Inspection Reports for Whispering Winds of Apple Valley

An unannounced complaint investigation was conducted in response to allegations received on 07/19/2021 regarding staffing, supervision, cleanliness, training, medication administration, and resident care at Whispering Winds of Apple Valley Assisted Living.

The investigation found all allegations to be unsubstantiated based on staff and resident interviews, observations, and document reviews. The facility was found to be adequately staffed, clean, properly supervised, with trained staff who administer medications correctly and respond promptly to resident needs.

The complaint investigation was unsubstantiated, meaning there was not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations occurred.

A case management visit was conducted to discuss changes in the bedridden status application submitted to the regional office and hospice, including amendments to the Licensee's application and hospice waiver increase request.

The visit focused on reviewing and assisting with the resubmission of the bedridden status application and hospice waiver increase request, providing relevant regulations to the Executive Director for review and guidance.

Licensing Program Analyst conducted an unannounced required comprehensive annual inspection of the assisted living facility.

The facility was generally well maintained with adequate care and supervision, but deficiencies were cited related to unsafe storage of laundry detergent and resident medication not being centrally stored and locked.

The visit was an unannounced required comprehensive annual inspection conducted by the Licensing Program Analyst Mary Rico to evaluate the facility's compliance with regulations.

The facility was found to be operating within its approved capacity, clean, well-maintained, and safe for clients. No deficiencies were cited during the inspection.

The visit was conducted to inspect the newly added Memory Care Unit at the facility, including review of submitted documentation and fire clearance.

The Memory Care Unit was found to be in compliance with Title 22 regulations, secured with delayed egress and door alarms, and the facility was cleared for a total capacity of 116 non-ambulatory residents. All furniture and equipment in the unit were reported to be in good repair.

The visit was an announced case management inspection conducted in response to the facility's request for a capacity increase and the establishment of a new memory care unit.

The memory care unit was still under construction and not yet occupied. The facility was observed to be in good repair with adequate seating, furniture, and safety features such as pull cords and handrails. No deficiencies were cited during this visit.

An unannounced required annual inspection was conducted with an emphasis on infection control due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The facility was found to be in compliance with regulatory requirements, including infection control measures, operational standards, and safety protocols. No deficiencies were cited during the inspection.

An unannounced complaint investigation visit was conducted in response to allegations received on 08/11/2020 regarding inadequate food service and non-adherence to the Admissions Agreement at Whispering Winds of Apple Valley Assisted Living.

The investigation included interviews with staff and residents and a records review. Due to conflicting statements and lack of corroborating evidence, all allegations were determined to be unsubstantiated.

The complaint investigation was unsubstantiated, meaning there was insufficient evidence to prove the alleged violations occurred. Allegations included inadequate food service and improper charges related to Admissions Agreement fees.

An unannounced complaint investigation visit was conducted in response to allegations received on 08/12/2020 regarding staff response times to call buttons, adequacy of food service, and communication of residents' care needs to authorized representatives.

The investigation included interviews with residents and staff and review of records. All three allegations were determined to be unsubstantiated due to insufficient evidence to meet the preponderance of evidence standard.

The complaint involved three allegations: 1) staff not responding timely to call buttons, 2) inadequate food service, and 3) failure to communicate residents' care needs to authorized representatives. All allegations were found unsubstantiated after interviews and record reviews.

The visit was a case management telephone call conducted due to COVID-19 to verify the removal of an individual named in a Confirmation of Removal letter dated 09/08/2020.

The Licensing Program Analyst verified that the individual named in the removal letter was not present, employed, or residing at the facility. No deficiencies were cited during this visit.