Failure to Maintain Functional Resident Call System in Multiple Bedrooms
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a fully functional resident call system in 4 out of 8 sampled bedrooms, as evidenced by direct observations and staff interviews. During inspections, the call light systems in several rooms were found to be non-functional, with some rooms missing call light cords entirely. These deficiencies were observed in both occupied and unoccupied rooms, and photographic evidence was obtained for at least one instance. The Administrator confirmed that the call system was old and acknowledged the lack of evidence for regular staff checks between the biannual visits by an outside company. Service request documents and invoices indicated ongoing issues with the call system, including its obsolescence and the inability to order new parts for repair. Facility policy requires that the resident call system remain functional at all times and be routinely maintained and tested by the maintenance department. However, the only audit provided by the Administrator was from a previous month, and it showed that some repairs had been made, but there was no documentation of ongoing or recent checks for the rooms found deficient during the survey. The lack of a fully operational call system in multiple rooms demonstrates a failure to adhere to facility policy and ensure residents have a reliable means to call for assistance.