Failure to Maintain Operational Elevators
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all elevators were operational, resulting in only one of two elevators functioning during the survey. On observation, the left elevator was not responding to the call button and displayed a static number. Maintenance staff confirmed that the elevator had been repaired the previous day but had broken down again, noting that elevator malfunctions have been an ongoing issue. The maintenance staff was unable to specify which elevator had been serviced and was unaware of the specific cause of the repeated breakdowns. Service records indicated recent work on one elevator, but documentation did not clearly identify which car was serviced. Multiple residents reported delays in elevator service due to only one elevator being operational. The facility census indicated 191 residents, and the elevators are used for transporting meals, staff, visitors, laundry, and housekeeping between floors. The Director of Nursing confirmed the reliance on elevators for daily operations. The facility's building maintenance policy did not include protocols or information specific to elevator maintenance or operation.