Failure to Timely Respond to Call Lights for Two Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to answer call lights in a timely manner for two residents, resulting in delays in addressing their needs. One resident, who had diagnoses including hemiplegia, hemiparesis, muscle weakness, and incontinence, reported that night staff did not answer the call light and that it took hours for his request to be addressed, specifically when he needed his brief changed. This resident was cognitively intact and expressed feeling ridiculed and helpless due to the delay. His care plan indicated a need for assistance with activities of daily living and incontinence care due to his medical conditions. Another resident, also cognitively intact, reported that it took approximately 45 minutes at night for staff to respond to her call light when she requested water. The Director of Nursing confirmed that waiting 45 minutes to an hour for call light response was not acceptable, especially when residents required assistance with changing briefs or obtaining water. The facility's policy required nursing staff to answer call bells promptly and return to residents with requested items or responses in a timely manner.