Failure to Ensure Timely Call Light Response and Dignified Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure dignified care for four residents who were dependent on staff for assistance with toileting and transfers. Multiple residents reported delayed responses to call lights, particularly during evening and night shifts, resulting in prolonged periods of discomfort and incontinence. One resident described staff turning off the call light and promising to return, but then failing to do so, leaving the resident wet and uncomfortable for extended periods. Another resident reported that staff were sometimes rough during transfers and that delays in call light response led to episodes of incontinence and soreness from sitting for long periods. Residents also reported that staff behavior varied, with some being attentive while others were described as crabby or rough. One resident noted that call lights were answered more promptly when family members were present, but otherwise, waits could exceed 30 minutes, sometimes resulting in accidents. Staff interviews confirmed that some staff members turned off call lights without meeting residents' needs, which is against facility policy. Observations included a resident waiting over 30 minutes for assistance after activating a call light, with staff walking past the room without responding. Facility policies require call lights to be answered in a timely manner and not to be turned off until the resident's needs are met. The failure to respond promptly to call lights and provide timely assistance with toileting and transfers compromised residents' dignity and comfort, as evidenced by their reports of embarrassment, discomfort, and feeling unwanted.
Plan Of Correction
F tag 550 Resident Rights/Exercise of Rights SS=E 1. Residents R50, and R4 have no LTC affects from not having their call lights answered in a timely manner. Resident R11 and R75 no longer reside at the facility. 2. Residents who reside in the facility are at risk of being affected by this deficient practice. Residents in-house were interviewed by the IDT team through Quality Rounds to ensure their needs are addressed timely. Any concerns were addressed through the guest assistance concern process. 3. The QAPI Committee reviewed the Call light Policy and Resident Rights Policy and deemed them appropriate. Facility staff were re-educated by the NHA/Designee on the policies and procedures related to Call lights, and Resident Rights. Staff who have not been educated by Date of Compliance will be re-educated prior to returning to work. 4. The IDT Team will interview 10 residents weekly to ensure that their needs are being met timely through the Quality Rounds Program. These audits will continue weekly times four than monthly x 3 months. The results of these audits will be forwarded to the QAPI Committee for further direction. The NHA is responsible for continued compliance.