Delayed Call Light Response for Multiple Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that call lights were answered in a timely manner for three of six sampled residents. Observations and interviews revealed that one resident reported call light wait times ranging from five to forty-five minutes, with some staff walking by without responding. This resident used the call light for assistance with brief changes and repositioning due to a pressure injury, and expressed feeling anxious and unwell during long waits, noting that being left wet could worsen her bed sore. The resident calculated wait times by observing a clock in her room. Two additional residents reported call light wait times ranging from twenty minutes to two hours, also using a clock to track the delay. These residents used the call light for brief changes and requests for water or ice water. One resident stated the wait made him angry, while the other expressed significant frustration, stating he called the police due to the delay. Review of the facility's policy indicated that nursing staff are required to answer call bells promptly and courteously, but this was not consistently followed.