Resident Lacked Access to Call System in Room
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident, admitted with diagnoses including COPD, bilateral humerus fractures, vertigo, anxiety, and depression, was found without access to a functioning call system in their room. During an observation, no call light was present above the bed, attached to the wall, or on the bedside table. The resident reported not having a call bell for an extended period and stated that to request medications such as pain or sleep aids, they had to use their wheelchair to go to the nurses' station. A Licensed Vocational Nurse confirmed the absence of a call light and acknowledged the importance of having one available, especially if the resident was unable to get up. Review of the facility's policy indicated that residents should have access to a communication system to request assistance and that the system should remain functional at all times, with routine maintenance and testing by the maintenance department. The lack of a call system in this case was contrary to facility policy and created a situation where the resident could not easily summon help for their needs.