Failure to Respond Timely to Resident Call Bells
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide care in a manner that promotes each resident's quality of life by not responding timely to residents' requests for assistance. Multiple residents reported excessive wait times after activating their call bell lights, with some waiting over an hour for staff to respond. During a resident council meeting, several residents described frequent delays, particularly during the evening shift, and instances where staff entered rooms, turned off call bell lights, and left without providing care. One resident recounted waiting two hours for incontinence care after the call bell was silenced, while another stated she typically waited at least 30 minutes for assistance. These delays were corroborated by interviews and observations, including a resident with vision impairment who was unable to access his call bell, which was found on the floor and out of reach during the surveyor's visit. Clinical record reviews revealed that the affected residents were cognitively intact and had various medical conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, type 2 diabetes, and a below-the-knee amputation. Despite their ability to communicate their needs, these residents consistently experienced long wait times for care, both during the day and night shifts. The Nursing Home Administrator acknowledged that residents should receive timely care but was unable to explain the consistent delays reported by multiple residents.