State Shuts Down Small Anaheim Nursing Home

Citing unsanitary conditions and alleged physical abuse of patients, the state Department of Social Services Monday shut down a small Anaheim convalescent home.

John W. Hagerty, deputy director of the agency’s community care licensing division, said he was issuing the suspension order against Nancy Hoffman and her Hoffman’s Guest Home at 713 S. Agate St., because he was “of the opinion that it (is) necessary to protect the residents of (the) facility from substantial threats to their health, safety and welfare.”

Following an investigation of Hoffman’s operation, Hagerty said, he had found “that conduct inimical to the health, welfare and safety has occurred.”

In all, the complaint accompanying Hagerty’s suspension order listed 28 violations of the state Health and Safety Code that the Social Services Department said were committed at Hoffman’s care home. The home was licensed on May 31, 1984, to operate as a residential facility for six elderly ambulatory patients.

Struck, Yelled At

Hagerty’s chief accusations detailed alleged physical abuse of patients by a rest-home employee. On several occasions, the complaint said, the employee struck, shook or yelled at patients. It was also claimed he had provided care and supervision of the home clients while under the influence of alcohol.

Additionally, the state agency said, residents who were late getting to the dining room were not allowed to eat and that one woman patient was housed in an isolated, upstairs bedroom where she was not regularly observed by the staff. It was also alleged that on at least one occasion, patients were left in the care of two unsupervised volunteer workers.

Hagerty’s report also claimed that residents were not provided with nutritionally well-balanced meals and snacks, their clothing and bedding were not changed regularly and the home was not maintained in a sanitary condition. There were, Hagerty said, dirty toilets, unwashed dishes and dirty floors.

The state also alleges that Hoffman falsely advertised that her facility provided post-hospital care for cardiac and stroke patients, specialized in victims of Alzheimer’s disease and had 24-hour nursing care available with a doctor on call.

License Renewal Denied

According to Hagerty, Hoffman’s application for a license renewal was denied last May and she had appealed that ruling. She was allowed to continue operating her rest home pending a decision on the appeal.

Under Hagerty’s suspension order, Hoffman may not house patients who are in need of care and supervision. The suspension will remain in effect until a hearing is held on the complaint and the Social Services Department hands down a decision.

Hoffman could not be reached for comment Monday.