It is reported that facility is unable to provide power during a power outage to residents. Regarding this allegation, it is reported that during a recent power outage the facility did not have an emergency plan to provide power due to not having a back up generator. It is further reported that residents had to resort to taking the stairs to other floors instead of the elevator due to the facility failing to provide power. LPA interviewed Administrator who stated that the power outage only lasted about an hour or so and that facility staff were on alert going room to room to check on residents. During this time Administrator states that there were no reports of residents being in distress or having any major concerns with the power being out. Furthermore, Administrator states that there are backup generators that automatically turn on when the power goes out, allowing for necessary appliances to have power such as refrigerators and computers. Administrator explained that during this time essential equipment was backed up but that when power was restored about an hour later, everything requiring power was fully functional. Administrator also explained that residents with oxygen needs were also provided assistance with portable oxygen tanks, and/or individual power banks for providing electricity to oxygen tanks. It was also stated by Administrator that the activities room was provided with additional power in case residents needed to charge cellphones or additional items. Administrator states that residents on the second floor who wished to go to the first floor were transported via the evacuation chair and vice versa. LPA interviewed Plant Operations Manager (POM) who confirmed that power was only out for an hour or so due to Spectrum Internet company cutting a power cable causing an outage to the surrounding area, something beyond the facilities control. However, POM stated that the back up generators are fully functioning and provided power to essential appliances. LPA interviewed four (4) additional staff members who stated that they went to all resident rooms to make sure that the residents’ needs were being met. Additionally, staff stated that they gave primary attention to residents on oxygen. During facility tour LPA was shown backup generators and logs of maintenance. LPA interviewed eleven (11) out of eighty-eight (88) residents. All eleven (11) residents reported that they were not significantly affected by the outage and had no major concerns. None of the interviewed residents expressed safety issues or distress related to the temporary power loss. The facility demonstrated that backup systems were in place and functioning, and staff took appropriate measures to ensure resident safety during the outage. Therefore, based on observation, interview and record reviews this allegation is deemed unsubstantiated.

Continued LIC9099-C

It is reported that facility staff do not keep facility at a comfortable temperature. Regarding this allegation it is reported that the facility did not have a backup generator during a power outage causing the residents to be exposed to high temperatures during a heat wave. LPA interviewed Administrator who stated that the power outage only lasted about an hour and that facility staff were on alert going room to room to check on residents. During this time Administrator states that there were no reports of residents in distress or having any major concerns with the power being out, nor was there a heat wave as temperatures that day were in the mid 70’s. Furthermore, Administrator states that there are backup generators that automatically turn on when the power goes out, allowing for necessary appliances to have power such as refrigerators and computers. Administrator explained that during this time essential equipment was backed up but that when power was restored about an hour later, everything requiring power was fully functional. Administrator states that there were no reports from residents experiencing heat exhaustion or discomfort, reiterating that at the time there was no heat wave and that the facility temperature was comfortable for residents and staff. Interview with POM revealed that although the generators did not power the AC units, the power was not out long enough to cause discomfort or expose residents to extreme heat. POM expressed that generators are inspected and tested on a weekly basis and provided maintenance logs. During facility tour, LPA tested various areas of the facility with portable temperature meter that read temperatures ranging from 72˚F to 77˚F, putting facility at comfortable temperatures throughout. LPA interviewed four (4) staff and eleven (11) residents, who stated that the facility maintained comfortable temperature at all times, and no discomfort was expressed. Therefore, based on interviews, record reviews and observations, this allegation is deemed unsubstantiated.

No citations were issued. Exit interview conducted and a copy of report provided to Administrator.