Inspection Reports for Merrill Gardens at West Covina
1400 W Covina Pkwy, West Covina, CA 91790, CA, 91790
Back to Facility ProfileInspection Report Summary
Most inspections found no deficiencies, showing the facility generally met regulatory standards across multiple areas including safety, medication storage, and resident care. Several complaint investigations were unsubstantiated, indicating that many concerns raised were not supported by evidence. One complaint investigation in September 2023 found the facility failed to provide resident records within the required timeframe, which was a substantiated violation of resident rights, but this was an isolated issue. The most recent report from October 23, 2025, involved a case management visit following a resident’s suicide and did not identify any deficiencies. This record suggests consistent compliance with occasional minor issues and no enforcement actions or fines listed in the available reports.
Deficiencies (last 5 years)
Deficiencies (over 5 years)
0.2 deficiencies/year
Deficiencies are regulatory violations found during state inspections.
95% better than California average
California average: 4 deficiencies/yearDeficiencies per year
4
3
2
1
0
Census
Latest occupancy rate
70% occupied
Based on a October 2025 inspection.
This facility has shown a steady increase in demand based on occupancy rates.
Census over time
Inspection Report
Census: 105
Capacity: 150
Deficiencies: 0
Oct 23, 2025
Visit Reason
A case management visit was conducted to obtain additional information regarding an incident report received on 10/21/2025 about a resident who committed suicide in their room on the same day.
Findings
The resident was found non-responsive by staff and emergency services were called. The police and fire departments responded and initiated an investigation. The Medical Examiner removed the body later that day. Documentation related to the resident and incident was reviewed during the visit.
Report Facts
Facility capacity: 150
Resident census: 105
Employees Mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Sherry Fischer | Administrator | Met with during the inspection and mentioned in the report |
| Nune Margaryan | Licensing Program Analyst | Conducted the case management visit |
Inspection Report
Annual Inspection
Census: 101
Capacity: 150
Deficiencies: 0
Sep 11, 2025
Visit Reason
An unannounced annual inspection visit was conducted to evaluate compliance with licensing requirements for the facility licensed as RCFE/Dementia for age 60 and over.
Findings
The facility was found to be in good condition with no deficiencies observed. Resident apartments, common areas, medication storage, fire safety equipment, and emergency preparedness were all compliant with regulations.
Report Facts
Capacity: 150
Census: 101
Fire drill date: Aug 22, 2025
Perishable food supply duration: 2
Non-perishable food supply duration: 7
Memory care unit bedridden capacity: 15
Hospice waiver capacity: 15
Resident apartments total: 111
Memory care unit apartments: 13
Shared apartments in memory care: 2
Resident records reviewed: 10
Staff records reviewed: 5
Employees Mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Sherry Fischer | Executive Director / Administrator | Met with Licensing Program Analyst during inspection and assisted with visit |
| Nune Margaryan | Licensing Program Analyst | Conducted the unannounced annual inspection visit |
| Wei Siew Ho | Supervisor | Supervisor overseeing the licensing evaluation |
Inspection Report
Annual Inspection
Census: 109
Capacity: 150
Deficiencies: 0
Sep 10, 2024
Visit Reason
An unannounced annual inspection was conducted to evaluate compliance with licensing requirements for the Merrill Gardens at West Covina facility.
Findings
The facility was found to be clean, well-maintained, and in good repair with no deficiencies observed. Resident apartments, medication storage, kitchen, and safety equipment were inspected and found compliant with regulations.
Report Facts
Residents' records reviewed: 10
Staff records reviewed: 5
Residents' medications reviewed: 4
Facility capacity: 150
Current census: 109
Water temperature range: 113.1
Water temperature range: 115.3
Fire drill date: Aug 15, 2024
Employees Mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Patricia Colin | Business Office Director | Assisted with the inspection visit |
| Nune Margaryan | Licensing Program Analyst | Conducted the inspection |
| Myra Cota | Licensing Program Analyst | Conducted the inspection |
| Wei Siew Ho | Supervisor | Supervised the inspection |
Inspection Report
Census: 114
Capacity: 150
Deficiencies: 0
Dec 14, 2023
Visit Reason
Case management visit conducted as a follow-up to a possible concern about grab bars in the residents’ bathrooms.
Findings
All bathrooms inspected were equipped with grab bars that met ADA requirements. No deficiencies were observed during the visit.
Report Facts
Rooms inspected: 5
Employees Mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Sherry Fischer | Administrator | Met with LPA during the case management visit and participated in exit interview. |
| Nune Margaryan | LPA | Conducted the case management visit and facility tour. |
Inspection Report
Annual Inspection
Census: 104
Capacity: 150
Deficiencies: 0
Oct 13, 2023
Visit Reason
The inspection was an Annual/Required visit conducted to complete evaluation of three domains: Personnel Records-Training, Disaster Preparedness, and Residents with Special Health Needs.
Findings
No deficiencies were observed during the visit. All staff files were complete with required documentation, the facility had an updated Emergency Disaster Plan and recent fire drill, and residents with special health needs were properly documented.
Report Facts
Number of domains inspected: 3
Residents on hospice: 1
Residents on home health: 3
Employees Mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Sherry Fischer | Administrator | Named as facility administrator and participant in the inspection |
| Monica Chavez | Resident Care Director | Assisted with the inspection visit |
| Christine Wong | Licensing Program Analyst | Conducted the inspection visit |
Inspection Report
Annual Inspection
Census: 102
Capacity: 150
Deficiencies: 0
Oct 6, 2023
Visit Reason
The inspection was an unannounced required 1-year visit to evaluate compliance with regulatory standards using the full Care Compliance and Regulatory Enforcement (CARE) Tools.
Findings
The facility was inspected across multiple domains including infection control, operational requirements, physical plant safety, staffing, resident records, residents' rights, planned activities, food service, and incidental medical and dental. No deficiencies were observed during this visit.
Report Facts
Residents files inspected: 12
Residents medication inspected: 6
Licensed capacity: 150
Current census: 102
Hospice waiver approved residents: 15
Residents on hospice: 1
Bedridden residents approved: 15
Bedridden residents present: 0
Residents on home health services: 3
Liability insurance amount: 5000000
Hot water temperature range (memory care): 114.9-115.8
Hot water temperature range (assisted/independent living): 114.6-117.1
Food supply duration (perishable): 2
Food supply duration (non-perishable): 7
Medication supply duration: 30
Employees Mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Monica Chavez | Resident Care Director | Assisted Licensing Program Analyst during the visit |
| Nicole Bermingham | Activity Director | Was informed about the purpose of the visit |
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Census: 102
Capacity: 150
Deficiencies: 1
Sep 18, 2023
Visit Reason
The inspection was an unannounced complaint investigation visit conducted to investigate an allegation that the facility failed to provide resident records as requested by the resident's legal representative.
Findings
The investigation found that the facility received a formal records request on September 6, 2023, but failed to provide the requested resident records by the due date of September 11, 2023. The allegation was substantiated based on interviews and record review, citing a violation of resident rights under Title 22, Division 6 Health and Safety Code.
Complaint Details
The complaint alleged that the facility failed to provide resident records requested by the resident's legal representative via Federal Express on September 6, 2023. The facility did not provide the records by the required deadline of September 11, 2023. The allegation was substantiated.
Severity Breakdown
Type B: 1
Deficiencies (1)
| Description | Severity |
|---|---|
| Facility failed to provide resident records within the required timeframe, violating resident rights to prompt access and photocopies of records. | Type B |
Report Facts
Census: 102
Total Capacity: 150
Deficiency Type B: 1
Plan of Correction Due Date: Sep 25, 2023
Employees Mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Nune Margaryan | Licensing Program Analyst | Conducted the complaint investigation and authored the report |
| Wei Siew Ho | Licensing Program Manager | Oversaw the complaint investigation |
| Patricia Colin | Business Office Director | Interviewed during investigation and involved in records request process |
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Census: 109
Capacity: 150
Deficiencies: 0
Aug 11, 2023
Visit Reason
The visit was an unannounced complaint investigation conducted in response to a complaint received on 2023-01-13 regarding allegations of maintenance delays, staff disrespect, and unmet resident needs at Merrill Gardens at West Covina.
Findings
The investigation found insufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations. Maintenance issues were addressed timely, staff were not found to be disrespectful, and resident needs, including those in the memory care unit, were met according to interviews and documentation.
Complaint Details
The complaint included allegations that staff had not fixed residents' showers in a timely manner, spoke disrespectfully to residents, and did not meet residents' needs, particularly in the memory care unit. After interviews with residents, staff, and administrators, and review of records, the allegations were determined to be unsubstantiated due to lack of sufficient evidence.
Report Facts
Capacity: 150
Census: 109
Complaint received date: Jan 13, 2023
Work order date: Mar 7, 2023
Shower repair date: Jan 19, 2023
Employees Mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Erik Zaragoza | Licensing Program Analyst | Conducted the complaint investigation |
| David Sicairos | Licensing Program Manager | Oversaw the complaint investigation |
| Sherry Fischer | Administrator | Facility administrator interviewed during investigation |
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Census: 105
Capacity: 150
Deficiencies: 0
Jun 29, 2023
Visit Reason
An unannounced complaint investigation visit was conducted in response to allegations that facility staff were not allowing resident council meetings to be conducted in private and were racially altering the bylaws of the resident council.
Findings
The investigation found that staff attend resident council meetings only by invitation and have not attended meetings in the past year. Residents and staff denied the allegations of racial alteration of bylaws, with some residents noting limited facility involvement. There was insufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations, resulting in an unsubstantiated finding.
Complaint Details
The complaint investigation was unsubstantiated. Allegations included staff not allowing private resident council meetings and racially altering resident council bylaws. Interviews with staff, residents, and the General Manager did not provide sufficient evidence to prove the allegations.
Report Facts
Capacity: 150
Census: 105
Number of residents interviewed: 10
Number of staff interviewed: 2
Employees Mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Sherry Fischer | General Manager | Met during the investigation and involved in interviews regarding allegations |
| Jewel Baptiste | Licensing Program Analyst | Conducted the complaint investigation visit |
| Lisa Hicks | Licensing Program Manager | Named as Licensing Program Manager on the report |
Inspection Report
Annual Inspection
Census: 107
Capacity: 150
Deficiencies: 0
Feb 17, 2023
Visit Reason
Licensing Program Analyst Kimberly Ramirez conducted an unannounced required Annual Visit focusing on COVID-19 Infection Control Practices and overall facility compliance.
Findings
The facility was found to be in compliance with no deficiencies observed. Resident rooms were clean and properly furnished, water temperatures were within required ranges, safety equipment was present and functional, and food storage and safety protocols were properly maintained.
Report Facts
Resident rooms: 111
Memory care unit apartments: 13
Shared apartments in memory care: 2
Fire clearance capacity: 150
Bedridden residents capacity: 15
Hospice waiver capacity: 15
Water temperature range: 105
Water temperature range: 120
Last fire drill date: Feb 16, 2023
Employees Mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Sherry Fischer | Administrator | Met with Licensing Program Analyst during inspection and named in report |
| Kimberly Ramirez | Licensing Program Analyst | Conducted the inspection |
| Tony Vasallo | Supervisor | Named as supervisor in the report |
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Census: 103
Capacity: 150
Deficiencies: 0
Dec 27, 2022
Visit Reason
The visit was an unannounced complaint investigation conducted in response to an allegation that a resident was financially abusing another resident in care.
Findings
The investigation found no preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged financial abuse occurred, and the allegation was determined to be unsubstantiated.
Complaint Details
The complaint alleged that a resident was financially abusing another resident. The investigation included review of physician reports, capability evaluations, staff and family interviews, and found no proof of financial abuse though there was suspicion of potential future abuse. The allegation was unsubstantiated.
Report Facts
Capacity: 150
Census: 103
Employees Mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Kruz Long | Licensing Program Analyst | Conducted the complaint investigation |
| Sherry Fischer | Administrator | Facility administrator met during the investigation |
| Fernando Fierros | Licensing Program Manager | Named as Licensing Program Manager overseeing the investigation |
Inspection Report
Annual Inspection
Census: 69
Capacity: 150
Deficiencies: 0
Oct 7, 2021
Visit Reason
An unannounced annual visit was conducted using the Infection Control Evaluation Tool to evaluate compliance with regulations and infection control standards.
Findings
The facility was toured and inspected including physical plant, medication records, and food supply. No deficiencies were observed during the visit. Safety equipment and resident accommodations met regulatory requirements.
Report Facts
Resident medications reviewed: 6
Water temperature range: 110
Water temperature range: 114.9
Food supply duration: 2
Food supply duration: 7
Employees Mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| David Sicairos | Licensing Program Analyst | Conducted the unannounced annual visit and inspection |
| Patricia Colin | Business Office Director | Met with Licensing Program Analyst during the inspection |
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