Inspection Reports for Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk

An unannounced visit was made to Bridges By Epoch At Norwalk on January 2, 2025, by a representative of the Facility Licensing and Investigations Section of the Department of Public Health for the purpose of conducting a complaint investigation survey.

The Assisted Living Services Agency (ALSA) failed to conduct Registered Nurse assessments as often as necessary based on a client's condition, failed to provide oversight of assigned nursing personnel and aides, and failed to meet a client's emergent care needs timely. The client had multiple health issues and experienced pain and skin breakdown that was not addressed promptly, resulting in hospitalization.

Complaint #42314 triggered the investigation. The complaint involved concerns about inadequate nursing assessments and delayed response to a client's change in condition, including pain and skin breakdown. The complaint was substantiated based on findings.

An unannounced visit was conducted on January 2, 2025, by the Department of Public Health for the purpose of conducting a complaint investigation survey at Bridges By Epoch At Norwalk.

The Assisted Living Services Agency (ALSA) failed to conduct timely Registered Nurse assessments, provide oversight of nursing personnel and aides, and meet a client's emergent care needs. Client #1 experienced delayed response to pain complaints and was eventually transported to the hospital with wounds and bruising. The agency failed to identify changes in the client's condition and communicate them timely.

Complaint #42314 triggered the investigation. The complaint involved Client #1's change in condition, pain complaints, and delayed hospital transport. The findings substantiated failures in nursing assessments and timely care.

The inspection was conducted as a complaint investigation related to Complaint Investigation #42314.

Violations of the General Statutes of Connecticut and/or regulations of Connecticut State Agencies were identified at the time of this inspection, as noted in an attached violation letter dated 2025-01-15.

Complaint Investigation #42314 was the basis for the visit. Violations were substantiated as indicated by the checked box and attached violation letter.

An unannounced visit was made to Bridges By Epoch At Norwalk on September 26, 2024, by a representative of the Facility Licensing and Investigations Section of the Department of Public Health for the purpose of conducting an investigation related to complaint CT #39625.

The investigation found that the Assisted Living Services Agency (ALSA) failed to follow the agency's Change in Status policy and failed to follow the service plan for one client. Specifically, ALSA aides did not identify or document a client's change in condition, did not provide appropriate personal care, and failed to notify the physician and responsible party as required. The agency provided plans of correction including re-training of staff and monitoring quality assessments.

Complaint CT #39625 triggered the investigation. The complaint involved failure to follow change in status policy and service plan for Client #1. Substantiation status is not explicitly stated.

The inspection was conducted as a complaint investigation related to violations of Connecticut State Agencies regulations concerning assisted living services.

The Assisted Living Services Agency (ALSA) failed to follow its Change in Status policy for one client, including failure to document changes in the client's condition and provide appropriate care such as grooming, hygiene, and incontinence care. Interviews and record reviews revealed inadequate assistance by ALSA aides and failure to identify changes in the client's condition in accordance with agency policy.

The visit was complaint-related under Complaint Investigation #39625. Violations were identified and substantiated related to failure to follow policies and provide adequate care to Client #1.

The inspection visit was conducted as a licensing inspection and renewal of the facility license, including verification of Alzheimer's special care units and infection prevention requirements.

No violations of the General Statutes of Connecticut or regulations were identified at the time of this inspection. The facility was approved for issuance of license renewal.

The inspection visit was conducted as a complaint investigation related to Complaint Investigation #30959.

No violations of the General Statutes of Connecticut and/or regulations of Connecticut State Agencies were identified at the time of this inspection.

Complaint Investigation #30959 was reviewed, and the complaint was not substantiated as no violations were found.

An unannounced visit was made to Bridges By Epoch At Norwalk on June 9, 2021 by a representative of the Facility Licensing and Investigations Section of the Department of Public Health for the purpose of conducting an investigation triggered by a complaint.

The investigation identified violations related to missed medication doses within the Medication Administration Record (MAR) and failure to retain a complete service record. Specifically, nursing staff failed to document medication administration properly and hourly safety checks were not documented as required. Additionally, an incident involving a client swinging detached wheelchair legs causing injury to another client was observed.

Complaint CT #30149 was the basis for the investigation. No practitioner referrals were anticipated at the time of the report.

An unannounced visit was made to Bridges By Epoch At Norwalk on April 7, 2021 by a representative of the Facility Licensing and Investigations Section of the Department of Public Health for the purpose of conducting an investigation.

Violations of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies and/or General Statutes were identified related to the Assisted Living Services Agency (ALSA) nurses failing to promptly notify appropriate individuals of changes in a client's condition and/or changes to the client service program, including issues with notification of bruising, changes in medication orders, and wheelchair use.

Complaint #29855 was the basis for the investigation. The letter references a complaint investigation but does not state substantiation status.

The inspection visit was conducted as a renewal licensing inspection for the facility.

Violations of the General Statutes of Connecticut and/or regulations of Connecticut State Agencies were identified at the time of this inspection.

The inspection was conducted as an initial licensing inspection of an assisted living facility.

No violations of the General Statutes of Connecticut and/or regulations of Connecticut State Agencies were identified at the time of this inspection.