complaint·July 30, 2025

Investigation Revealed the Following: Allegation: Allegation: Facility staff does not ensure elevators are in good repair. The details of the complaint alleged that the elevator that works in the facility closes for residents without stopping. On July 30, 2025, at approximately 12:30 PM, during a health and safety inspection of the facility elevators, LPA Iniguez observed residents using the elevator to return to their rooms after lunch. He noted that the elevator doors did not close abruptly or quickly on them. On July 30, 2025, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the Executive Director (A#1) reported that the first elevator has been out of service for over 30 days. This elevator is located inside the facility and is responsible for transporting residents between the bottom floor and the fifth floor. (A#1) mentioned that two technicians are currently working on it. He also noted that, prior to July 25, 2025, he was unaware of issues with the second elevator until a family member alerted him that it was closing quickly on people. Following this report, (A#1) requested that repairs be made. The elevator company was onsite on July 25 and July 26, and they are now working on fixing the broken elevator as well as inspecting the second one. On July 30, 2025, at approximately 10:30 am, during an interview with the facility maintenance director (S#1), he acknowledged that one of the elevators is currently out of service. However, he noted that the working elevator does not close quickly on people. On July 30, 2025, at approximately 11:00 am, during an interview with residents who live on the second floor (R#1-R#5), (5) out of (5) stated that the elevator door had never closed on them quickly before. Evaluation Report continues LIC 9099-C On July 30, 2025, at approximately 2:00 pm, during an interview with witnesses (W#1-W#2), (2) out of (2) stated that the times they come and visit their family at the facility, they have never experienced the elevator door closing on them quickly. On July 30, 2025, at approximately 3:00 PM, during an interview with the elevator technician (E#1), they explained the operation of the elevator's door system. The elevator has a built-in timer that allows the door to remain open for approximately 10 seconds after closing. If someone needs to hold the door for another person to enter, the door can remain open for up to 20 seconds. After this time, the door will attempt to close, bypassing the infrared sensors until it shuts completely. If the door does not close completely, it will reopen and shut off the electrical system until a technician can reboot it. LPA Iniguez inquired whether there are any safety hazards associated with the elevator door closing on someone. (E#1) reassured that there are no safety hazards, as the force exerted by the door is less than 15 pounds, which complies with state regulations. During this investigation, LPA did not find sufficient evident to support the above-mentioned allegation(s). Based on the evidence gathered, interviews conducted, and records reviewed, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met; therefore, the above-mentioned allegation(s) are found to be UNSUBSTANTIATED. Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of the Complaint Report was given to JIM Howland/Executive Director.