Failure to Respond to Call Bell in a Timely Manner
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a call bell was answered in a timely manner for a resident, identified as Resident 6, who was part of a sample of ten residents. Resident 6 had a medical history that included heart disease, a left artificial hip, and spinal stenosis. According to the Minimum Data Set assessment, the resident was not cognitively impaired, required assistance with transfers and mobility, and was able to communicate her needs. The resident's care plan indicated that staff were to assist with transfers and toileting. On December 30, 2024, an observation was made from 11:20 a.m. to 11:55 a.m. where Resident 6 was seen with her call bell activated and calling aloud for assistance while in the bathroom. Despite the call signal being visible, staff at the nurses' station and in the hallways did not respond to the call bell or offer assistance. The resident expressed frustration in an interview, stating that call bells were often answered slowly. The Nursing Home Administrator and Director of Nursing confirmed that call lights were expected to be answered promptly.
Plan Of Correction
1. Resident 6 had her needs met immediately. 2. The Director of Nursing/Designee will conduct an initial audit to verify that call bells are being answered appropriately. 3. The Director of Nursing/Designee will educate nursing staff on appropriate call bell response time. 4. The Director of Nursing/Designee will conduct weekly audits for four weeks and then monthly for two months thereafter to verify that call bells are being answered appropriately.