complaint·August 10, 2022

During today’s visit, the LPA spoke briefly with the Administrator and obtained copies of documents pertinent to the investigation. From 9:45 a.m. until 12:15 p.m., the LPA conducted interviews with facility residents. From 2:36 p.m. until 3:15 p.m., the LPA conducted interviews with facility staff. Regarding the allegation, ‘Facility staff failed to respond to resident’s emergency/alert alarm,’ the complainant’s concern is that on 07/17/2022 (Time Unknown) Resident #1 (R1) allegedly pulled the emergency response cord located in their private restroom to alert staff that they were having a heart attack; and staff did not come to help R1. The complainant is also concerned that the reason for staff not responding to R1’s emergency call was due to no staff being present at the front desk at the time of the call. During the investigation, LPA Walker conducted interviews with the Administrator, R1, R1’s family member(s), and facility staff. Interview with the Administrator revealed that Staff #1 (S1) was present at the front desk on 07/17/22 at the time that R1 pulled the emergency response cord. According to the Administrator staff responded immediately as they contacted the Administrator to notify of R1 initially refusing medical attention. Interview with R1 revealed that that staff came to R1’s room at the time of the incident after pulling the emergency cord. However, R1 was not able to gage the time it took from the moment they knew something was wrong to calling out for help. Interview with R1 also revealed that staff took care of them Instantly once they saw R1. Interview with R1’s family member(s) revealed that R1 did not have a heart attack on 07/17/22. Interview with R1’s family member(s) also revealed that R1 advised that R1 initially pulled the “chain,” and from R1’s recollection was nothing happened which is when R1’s roommate went to find staff. However, R1’s family member(s) stated that based on time stamps from voicemails left by the facility staff, “it was a timely response." Interviews with facility staff confirmed that S1 was present at the front desk on 07/17/22 at the time R1 pulled the emergency response cord to gain assistance. Interviews with facility staff also revealed that staff responded timely, and notified the administrator, R1’s family, and contacted the paramedics. Based on interviews which were conducted, there is insufficient evidence to support the allegation ‘Facility staff failed to respond to resident’s emergency/alert alarm.’ Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is insufficient evidence to prove the alleged violation(s) did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is Unsubstantiated at this time. No deficiencies cited. Exit interview conducted, and a copy of the report was provided.