. There is a back yard with two exit gates. The facility has one shaded seating area. LPA did not observe any obstacles or hazards in the backyard. Client Bedrooms: All resident bedrooms had the necessary furnishings. LPA observed all resident beds had linens and blankets. LPA observed all windows were screened. Toxins: LPA observed chemicals, cleaning solutions, laundry toxins and disinfectants are inaccessible to client and will be stored and locked under the kitchen sink and in the garage. Medications, First-Aid Kit & Book: Medication is stored in a locked cabinet in the hallway. The First Aid Kit is mounted on the wall in the entryway. The facility was advised to print out a copy of the 20-page American Red Cross PDF Manual. Resident & Staff Files: Records are kept in the closet with the medication. LPA reviewed two staff files and two out of four resident files. Fire Extinguisher: LPA observed the fire extinguisher to be fully charged as indicated by the arrow pointing in the green zone. LPA observed the service tag on the fire extinguisher which indicates it was last serviced on 12/9/22 Reading Material, Games, Equipment & Materials: The facility has coloring books, puzzles, exercise equipment and planned group activities. Fire clearance: Was approved by a fire inspector of Orange County Fire Authority on 08/01/2023. Component III: Information provided about how to operate the facility within compliance and reporting requirements. Bathrooms: The bathrooms have working plumbing. Hot water measured at 113 degrees Fahrenheit in both bathrooms Linens & Hygiene Supplies: A supply of extra linen and hygiene supplies are stored in the hallway closet Emergency Phone Numbers, Exit Plan & Menu: Posted and available for review Food Service: There is 2-day supply of perishable food and a 7-day supply of non-perishable food on hand. Smoke Detectors: Smoke detectors were observed to be dual Smoke & Carbon Monoxide detectors that are stationed throughout the home. The dual detectors were tested and observed to be operational. Appliances: Gas four burner stove with 1 oven, 1 refrigerator, dish washer, microwave, washer, and dryer are operational. Administrator stated that they are working with the previous owner to remove the unused appliances in the garage. Residents do not have access to garage. The designated AD was notified that the final application approval will be issued by the Centralized Applications Bureau in Sacramento. Exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was provided to designated AD.the state’s words, verbatim · CDSS document, Oct 9, 2023