LOS ANGELES, CA - Federal inspectors cited Sunray Healthcare Center for failing to treat residents with dignity and respect after multiple residents reported being yelled at by night shift staff, according to a July 2024 inspection report.
Night Shift Staff Behavior Raises Concerns
During the investigation, three different residents independently reported problems with nighttime caregivers. One resident told inspectors they had been "treated and talked to rudely by staff at night, stating they are ghetto, not friendly, and will yell." The resident also noted that staff members refused to provide their names when asked.
A second resident described similar experiences, telling investigators "there was a staff at night that yells at residents and the staff are very loud, which is very disrespectful." This resident also reported that staff displayed "a bad attitude when answering the call light."
The complaints weren't limited to residents. A Certified Nursing Assistant working at the facility told inspectors that management "make the good nurses leave then they hire bad ones." The CNA stated they had heard that night shift workers "yells, gets into fights and are unprofessional" and "have no compassion, only come to work for the money."
Impact on Vulnerable Residents
The residents involved in these incidents required extensive daily assistance due to serious medical conditions. Resident 1 had been admitted with multiple health issues including left-side paralysis, muscle weakness, diabetes, COPD, and a urinary tract infection. This resident required staff supervision for eating and maximum assistance for basic activities like getting out of bed, using the bathroom, and personal hygiene.
Resident 5 faced similar challenges, having experienced a stroke that caused paralysis and weakness on the left side of their body, along with COPD and heart disease. This resident was completely dependent on staff for all daily activities including eating, mobility, toileting, dressing, and personal care.
When residents are entirely dependent on staff for their most basic needs, respectful communication becomes critically important for maintaining dignity and psychological well-being. Residents in nursing homes are already vulnerable due to their medical conditions and reliance on others for care. Verbal abuse or dismissive behavior from caregivers can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of helplessness.
Failure to Meet Care Standards
Beyond the behavioral issues, inspectors also identified problems with timely incontinence care for at least one resident. The report noted that facility staff failed to provide incontinence care in a timely manner, which can have serious health consequences.
Delayed incontinence care can lead to skin breakdown, urinary tract infections, and other complications. For residents with existing medical conditions like diabetes or compromised immune systems, these risks are particularly concerning. Proper incontinence care requires regular checking and prompt cleaning to maintain skin integrity and prevent infections.
The facility's own policies clearly state that employees must treat all residents with "kindness, respect and dignity." Federal and state regulations guarantee these basic rights to nursing home residents, recognizing that quality care extends beyond just medical treatment to include compassionate human interaction.
Medical and Psychological Consequences
The combination of disrespectful treatment and inadequate personal care can have cascading effects on resident health. When residents feel devalued or fear calling for help due to staff attitudes, they may delay requesting necessary assistance. This can worsen existing medical conditions and create new health problems.
For residents recovering from strokes or managing chronic conditions like COPD and diabetes, stress from poor treatment can interfere with healing and disease management. Psychological distress can also affect appetite, sleep patterns, and willingness to participate in rehabilitation activities.
Research has shown that positive staff interactions are associated with better health outcomes in nursing home residents, while negative experiences can contribute to depression, social withdrawal, and physical decline.
Industry Standards and Expectations
Federal nursing home regulations require facilities to maintain staffing levels that allow for dignified, respectful care. Staff members are expected to receive training not only in medical procedures but also in communication skills and resident rights.
Quality nursing homes typically implement systems to monitor staff behavior, provide ongoing training, and address complaints promptly. Regular supervision and clear expectations for professional conduct help ensure that all residents receive appropriate treatment regardless of the time of day or which staff members are on duty.
Additional Issues Identified
The inspection also documented the facility's failure to provide timely incontinence care, which inspectors noted had the potential to result in infection, illness, and negatively affect residents' self-esteem and quality of life.
Full Inspection Report
The details above represent a summary of key findings. View the complete inspection report for Sunray Healthcare Center from 2024-07-09 including all violations, facility responses, and corrective action plans.
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