Failure to Ensure Call Bells Were Accessible to Residents
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified that the facility failed to accommodate the needs of two residents by not ensuring that nurse call bells were within their reach. During an initial tour, one resident's call bell was found on the floor underneath the head of the bed, while another resident's call bell was wrapped around the wall unit of the nurse's call bell system, making them inaccessible. A CNA present at the time confirmed that call bells should be on the bed within the resident's reach but expressed an inability to address all issues. Both residents had significant cognitive impairments and were at risk for falls, as documented in their care plans, which included interventions to encourage the use of call bells for assistance. Further interviews with facility staff, including a CNA and the DON, confirmed that facility policy requires call bells to be easily accessible to residents and that staff are expected to ensure this when passing by rooms. Review of facility documents, including job descriptions and policies, reiterated the requirement for call bells to be within easy reach of residents when in bed or confined to a chair. The deficiency was cited under NJAC 8:39-27.1 (a).