The Oregon Caregiver SPRING/SUMMER 2023 www.ohca.com 18 SPONSORED CONTENT Maintaining the facilities and grounds of a care facility is crucial for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the patients and staff within. As we have all experienced in one way or another, a day in the life of a maintenance worker in a healthcare facility is full of challenges and responsibilities, as they are responsible for repairing and maintaining equipment, conducting routine inspections, and ensuring that the facility is clean and safe. This means any unforeseen event, like major property damage, can be frightening and overwhelming. However, experienced maintenance staff members or outside contractors are prepared to handle these situations and ensure residents are minimally impacted. In the disaster restoration industry, we have seen it all. Crises can occur in any commercial building at any time and, unfortunately, our care facilities are no exception. Here are some examples of scenarios that have needed quick action. Flooding Water damage can cause significant harm to an assisted living facility. If a pipe bursts or a natural disaster causes flooding, it can jeopardize the safety of residents and employees, potentially causing respiratory and other health issues. Fire Fires can occur due to electrical problems, cooking accidents in the back of the building, or just a simple mistake like forgetting to blow out a candle in a resident’s room. Fire damage can be devastating, but even just the smoke from a small accident can cause some extreme exposures to the health of residents in a facility. Mold Mold can grow quickly from a small unnoticeable leak and can cause sometimes significant respiratory issues, especially in seniors or those with pre-existing health problems. We see these rapid growth situations in our care facilities as the temperatures are higher than normal and the humid Oregon climate makes it the perfect environment for mold growth. What to Expect Throughout the Restoration Process When a crisis occurs, a restoration company is often called in to assess the damage and begin emergency stabilization services to stop any further damage from occurring. Insider Tip When selecting an emergency restoration company, ensure the company also does the full “buildback” or general construction portion of the project that must be completed immediately after the mitigation/remediation services. This makes the project much smoother and more efficient in getting the staff and residents back to their normal pre-loss routines. Assessment/Inspection The first step is to assess the damage and determine the extent of the damage caused by the source. A technician will inspect the area where the issue was noticed as well as any adjoining areas (crawlspace, attic, rooms that share interior walls); document the damage through written sketches and photos; and provide a detailed report of the findings. Containment In many situations, it’s essential to set up containment chambers in the areas that are affected so technicians are able to reduce the spread of airborne contaminants and mold spores to other areas of the building. In care facilities where there may be immune and respiratory deficiencies, this is an extra precaution that keeps the residence safe and comfortable. Remediation and Drying This is the most invasive part of the project, which usually involves removing damaged materials, such as flooring, drywall, and insulation. Immediately after demolition, specialized equipment is set to control the spread of debris and allergens, as well as to dry the affected area. Restoration With a full services restoration company, the repairs team will be quickly in tow after the mitigation/remediation and drying services. This final part of the A Day in the Life of a Restoration Process in Long Term Care By Kari Day, Senior Director of Strategy, Summit Cleaning & Restoration
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