Inspection Reports for
Gardens at Northridge

The complaint alleged that staff did not safeguard resident #1's personal belongings and that staff financially abused resident #1 by unauthorized use of their credit card. The investigation included interviews with the resident, staff, and resident's son, review of pendant alarm history, and physical tours. The allegations were found to be unsubstantiated based on evidence and interviews.

The investigation found that the resident safeguards their own belongings and is independent. Interviews with staff and residents, review of records, and observations led to the conclusion that the allegations of staff not safeguarding belongings and financial abuse were unsubstantiated. No citations were issued.

The facility was toured including assisted living and memory care areas, common areas, medication rooms, kitchen, and resident rooms. All areas were found to be clean, properly furnished, and equipped with safety features. No citations were issued during the exit interview.

The complaint investigation was triggered by allegations that the licensee failed to provide adequate notice of fee increase, did not maintain the facility in good repair, allowed hazardous equipment accessible to a resident, charged a resident for services not received, and did not provide an accurate itemized statement of charges. The investigation concluded that the first three allegations were unsubstantiated, while the last two were substantiated with citations issued and a reimbursement required.

The investigation found three allegations unsubstantiated regarding fee increase notice, facility maintenance, and hazardous equipment. Two allegations related to improper charges for services not received and inaccurate itemized statements were substantiated, resulting in citations and a required reimbursement of $5250.00 to the resident.

The complaint alleged that resident #1 was hit by a caregiver while being changed. Nine residents denied any issues with staff hitting them. Resident #1 could not recall being hit. Four staff described resident #1 as aggressive and confirmed that resident #1 had hit staff recently. An Unusual Incident/Injury Report confirmed resident #1 hit a staff member on 10/22/24. The allegation was unsubstantiated based on interviews and record review.

The allegation that staff hit a resident was unsubstantiated after interviews with residents and staff, review of records, and a physical tour. No citations were issued.

The complaint involved two allegations: 1) staff did not prevent a resident from falling and sustaining injuries, and 2) staff illegally evicted a resident. Both allegations were found unsubstantiated after review of resident records, interviews with staff and residents, and observation.

The investigation found both allegations to be unsubstantiated based on record reviews, staff and resident interviews, and physical tour. No citations were issued.

The complaint involved allegations that staff abandoned a resident who could not return due to a change in level of care after a stroke, and that staff made inappropriate comments telling a resident they were not wanted at the facility. Both allegations were found unsubstantiated after interviews with eight residents and three staff members, and review of relevant documentation.

The investigation found both allegations to be unsubstantiated based on interviews with residents and staff, observations, and record reviews. No citations were issued.

The Licensing Program Analyst reviewed resident files and admissions agreements for 41 CCRC residents and conducted interviews with facility staff. It was found that marketing efforts focus on Memory Care and Assisted Living beds, and staff had limited information on the facility's operational status as a CCRC. The Licensing Program Analyst will share information with the Continuing Care Contracts Bureau and reminded the licensee to submit required documentation by 08/09/2024.

The facility was toured and observed to have appropriate furniture, safety features, and cleanliness. No citations were issued during the inspection, and all safety equipment including fire extinguishers and alarms were operable.

The complaint alleged that a resident's room was not being cleaned and that staff could not communicate with residents due to a language barrier. The investigation found these allegations unsubstantiated based on interviews, observations, and record reviews.

The investigation found both allegations to be unsubstantiated. Interviews with residents and staff confirmed that the resident's room was cleaned weekly and that the resident declined cleaning services. Staff were confirmed to speak English and Spanish, and no language barrier was found.

The complaint alleged that staff were not adhering to residents' admission agreements by charging for services previously included in rent and care fees, including laundry, trash removal, and bed making. The allegation was found unsubstantiated after review of notices, resident files, interviews with residents and staff, and facility policies.

The investigation found that the facility provided proper 30-day written notice to residents about new charges for personal laundry services and changes to trash removal and bed making. The executive director confirmed that bed linens remain free, but personal laundry is charged. Based on interviews, observations, and record reviews, the allegation was unsubstantiated and no citations were issued.

The complaint alleged that the facility was not recognizing a resident's current Power of Attorney status and was placing the resident in a Memory Care Unit against his/her will. The allegation was found to be unsubstantiated after review of relevant documents and interviews.

The investigation included interviews, record reviews, and a physical plant tour. It was found that the facility recognizes residents' POA and conservator documents when provided, and there was no sufficient evidence to support the allegation. The complaint was determined to be unsubstantiated.

The complaint involved allegations that staff failed to keep a resident's room clean, failed to provide a safe and comfortable environment, and neglected the resident while in care. Interviews with staff and residents, as well as physical observations, indicated that the resident had an onset of incontinence and often refused care, but staff checked on the resident hourly. Based on gathered information, the allegations were deemed unsubstantiated.

The investigation found that the allegations were unsubstantiated. Observations and interviews revealed that resident rooms were clean and well maintained, staff checked on the resident hourly despite the resident refusing care, and the environment was generally safe and comfortable.

The facility was found to be clean, appropriately furnished, and in proper order with functioning safety and fire protection systems. Resident rooms and common areas met safety and comfort standards, and records for residents and staff were complete and updated. Medications were securely stored and first aid kits were available.

The complaint alleged illegal eviction. The investigation determined the allegation was unfounded, meaning it was false, could not have happened, or was without a reasonable basis.

The investigation found that the individual in question was never a resident of the facility and was admitted to a skilled nursing facility on the same property, which is not licensed by the Department of Social Services. Therefore, the allegation was deemed unfounded with no deficiencies cited.

The complaint investigation was substantiated for the allegation that staff were not providing food of the quality necessary to meet residents' needs. The allegations that staff were not following resident's admission agreements and not providing necessary transportation were unsubstantiated.

The allegation regarding food quality was substantiated based on interviews with residents and observations, revealing that 7 out of 10 residents felt the food quality was average to below average. The allegations regarding failure to follow admission agreements and transportation needs were unsubstantiated, with evidence showing transportation was provided regularly and residents did not miss appointments due to lack of transportation.

The visit was related to complaint control #31-AS-20230321145444. The Licensing Program Analyst planned to follow up with the Regional Director regarding issues and concerns related to the complaint.

The report notes that the Administrator and Business Office personnel had resigned with no replacement at the time of the visit. The Regional Director and other directors were overseeing the facility until a new Administrator is hired. A LIC308 designee responsibility form was requested to be submitted to Licensing.

The complaint was unsubstantiated after investigation, as the complainant had been provided with the correct licensing regulations related to eviction notices.

The Licensing Program Analyst interviewed the complainant, staff, and reviewed resident files. It was determined that the complaint should not have been generated as the complainant had been provided with the correct licensing regulations pertaining to eviction notices. Therefore, the allegation was unsubstantiated.

The complaint investigation was initiated based on allegations received on 02/08/2023. The allegations included staff handling a resident roughly, forcing a resident to sign a form, and facility short staffing. The first two allegations were deemed unfounded after investigation, and the short staffing allegation was unsubstantiated based on interviews and observations.

The investigation found that the allegations of rough handling and forcing a resident to sign a form were unfounded as the individual was not a resident of the facility but admitted to a skilled nursing facility on the same property. The allegation of short staffing was unsubstantiated, with interviews and observations confirming sufficient staffing to meet residents' needs timely.

The allegation that staff left a resident unattended at the hospital was investigated and found to be unfounded, meaning the allegation was false and without reasonable basis.

The investigation revealed that the resident in question resides in the skilled nursing facility on the same property, which is not licensed by the Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing. Interviews confirmed the resident was currently admitted in skilled nursing, and the allegation was deemed unfounded.

Community Care Licensing Division received documentation outlining Pacifica Senior Living's Compliance Plan and will conduct frequent unannounced visits during the first 12 months to ensure compliance. No other concerns were noted and the license will be granted.

The facility was found to be in compliance with Title 22 regulations at the time of the visit. The physical plant, safety features, resident accommodations, and common areas were toured and observed to be properly furnished, safe, and in good repair.

The applicant/administrator demonstrated understanding of facility operation, admission policies, staffing requirements, restrictive health conditions, general provisions, emergency preparedness, complaints and reporting, and pre-licensing readiness. Signed documentation and photo ID were obtained.

The applicant/administrator participated in a COMP II telephone interview to verify identification and confirm understanding of California Code Title 22 regulations, including facility operation, admission policies, staffing, health conditions, emergency preparedness, complaints, and pre-licensing readiness.