Failure to Maintain Safe and Functional Resident Lifts
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that essential resident care equipment, specifically two sit-to-stand lifts, was maintained in a safe and functional condition. Observations revealed that one lift had a large missing chunk from the leg pad, missing foam grips, and exposed rust on the legs. The second lift had multiple large areas of exposed rust on the foot base, and both hand-hold foams were either missing or ripped, exposing metal. These deficiencies were directly observed by surveyors during their visit. Interviews with staff indicated that the damage to the first sit-to-stand lift had been reported to administration at least a month prior, while the damage to the second lift had not been reported at all. Maintenance staff reported conducting monthly equipment checks but was unaware of the full extent of the damage to the first lift and completely unaware of the issues with the second lift. Facility policy required that malfunctions or needed repairs be reported and that lifts be inspected monthly by maintenance, but these procedures were not effectively followed.