Non-Functioning and Inaccessible Call Light Systems in Resident Bathrooms and Shower Areas
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that resident call devices were functioning and accessible in bathrooms, bedrooms, and shower rooms. Observations and interviews revealed that multiple residents had non-functioning call lights in their bathrooms and bedrooms. One resident's bathroom call light did not work, and the resident reported waiting for staff to return after toileting, unable to recall if he used the call light. Another resident's bathroom call light was found in the pulled position but not functioning; she reported being left on the toilet for over an hour and having to call out for help. The Plant Operation Director confirmed that these call lights were not working and explained that the bathroom call systems operated on batteries, which could die without warning, and that wiring issues sometimes caused the batteries to fail quickly. Further observations showed that another resident's bedside and bathroom call lights were not working. In addition, two call lights in a shower room did not function when tested, and a third-floor bathroom lacked a call light in the shower area, with existing call lights either not accessible or not working. The facility's policy required staff to ensure call lights were plugged in and functioning at all times and to promptly report defective call lights to the nurse supervisor. These deficiencies affected several residents and had the potential to impact others who used the showers on the first and third floors.