When you think of your Long-Term Care Facility, your mind probably goes to the health challenges of caring for the elderly and those individuals that cannot adequately care for themselves at some level. People in need of nutritional meals, proper hygiene, timely medications, assistance with mobility, emergency medical response and of course nowadays protection from COVID-19… just to name a few. The physical things that assist with those medical needs are likely present in that vision: wheelchairs, walkers, various monitors and stations for physical rehab and exercise, etc. Something that may not be as clear are those building systems that operate behind the scenes. Your facility’s fire alarm, fire sprinkler, security & access control, fire extinguishers and emergency lighting are systems that sit in silence, ready to act and notify your staff and occupants of potential danger.
It is important that your Life Safety Systems be designed, installed and maintained as required by applicable building codes and standards based on the occupancy and use of the building. Once installed, it is required by law that they be confidence tested periodically to ensure intended operation. It is vital that these systems work in concert. Your fire alarm is the hub- connected to sprinkler flow & tamper switches, HVAC, fire & smoke dampers & doors, security & access control devices, elevators, and the central station communicator. In the event of a fire, a sequence of events is set in motion to alert staff and occupants to evacuate or relocate away from danger and set fans, doors and dampers to a condition preventing the spread of hazardous smoke, unlock doors that might otherwise prevent personnel from evacuation and alert the fire department to dispatch fire fighters to the site. A detailed plan should be in place and staff trained in its implementation.
This may all sound really complicated, and it is… just like providing long-term care for people. The idea is to partner with a company that has the knowledge and experience to deal with these complex issues, so you can focus on people. PSI always considers the overall operation of the building and ensure that the systems work together to create the safest environment possible. We partner with quality equipment manufactures and employ technicians with decades of experience and unmatched training in the systems that we offer and service. A respected leader in the Northwest Region, PSI is an active member of both the Oregon and Washington Healthcare Associations (OHCA & WHCA). We work closely with the CMS/Healthcare focused Fire Marshal Groups in the region to ensure our CMS specific inspection documentation meet the compliance needs of the Long-term Care Facility community.
PSI will furnish a customized binder for your facility that provides detailed information and guidance to be used throughout the year- keeping your staff organized and in compliance with all CMS rules and regulations. A small example of what to expect:
Ask us how we can MAKE COMPLIANCE EASY!
