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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 306005211
Report Date: 10/29/2025
Date Signed: 10/29/2025 11:02:06 AM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY RO, 770 THE CITY DR., SUITE 7100
ORANGE, CA 92868
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
09/30/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Hanna Gough
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 22-AS-20250930102714
FACILITY NAME:ARDENT CAREFACILITY NUMBER:
306005211
ADMINISTRATOR:MELINDA FLORESFACILITY TYPE:
740
ADDRESS:1665 SOUTH BROOKHURST STREETTELEPHONE:
(714) 991-0991
CITY:ANAHEIMSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92804
CAPACITY:27CENSUS: 24DATE:
10/29/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
08:00 AM
MET WITH:Melinda Flores and Alex BlancarteTIME COMPLETED:
11:20 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff do not provide adequate food service
Staff installed video camera with audio without resident's consent
Staff did not ensure resident has hot water in the bathroom
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Hanna Gough arrived at the facility to investigate the above-mentioned complaint allegations. LPA was greeted and granted entry by staff. LPA met with AD Melinda Flores and Alex Blancarte and discussed the purpose of the visit.

The investigation into the allegations of staff do not provide adequate food service, staff installed video camera with audio without resident's consent and staff did not ensure resident has hot water in the bathroom revealed the following:

Regarding the allegation of staff do not provide adequate food service, LPA observed food menus for five cycles. The menus had a variety of fresh nutritious options for residents in care. LPA toured the facility kitchen and did not observe an adequate two-day perishable and seven day nonperishable food supply on hand. LPA observed staff walking into the facility with grocery bags.
Continue on 9099C
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Armando J Lucero
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Hanna Gough
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/29/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/29/2025
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 1 of 8
Control Number 22-AS-20250930102714
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY RO, 770 THE CITY DR., SUITE 7100
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: ARDENT CARE
FACILITY NUMBER: 306005211
VISIT DATE: 10/29/2025
NARRATIVE
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Upon interviews with Staff 1(S1) it was revealed that they sent staff to the grocery store because they knew the food was going to be an issue. Therefore, the allegation has been deemed Substantiated.

Regarding the allegation of staff installed video camera with audio without resident’s consent revealed the following: LPA toured the facility and observed a camera in room four. LPA observed text message screenshots with Resident 1s (R1) responsible party with S1 stating that on August 28, 2025, the camera was installed with a live feed picture of room four showing the two residents’ beds. LPA observed text messages from S1 saying that R1 had been informed of the camera and that they will be in R1s room indefinitely. At the time of the inspection S1 showed LPA that the feed is offline and no longer connected to the camera. S1 informed LPA that they left it there even though the feed is offline due to resident complaints going down since it has been installed. S1 informed LPA that they asked the responsible parties of the residents in room four to gain consent before installing the camera. S1 informed LPA that they are the only one that has access to the camera feed. Staff 2 (S2) informed LPA that it was suggested by S1 to put the camera in room 4 and that they asked the responsible parties of room 4 for consent. S2 informed LPA that the residents are not conserved and that S1 was the only one with access to the camera feed. Interviews with R1 revealed that they were not asked if they wanted the camera, but their responsible party gave consent. LPA did not observe conservatorship papers for R1 for this decision to be made on R1s behalf. LPA observed staff remove the camera from room four entirely at the time of the investigation. Therefore, the allegation has been deemed Substantiated.

Regarding the allegation, staff did not ensure residents have hot water in the bathroom revealed the following: LPA toured the facility and went into R1s room and tested the water to be at 109.4 degrees Fahrenheit in room 3 at the time of the investigation. S1 informed LPA that a plumber came to the facility to fix R1s shower faucet due to it being stripped and unable to turn to the hot water side. R1 informed LPA that they had to go to another room multiple times to shower until their shower was eventually fixed. LPA observed a work order from a handyman stating that on October 3, 2025, they removed and installed a new faucet at the facility. Therefore, the allegation has been deemed Substantiated.

Based on information gathered, interviews and records reviewed the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegations are found to be SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations, Title 22 Division 6 are being cited on the attached LIC9099D. An exit interview was conducted with AD Melinda Flores and a copy of this report, LIC9099D and appeal rights were left at the facility.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Armando J Lucero
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Hanna Gough
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/29/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/29/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 8
Control Number 22-AS-20250930102714
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY RO, 770 THE CITY DR., SUITE 7100
ORANGE, CA 92868

FACILITY NAME: ARDENT CARE
FACILITY NUMBER: 306005211
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 10/29/2025
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type A
10/30/2025
Section Cited
CCR
87468.1(a)(2)
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87468.1(a)(2) Personal Rights of Residents in all Facilities
(2) To be accorded safe, healthful and comfortable accommodations, furnishings and equipment.
This requirement was not met as evidence by:
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LPA observed staff take the camera out of room 4 at the time of the inspection. Licensee stated they will write a policy on cameras in resident rooms, submit a statement of understanding and send to LPA by October 31, 2025.
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LPA observed a camera in room 4 and a live feed picture was observed showing 2 resident beds. LPA did not observe conservatorship papers from R1 and R1 did not consent to the camera. This poses an immediate personal rigths risk to residents in care.
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 ***This is an amended report***
Type A
10/30/2025
Section Cited
CCR
87555(b)(26)
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87555 (b)(26) General Food Service Requirements (26) Supplies of nonperishable foods for a minimum of one week and perishable foods for a minimum of two days shall be maintained on the premises. This requirement was not met as evidence by:
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Licensee stated they will purchase groceries and send proof to LPA by POC due date. Licensee stated they submit a plan of action for future grocery trips so the facility is within regulations regarding food to LPA by 10/31/2025.
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LPA did not observe a 2 day perishable and 7 day nonperishable food supply at the facility at the time of the investigation. This poses an immediate health and safety risk to residents in care.
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 ***This is an amended report***
Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Armando J Lucero
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Hanna Gough
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/29/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/29/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 8
Control Number 22-AS-20250930102714
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY RO, 770 THE CITY DR., SUITE 7100
ORANGE, CA 92868

FACILITY NAME: ARDENT CARE
FACILITY NUMBER: 306005211
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 10/29/2025
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
11/19/2025
Section Cited
CCR
87303(a)
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87303 Maintenance and Operation(a) The facility shall be clean, safe, sanitary and in good repair at all times...
This requirement was not met as evidence by:
Based on interviews and record review LPA observed that room 3 had a broken
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LPA observed a work order to fix the faucet and was completed on October 3, 2025, where the faucet was replaced. LPA tested the water to be at 109.3 degrees Farenheit at the time of the investigation.
CLEARED AT THE TIME OF THE INVESTIGATION.
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faucet with no hot water causing R1 to go to a different room to shower. This poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to residents in care.
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Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Armando J Lucero
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Hanna Gough
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/29/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/29/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 8
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY RO, 770 THE CITY DR., SUITE 7100
ORANGE, CA 92868
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
09/30/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Hanna Gough
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 22-AS-20250930102714

FACILITY NAME:ARDENT CAREFACILITY NUMBER:
306005211
ADMINISTRATOR:MELINDA FLORESFACILITY TYPE:
740
ADDRESS:1665 SOUTH BROOKHURST STREETTELEPHONE:
(714) 991-0991
CITY:ANAHEIMSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92804
CAPACITY:27CENSUS: 24DATE:
10/29/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
08:00 AM
MET WITH:Melinda Flores and Alex BlancarteTIME COMPLETED:
11:20 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
1
2
3
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5
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9
Staff do not ensure resident's dietary needs are met
Staff interacts with resident in an inappropriate manner
Staff did not dispose of needle after use
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Hanna Gough arrived at the facility to investigate the above mentioned allegations. LPA was greeted and granted entry by staff. LPA met with AD Melinda Flores and Alex Blancarte and discussed the purpose of the visit.

The investigation into the allegations of staff do not ensure resident's dietary needs are met, staff interacts with resident in an inappropriate manner and staff did not dispose of needle after use revealed the following:

Regarding the allegation staff do not ensure resident’s dietary needs are met, LPA observed Resident 1s (R1) admission agreement stating they were admitted to the facility on February 20, 2025. LPA observed five food cycle menus with fresh and alternative food options for an individual on a diabetic diet. LPA observed a physicians report for R1 dated February 14, 2025, stating that R1 has a special diet. LPA observed a dietary form dated February 20, 2025, that was completed by Staff 1 (S1) stating that R1 is on a strict diabetic diet.
Continue on 9099-C
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Armando J Lucero
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Hanna Gough
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/29/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/29/2025
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 8
Control Number 22-AS-20250930102714
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY RO, 770 THE CITY DR., SUITE 7100
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: ARDENT CARE
FACILITY NUMBER: 306005211
VISIT DATE: 10/29/2025
NARRATIVE
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S1 informed LPA that most of the food offerings are on the diabetic diet already. S1 informed LPA that they only buy sugar free or Splenda alternative desserts and offer that to all residents in care. LPA observed a physician’s order dated June 16, 2025, stating that R1 cannot have barbecue flavored foods. During interviews it was revealed that four of four staff follow dietary restrictions and physician’s orders. Four of four staff informed LPA that they are aware of all residents who have dietary restrictions in the facility. LPA interviewed seven residents and two of seven have a special diet. One of seven residents informed LPA that staff follow their dietary restrictions. Two of seven residents informed LPA that they do not have dietary restrictions and four of seven residents could not tell LPA if they had any dietary restrictions. LPA observed 3 of 3 residents having their dietary restrictions being met during breakfast meal service. Therefore, the allegation has been deemed Unsubstantiated.

Regarding the allegation staff interacts with resident in an inappropriate manner revealed the following: upon interviews with residents two of seven residents informed LPA that they have been embarrassed or insulted by staff at the facility. One of seven residents informed LPA that they have been yelled at by S1 and S1 denied the allegation. Four of four staff informed LPA that they have never observed staff yell, embarrass or insult residents in care. LPA observed that on June 11, 2025, S1 conducted an in-service training for staff regarding resident rights. Therefore, the allegation has been deemed Unsubstantiated.

Regarding the allegation staff did not dispose of needle after use revealed the following: It is alleged that staff left R1s needle that goes into their glucose monitoring machine on their bed. Upon interviews it was revealed that four of four staff informed LPA that R1 uses a machine to test their glucose levels. Staff store it and put it together for R1 before R1 uses the machine themselves. One of four staff informed LPA that staff deposit the used needle in a bin on the medication cart for R1. Three of four staff are unaware of an incident that may have taken place and one of four staff was told about the incident and the care staff in question denied the allegation at the time of the incident. R1 informed LPA that they were sitting up in bed when they noticed something on their pillow and informed LPA that it was a needle that had been left by staff. Therefore, the allegation has been deemed Unsubstantiated.

Although the above allegations may have happened there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations occurred; therefore, the allegations that staff do not ensure resident's dietary needs are met, staff interacts with resident in an inappropriate manner and staff did not dispose of needle after use are deemed UNSUBSTANTIATED. Therefore, the Department dismisses the allegations.

An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was left at the facility.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Armando J Lucero
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Hanna Gough
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/29/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/29/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 8
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY RO, 770 THE CITY DR., SUITE 7100
ORANGE, CA 92868
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
09/30/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Hanna Gough
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 22-AS-20250930102714

FACILITY NAME:ARDENT CAREFACILITY NUMBER:
306005211
ADMINISTRATOR:MELINDA FLORESFACILITY TYPE:
740
ADDRESS:1665 SOUTH BROOKHURST STREETTELEPHONE:
(714) 991-0991
CITY:ANAHEIMSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92804
CAPACITY:27CENSUS: 24DATE:
10/29/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
08:00 AM
MET WITH:Melinda Flores and Alex BlancarteTIME COMPLETED:
11:20 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Staff do not respond to resident's calls for assistance
Staff do not ensure a complete first aid kit is maintained at the facility
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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3
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5
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7
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13
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Hanna Gough arrived at the facility to investigate the above mentioned complaint allegations. LPA was greeted and granted entry by staff. LPA met with AD Melinda Flores and Alex Blancarte and discussed the purpose of the visit.

The investigation into the allegations of staff do not respond to resident calls for assistance and staff do not ensure a complete first aid kit is maintained at the facility revealed the following:

Regarding the allegation staff do not respond to resident's calls for assistance; LPA interviewed staff and four of four staff informed LPA that the signal system is always responded to by facility staff. Four of four staff informed LPA that only a couple of residents would use the signal system, including Resident 1 (R1) and hospice or home health staff would use the signal system for assistance.
Continue on 9099-C
Unfounded
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Armando J Lucero
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Hanna Gough
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/29/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/29/2025
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 7 of 8
Control Number 22-AS-20250930102714
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY RO, 770 THE CITY DR., SUITE 7100
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: ARDENT CARE
FACILITY NUMBER: 306005211
VISIT DATE: 10/29/2025
NARRATIVE
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R1 informed LPA that they thought the signal system was not working due to not being able to hear the beeping anymore and had not pulled it for a few days. R1 informed LPA that the staff normally come when they use the pull chord. LPA observed R1 use the pull chord and receive assistance during the course of the interview. Three of seven residents informed LPA that they have never had to use the pull chord and three of seven residents informed LPA that they could not recall if they have had to use the signal system for help. LPA tested the signal system and observed it to be working and signaling staff with beeping. LPA observed the response time of care staff to be within a minute of pulling the chord. Therefore, the allegation is Unfounded.

Regarding the allegation staff do not ensure a complete first aid kit is maintained at the facility revealed the following: It was alleged that the facility did not have a thermometer for resident use upon request. Upon interviews with Witness 1(W1) it was revealed that the facility did have a thermometer but the care staff they requested it from did not look in the proper spot. LPA observed a complete first aid kit at the facility which includes: sterile first aid dressings, bandages, scissors, tweezers and a thermometer. Therefore, the allegation is Unfounded.

Based upon LPAs observations, interviews and information gathered during the investigation, the preponderance of evidence standard has not been met, therefore the above allegations are deemed UNFOUNDED. Meaning the allegations Staff do not respond to resident's calls for assistance and Staff do not ensure a complete first aid kit is maintained at the facility, could not have happened and/or is without a reasonable basis. The department therefore dismissed the complaint.

An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was left at the facility.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Armando J Lucero
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Hanna Gough
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/29/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/29/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 8 of 8