Inspection Reports for Merrill Gardens at Rockridge

The inspection was an unannounced 1-Year Annual Required inspection conducted to evaluate compliance with licensing requirements.

The Licensing Program Analyst toured the facility and reviewed resident and staff records, finding no deficiencies. The facility was found to have adequate lighting, temperature control, food supply, medication security, and up-to-date fire extinguisher servicing and emergency drills.

The visit was an unannounced annual inspection conducted by Licensing Program Analysts to evaluate the facility's compliance with regulatory standards.

The facility was inspected thoroughly including resident apartments, bathrooms, activity rooms, kitchen, and common areas. No deficiencies were cited during the visit, and all safety and care standards were met.

An unannounced complaint investigation visit was conducted in response to an allegation of staff engaging in inappropriate behavior while in the presence of residents.

The investigation included interviews with staff, residents, and a witness, and a tour of the facility. Although rumors existed, there was no preponderance of evidence to substantiate the allegation, resulting in an unsubstantiated finding.

The allegation was that staff engaged in inappropriate behavior in the presence of residents. Interviews revealed rumors but no direct evidence or witness accounts confirming the behavior. The allegation was determined to be unsubstantiated.

The inspection was an unannounced complaint investigation visit conducted in response to allegations received on 2023-06-20 regarding rough handling of residents, staff smoking in the facility, and staff being under the influence.

After interviews with staff, residents, and a witness, and a facility tour, there was no preponderance of evidence to substantiate the allegations. The complaint was determined to be unsubstantiated.

The complaint involved allegations that facility staff handled residents roughly, smoked in the facility, and were under the influence. Interviews with multiple staff, residents, and a witness did not confirm these allegations. The complaint was found to be unsubstantiated.

The visit was an unannounced case management inspection conducted following receipt of an Unusual Incident Report regarding a fire that occurred on 2023-05-28 at the facility.

The fire originated in Resident #1's apartment due to cat food left on the stove burner. Multiple apartments sustained fire, water, and smoke damage. The facility has taken steps including contacting a water restoration company, placing fans and humidifiers, and scheduling fire safety training for staff and residents.

The inspection was an unannounced complaint investigation visit conducted in response to allegations received on 09/27/2021 regarding staff not answering call buttons timely, not meeting residents' needs, and not providing adequate food quantity.

After interviews with caregivers, review of records including pendant call logs and hospice notes, and observations, the allegations were found to be unsubstantiated with no deficiencies noted.

The complaint involved allegations that staff were not answering call buttons timely, not meeting residents' needs, and not providing sufficient food quantity. The investigation found that staff responded appropriately, met residents' needs as per care plans, and provided adequate food. The allegations were unsubstantiated due to lack of preponderance of evidence.

An unannounced complaint investigation was conducted in response to allegations received on 01/24/2023 regarding medication administration, resident reappraisal, privacy, and communication with family members.

Two allegations were substantiated: staff did not administer medication timely and staff failed to reappraise a resident's care plan after a health condition change. Two allegations were unsubstantiated: staff entering resident rooms without consent and failure to communicate with family member (POA). Deficiencies were cited related to medication administration and reappraisals.

The complaint investigation was substantiated for two allegations: untimely medication administration and failure to reappraise resident care plan after health condition change. Two other allegations regarding privacy and communication with family member were unsubstantiated.

An unannounced case management visit was conducted following a self-reported incident dated 12/20/22 regarding physical abuse of a resident.

The licensee did not comply with regulations prohibiting physical abuse, as a caregiver was recorded hitting a resident's lower body. The staff member was immediately removed and terminated, and staff training was provided.

The visit was triggered by a complaint/self-reported incident of physical abuse. The allegation was substantiated as evidenced by video recording and neighbor witness.

Unannounced infection control inspection conducted as a required one-year visit to assess compliance with infection control protocols.

The facility was found to have proper infection control measures in place, including screening stations, PPE usage, and adequate food and PPE supplies. No deficiencies were cited during the visit.

Unannounced complaint investigation visit conducted due to allegations received on 07/12/2022 regarding failure to follow COVID-19 protocols, lack of current care plans for residents, and insufficient staffing to meet residents' needs.

The investigation substantiated that the facility did not follow COVID-19 protocols, lacked current care plans for three residents, and had insufficient staff during certain shifts in July 2022. Other allegations regarding unpaid services, inadequate staff training, and inadequate food were unsubstantiated.

The complaint investigation was substantiated for allegations that the facility did not follow COVID-19 protocols, lacked current care plans for residents, and had insufficient staffing. Allegations regarding unpaid services, inadequate staff training, and inadequate food were unsubstantiated.

The visit was an unannounced case management visit conducted due to receiving residents from Grand Lake Gardens and a self-reporting incident regarding a resident's suicidal ideation.

During the visit, 14 residents from Grand Lake Gardens were confirmed residing at the facility, with no imminent health or safety concerns noted. Supplies were adequate and staffing was stable, and residents reported feeling safe and comfortable.

The visit was a case management visit conducted to investigate deficiencies related to staff training records not being available for review.

A deficiency was cited for failure to maintain staff training records on and before September 2022, which poses a potential health, safety, or personal rights risk to persons in care.

An unannounced case management visit was conducted due to receiving residents from Grand Lake Gardens and to check on residents, as well as to review a self-reporting incident regarding a resident's suicidal ideation.

The Licensing Program Analyst reviewed the roster of residents transferred from Grand Lake Gardens, met with residents who reported feeling safe and comfortable, and reviewed the hospitalized resident's physician report and care plan. The resident involved in the incident remains hospitalized with no discharge date.

An unannounced case management visit was conducted as a result of receiving residents from Grand Lake Gardens and to check on residents.

The visit found that supplies were adequate, staffing was stable, and there were no imminent health or safety concerns. Residents reported feeling safe and comfortable living in the facility.

An unannounced case management visit was conducted as a result of receiving residents from Grand Lake Gardens (GLG) and to check on residents.

During the visit, 8 residents from GLG were found residing at the facility, with 6 being new move-ins since the last visit. Residents reported feeling safe, supplies were adequate, staffing was stable, and no imminent health or safety concerns were identified.

An unannounced case management visit was conducted as a result of receiving residents from Grand Lake Gardens (GLG) and to check on residents.

During the visit, 10 residents from GLG had moved into Merrill Gardens at Rockridge. Two residents reported feeling safe, supplies were adequate, staffing was stable, and no imminent health or safety concerns were identified.

An unannounced case management visit was conducted as a result of receiving two self-reported incidents submitted to the Community Care Licensing Division.

The visit reviewed two incidents: one involving a resident's elopement where a private caregiver was hired and educated on supervision, and another involving a resident's injury caused by an unsecured stackable washer and dryer. No deficiencies were cited during the visit.

The visit was an unannounced case management inspection conducted due to a self-reported incident regarding a medication error submitted on 08/02/2022.

The licensee gave the wrong medication Levothyroxine 100mg tablet to resident R1, which belonged to resident R2. Resident R1 was taken to the hospital with a diagnosis of hypotension due to drugs, but no injury or medical issue resulted as of the inspection date. A deficiency was cited for failure to comply with medication administration regulations.

The visit was triggered by a complaint/self-reported incident of medication error. No civil penalty was assessed as no injury or medical issue resulted. The deficiency was substantiated and cited under Title 22 California Code of Regulations.

The inspection was an unannounced complaint investigation visit triggered by allegations received on 2021-02-23 regarding excessive wait times for resident assistance and malfunctioning emergency call buttons.

The investigation substantiated that the facility staff failed to respond timely to a resident's pendant call due to staff shortages and technical issues with the call button system, posing potential risks to resident health and safety. Another allegation regarding insufficient staffing was unsubstantiated based on interviews and record reviews.

The complaint was substantiated regarding excessive wait times and malfunctioning emergency call buttons. The allegation of insufficient staff to meet residents' needs was unsubstantiated due to lack of preponderance of evidence.

The inspection visit was an unannounced complaint investigation triggered by an allegation of neglect/lack of supervision received on 2021-08-27 regarding possible sexual abuse of a resident by a staff member.

The investigation included interviews and record reviews, and the allegation that Resident 1 was sexually abused by a male staff member was found to be unsubstantiated due to lack of preponderance of evidence. No deficiencies were noted.

The complaint alleged neglect/lack of supervision involving sexual abuse (kissing and hugging) of Resident 1 by a male staff member. Interviews with the resident, staff, and former Resident Care Coordinator did not support the allegation. The complaint was unsubstantiated.

The visit was conducted as case management while delivering complaint investigation findings related to a staff member not cleared or associated with the facility.

During the investigation, it was found that one staff member working at the facility was not cleared or associated with the facility, posing an immediate threat to the health and safety of residents. A deficiency was cited and a civil penalty of $500 was assessed.

Complaint investigation findings (15-AS-20210827145908) were delivered. The deficiency was substantiated as one staff was not cleared or associated with the facility.

Unannounced complaint investigation visit conducted due to allegations received on 2022-01-24 regarding failure to seek timely medical attention, unmet resident care needs, and medication mismanagement.

All three allegations were investigated and found to be unsubstantiated based on record reviews and interviews. The facility staff provided timely care, met resident needs, and properly managed medication orders.

The complaint included allegations that facility staff failed to seek timely medical attention for a resident, resident care needs were not being met, and staff mismanaged the resident's medication. All allegations were found unsubstantiated after investigation.

The inspection was an unannounced complaint investigation visit conducted in response to allegations received on 2021-12-01 regarding staff not safeguarding residents' personal items and facility overcharging residents.

The investigation found no preponderance of evidence to substantiate the allegation that staff did not safeguard residents' personal items, resulting in an unsubstantiated finding. The allegation that the facility was overcharging residents was determined to be unfounded based on resident interviews.

The complaint investigation was unannounced and conducted by Licensing Program Analyst Catherine Lin. The allegation that staff did not safeguard residents' personal items was unsubstantiated due to lack of evidence. The allegation that the facility was overcharging residents was unfounded.

The visit was a Case Management health and safety check conducted by the Licensing Program Analyst to assess the facility's compliance and conditions.

The Licensing Program Analyst toured the facility, interviewed residents and visitors, and found that food supplies were sufficient, daily menus were prepared and posted, dining room hours were as agreed, staffing was adequate, and no deficiencies were cited during the visit.

The visit was an unannounced Infection Control Inspection conducted as a required 1-year routine inspection.

The inspection found no deficiencies. The facility demonstrated proper infection control measures including screening, PPE use, and adequate supplies of food and PPE.

The inspection was conducted as an unannounced complaint investigation following a complaint received on 07/02/2020 alleging the presence of pests and improper trash disposal at the facility.

The allegation of pests was determined to be unfounded after investigation and interviews. The allegation regarding improper trash disposal was unsubstantiated due to insufficient evidence, with staff describing routine trash disposal practices and COVID-19 safety precautions in place.

The complaint included allegations that the facility had pests and that staff did not properly dispose of trash. The pest allegation was found to be unfounded, meaning it was false or without reasonable basis. The trash disposal allegation was unsubstantiated, indicating there was not enough evidence to prove the violation occurred.